If you’re producing in FL Studio and want harder drums, warmer saturation, and controlled loudness, this tutorial will show you exactly how to use Ebony Systems E1 in your workflow.

Ebony Systems E1 is a harmonic saturation and soft clipping plugin designed to add punch, character, and mix bus energy without destroying your low end.

Step 1: Install Ebony Systems E1 in FL Studio

1. Download and install E1 from the official Ebony Systems website.

2. Make sure it installs in your VST2 or VST3 plugin folder.

3. Open FL Studio.

4. Go to Options → Manage Plugins.

5. Click Find Plugins (Rescan).

Once scanning finishes, E1 will appear in your plugin list.

Step 2: Load E1 Into the Mixer

1. Press F9 to open the Mixer.

2. Select the channel you want to process:

   • Drum Bus

   • Kick

   • 808

   • Master

3. Click an empty insert slot.

4. Choose Ebony Systems → E1.

Now you're ready to shape your sound.

Step 3: How to Use E1 on Drums (Hard-Hitting Beats)

Best for: Trap, Hip-Hop, Drill, Modern Pop

Recommended Starting Settings:

• Increase Drive/Input slowly

• Watch the output level

• Use subtle saturation first

• Adjust blend (if available)

🎧 What you’ll hear:

• Stronger transients

• Fuller drums

• Added harmonic richness

• Perceived loudness boost

Tip: Push until it sounds aggressive, then back it off slightly.

Step 4: Using E1 on the Mix Bus

Best for: Glue, warmth, controlled loudness

Light Mix Bus Settings:

• Very subtle drive

• Avoid heavy clipping

• Keep headroom for mastering (-6dB recommended)

E1 on the mix bus can:

• Add analog-style warmth

• Make the mix feel more “finished”

• Increase perceived energy

⚠️ Don’t overdo it — small moves make a big difference.

Step 5: Kick & 808 Enhancement Trick

For modern hip-hop:

1. Add E1 to your kick.

2. Increase drive until the kick becomes more defined.

3. If using on 808s, be careful not to distort sub frequencies too much.

This helps your low end cut through small speakers while staying powerful on big systems.

Pro Tips for FL Studio Users

• Use E1 before a limiter for better control.

• Compare with and without the plugin (A/B test).

• Gain match to avoid being fooled by loudness.

• Combine with Fruity Soft Clipper for extra punch.

Final Thoughts

Ebony Systems E1 is a powerful but simple saturation tool inside FL Studio. Whether you’re enhancing drums, tightening your low end, or adding mix bus character, E1 can bring professional-level punch to your beats.

Use it carefully, trust your ears, and avoid over-processing.