Nexus 5 Tutorial for FL Studio: Complete Beginner to Pro Guide

This tutorial explains how to install, load, edit, and mix Nexus 5 inside FL Studio, from basic setup to practical production tips.

Step 1: Install and Enable Nexus 5

1. Install Nexus 5 using reFX Cloud.

2. Make sure the VST3 version is installed (recommended).

3. Open FL Studio.

4. Go to Options → Manage Plugins → Find Plugins.

5. Locate and enable Nexus 5 (VST3).

6. Add it from Add → More Plugins → Nexus 5.

Step 2: Load a Preset

1. Open Nexus 5.

2. Use the Search bar or browse by category.

3. Choose a preset (Lead, Pad, Bass, Pluck, Arp, etc.).

4. Click the preset to load it.

Tip: Use the ⭐ button to save favorite sounds for quick access later.

Step 3: Create Melodies or Chords

1. Add Nexus 5 to the Channel Rack.

2. Right-click it and choose Piano Roll.

3. Draw your melody or chord progression.

4. Play the pattern to test the sound.

Tip: Use layered chords (3–4 notes) to create fuller melodies.

Step 4: Edit the Sound

Select your preset and adjust the main controls:

• Cutoff – Controls brightness

• Resonance – Adds sharpness

• Attack – Controls fade-in

• Release – Controls fade-out

You can also enable built-in effects such as:

• Reverb

• Delay

• Distortion

• Chorus

• EQ

• Compressor

These effects help shape the sound without adding extra plugins.

Step 5: Layer Sounds for a Bigger Mix

1. Load multiple Nexus 5 instances.

2. Use different presets (for example: Lead + Pad + Pluck).

3. Assign each instance to a separate mixer track.

4. Use EQ to separate frequencies:

   • Lead → Boost high frequencies

   • Pad → Reduce highs

   • Bass → Focus on low frequencies

Layering creates a wider and more professional sound.

Step 6: Route to the Mixer

1. Select Nexus in the Channel Rack.

2. Set the FX number (top right).

3. Open the Mixer (press F9).

4. Add effects such as:

   • Fruity Reverb 2

   • Fruity Delay 3

   • Fruity Parametric EQ 2

This gives you more control over mixing.

Step 7: Improve Performance (CPU Optimization)

To reduce CPU usage:

• Disable unused layers inside the preset.

• Turn off high-quality mode while producing.

• Convert finished patterns to audio (Consolidate Track).

Step 8: Preset Suggestions by Genre

• EDM – SuperSaw Leads, Big Room Plucks

• Trap – Dark Bells, 808 Layers

• Pop – Bright Leads, Soft Keys

• Cinematic – Strings, Atmospheres

Conclusion

Nexus 5 is designed for fast, professional sound selection. By loading quality presets, layering sounds, and mixing correctly in FL Studio, you can create full tracks quickly and efficiently.