YOU'VE GOTTO love a software company that would actually name a program Fruity Loops. It's now been renamed called FL Studio to rein in the more staid customers, as well as reflect the program's move from a strictly loop-based (arranging looped samples into songs) into a far more versatile sequencing and editing package.

The first thing you'll notice about FL Studio is that it's one nice-looking program with an interface that makes you want to dive right in. Depending on your background, it may take some getting used to. If what you're looking for is a great looping and step editing for dance can't beat this program bly with Ableton Live). You can force track-based arrangements, but that's not its forte. Those statements are a synopsis by the way - there's no possibility of covering the myriad of features in a short review.

Feature-wise, the Rs.2,000 Express version of FL Studio lacks the Edison wave editor and Slicex beat editor, some of the more use¬ful advanced arrangement features and the ability to act as a DXi/ReWirejVSTi client within other sequencers or DAWS (Digital Audio Workstation software).

If you don't know what that last means, you won't miss the feature. The Express version still has plenty of step-sequencing features, a number of software synths, and the Direct Wave sample player though output is limited to 16-bit/44.1kHz which is only a hindrance to pros.

The thing we love about FL Studio is that you only buy once and every new version has addressed user wishes and added significant functionality. Not only does the company have a sense of humour, they have a sense of honour. Well worth the download (and it'll always be Fruity Loops to us).