FL Studio Mobile 2 vs FL Studio Mobile 2.1
Discover how FL Studio Mobile 2.1 improved over version 2 with Audiobus support, Retina graphics, 24-input recording, and smoother VirtualMIDI performance.
After the huge success of FL Studio Mobile 2 in 2012, Image-Line followed up with an even more refined and powerful version — FL Studio Mobile 2.1, released on April 1, 2013.
This update wasn’t just about performance; it brought Audiobus integration, Retina graphics for iPhone 5, new sound packs, and improved MIDI compatibility, making mobile music production even more professional.
| Version | Release Date | Platform | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| FL Studio Mobile 2.0 | October 29, 2012 | iOS | Free upgrade |
| FL Studio Mobile 2.1 | April 1, 2013 | iOS | Free update for existing users |
Key New Features in FL Studio Mobile 2.1
Audiobus Support
This was the headline feature of version 2.1.
FL Studio Mobile could now send and receive live audio directly to and from other Audiobus-compatible apps.
This meant you could chain multiple apps together — for example:
Record vocals in one app → Process them in FL Studio Mobile → Send the result to another app for mastering.
Learn more: Audiobus official site
iPhone 5 Retina Display Support
While FL Studio Mobile 2 introduced Retina graphics for iPad, version 2.1 extended that support to iPhone 5 — offering a sharper, more vibrant interface optimized for the larger screen.
Synth Lead Pack (New in the Shop)
The update added a new “Synth Lead” sound pack to the in-app shop, featuring high-quality presets for creating electronic, pop, and dance music.
These new sounds gave users fresh creative options for melody and lead design.
24 Audio Inputs Supported
Version 2.1 introduced support for up to 24 simultaneous audio inputs, ideal for users with class-compliant USB audio interfaces.
This turned FL Studio Mobile into a powerful multi-track recording environment — a big step toward studio-level functionality on iOS.
Improved VirtualMIDI Compatibility
MIDI functionality was greatly enhanced, allowing for smoother integration with external keyboards, controllers, and other MIDI-enabled apps.
This improvement helped producers use FL Studio Mobile 2.1 as the centerpiece of their mobile MIDI setups.
Comparison: FL Studio Mobile 2 vs 2.1
| Feature | FL Studio Mobile 2.0 (2012) | FL Studio Mobile 2.1 (2013) |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Recording | Yes, up to 8 tracks | Yes, with 24-input support |
| Wave Editor | Included | Same, with smoother performance |
| Audiobus | ❌ Not supported | ✅ Added – send/receive live audio |
| iPhone 5 Retina | ❌ Not supported | ✅ Fully supported |
| Synth Lead Pack | ❌ Not available | ✅ New sound pack in shop |
| VirtualMIDI | Basic support | ✅ Improved stability & compatibility |
| Performance | Stable | ✅ Faster and smoother overall |
| Platform Expansion | iOS only | iOS + Android version in final stages |
Android Version Announcement
Alongside the 2.1 update, Image-Line officially confirmed that FL Studio Mobile for Android (v1.0) was in its final development stage, marking the beginning of true cross-platform music creation for mobile producers.
Final Thoughts
FL Studio Mobile 2.0 revolutionized mobile production with full audio recording and editing.
FL Studio Mobile 2.1 refined that experience with Audiobus support, Retina graphics, expanded inputs, and MIDI improvements, bringing it closer to a real professional DAW.
For iOS musicians in 2013, this was a dream update — and it laid the foundation for FL Studio Mobile 3, which would later unify the iOS, Android, and Windows versions under one platform.
Quick Summary
FL Studio Mobile 2.0 – Introduced audio recording, wave editing, Dropbox, and HD support
FL Studio Mobile 2.1 – Added Audiobus, Retina for iPhone 5, new sound packs, and MIDI upgrades