Pros
Enhances workflow once integrated
Functions as a 3+ octave customizable keyboard
Seamless integration with FL Studio sequencer commands
Weighted feel of the knobs for better control of settings
Can perform multiple roles such as step editor, drum pad, and keyboard
Pads light up in accordance with FL Studio settings
Includes useful features like tempo control and customizable banks
Can significantly speed up production in FL Studio
Well-built and quality product from AKAI
User-friendly and easy to set up
Offers a tactile experience for FL Studio users
Bright and responsive pads
Can be used with other DAWs with additional software
Great for those new to MIDI controllers
Affordable compared to similar products
Cons
Bit of a learning curve
Buttons could be more tactile
Not end-all be-all controller for FL Studio
Main Product Advantages
9 User-Friendly Setup
The device is generally user-friendly, immediate to set up, and well-supported by instructional resources like 'In The Mix's' YouTube channel.
8 Workflow Integration
The AKAI Professional Fire significantly enhances workflow integration within FL Studio, making various tasks more efficient once fully integrated.
8 Seamless Sequencer Link
The controller seamlessly links with the FL Studio sequencer commands, offering intuitive controls for velocity, panning, and tuning.
8 Build Quality
High build quality with responsive and beautifully bright pads, typical of AKAI products.
7 Keyboard Customization
The controller can be turned into a customizable keyboard featuring a 3+ octave range and various scales, although it takes some time to get used to.
7 Knob Functionality
Although the controller has only 4 knobs, they can handle up to 16 functions, 8 of which are fully customizable.
7 Portability
The controller is highly portable, making it a useful tool for quick and on-the-go music production.
7 Value for Money
Offers significant functionality for its price, although some features like velocity sensitivity on the pads are lacking.
6 Niche Applications
While primarily designed for FL Studio, third-party software can extend its functionality to other DAWs, although with limitations.
6 User Adaptability
Takes some adaptation for users accustomed to traditional mice and keyboards, and benefits significantly from having additional MIDI controllers in a setup.
Introducing the Akai Professional Fire
The new Akai Professional Fire represents the first of its kind - a dedicated hardware controller developed in conjunction with Image-Line for the FL Studio DAW platform. Fire is a high-performance tool designed to enhance the workflow and music-creating experience for all FL Studio producers. Fusing a sleek, low-profile and ultra-portable footprint with plug & play integration with FL Studio, a workflow-centric specification, a 4 x 16 pad matrix with radiant RGB backlighting, a graphical OLED display, assignable controls and dedicated transport controls, Akai Professional’s Fire guarantees to enhance the FL Studio experience providing users with a custom-engineered control source, perfect for studio and live performance scenarios alike. Switch up your workflow and get hands-on with the immersive performance capability of Fire – your production demands it.
Ignite Your Creative Flow
Featuring seamless plug-and-play integration, within seconds you’ll be creating patterns and building tracks using Fire’s 4x16 velocity-sensitive RGB pad matrix. Quickly input patterns on the step sequencer or switch up to performance mode playing / recording notes and launching your patterns using the velocity-sensitive RGB pads for maximum expressive capability.
Total Command of Your Production
Instantly navigate the Channel Rack, Browser, Tool Bar and Playlist menus and quickly browse audio and project files without the click of a mouse - the graphical OLED display makes browsing and controlling the various files, menus and parameters within your FL Studio session a breeze; plus, the dedicated transport buttons give you full control of FL Studio’s standard playback, navigation and recording facilities.
It’s All In The Mix
Nothing beats hands-on, tactile control when it comes to mixing. Fire includes 4 banks of 4 touch-capacitive knobs for ultimate control over channel, mixer and user assignable parameters within FL Studio. From tweaking volume and pan within FL Studio’s Mixer to adjusting filter controls within the selected Channel, all the core hardware controls you demand are thoughtfully included.
Conclusion
The Akai Professional Fire is a groundbreaking hardware controller for FL Studio users, offering an immersive, efficient, and intuitive music production experience. Its seamless integration, hands-on controls, and versatile performance capabilities make it an essential tool for both studio and live scenarios. If you are an FL Studio producer looking to elevate your workflow, the Akai Professional Fire is a must-have.
