
If you make beats or create electronic music, you've probably heard of FL Studio, the music production DAW from Image-Line. For years, it has been a go-to tool for producers and songwriters operating on anything from compact laptops to tricked-out desktops. However, there has never been a hardware controller designed specifically for FL Studio… until now! The new Akai Pro Fire, created in cooperation with Image-Line, is the first dedicated controller for the massively popular FL Studio DAW. Now, FL users can put their digits wherever their minds take them, without a mouse standing in their way.
Thanks to USB plug-and-play compatibility with Mac and Windows systems, there's no need to worry about setup time. It comes with a USB cable and a license for FL Studio 20 Fruity Edition for out-of-the-box readiness. The foundation of the Fire is its 4 x 16 matrix—four rows of 16 velocity-sensitive RGB pads—for intuitive, natural input and editing of sequences. If a larger matrix is desired, you'll be pleased to know that FL Studio supports up to four Fire units, allowing an impressive 8 x 32 matrix!
Mute/solo buttons are next to each row, while dedicated buttons for transport functions such as Record, Play, Stop, Wait, Loop Record, Countdown, Metronome, and Pattern/Song mode are found below the matrix. With an OLED display and quick pattern, grid, and browser access, the Fire delivers efficient, user-friendly navigation. Four horizontally arranged rotary encoders can be switched between Channel Rack functions (volume, pan, filter, and resonance), Mixer functions (Volume, Pan, Low EQ, and High EQ), and two user configurations. Additionally, there are buttons set aside for mouse-free operation of the toolbar and playlist menus. Being compact and USB-powered, the Fire is friendly for production in the studio or on the go.
Whether FL Studio is new to you, occasionally used, or the DAW you rely on, the Akai Fire can transform the way you crank out tracks. Visit the B&H website or stop by the B&H SuperStore to make one yours!
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