AKAI FIRE MIDI Controller

MIDI Controller

AKAI FIRE is a MIDI controller that guarantees plug-and-play integration with FL Studio DAW software: by connecting it to the USB port of your PC or Mac, launch FL Studio and in a few seconds you can create patterns and compose tracks using the 4x16 pad matrix. You can quickly move between channels, the browser, the toolbar, and the Playlist menus without having to use the mouse. The OLED graphic display provides visual feedback for the various files, menus, and parameters of the FL Studio session. Additionally, the transport buttons give full control over music production.
A distinctive feature of AKAI FIRE is its 4x16 matrix composed of 64 velocity-sensitive, RGB backlit mini rubber pads. These represent the channels of FL Studio's channel rack. The selected channel is identifiable by a green light. To select another, simply hold down the "Alt" key while simultaneously pressing the mute/solo button corresponding to the desired channel. Channel selection can also be done by holding down "Alt" and rotating the "Select" potentiometer until the display indicates the desired channel. Corresponding to each channel, there is an "M" button which, when pressed, allows you to mute the corresponding track, while pressing it in conjunction with the "Shift" button will enable the "Solo" function.
The pad matrix can be configured in 4 different ways during sessions. The Step Sequencer mode, which allows you to program patterns, the Performance mode, dedicated to live sets and real-time remixing to play MIDI and audio clips directly from the hardware, the Note mode, corresponding to a MIDI keyboard for playing instruments, and the Drum mode, the equivalent of a 16-pad controller-style layout for playing beats or performing finger drumming.
The GRID buttons allow you to extend the pattern in Step Sequencer mode, while holding down one of the steps during pattern programming allows you to detach it from the quantization grid and program it freely (for flams, or swing for example). In Note mode, however, these keys serve to extend the keyboard's range, allowing you to go up and down by octaves.
AKAI FIRE has 4 pre-mapped rotary potentiometers to control as many parameters of the selected channels. These parameters are volume, pan, filter cut-off, and resonance. It is possible to move through banks, for example, selecting the Mixer bank; in this case, you can manage volume, pan, and the low and high EQ of the selected track. Two additional banks (User bank 1 and 2) provide access to managing effect and plug-in parameters in real-time, parameters that can be mapped as desired, to have useful ones at hand. AKAI FIRE allows you to manage transport controls directly from the hardware. Record, Stop, Play, and a button to switch from pattern to song mode. By pressing "Shift," these buttons allow you to manage Loop Record, Countdown, Wait, and the Metronome.

Specifications

• Instant integration with FL Studio software
• Fast pattern composition in Step sequencer mode
• 4x16 matrix of backlit mini rubber pads
• Velocity-sensitive pads
• Note Mode: Melody recording
• Drum Mode: 16 MPC-style pads
• OLED graphic display
• 4 potentiometers across 4 banks
• Quick selection of Channel Rack, Browser, Tool Bar, and Playlist
• Search and load samples, plug-ins, and other content from the Browser
• Dedicated transport buttons
• Direct power from computer via USB
• Use up to 4 Fire controllers simultaneously

Dimensions

• Measurements: 316 x 166 x 43 mm
• Weight: 0.76 Kg