Is The AKAI FIRE Worth it?

[@djserkus]

it's designed as sequencer not a drum machine. I think people think this is somthing different than it is. hence why you add a keyboard to this and if yiu want full control yiu must then get a mixer for each channel to then have more at your fingers. this does what it's supposed to set up the sequence for the pattern.

[@baltimega]

I dont use FL studio much any more, but when I did and I got this thing it was a game changer. The transport controls (which are better than fl key 37 that I also have), the assignable knobs, the note input mode with the scales, and the slicex integration being able to use so many chops on a long sample really sped up my workflow. I never used the browse features at all, the performance mode seemed intriguing but I never saw anyone really explain it, and the pads aren't great and are small and weird so I'd hit the wrong one sometimes, but that also led to happy accidents. Never really used thr step edit either, which i thought i would bc i use it in other hardware. Surprisingly, ive found this controller more functional in reaper using drivenbymoss' scripts. He has scripts to use this in reaper and bitwig.

[@thozimusic]

That’s interesting! I didn’t think it was possible to use it effectively in any other DAW. And yes you’re right about the size of the pads! Why didn’t I talk about that in the video?? Do you think using the Fire alongside the FLKey 25/37 would work?

[@baltimega]

@@thozimusic yeah it is a good combo, it is just hard to manage if you are like me and dont have a lot of desk space. There's s lot of overlapping functions, but I find the transport controls on the fire more intuitive and I like the chord mode and the large keys of the fl key, and fhr midi capture button and the integration with the native plugins. It does suck not having endless encorders though, but I kind of got used to that with the launchkey mini with ableton. The midi out on the fl key is good for external hardware synthtoo,, you can use a lot of the chord and scale stuff without even having fl open, or you can merge the two in a hybrid setup easily.

[@BearLew]

The controller is a gold for bitwig use, as clip launcher, drum machine, note playing and sequencing.

[@mungewell]

It's worth noting that the control protocols for the Fire have been reverse engineered, and this means it can be used for DIY projects (beyond its original purpose)....

[@thozimusic]

Oh word? Do you have links for scripts I can download or maybe a video that gets into more detail?

[@mungewell]

@@thozimusic this is not my work, but you can read up how he did it.... blog.segger.com/decoding-the-akai-fire-part-3/

[@rollonfood]

You need to match your recording frame rate with the countries using of either PAL or NTSC. That's why you got that flicker. Check where you are and match by dividing by 2 OR change between, and try either 24 or 30 fps until it goes away. (Don't forget to double your shutter speed according to fps)

[@thozimusic]

Thanks for sharing! I shoot at 24fps cause for anything higher than that my camera crops in by 1.25 which is not ideal… but I had tried other speeds before and surprisingly, it flickers the least at 24fps.

[@kevinschoch6833]

Sick review!! To the point and unbiased and your funny ! :D

[@royklerks1266]

I think It's a wonderful controller ... can you do the performance video too please??

[@thozimusic]

Got you! I actually have on my short form platforms (TikTok & IG) but I’ll do a longer one here getting into detail

[@lordownanglo]

@@thozimusic PLEASE!

[@mateofernandez2686]

do you have links to that?

[@danielaudet2476]

Great review! Can you tell me what software you are using?

[@KHNIsTunes]

thank you, you save my money :D. good video

[@rod1404]

Very nice video! Any idea if I can change betwen projects/songs via browser? without having to go to the software?

[@LifeAquaticSteveZissou]

Great video, thanks. I'll give AKAI a pass on the lack of velocity sensitivity, as this is primarily a physical step sequencer.

[@Len_M.]

If you have an Arturia Beatstep pro would some of this not be redundant? I don’t use FL Studio, but some stuff is easier in FL Studio so I was thinking of trying it out. Ableton, Luna, and iZotope Music Production Suite for final mixing.

[@conradbo1]

Thanks for a great and informative video.

[@BloodRedMage]

The scale mode alone makes this controller worth it. You don't have to know music theory to play in scale and you get a far larger range of notes.

[@juankplaysmusic]

Please learn music theory, it will make you a better producer.

[@BloodRedMage]

​@@juankplaysmusic In retrospective I actually meant that you don't have to know how to play keys/piano. Counterpoint to your comment, there are many great producers that don't know jack or know very little about theory. C418 for example made the most iconic unorthodox game soundtrack by just doing what sounded good to him.

[@calebharry]

​@@juankplaysmusic some of us (myself included) unfortunately don't have the time to learn music theory. I've got great creativity and imagination however, so something like this, is looking quote attractive to me.

[@IcemanTheDj]

I had it and send it back! Above what you said, that pads feels so hard to press to me! After a 1/2 hour of trying the keyboard mode, my fingers hurt so bad! 😂

[@thozimusic]

Yeah, I think it had great potential but the execution was just not it

[@Yumuoki]

with new Fire NFX V2 script it is a beast multifunctional FL midi-controller, that does not mean to be a replacement of your musical keyboard, but it is all about adding some new ways of interacting with DAW (letting you do many things, without mouse overtouching). sorry, but your video looks like the Novation hidden advertising, build on oppositing it to Akai product. You reviewed only basic functionality of Akai's product, making it look like a dull product, but the truth is that it can do more.

[@eraldylli]

I almost bought this 3 times in the last 6 months, but watching this review changed my mind every time. Eventually I will buy it because it seems like a fun and semi handy tool, and it's not expensive at all, even though I know I wont get much use out of it since it looks a bit half-baked.

[@thozimusic]

It had such potential

[@adrianthomas4927]

I use this controller in Bitwig with the Moss script. Essential tool in my toolbox.

[@thozimusic]

What made you switch from FL to Bitwig? Or are you using both?

[@TexasJamesC]

Can I use this and Novation Fl Key 49 At the same time?

[@anon_forever]

Fantastic!

[@thozimusic]

Thank you!

[@azeedogz]

This controller is great for bitwig thanks to moss, and with moss scripting, you get more out of it. Even pressure pad sensitivities!!!

[@thozimusic]

Judging by the comments, looks like I might have to give Bitwig a try just to get a better experience with this controller

[@andyk9902]

Wut...pads not pressure sensitive in fl? Or It is just joy about that works in bitwig?

[@azeedogz]

@@andyk9902 Yes... It's a Template made for Bitwig !

[@cody_raves]

that cant be good for your xdj rx 3 ...... theres no way you should stand it up like that

[@thozimusic]

It’s the DDJ 800 actually, and I’m always praying that it doesn’t fall over 😅… only reason why I put it up like that is, I think it makes the background slightly cooler 😅

[@cody_raves]

@@thozimusic it just seems way to expensive to be gambling with. Just buy a light and shine it on the wall lol

[@MRunar007]

performance mode !

[@terencedouglas1402]

Although I like the video it's a couple of months too late. I do regret buying the Akai Fire. I used to own the Akai MPk and I didn't like it. I will never buy any more Akai products.

[@Yumuoki]

why you are making so negative pr to Akai? is there any facts and proofs? from my experience Akai products (even cheap midi cobtrollers) are well made, not yo say, far better made than Arturia, Korg and many others. Akai have better built quality, good knobs (that are working like 1,2,3 values input, not like 1,3,8 sluggish chineese knobs on arturia, korg etc), better pads and buttons feel. I can't say anything about advertised novation keybord, but I remember old Novation big full sized Impulse Midi Keyboard - it costs a lot, but had a horrible cheap feel of sliders, pads and knobs. So, I really don't understand what is the reason of your's hate to Akai.

[@terencedouglas1402]

​@@Yumuoki Well as you can read in my post I have experience with Akai products the Akai MPK is cheaply made and it is prone to keys sticking and not responding due to dust accumulation on the sensors. And with the new updated FL Studio 2024 the Akai Fire is a dinosaur already. As the video suggests, Novation FLKeys is a much better option. So your response is highly subjective and doesn't do any good advocating for Akai products.

[@greengoblin2460]

Have this, and think it's not worth it. If you're into making music organically (live and input based) this is not for you.

[@thozimusic]

100%. I think the idea of it is nice but when you actually get to using it, it’s not what it’s “supposed” to be