Akai Fire as a controller for Live

[Stray]

This video demonstrates the possibilities you can expect when using Fire out-of-the-box with Live. Of course, things can go much, much deeper if scripts and/or M4L devices get involved in the fun. I'm working on some tools to allow for that now and wanted to get a gauge on interest. Specifically, what features would like to see?

[leftsidewobble]

I'm actually quite into the idea of using it as a step sequencer with all 16th values on a single page (and with a far smaller form factor than a pair of Launchpad's). I know it's easy to page through on an 8x8 matrix, but for live programming, being able to visualize in 1 bar chunks is really handy, especially for rapid pattern modulations.

I'm not sure the overall market will be big as the build quality isn't all that great but I like the idea of an M4L toolkit where users can build something bespoke. It's one of those controllers that I can see gaining cult status over time - once Akai stops building the things that is.

[leftsidewobble]

I'm aware that my wishes for the Fire controller may on the surface of things appear unimaginative, but outside of Monomes there aren't many controllers available where you can see a bar's worth of 16th's on a single device 'page', and for me that's what separates the Fire from other available options. Plus you can pick them up for around $140 (street price). I would have preferred a 16x8 grid but vertical kit scrolling is less of workflow block than 1/2 bar 'pages' of 16th's.

[Stray]

I agree completely - that's why I picked it up.