Akai Professional has just introduced the world’s first FL Studio-dedicated hardware controller, the Akai Fire. The Rhode Island-based manufacturer teamed with software designer, Image-Line, to give FL Studio (formerly known as Fruity Loops) producers a brand new tool designed to quicken workflow and enhance user experience.

Just this past May, FL Studio 20 was released, adding long-awaited compatibility for both Mac and PC. With plug-and-play integration for FL Studio, the Akai Fire creates a completely new, hands-on way to interact with the popular DAW.

The Fire features an intuitive layout with everything you need to control FL Studio’s channels and patterns – mouse-free. It also has various modes, including Note Mode to add melody and harmony to your production, Drum Mode for traditional beat-making or finger-drumming, and Performance Mode where you can launch MIDI clips and audio directly from Fire’s 4 x 16 RGB pad matrix.

Check out all of the key features:

• Plug-and-play integration with FL Studio
• Quickly input patterns along the timeline in the step sequencer
• 4 x 16 Matrix of Velocity-Sensitive RGB Pads
• Expandable up to four units, creating the potential for an 8 x 32 Matrix
• Record notes in Performance mode
• Graphical OLED display
• 4 banks of assignable Touch-Capacitive Knobs
• Instantly navigate the Channel Rack, Browser, Tool Bar and Playlist windows
• Use dedicated controls to quickly browse audio and project files
• Dedicated Transport controls
• USB Bus Powered

FL Studio Fruity Fire Edition comes included with the Fire. The bundled software gives you tools to compose, arrange, edit, mix and master professional quality music.

The Akai Fire is available now for a retail price of $199.99 USD. To learn more, watch the promo video above or visit Akai Professional’s website.

Are you a Fruity Loop/FL Studio fan? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think of this new controller.