Flowfal
CAN YOUR SMARTPHONE BECOME THE MOST EXPRESSIVE INSTRUMENT IN YOUR STUDIO?
Turn movement into music. Flowfal transforms Apple and Android smartphones and smartwatches into expressive motion controllers for Ableton Live, delivering sub-10ms latency control over any parameter, MIDI generation, and spatial audio positioning.
Perfect for studio production, live performance, dance collaborations, interactive installations, and visual control—Flowfal has been proven in professional use since 2016.
Inside you’ll find:
- 9 specialized MaxforLive plugins for complete motion-to-sound control
- Support for up to 20 simultaneous device connections via WiFi
- NEW: Advanced linear and rotation inputs (v1.4.2)
- NEW: FlowfalOsc plugin for OSC output to external apps
- NEW: FlowfalMidiVelocity for movement-based velocity control
- Real-time motion visualization and parameter mapping
- 3D spatial audio with compass-based positioning
- Independent filtering per input for responsive, smooth control
- Tutorial projects and comprehensive documentation
- Free Flowfal mobile app for iOS and Android devices
Compatible devices: iPhone (iOS 11.0+), Apple Watch (watchOS 8.0+), Android phones (5.0+), Android Wear OS watches (6.0+)
Your body is the instrument. Flowfal is the connection.
USER GUIDE: Flowfal - GetStarted
Flowfal
CAN YOUR SMARTPHONE BECOME THE MOST EXPRESSIVE INSTRUMENT IN YOUR STUDIO?
Turn movement into music. Flowfal transforms Apple and Android smartphones and smartwatches into expressive motion controllers for Ableton Live, delivering sub-10ms latency control over any parameter, MIDI generation, and spatial audio positioning.
Perfect for studio production, live performance, dance collaborations, interactive installations, and visual control—Flowfal has been proven in professional use since 2016.
Inside you’ll find:
- 9 specialized MaxforLive plugins for complete motion-to-sound control
- Support for up to 20 simultaneous device connections via WiFi
- NEW: Advanced linear and rotation inputs (v1.4.2)
- NEW: FlowfalOsc plugin for OSC output to external apps
- NEW: FlowfalMidiVelocity for movement-based velocity control
- Real-time motion visualization and parameter mapping
- 3D spatial audio with compass-based positioning
- Independent filtering per input for responsive, smooth control
- Tutorial projects and comprehensive documentation
- Free Flowfal mobile app for iOS and Android devices
Compatible devices: iPhone (iOS 11.0+), Apple Watch (watchOS 8.0+), Android phones (5.0+), Android Wear OS watches (6.0+)
Your body is the instrument. Flowfal is the connection.
USER GUIDE: Flowfal - GetStarted
Additional information
| MaxforLive | Control Devices |
|---|---|
| Ableton Live Compatibility | Ableton Live 10 Standard with MaxforLive, Ableton Live 10 Suite, Ableton Live 11 Standard with MaxforLive, Ableton Live 11 Suite, Ableton Live 12 Standard with MaxforLive, Ableton Live 12 Suite |
| OS | Mac, Windows |
Product reviews
5 out of 5
1 review
How item rating is calculated
We show the average based on reviews. Only genuine reviews are displayed.
Sort by
April 24, 2025
This reviewer bought this product from our store.
Very good Device!
Reply from Simon (Flowfal)
April 24, 2025
Flowfal
Overview & Inspiration
What if your entire body could become a musical instrument? Flowfal transforms smartphones and smartwatches into expressive motion controllers for Ableton Live, turning movement into sound with stunning precision and sub-10ms latency.
Whether you’re sculpting automation curves in the studio, directing dancers in performance, creating interactive installations, or controlling lights and visuals, Flowfal bridges the physical and digital worlds through intuitive gesture-based control.
Features & Highlights
Multi-Device Control – Connect up to 20 Apple or Android phones and smartwatches simultaneously over WiFi. Each device can control independent channels, enabling collaborative performances and complex multi-user installations.
Comprehensive MaxforLive Plugin Suite – Seven specialized plugins transform motion data into musical expression:
- FlowfalMaster – Central control hub managing all connected devices and channel assignments
- FlowfalGain – Maps movement to volume control for dynamic expression
- FlowfalMap – Routes motion data to any parameter in Live for infinite mapping possibilities
- FlowfalMidiGate – Triggers and gates MIDI based on movement thresholds
- FlowfalMidiNote – Generates MIDI notes from gestures with velocity sensitivity
- FlowfalMidiVelocity (NEW in v1.4.2) – Alters MIDI velocities using movement intensity
- FlowfalMidiTranspose – Transposes notes based on device orientation
- FlowfalOsc (NEW in v1.4.2) – Outputs OSC data to control external applications, lights, and visuals
- FlowfalInspector – Visualizes incoming motion data in real-time for precise calibration
Advanced Motion Processing (NEW in v1.4.2) – Linear and rotation inputs have been enhanced across all plugins, providing more nuanced control over how movement translates to sound. Independent filtering for each input allows you to balance responsiveness with smoothness.
Spatial Audio Capabilities – Built-in compass sensors enable true 3D sound positioning. Move sounds around you in space using surround systems like Ambisonics, even placing audio overhead.
Studio & Stage Ready – Ultra-low latency WiFi connection makes Flowfal responsive enough for live performance, while robust architecture ensures reliability in demanding production environments. In use professionally since 2016.
How to Use
Install the MaxforLive plugins into your Ableton User Library, then download the free Flowfal app on your iOS or Android device. Connect to the same WiFi network as your computer running Live, and the app will automatically discover your Flowfal server.
Insert Flowfal plugins on any track in Live. The FlowfalMaster device manages channel assignments—simply select a channel on your phone or watch, then start moving. Each plugin offers intuitive controls for mapping motion to musical parameters, with visual feedback showing exactly what’s happening.
Experiment with the included tutorial projects to understand how acceleration, rotation, and orientation can control gain, trigger notes, gate MIDI, transpose melodies, or modulate any parameter in your set.
Ideal For
- Producers seeking expressive, tactile control over automation and modulation in the studio
- Live performers who want visually engaging, gesture-based control on stage
- Choreographers and dancers integrating movement with electronic music
- Installation artists creating interactive, participatory sound experiences
- VJs and lighting designers controlling visuals and lights through motion
- Wellness and mindfulness practitioners exploring sound-movement connections
- Experimental musicians pushing the boundaries of performance interfaces
What’s New in Version 1.4.2
- Advanced Linear and Rotation inputs for all plugins
- New FlowfalOsc plugin to output OSC to external applications
- New FlowfalMidiVelocity plugin to alter MIDI velocities with movement
- Improved MIDI velocity output in FlowfalMidiNote
- Optimizations to reduce CPU usage
What’s Included
- Complete MaxforLive plugin suite (9 devices)
- Tutorial projects demonstrating core techniques
- Comprehensive Get Started guide
- Free Flowfal mobile app for iOS and Android
- Access to online documentation and video tutorials
Requirements
- Ableton Live 10 or higher (Standard with MaxforLive or Suite)
- Mac or Windows
- MaxforLive 8+
- WiFi network connection
- Compatible mobile device: iPhone (iOS 11.0+), Apple Watch (watchOS 8.0+), Android phone (5.0+), or Android Wear OS watch (6.0+)
Important Note: Live 10 users upgrading to v1.4.2 may experience a crash when loading projects containing Flowfal plugins. Contact [email protected] for the simple workaround. Live 11 and 12 are not affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Flowfal is a system that allows control of Ableton Live using motion from one or more Apple or Android phones or smartwatches. These devices, running the Flowfal App, send data to Ableton Live over a low latency WiFi link. Inside Ableton Live, the Flowfal data is received by a set of Max for Live plug-ins that act on this movement data in different ways.
A: To use Flowfal, you’ll need:
- Ableton Live 10, 11, or 12 (Standard with Max for Live or Suite)
- Operating System: macOS or Windows
- Apple iPhones running iOS 11.0 or later
- Apple Watches running WatchOS 8.0 or later
- Android phones running Android 5.0 or later
- Android Wear OS watches running Android 6.0 or later
A: Yes, this product requires Max for Live, which is included in Ableton Live Suite. If you’re using Ableton Live Standard, you can purchase Max for Live separately via your Ableton.com account.
A: Max for Live is an extension for Ableton Live that allows users to build custom devices, instruments, and effects, as well as integrate interactive visuals and hardware. It adds advanced flexibility and creative control directly inside Ableton Live.
A: Visit the Flowfal developer page: https://isotonikstudios.com/product-category/isotonik-collective/flowfal/
Important Information
Flowfal V1.4.4 – release 22nd April 2026
– MidiTranspose was letting through the original note in some cases – now fixed
– Repeat added to MidiNote so that it re-triggers if above threshold for a long time
– Global Yaw Offset now synced reliably with newly added devices
– Stand alone Max version added
V1.4.3 – Released August 2025
- New MIDI enable option has been added to all Flowfal plugins – allowing you to enable or disable plugins easily as part of tracks or scenes
- Min and Max scaling settings have been added to FlowfalOsc – making it easier to adjust the range of OSC values when sent to external applications
- FlowfalMidiGate now handles multiple closely spaced notes properly – you would get occasional double notes before
- Inspector is now working properly again
- Occasional device width issues at startup fixed
Initial Release: November 2024
Our Products are generally provided as Zip file downloads which in all cases will need to be extracted and saved to your hard drive prior to installation. Details on the different file type provided and what to do with them are below.
.alp Files – These are Ableton Live Packs and will either install directly into the Packs Section of the browser of Ableton Live or ask you to save them to your hard drive. For packs that install to the library, when you double click on them you will see a pop up window asking you to confirm that installation is ok as the files are described as “Legacy”. This is fine and you are ok to proceed, the packs are created using the format for an earlier version of Live and so remain compatible with the current version.
.amxd files – These are individual MaxforLive Devices and can be stored anywhere on your hard drive. We’d advise creating a folder for them and then adding that folder as a location within the Places section of Lives Browser.
END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR ISOTONIK STUDIOS SOFTWARE PRODUCTS.
PLEASE READ THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS LICENSE AGREEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE CONTINUING WITH THIS PROGRAM INSTALL.
This End-User License Agreement (referred to as “EULA”) is a legal agreement between an individual or a single entity (referred to as “LICENSEE”) and Isotonik Studios for the Isotonik Studios software product(s) which may include associated software components, media, printed materials, and “online” or electronic documentation (referred to as “SOFTWARE PRODUCT”). By installing, copying, or otherwise using the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, the LICENSEE agrees to be bound by the terms of this EULA.
This EULA represents the entire agreement concerning the program between the LICENSEE and Isotonik Studios and it supersedes any prior proposal, representation, or understanding between the parties. If the LICENSEE does not agree to the terms of this EULA, the LICENSEE should not install or use the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.
The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is protected by copyright laws and international copyright treaties, as well as other intellectual property laws and treaties. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is licensed, not sold.
- GRANT OF LICENSE.
The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is licensed as follows:
(a) Installation and Use. Providing that the LICENSEE has paid any applicable license fees, Isotonik Studios grants the LICENSEE the right to install and use copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT on up to two computers in the LICENSEE’s possession that are running a validly licensed copy of the operating system for which the SOFTWARE PRODUCT was designed [e.g., Windows 10, macOS]. The computer(s) must be owned by the LICENSEE.
(b) Backup Copies. The LICENSEE may also make copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT as may be necessary for backup and archival purposes.
- DESCRIPTION OF OTHER RIGHTS AND LIMITATIONS.
(a) Maintenance of Copyright Notices. The LICENSEE must not remove or alter any copyright notices on any and all copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.
(b) Distribution. The LICENSEE may not distribute registered copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT to third parties.
(c) Prohibition on Reverse Engineering, Decompilation, and Disassembly. The LICENSEE may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, except and only to the extent that such activity is expressly permitted by applicable law notwithstanding this limitation.
(d) Rental. The LICENSEE may not rent, lease, or lend the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.
(e) License transfer The LICENSEE may not transfer their license to the SOFTWARE PRODUCT to any third party. Any attempt to do so will be considered a violation of this EULA.
(f) Support Services. Isotonik Studios may provide the LICENSEE with support services related to the SOFTWARE PRODUCT for a period of 12 months following the date of purchase. Any supplemental software code provided to the LICENSEE as part of the Support Services shall be considered part of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT and subject to the terms and conditions of this EULA.
(g) Compliance with Applicable Laws. The LICENSEE must comply with all applicable laws regarding use of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.
- TERMINATION Without prejudice to any other rights, Isotonik Studios may terminate this EULA if the LICENSEE fails to comply with the terms and conditions of this EULA. In such event, the LICENSEE must destroy all copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT in the LICENSEE’s possession.
- COPYRIGHT All title, including but not limited to copyrights, in and to the SOFTWARE PRODUCT and any copies thereof are owned by Isotonik Studios or its suppliers. All title and intellectual property rights in and to the content which may be accessed through use of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT is the property of the respective content owner and may be protected by applicable copyright or other intellectual property laws and treaties. This EULA grants the LICENSEE no rights to use such content. All rights not expressly granted are reserved by Isotonik Studios.
- NO WARRANTIES Isotonik Studios expressly disclaims any warranty for the SOFTWARE PRODUCT. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is provided ‘As Is’ without any express or implied warranty of any kind, including but not limited to any warranties of merchantability, noninfringement, or fitness of a particular purpose. Isotonik Studios does not warrant or assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within the SOFTWARE PRODUCT. Isotonik Studios makes no warranties respecting any harm that may be caused by the transmission of a computer virus, worm, time bomb, logic bomb, or other such computer program. Isotonik Studios further expressly disclaims any warranty or representation to the LICENSEE or to any third party.
- LIMITATION OF LIABILITY In no event shall Isotonik Studios be liable for any damages (including, without limitation, lost profits, business interruption, or lost information) arising out of the LICENSEE’s use of or inability to use the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, even if Isotonik Studios has been advised of the possibility of such damages. In no event will Isotonik Studios be liable for loss of data or for indirect, special, incidental, consequential (including lost profit), or other damages based in contract, tort or otherwise. Isotonik Studios shall have no liability with respect to the content of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT or any part thereof, including but not limited to errors or omissions contained therein, libel, infringements of rights of publicity, privacy, trademark rights, business interruption, personal injury, loss of privacy, moral rights or the disclosure of confidential information.
