Sequencer is basic, but you can still have fun with it.
Knobs are made mostly for easy selection of sequencer notes (they have "clicks").
Using the knobs for live automation is not possible, they require couple of turns. Knobs acceleration works but kind of unpredictable.
This being said, if you want to design sounds with the knobs, they are a good fit.
build quality, form factor, lots of controls and presets, works nice as a control surface for Ableton Live.
Akai MDP 218 knobs are more predictable for live automation.