diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 035b705..19ccfe2 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ All notable changes to this project will be documented in this file.
 ### Added
 - Mute/solo for patterns: stage with `m`/`x`, commit with `c`. Solo mutes all other patterns. Clear with `M`/`X`.
 - Lookahead scheduling: scripts are pre-evaluated ahead of time and audio commands are scheduled at precise beat positions, improving timing accuracy under CPU load.
+- Realtime thread scheduling (`SCHED_FIFO`) for sequencer thread on Unix systems, improving timing reliability.
 
 ## [0.0.4] - 2026-02-02
 
diff --git a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/catppuccin_latte.rs b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/catppuccin_latte.rs
index 70dd492..71e9577 100644
--- a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/catppuccin_latte.rs
+++ b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/catppuccin_latte.rs
@@ -110,7 +110,6 @@ pub fn theme() -> ThemeColors {
             success_fg: green,
             info_bg: surface0,
             info_fg: text,
-            event_rgb: (225, 215, 240),
         },
         list: ListColors {
             playing_bg: Color::Rgb(210, 235, 220),
diff --git a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/catppuccin_mocha.rs b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/catppuccin_mocha.rs
index 67f8ded..2723200 100644
--- a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/catppuccin_mocha.rs
+++ b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/catppuccin_mocha.rs
@@ -110,7 +110,6 @@ pub fn theme() -> ThemeColors {
             success_fg: green,
             info_bg: surface0,
             info_fg: text,
-            event_rgb: (55, 45, 70),
         },
         list: ListColors {
             playing_bg: Color::Rgb(35, 55, 45),
diff --git a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/dracula.rs b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/dracula.rs
index a029a9b..ac61abe 100644
--- a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/dracula.rs
+++ b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/dracula.rs
@@ -104,7 +104,6 @@ pub fn theme() -> ThemeColors {
             success_fg: green,
             info_bg: current_line,
             info_fg: foreground,
-            event_rgb: (70, 55, 85),
         },
         list: ListColors {
             playing_bg: Color::Rgb(40, 65, 50),
diff --git a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/fairyfloss.rs b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/fairyfloss.rs
index 8f5b04d..f1e53ae 100644
--- a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/fairyfloss.rs
+++ b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/fairyfloss.rs
@@ -105,7 +105,6 @@ pub fn theme() -> ThemeColors {
             success_fg: mint,
             info_bg: bg_light,
             info_fg: fg,
-            event_rgb: (100, 85, 110),
         },
         list: ListColors {
             playing_bg: Color::Rgb(65, 95, 85),
diff --git a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/gruvbox_dark.rs b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/gruvbox_dark.rs
index ea42740..4bbb6ff 100644
--- a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/gruvbox_dark.rs
+++ b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/gruvbox_dark.rs
@@ -106,7 +106,6 @@ pub fn theme() -> ThemeColors {
             success_fg: green,
             info_bg: bg1,
             info_fg: fg,
-            event_rgb: (70, 55, 45),
         },
         list: ListColors {
             playing_bg: Color::Rgb(50, 65, 45),
diff --git a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/hot_dog_stand.rs b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/hot_dog_stand.rs
index 1cbdfa3..6a7fd6f 100644
--- a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/hot_dog_stand.rs
+++ b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/hot_dog_stand.rs
@@ -101,7 +101,6 @@ pub fn theme() -> ThemeColors {
             success_fg: black,
             info_bg: dark_red,
             info_fg: yellow,
-            event_rgb: (170, 100, 0),
         },
         list: ListColors {
             playing_bg: Color::Rgb(180, 180, 0),
diff --git a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/kanagawa.rs b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/kanagawa.rs
index 18077a7..954c0d9 100644
--- a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/kanagawa.rs
+++ b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/kanagawa.rs
@@ -106,7 +106,6 @@ pub fn theme() -> ThemeColors {
             success_fg: autumn_green,
             info_bg: bg_light,
             info_fg: fg,
-            event_rgb: (50, 50, 60),
         },
         list: ListColors {
             playing_bg: Color::Rgb(40, 55, 45),
diff --git a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/mod.rs b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/mod.rs
index 52c77c8..2721ce2 100644
--- a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/mod.rs
@@ -172,7 +172,6 @@ pub struct FlashColors {
     pub success_fg: Color,
     pub info_bg: Color,
     pub info_fg: Color,
-    pub event_rgb: (u8, u8, u8),
 }
 
 #[derive(Clone)]
diff --git a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/monochrome_black.rs b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/monochrome_black.rs
index d6ffd09..3849937 100644
--- a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/monochrome_black.rs
+++ b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/monochrome_black.rs
@@ -103,7 +103,6 @@ pub fn theme() -> ThemeColors {
             success_fg: bright,
             info_bg: surface,
             info_fg: fg,
-            event_rgb: (40, 40, 40),
         },
         list: ListColors {
             playing_bg: Color::Rgb(50, 50, 50),
diff --git a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/monochrome_white.rs b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/monochrome_white.rs
index 384aecd..9604338 100644
--- a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/monochrome_white.rs
+++ b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/monochrome_white.rs
@@ -103,7 +103,6 @@ pub fn theme() -> ThemeColors {
             success_fg: dark,
             info_bg: surface,
             info_fg: fg,
-            event_rgb: (220, 220, 220),
         },
         list: ListColors {
             playing_bg: Color::Rgb(200, 200, 200),
diff --git a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/monokai.rs b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/monokai.rs
index 788db3a..e761704 100644
--- a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/monokai.rs
+++ b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/monokai.rs
@@ -104,7 +104,6 @@ pub fn theme() -> ThemeColors {
             success_fg: green,
             info_bg: bg_light,
             info_fg: fg,
-            event_rgb: (70, 55, 70),
         },
         list: ListColors {
             playing_bg: Color::Rgb(50, 70, 45),
diff --git a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/nord.rs b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/nord.rs
index feb713e..79fddbc 100644
--- a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/nord.rs
+++ b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/nord.rs
@@ -104,7 +104,6 @@ pub fn theme() -> ThemeColors {
             success_fg: aurora_green,
             info_bg: polar_night1,
             info_fg: snow_storm2,
-            event_rgb: (60, 55, 75),
         },
         list: ListColors {
             playing_bg: Color::Rgb(50, 65, 55),
diff --git a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/pitch_black.rs b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/pitch_black.rs
index 7c1f951..2063592 100644
--- a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/pitch_black.rs
+++ b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/pitch_black.rs
@@ -105,7 +105,6 @@ pub fn theme() -> ThemeColors {
             success_fg: green,
             info_bg: surface,
             info_fg: fg,
-            event_rgb: (40, 30, 50),
         },
         list: ListColors {
             playing_bg: Color::Rgb(15, 45, 25),
diff --git a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/rose_pine.rs b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/rose_pine.rs
index 30eea13..97218ff 100644
--- a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/rose_pine.rs
+++ b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/rose_pine.rs
@@ -105,7 +105,6 @@ pub fn theme() -> ThemeColors {
             success_fg: foam,
             info_bg: bg_light,
             info_fg: fg,
-            event_rgb: (50, 45, 60),
         },
         list: ListColors {
             playing_bg: Color::Rgb(35, 55, 55),
diff --git a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/tokyo_night.rs b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/tokyo_night.rs
index e493c93..45c5ab0 100644
--- a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/tokyo_night.rs
+++ b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/tokyo_night.rs
@@ -105,7 +105,6 @@ pub fn theme() -> ThemeColors {
             success_fg: green,
             info_bg: bg_light,
             info_fg: fg,
-            event_rgb: (55, 50, 70),
         },
         list: ListColors {
             playing_bg: Color::Rgb(45, 60, 45),
diff --git a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/transform.rs b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/transform.rs
index 1d92b95..c8bf34a 100644
--- a/crates/ratatui/src/theme/transform.rs
+++ b/crates/ratatui/src/theme/transform.rs
@@ -170,7 +170,6 @@ pub fn rotate_theme(theme: ThemeColors, degrees: f32) -> ThemeColors {
             success_fg: rotate_color(theme.flash.success_fg, degrees),
             info_bg: rotate_color(theme.flash.info_bg, degrees),
             info_fg: rotate_color(theme.flash.info_fg, degrees),
-            event_rgb: rotate_tuple(theme.flash.event_rgb, degrees),
         },
         list: ListColors {
             playing_bg: rotate_color(theme.list.playing_bg, degrees),
diff --git a/src/app.rs b/src/app.rs
index ea506a6..0fd8110 100644
--- a/src/app.rs
+++ b/src/app.rs
@@ -110,7 +110,6 @@ impl App {
                 show_scope: self.audio.config.show_scope,
                 show_spectrum: self.audio.config.show_spectrum,
                 show_completion: self.ui.show_completion,
-                flash_brightness: self.ui.flash_brightness,
                 color_scheme: self.ui.color_scheme,
                 layout: self.audio.config.layout,
                 hue_rotation: self.ui.hue_rotation,
@@ -1384,10 +1383,6 @@ impl App {
                     .editor
                     .set_completion_enabled(self.ui.show_completion);
             }
-            AppCommand::AdjustFlashBrightness(delta) => {
-                self.ui.flash_brightness = (self.ui.flash_brightness + delta).clamp(0.0, 1.0);
-            }
-
             // Live keys
             AppCommand::ToggleLiveKeysFill => {
                 self.live_keys.flip_fill();
diff --git a/src/bin/desktop.rs b/src/bin/desktop.rs
index 02c2b7b..5978097 100644
--- a/src/bin/desktop.rs
+++ b/src/bin/desktop.rs
@@ -187,7 +187,6 @@ impl CagireDesktop {
         app.audio.config.show_scope = settings.display.show_scope;
         app.audio.config.show_spectrum = settings.display.show_spectrum;
         app.ui.show_completion = settings.display.show_completion;
-        app.ui.flash_brightness = settings.display.flash_brightness;
 
         let metrics = Arc::new(EngineMetrics::default());
         let scope_buffer = Arc::new(ScopeBuffer::new());
@@ -419,17 +418,6 @@ impl eframe::App for CagireDesktop {
         self.app.metrics.event_count = seq_snapshot.event_count;
         self.app.metrics.dropped_events = seq_snapshot.dropped_events;
 
-        self.app.ui.event_flash = (self.app.ui.event_flash - 0.1).max(0.0);
-        let new_events = self
-            .app
-            .metrics
-            .event_count
-            .saturating_sub(self.app.ui.last_event_count);
-        if new_events > 0 {
-            self.app.ui.event_flash = (new_events as f32 * 0.4).min(1.0);
-        }
-        self.app.ui.last_event_count = self.app.metrics.event_count;
-
         self.app.flush_queued_changes(&sequencer.cmd_tx);
         self.app.flush_dirty_patterns(&sequencer.cmd_tx);
 
diff --git a/src/commands.rs b/src/commands.rs
index 81aba47..d8bdb26 100644
--- a/src/commands.rs
+++ b/src/commands.rs
@@ -169,7 +169,6 @@ pub enum AppCommand {
     SetHueRotation(f32),
     ToggleRuntimeHighlight,
     ToggleCompletion,
-    AdjustFlashBrightness(f32),
 
     // Live keys
     ToggleLiveKeysFill,
diff --git a/src/engine/sequencer.rs b/src/engine/sequencer.rs
index ba415e3..a88baf6 100644
--- a/src/engine/sequencer.rs
+++ b/src/engine/sequencer.rs
@@ -7,7 +7,9 @@ use std::sync::atomic::{AtomicI64, AtomicU64};
 use std::sync::Arc;
 use std::thread::{self, JoinHandle};
 use std::time::Duration;
-use thread_priority::{set_current_thread_priority, ThreadPriority};
+use thread_priority::ThreadPriority;
+#[cfg(not(unix))]
+use thread_priority::set_current_thread_priority;
 
 use super::LinkState;
 use crate::model::{
@@ -1286,7 +1288,25 @@ fn sequencer_loop(
 ) {
     use std::sync::atomic::Ordering;
 
-    let _ = set_current_thread_priority(ThreadPriority::Max);
+    #[cfg(unix)]
+    {
+        use thread_priority::unix::{
+            set_thread_priority_and_policy, thread_native_id, RealtimeThreadSchedulePolicy,
+            ThreadSchedulePolicy,
+        };
+
+        let policy = ThreadSchedulePolicy::Realtime(RealtimeThreadSchedulePolicy::Fifo);
+        if let Err(e) =
+            set_thread_priority_and_policy(thread_native_id(), ThreadPriority::Max, policy)
+        {
+            eprintln!("Warning: Could not set SCHED_FIFO: {e:?}");
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[cfg(not(unix))]
+    {
+        let _ = set_current_thread_priority(ThreadPriority::Max);
+    }
 
     let mut seq_state = SequencerState::new(variables, dict, rng, cc_access);
 
diff --git a/src/input.rs b/src/input.rs
index dcbfcf9..e4e00ec 100644
--- a/src/input.rs
+++ b/src/input.rs
@@ -1443,10 +1443,6 @@ fn handle_options_page(ctx: &mut InputContext, key: KeyEvent) -> InputResult {
                 OptionsFocus::ShowCompletion => {
                     ctx.dispatch(AppCommand::ToggleCompletion);
                 }
-                OptionsFocus::FlashBrightness => {
-                    let delta = if key.code == KeyCode::Left { -0.1 } else { 0.1 };
-                    ctx.dispatch(AppCommand::AdjustFlashBrightness(delta));
-                }
                 OptionsFocus::LinkEnabled => ctx.link.set_enabled(!ctx.link.is_enabled()),
                 OptionsFocus::StartStopSync => ctx
                     .link
diff --git a/src/main.rs b/src/main.rs
index ee041f6..d0310d4 100644
--- a/src/main.rs
+++ b/src/main.rs
@@ -98,7 +98,6 @@ fn main() -> io::Result<()> {
     app.audio.config.show_scope = settings.display.show_scope;
     app.audio.config.show_spectrum = settings.display.show_spectrum;
     app.ui.show_completion = settings.display.show_completion;
-    app.ui.flash_brightness = settings.display.flash_brightness;
     app.ui.color_scheme = settings.display.color_scheme;
     app.ui.hue_rotation = settings.display.hue_rotation;
     app.audio.config.layout = settings.display.layout;
@@ -327,16 +326,6 @@ fn main() -> io::Result<()> {
         app.metrics.event_count = seq_snapshot.event_count;
         app.metrics.dropped_events = seq_snapshot.dropped_events;
 
-        app.ui.event_flash = (app.ui.event_flash - 0.1).max(0.0);
-        let new_events = app
-            .metrics
-            .event_count
-            .saturating_sub(app.ui.last_event_count);
-        if new_events > 0 {
-            app.ui.event_flash = (new_events as f32 * 0.4).min(1.0);
-        }
-        app.ui.last_event_count = app.metrics.event_count;
-
         app.flush_queued_changes(&sequencer.cmd_tx);
         app.flush_dirty_patterns(&sequencer.cmd_tx);
 
diff --git a/src/settings.rs b/src/settings.rs
index 22f9845..5cc53d9 100644
--- a/src/settings.rs
+++ b/src/settings.rs
@@ -44,8 +44,6 @@ pub struct DisplaySettings {
     pub show_spectrum: bool,
     #[serde(default = "default_true")]
     pub show_completion: bool,
-    #[serde(default = "default_flash_brightness")]
-    pub flash_brightness: f32,
     #[serde(default = "default_font")]
     pub font: String,
     #[serde(default)]
@@ -60,8 +58,6 @@ fn default_font() -> String {
     "8x13".to_string()
 }
 
-fn default_flash_brightness() -> f32 { 1.0 }
-
 #[derive(Debug, Serialize, Deserialize)]
 pub struct LinkSettings {
     pub enabled: bool,
@@ -92,7 +88,6 @@ impl Default for DisplaySettings {
             show_scope: true,
             show_spectrum: true,
             show_completion: true,
-            flash_brightness: 1.0,
             font: default_font(),
             color_scheme: ColorScheme::default(),
             layout: MainLayout::default(),
diff --git a/src/state/options.rs b/src/state/options.rs
index b6e3652..79452c1 100644
--- a/src/state/options.rs
+++ b/src/state/options.rs
@@ -10,7 +10,6 @@ pub enum OptionsFocus {
     ShowScope,
     ShowSpectrum,
     ShowCompletion,
-    FlashBrightness,
     LinkEnabled,
     StartStopSync,
     Quantum,
@@ -33,7 +32,6 @@ impl CyclicEnum for OptionsFocus {
         Self::ShowScope,
         Self::ShowSpectrum,
         Self::ShowCompletion,
-        Self::FlashBrightness,
         Self::LinkEnabled,
         Self::StartStopSync,
         Self::Quantum,
diff --git a/src/state/ui.rs b/src/state/ui.rs
index eaa98f6..63556dc 100644
--- a/src/state/ui.rs
+++ b/src/state/ui.rs
@@ -46,9 +46,6 @@ pub struct UiState {
     pub runtime_highlight: bool,
     pub show_completion: bool,
     pub minimap_until: Option<Instant>,
-    pub last_event_count: usize,
-    pub event_flash: f32,
-    pub flash_brightness: f32,
     pub color_scheme: ColorScheme,
     pub hue_rotation: f32,
 }
@@ -75,9 +72,6 @@ impl Default for UiState {
             runtime_highlight: false,
             show_completion: true,
             minimap_until: None,
-            last_event_count: 0,
-            event_flash: 0.0,
-            flash_brightness: 1.0,
             color_scheme: ColorScheme::default(),
             hue_rotation: 0.0,
         }
diff --git a/src/views/options_view.rs b/src/views/options_view.rs
index 0d6b2f5..522a32c 100644
--- a/src/views/options_view.rs
+++ b/src/views/options_view.rs
@@ -63,7 +63,6 @@ pub fn render(frame: &mut Frame, app: &App, link: &LinkState, area: Rect) {
         Span::styled(peer_text, Style::new().fg(theme.ui.text_muted)),
     ]);
 
-    let flash_str = format!("{:.0}%", app.ui.flash_brightness * 100.0);
     let quantum_str = format!("{:.0}", link.quantum());
     let tempo_str = format!("{:.1} BPM", link.tempo());
     let beat_str = format!("{:.2}", link.beat());
@@ -161,7 +160,6 @@ pub fn render(frame: &mut Frame, app: &App, link: &LinkState, area: Rect) {
             focus == OptionsFocus::ShowCompletion,
             &theme,
         ),
-        render_option_line("Flash brightness", &flash_str, focus == OptionsFocus::FlashBrightness, &theme),
         Line::from(""),
         link_header,
         render_divider(content_width, &theme),
@@ -215,18 +213,17 @@ pub fn render(frame: &mut Frame, app: &App, link: &LinkState, area: Rect) {
         OptionsFocus::ShowScope => 6,
         OptionsFocus::ShowSpectrum => 7,
         OptionsFocus::ShowCompletion => 8,
-        OptionsFocus::FlashBrightness => 9,
-        OptionsFocus::LinkEnabled => 13,
-        OptionsFocus::StartStopSync => 14,
-        OptionsFocus::Quantum => 15,
-        OptionsFocus::MidiOutput0 => 26,
-        OptionsFocus::MidiOutput1 => 27,
-        OptionsFocus::MidiOutput2 => 28,
-        OptionsFocus::MidiOutput3 => 29,
-        OptionsFocus::MidiInput0 => 33,
-        OptionsFocus::MidiInput1 => 34,
-        OptionsFocus::MidiInput2 => 35,
-        OptionsFocus::MidiInput3 => 36,
+        OptionsFocus::LinkEnabled => 12,
+        OptionsFocus::StartStopSync => 13,
+        OptionsFocus::Quantum => 14,
+        OptionsFocus::MidiOutput0 => 25,
+        OptionsFocus::MidiOutput1 => 26,
+        OptionsFocus::MidiOutput2 => 27,
+        OptionsFocus::MidiOutput3 => 28,
+        OptionsFocus::MidiInput0 => 32,
+        OptionsFocus::MidiInput1 => 33,
+        OptionsFocus::MidiInput2 => 34,
+        OptionsFocus::MidiInput3 => 35,
     };
 
     let scroll_offset = if total_lines <= max_visible {
diff --git a/src/views/render.rs b/src/views/render.rs
index 7106093..6471923 100644
--- a/src/views/render.rs
+++ b/src/views/render.rs
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ use std::time::Instant;
 use rand::rngs::StdRng;
 use rand::SeedableRng;
 use ratatui::layout::{Alignment, Constraint, Layout, Rect};
-use ratatui::style::{Color, Modifier, Style};
+use ratatui::style::{Modifier, Style};
 use ratatui::text::{Line, Span};
 use ratatui::widgets::{Block, Borders, Cell, Clear, Paragraph, Row, Table};
 use ratatui::Frame;
@@ -150,17 +150,7 @@ pub fn render(frame: &mut Frame, app: &App, link: &LinkState, snapshot: &Sequenc
     let term = frame.area();
 
     let theme = theme::get();
-    let bg_color = if app.ui.event_flash > 0.0 {
-        let t = (app.ui.event_flash * app.ui.flash_brightness).min(1.0);
-        let (base_r, base_g, base_b) = theme.ui.bg_rgb;
-        let (tgt_r, tgt_g, tgt_b) = theme.flash.event_rgb;
-        let r = base_r + ((tgt_r as f32 - base_r as f32) * t) as u8;
-        let g = base_g + ((tgt_g as f32 - base_g as f32) * t) as u8;
-        let b = base_b + ((tgt_b as f32 - base_b as f32) * t) as u8;
-        Color::Rgb(r, g, b)
-    } else {
-        theme.ui.bg
-    };
+    let bg_color = theme.ui.bg;
 
     let blank = " ".repeat(term.width as usize);
     let lines: Vec<Line> = (0..term.height).map(|_| Line::raw(&blank)).collect();