The Alesis Fusion is a comprehensive workstation keyboard that combines four distinct synthesis technologies with advanced sequencing and recording capabilities. Designed as a modern answer to computer-based music production, the Fusion offers an all-in-one solution for keyboard-based musicians seeking professional features in a hardware format.
Overview and Design
The Fusion presents an impressive "future retro" aesthetic with its sleek silver body and striking illuminated controls. Every button features backlighting, with active functions glowing brighter for immediate visual feedback. The distinctive pitch and modulation wheels glow neon blue when moved, providing clear visual indication of modulation depth even in low-light performance situations.
The control layout is logically organized with real-time performance controls on the left, preset selection and data wheel in the center, and transport controls on the right. The centerpiece is a generous 240 x 128 pixel high-definition backlit LCD display flanked by system buttons and 12 programmable soft keys for deep parameter editing.
Synthesis Technologies
The Fusion's most distinctive feature is its quad-synthesis architecture, offering four different sound generation methods:
Sample & Synthesis (S&S): Forms the foundation with traditional sample playback enhanced by extensive filtering and modulation options. Each melodic program supports up to four oscillators with multisamples, while drum programs can utilize up to 64 oscillators per note with 256 total samples per program.
Virtual Analog: Provides classic subtractive synthesis with up to three basic waveforms (sawtooth, pulse, sine) plus various noise types. The system includes 26 different filter types and comprehensive modulation routing.
FM Synthesis: Features a six-operator implementation similar to the classic Yamaha DX7, but with enhanced flexibility including multiple waveform types beyond traditional sine waves.
Physical Modeling: Offers two acoustic instrument models - Reed and Wind instruments. These utilize sophisticated algorithms to model the physical behavior of acoustic instruments, allowing for expressive performance and unique sound creation possibilities.
Memory and Sound Storage
The Fusion breaks from traditional workstation design by storing its sound library in Flash ROM rather than conventional ROM. This allows the entire sound bank to be updated or replaced. The 40GB internal hard drive provides massive storage capacity, while the included 64MB RAM (expandable to 192MB) supports up to 37 minutes of sampling time at full expansion.
The preset library includes 800 programs, 64 drum kits, 128 GM programs, and 128 Mix patches. The modular architecture allows for continuous expansion through downloadable sound banks and user-created content.
Performance Features
The Performance Grid control matrix provides immediate access to critical performance parameters through four chunky continuous controllers, four programmable trigger buttons, and dedicated switches for Arpeggiator, Filter, EQ, and user-assignable functions.
The advanced arpeggiator system includes 1000 preset patterns ranging from traditional up/down sequences to sophisticated phrase arpeggiation patterns that simulate guitar strumming and other playing techniques. User programmability allows for unlimited custom patterns limited only by hard drive space.
Sequencer and Recording
The Fusion combines a sophisticated 32-track MIDI sequencer with an integrated 8-track, 24-bit hard disk recorder - a unique combination in its price range. The MIDI sequencer offers 480 PPQ resolution with unlimited note capacity, comprehensive editing including piano-roll and event-list editing, and advanced loop capabilities with individual loop points per track.
The hard disk recorder features eight individual balanced quarter-inch inputs switchable between -10dBV and +4dBu levels. Audio tracks can be edited with waveform-level precision, and automation data is stored as events for complex mix automation.
Sampling Capabilities
The built-in sampler supports stereo or mono recording at 44.1kHz/16-bit resolution (24-bit sampling planned for future firmware). Recording is accomplished through dedicated inputs with variable threshold triggering and comprehensive monitoring. The sample editor provides extensive manipulation tools including gain adjustment, normalization, cropping, loop point setting, reversing, and bit-depth reduction for creative effects.
The system supports import of multiple formats including WAV, AIFF, SoundFont, and Akai S1000/3000 and S5000/Z-Series files through the included Fusion Converter utility.
Connectivity and Integration
Comprehensive I/O includes main and auxiliary balanced outputs, S/PDIF digital output, ADAT optical output, and a complete MIDI implementation. USB 2.0 connectivity enables data transfer, while a Compact Flash slot provides portable storage. A SATA connection supports external hard drives and optional CD/DVD recorder.
The workstation accommodates expression and sustain pedals, plus a configurable footswitch for various performance and control functions.
Technical Specifications
Sound Engine
- Synthesis Types: Sample & Synthesis, Virtual Analog, FM Synthesis (6-operator), Physical Modeling (Reed and Wind models)
- Polyphony: Dynamic allocation depending on synthesis type:
- S&S, FM, Virtual Analog: High polyphony counts
- Reed Physical Model: 60 voices maximum
- Wind Physical Model: 48 voices maximum
- Multitimbrality: 16 parts in Mix and Song modes
- Oscillators per Program: Up to 4 (S&S melodic), up to 64 per note (S&S drums), 3 (Virtual Analog), 6 operators (FM)
- Filters: 26 types available for Virtual Analog, FM, and Physical Modeling; multiple filter types for S&S including analog-style 4-pole and formant filters
- Envelopes: Up to 8 per voice (volume, filter, pitch)
- LFOs: Up to 8 per voice
- Performance Modes: Program, Mix, Song, Sampler, Mixer, Global
- Sample Import: WAV, AIFF, SoundFont, Akai S1000/3000/S5000/Z-Series via Fusion Converter utility
- Sample Editing: Comprehensive editing including loop points, fade in/out, reverse, quantize (bit reduction)
- Multisampling: Up to 512 component samples per multisample
Memory and Storage
- Sound Library: 800 presets, 64 drum kits, 128 GM programs with 8 drum kits, 128 Mix patches
- Sample Memory: 64MB standard, expandable to 192MB
- Sampling Time: 11 minutes 53 seconds (standard), 37 minutes 15 seconds (expanded)
- Sampling Rate: 44.1kHz, 16-bit (24-bit planned for future update)
- Hard Drive: 40GB internal
- File Export: MIDI files and WAV audio export capability
Sequencer
- MIDI Tracks: 32
- Audio Tracks: 8
- Resolution: 480 PPQ
- Capacity: Unlimited (limited by hard drive space)
- Song Storage: Limited only by hard drive space
Effects
- Insert Effects: 57 types (up to 4 per program)
- Bus Effects: 64 types (up to 2 busses per program/mix/song)
- Master EQ: 4-band with low shelf, low mid, high mid, high shelf
Audio I/O
- Main Outputs: 2 balanced 1/4" TRS
- Auxiliary Outputs: 2 balanced 1/4" TRS
- Headphone Output: 1/4" TRS
- Digital Outputs: S/PDIF (RCA), ADAT optical
- Sampling Inputs: 2 balanced 1/4" TRS (line/mic capable with gain control)
- Multitrack Inputs: 8 balanced 1/4" TRS (line level, switchable -10dBV/+4dBu)
- Maximum Output Level: +18dBV (main), +15.8dBV (aux)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 105dB typical (A-weighted)
- THD+N: 0.005% typical
- Frequency Response: ±0.15dB, 20Hz-20kHz
Keyboard:
- 88 keys, fully weighted
- aftertouch
Interface
- Display: 240 x 128 pixel backlit LCD
- Real-Time Controls: Performance Grid with 4 continuous controllers, 4 trigger buttons, 4 mode switches, illuminated pitch/mod wheels
Connectivity
- MIDI: In, Out, Thru (5-pin DIN)
- USB: USB 2.0 for data transfer
- Storage: Compact Flash slot
- External Storage: SATA connector for hard drives/CD-DVD recorder
- Pedal Inputs: Sustain, Expression, configurable Footswitch
Arpeggiator
- Preset Patterns: 1000
- User Patterns: Unlimited (limited by hard drive space)
- Pattern Types: Traditional arpeggios, phrase arpeggiation, drum patterns
Operating System
- Type: Software-based, field-upgradable
- Current Version: v1.21 (as of review)
- Update Method: Compact Flash card via USB transfer
Dimensions
- 51.5" × 14" × 5" (130.8 × 35.6 × 12.7 cm)
Weight
