Manufacturer's Description for Alesis FUSION6HD 61-Key Semi-Weighted Keyboard
The Alesis Fusion 6HD Workstation from Alesis is a powerhouse product containing four synthesizers, an eight-channel hard disk recorder, built-in sampler, effects processor and expandable RAM possibilities, all offered in one sleek package. Powered by a Coldfire processor surrounded by seven high-performance DSPs, the Fusion is the only synth workstation with integrated 8-channel 24-bit recording capability. Available in two models - the 61 note semi-weighted 6HD and the full sized 88-note fully-weighted 8HD - this production center is ideal for the professional project studio or live performance applications.
The Alesis Fusion series is the only workstation of its kind that can save and load programs off of a hard disk (or the removable Compact Flash memory), so users can store sounds on the internal disk and always have their programs available. Users never have to load samples off a slow CD-ROM or floppy disk again.
Additional features include; direct CD-R burning, fully assignable buttons and 360- degree knobs for total control of synth parameters, 32 track MIDI sequencer, fully programmable arpeggiator and internal memory expandable from 64MB to 192MB.
Features 61 Note Semi-Weighted Keyboard Workstation
Four integrated synthesis types: Sample Playback, Virtual Analog, FM, and Physical Modeling
Full synth workstation with 8 track 24-bit hard disk recording
High-definition 24-bit sampler with comprehensive waveform editing with internal memory expandable from 64MB to 192MB
32 Track MIDI sequencer built in with integrated multi-channel digital audio playback
The only workstation of its kind that can save and load programs off of a hard disk (or the removable Compact Flash memory), by storing all your sounds on the internal disk and always having your programs available to you. You'll never have to load samples off a slow CD-ROM or floppy-disk again!
Onboard grand piano based on acclaimed 'Holy Grail Piano,' by Q Up Arts
Storage options include built-in 40 Gig hard disk, USB 2.0, Compact flash, and the optional external Fusion drive CD-R, DVD storage and/or external hard disk*
Multi-channel input and output options in both analog and digital (S/PDIF and ADAT Lightpipe)
Fully assignable buttons and 360 degree knobs for hands-on control of synth parameters (or control of external gear through MIDI)
Fully programmable arpeggiator with standard, phrase, and drum machine playback
Large 240x128 backlit LCD
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Sound:
This is one of the most expressive synths I've ever played, and velocity & aftertouch react to your playing and animate the sounds. The instruments are very realistic - great pianos, horns, synth pads, choirs, and what not. And with the Fusion Converter, you can import the huge Akai library.
I use it for rock, jazz, blues, and standards. And it seems as though the more I play the Fusion, the more I find that my other keyboards are being stored in the shed. When I gig, I usually use only one other synth, my E-mu PK6. The Kurzweil, Korg, and Kawai stay home.
Feature:
With sample playback, user sampling, virtual analog, FM synthesis, and physical modeling, it's like having 5 synths in one keyboard. The built in effects are easy to use and sparkling, but the leslie/rotary effect needs some tweaking. Expansion capabilities include the on-board 40 gig hard drive, a compact flash card slot, and optional install of additional RAM. The sequencer is fine for my use, but obviously won't meet everyones needs (that's what Cubase and Logic are for). The built in 8 track audio recorder is an unexpected gem.
Ease of Use:
Patches are easy to edit, and quickly stored in your "Favorite" banks for snappy access. The free "Fusion Converter" software converts various sample format libraries into Fusion format, including WAV, AIFF, Akai s1000/S3000/S5000, and soundfonts. The manual is very readable, and Alesis has been making supplements and tutorials available online for free download. The lcd screen is very clear and bright - easy to read in a dark room.
Quality:
The unit is very sturdy, and has survived numerous trips in the trunk of my Ford to and from gigs. Knobs and buttons feel very solid. The Alesis SR16 drum machine I purchased in 1991 has worked flawlessly for over 15 years. I owned an Alesis Quadrasynth for 12 years without any problems, as well as a QSR rackmount. Alesis makes reliable equipment and backs it up with upgrades and repairs if needed. I would use it at a gig without a backup, but prefer to use two keyboards, as I work a duo with my wife on guitar, play left hand bass, and like having one keyboard set up for lead sounds, and the other with bass/rhythm sounds.
Value:
There is no other keyboard that is close to the Fusion at its price. And when I compare it to some of the first keyboards I purchased during the 1960's, the technological progress is unbelievable.
Manufacturer Support:
Only had one problem, which was partly my fault. The USB worked great until I moved my computer to a different room, and plugged the computer into one wall socket, and the Fusion into another socket across the room. When I plugged in the USB from the Fusion to the Computer, there was a huge spark, and the computer couldn't see the Fusion anymore. The problem was that one wall socket had a reversed ground. Alesis repaired it under warranty, and it was gone about 14 days for repair in Los Angeles.
The Fusion is a dream to upgrade. Alesis puts the software on their website, you download it to your computer, save it to a compact flash card, put the card in the Fusion, and upgrade the OS or load in new samples. Hollow Sun has been commissioned by Alesis to convert their huge library of vintage samples to the Fusion format, and you can download them for free. Two excellent user groups have formed that support Fusion players - Fusion Club http://fusioneer.proboards102.com/index.cgi and Fusion Zone www.promusicproducts.com/forum/phpBB2/index.php
The Wow Factor:
It is a sleek, ultra modern looking machine. The flashing blue lights look good too. If you want to be different, and not have the same rig as the next guy, you've got to have the Fusion.
Overall:
Like all keyboard players, I suffer from gear lust. But in the past year, with the Fusion and the excellent Hollow Sun sample set, and the KPR synth sets, the lust hasn't been overwhelming. I keep finding new sounds in the Fusion. And I haven't even begun to explore the sequencer and 8 track digital recorder. If it was lost or stolen, I would replace it with the 88 key Fusion 8HD.
Style of Music: contemporary adult music
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"Best Value for Professionals and Others"
Sound:
This is a good sounding synth. The vintage sounds, sound real. I placed this at a 9 because there are good sounds, and there some that I don't care for because of my desires only. The sound parameters are easily tweaked on the fly - one example is the Master EQ. I have children who have been around several of my synths, and have discovered sounds on everyone of them that I never touched, and they are in love with this synth. This particular section is about the sound, but I can't help but to write here and now, if you want a synth that feels great to the touch and sounds good, with all the features you need and many you want, for this price of around $1499 new, when I purchased mine, you need to get this board. I have had the board since January 2007. I have the 8HD fully weighted key model.
Feature:
I like the audio recording capability. The sequencer was great after I figured it out without reading the manaual. Although it's one of the best boards out there, there are still some situations you may want to use your computer for finalizing any musical product.
Ease of Use:
I wish the auditioning of each take could be done in one step such as asking do you want to keep the take immediately after you finish each, while allowing you listen to it.
Quality:
I say the quality is only a 9 because this synth is software upgradable; therefore, as long as Alesis continues to develop operating systems for this board, it will only get even better.
Manufacturer Support:
I have not had any support issues.
The Wow Factor:
When people see my Fusion for the first time I get a lot of surprised looks and questions.
Style of Music: Gospel, Jazz, and others
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Really. It's not a problem for us. In fact, we'll thank you
for the chance to live up to our lowest price guarantee!
It's fast and easy
Just tell us where you saw the lower price - another
website, an email offer, your local store - and we'll send
you our lowest price offer in a matter of hours.
Simply click the Seen it for less? link
Next to the item you want, or give us a
call at 800-zZounds (800-996-8637).
A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.
