What is Fusion?
Fusion is an all-analogue stereo outboard processor created for the hybrid studio to add colour, clarity and depth to mix busses or sub groups/stems. All connections are analogue.
Fusion registration issue
It has come to our attention that Fusion with the serial number syntax of FN700nnnn may need to remove the 7 when registering.
For example, if your Fusion is FN7009999, you may need to register the number FN009999.
FN7009999 may not register.
How do I change the operating supply voltage of Fusion?
The Fusion voltage input is region-specific. The SSL dealer should have configured the two fuses for your local region.
If you need to change the two fuses please see appendix E of the Fusion User Guide for fuse type information. SSL do not have specific recommendations for fuse brands, they are a commodity.
Please be aware that only fuses for the initial territory the Fusion was sold into are included. Different fuses are required for 115V or 230V. Do not simply use the same fuse.
Early Fusion had a link plate on one side of the fuse cartridge; both existing fuse and link plate should be replaced with two new fuses of the correct rating:
- 5mm x 20mm
- 250V
- Time delay (slow blow)
- 110-120Vac requires two 1A
- 220-240Vac requires two 500mA
What does the red bypass switch mode do on Fusion?
The bypass switch on Fusion can be configured to standard, or post Input Trim mode. If the bypass switch turns red, it is configured to post Input Trim mode; to switch back to standard bypass, push and hold the bypass switch for two seconds. For more information on Fusion bypass modes, please see the Fusion User Guide found on the Fusion Documentation page of the SSL website.
Is the Violet EQ the same as the SSL channel EQ?
The Violet EQ was developed specifically for Fusion, it’s a brand new design. It is not a cut down version of the channel EQ. For more information on the Violet EQ, please see the Fusion User Guide found on the Fusion Documentation page of the SSL website.
My Fusion lights are really bright, can I change this?
Yes, enter settings mode to adjust the brightness of the front panel switches and master meter LED's. There are 8 levels of brightness to choose from. Please refer to the User Guide for information on how to change the brightness.
Noisy Vintage Drive
Please note that some additional low-level 'hiss' (very similar to tape hiss) is introduced when the Vintage Drive circuit is engaged. This is an integral part of the saturation effect this circuit provides and cannot be turned off. By design, the level of hiss decreases as you increase the DRIVE and/or DENSITY controls. In certain mix situations or productions you may want to minimise the amount of hiss to achieve a 'cleaner' sound (normally on quiet passages at the beginning or end of a song). In these situations the recommended workaround is to increase the DRIVE control in the VINTAGE DRIVE section and decrease the front-end INPUT TRIM control, to leave you with the same overall effect but with less hiss.
TIP 1: The DENSITY control does raise the overall level of the signal, as you move it from MIN to MAX. Be sure to use the OUTPUT TRIM control to compensate.
TIP 2: A good starting point for the controls of this circuit is DRIVE at 5 and DENSITY at 5. However, the DRIVE setting will be very much dependent on how loud/quiet your mix is already.
TIP 3: The lowest DENSITY setting marked MIN offers a dynamic ‘expansion’ effect when driven hard with the preceding DRIVE control. It works well to accentuate individual stem sounds that are already dense - e.g. bringing the pluck out of a distorted bass guitar. For full mixes, it is recommended to go no lower than 2 with the DENSITY setting.