Erica Synths Fusion System II

VALVES : The use of valve (aka tube)
technology gives the Fusion modules
their distinctive look and sound
DETUNE : The BBD-derived detune
effect is great for adding thickness
to sounds
RECORD : Hit the button on the fi lter
modules to record CV multiplication
and division
DELAY : The effects module creates
ensemble-like modulation that can
bring sounds to life
intuitive sound design options, all
with the added juice of the analogue
drive that is the hallmark of the
Fusion system.
Last in the skiff is the fl anger/
delay/vintage ensemble effects
module. If you have ever used a delay
also rotary controls for CV level when
patched and fed back. This all sounds
quite simple and it is but that doesn’t
do justice to what can be achieved
with this unit. If you’ve heard a
vintage Roland vocoder with the
ensemble effect engaged, you’ll have
an idea of what this does. It adds a
phaser type motion and width to the
incoming audio, to which you can add
tube grit, as this Fusion 2 device also
has an analogue tube circuit.
Any of the modules in this system
could happily fi nd a place in
someone’s Eurorack system. They
really make sense as a complete
setup like this though and I highly
recommend it to anybody with a
hankering for a more warm output.
The possibilities for drive abound, as
do options for modulation and all in a
package that delivers on aesthetics as
well as tone.
FM VERDICT
8.9
With bags of personality and
sonic opportunity on offer,
Erica Fusion will deliver
endless experimentation
and, most importantly, fun
or fl anger unit you probably have
certain expectations but you need to
put them aside, as this unit will not
fulfi l them. What this module does is
add breadth and movement to your
sound. It has settings for long/short
delay and a wet/dry mix. There are
MACHINE WARMTH
The Fusion modules employ valves as part of the circuit
and this adds a rich warmth to the signal that some love.
Valves introduce subtle
variation into a circuit,
where fl uctuations can
add some ‘life’ that digital
components typically
don’t. An integral part of
the Fusion sound is that
they can be overdriven
easily, for characteristic
Erica punch and growl.
THE ALTERNATIVES
Makenoise Tape
& Microsound
Music Machine
£2000
T hough not quite
aimed at the same
usage, this system
comes in at a similar
cost. Its variety of
modules play well
together and offer a
wide range of sound
sculpting tools. The
plus here is the
sampler and Maths.
makenoisemusic.com
ALM Busy
Circuits System
Coupe £1900
ALM are the creators
of some very popular
modules, some of
which (looking at you
Pamela’s New
Workout) make their
way, in special
edition clothing, to
this 84hp skiff. Like
the Make Noise
option, this is
rammed with sound
sources and
modulation as well
as a sampler. It’s
sound is crystalline,
crisp and clear.
busycircuits.com
Any of the modules in this
system could have a place in
someone’s Eurorack system
Reviews | Erica Synths Fusion System II
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FMU361.rev_erica.indd 78 10/08/2020 16:58