User Guide

Fusion User GuideFusion User Guide

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Transformer

Fusion features a custom-designed SSL transformer circuit, which is engaged via the front panel transformer switch.

This circuit does a number of things: The 600Ω, 1:1 winding transformer and surrounding circuitry adds low-end

harmonic content and a favourable slight top-end phase-shift to the sound. Furthermore, the underdamping of

the transformer adds a subtle ‘weight’ to the sound. It is worth noting that the drive of the transformer circuit is

self-contained, so there is no advantage in driving the Input stage of Fusion to achieve more level through the

transformer. Also, as is inherent with transformer designs, extreme low-end frequencies begin to be rolled off, the more level is put

through - so bear this in mind. Typically, a level of +16dBu will see a 0.5dB roll off between 40Hz and 30Hz and this is quite often

(but not always!) welcome in keeping the bottom-end in check. Experiment with engaging the transformer at any point during the

mixing process to see if it makes the mix sound better (it often does).

Typical Low Frequency Rolloff of Transformer with +16dBu on input.

HF Compressor (High Frequency Compressor)

This is a compressor circuit that only compresses high-frequencies. It helps to introduce a

‘tape-like’ top-end roll-off by taming unwanted brittleness or harshness that can sometimes

build up in a mix or individual stem sound. The cause might be due to over-use of plug-ins

with top-end ‘hype’. The front panel THRESHOLD determines at what point compression

starts to occur, whilst X-OVER determines the frequencies that are affected by the

compression. Other typical compressor parameters such as attack, release and ratio are

all ﬁxed in the design, having been optimised for the best transparency.

A good starting point for full mix material is THRESHOLD at +2dB and X-OVER around

15kHz. The best approach is to move the controls until the accompanying HF Compressor

tri-colour LED just starts to ﬂicker green occasionally. A sustained green, into orange will

likely be too heavy-handed for most mixes. It must be noted that there is no automatic

makeup gain, as commonly found on digital single-band compressors. This means you

will not be fooled by a ﬂattering gain make-up. Another important thing to note is that if the

mix is already well balanced and mixed, you may not need to engage this circuit at all! However, when used subtly, it can smooth

harshness off in a very pleasing way. On individual stems, like bass guitars, you can be more aggressive with it.

TIP: A nice trick is to deliberately apply more high-end than you would normally in the preceding VIOLET EQ section

(apply more gain on your chosen HIGH frequency) and then use the HF COMPRESSOR to tame it back. This can

often help achieve a brighter top end, without the harshness.

Stereo Image

The STEREO IMAGE circuit allows for true mid-side processing within Fusion. Mid-Side

is a technique commonly used in mastering that separates a stereo signal into 2 channels

- one for the sounds in the centre (mid) of a stereo image and the other for the sounds on

the edges of the stereo image (side). The WIDTH allows you to increase the level of the

side signal only, to generally widen or narrow the stereo image. The SPACE control allows

you to experiment with a broad boost or cut of bass frequencies in the side signal and this

feature is based upon the often overlooked but quite brilliant ‘Stereo Shufﬂing’ processing

technique. Many people think of wanting to remove bass from the side signals but this

SPACE control may have you re-thinking that approach as you can inject some really

interesting depth effects into the mix. SPACE settings beyond +4dB on whole mixes may

be too extreme, so try between +2dB and +4dB to start with.