Conversion Strategies
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Note: this section goes into much more depth than we’ve covered in other sections, and is somewhat optional to read. However, if the translations that you are doing don’t sound right or sound like *$^%*, read this.

Although a fair number translations will go through without a problem and play well in your Fusion, some may not. Most of this is because of the Fusions programming structure.

A Fusion Program that uses sampled sounds is structured as follows:

Note that the latest version of the Fusion has 4 Oscillators , not just two.

Although the Fusion™ has an EXTREMELY powerful modulation matrix and versatile Envelopes and LFO’s, there is really only one set per Program. So if an incoming Akai™ S-1000/3000/5000 Program or SoundFont comes in that needs separate modulations (or similar) on different samples, multiple Multisamples or perhaps multiple Fusion™ Programs will have to be created to accommodate these parameters. Be aware when this happens; to mix two Programs together, use a Mix, which can layer up to 3 Fusion™ Programs to be played at once. (Upcoming Fusion Convertor™ versions will create these Mix files for you.)

Also, be aware that certain incoming parameters, especially certain modulations, may be difficult to replicate on the Fusion™.

So, strategically, what can you do about these issues?

Mainly, DON’T BE AFRAID to tweak your sounds after they are imported, if they don’t sound the way you’d like them to. Get to know your Fusion™ - crack open the manual, see how each Program and its parameters work.

Your most work may have to do with the Mods section. You access this by selecting your Program, hitting EDIT (at 11 o’clock in the circle), selecting Mod (third down on the left) and observing the Routes that have been established. To edit these, hit the screen EDIT (second down on the right). You can jump to the Source parameters by hitting Jump Src, and access the Destination parameter by hitting Jump Des. The Amount parameter is below - sometimes switching it to Multiplicative from Additive, or vis-versa, can help.

Also, modifying the Filter can be the key to getting the sound you want. To edit the Filter, either access it from a Mod by hitting Jump Des, or simply hit Synth (second down on the left) and hit Filter (third down on the right). Raising the Cutoff generally brightens the sound, lowering it darkens it.

The LFO’s are in a similar place as the Filter, and are accessed in a like way. Perhaps the conversion made the LFO go a little too crazy; lower the depth of the Mod or lower the Rate.

Also, be aware that there are no rules when it comes to tweaking your sound - it’s very likely you can come up with something better than the original. And remember to save your work - hit STORE (2 o’clock on the circle) and save your changes before you flip to a newer program. This is easy to overlook!