Chapter 2: Fusion Basics
21
Fusion 101: The Basics
If you’re new to workstations and aren’t sure about what everything does
(or why it is important), this section is for you. Let’s take a moment to
explain all the basics that you’ll need to know:
What is a Program?
The sounds in your Fusion are called “Programs.” Programs contain all
the samples, routings, settings, and other programming required to create
the sound. For example, our “Grand Piano” sound contains all the
individual samples, loop points, filter parameters, and other settings that
make up the piano.
What is a Mix?
A “Mix” is simply a collection of programs. Each mix can contain up to
16 programs and those programs can be layered, split, or set up in a
number of ways to help you get the sound you’re looking for. Being able
to load up and arrange multiple programs in different ways opens up a
world of musical possibilities—The following “Fusion Architecture” will
explain your options in detail.
What is a Song?
A “Song” is a complete arrangement (including both synthesizer and
digital audio parts) that is created using the Fusion’s MIDI sequencer and
multitrack digital audio recorder. A song can have up to 32 synthesizer
tracks as well as 8 tracks of digital audio. This means you can compose,
record, edit, and mix an entire song all within the Fusion.
What is a Sampler?
A “Sampler” is a recording device that lets you capture a sound (called a
“sample”) that you can then playback and manipulate in a number of
different ways. The Fusion’s built-in sampler allows you to record your
own instruments, loops, and other sounds that you can turn into your
own custom programs. This means you are not limited to the world-class
set of programs that ship with the Fusion and that you are free to create
your very own programs.
Why not just call them “Instruments?”
You may be wondering why we don’t just
call them “instruments.” We do this to
avoid confusion. The word “instrument” is
ambiguous and could potentially be
confused with other things (such as the
Fusion’s actual hardware, or the source of a
sample rather than the result of putting
together a set of samples to form a
program). On the other hand, “Program”
has a specific definition that can’t be
confused.
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