Alesis Fusion 8HD (2005)
Professional workstation synthesizer with 88-note weighted keyboard, multi-synthesis engine, and 8-track 24-bit hard disk recording.
Overview
The Alesis Fusion 8HD is a discontinued professional workstation synthesizer produced in 2005. It combines sample playback, virtual analog, FM, and physical modeling synthesis in a single unit with an 88-note fully weighted hammer action keyboard featuring aftertouch. Designed as Alesis’s flagship workstation, it integrates a synthesizer, sampler, and 8-channel 24-bit hard disk recorder with a 32-track MIDI sequencer. The Fusion 8HD runs on a Linux-based operating system powered by a 400MHz AMD Alchemy processor and features deep synthesis capabilities, including two oscillators, two filters, two LFOs, and three envelopes per voice. It was designed to compete with high-end workstations from Korg, Roland, and Yamaha.
Specifications
| Synthesis Types | Sample Playback, Virtual Analog, FM, Physical Modeling |
| Keyboard | 88-note fully weighted hammer action with aftertouch |
| Hard Disk Recorder | 8-channel, 24-bit |
| Internal Hard Drive | 40 GB |
| Polyphony | 180 voices |
| Multitimbral Parts | 16-Part |
| Internal Memory | 64 MB standard, expandable to 192 MB |
| Sample RAM | Optional 128 MB expansion (64 MB Flash ROM standard) |
| Sequencer | 32-track MIDI with 8 audio tracks |
| Display | 240 x 128 backlit LCD |
| Audio Inputs | 8 x 1/4" TRS balanced (multitrack), 2 x 1/4" TRS balanced (sampler) |
| Outputs | 4 x 1/4" TRS balanced main, 1 x 1/4" stereo headphone, S/PDIF, ADAT Lightpipe |
| Effects | Up to 50 insert effects per song; 118 total effect types |
| Presets | 384 Programs, 24 Drum Kits, 128 GM, 8 GM Drum Kits, 128 Mixes |
| File Import | WAV, AIFF, Akai S1000/3000, SoundFont (.sf2) via converter |
| Processor | 400MHz AMD Alchemy |
| Dimensions | 51.5" W x 14" D x 5" H (1308 x 356 x 127 mm) |
| Weight | 58.4 lb / 25.6 kg |
Design
The Fusion 8HD features an all-metal chassis with plastic endcaps and a built-in power supply. It includes a dedicated sample RAM expansion slot and separate gain controls for the sampler inputs, which are isolated from the multitrack inputs. The front panel has four assignable 360° knobs, modulation and pitch wheels, and inputs for sustain pedal, expression pedal, and assignable footswitch. Effects routing uses insert effects and two bus sends, with highly flexible modulation routing. The unit combines a synthesizer, sampler, and hard disk recorder in one system, with samples loaded into RAM or Flash ROM. The chassis has a rounded bottom and a large 240x128 backlit LCD display for navigation.
Context
The Fusion 8HD was Alesis’s flagship workstation, designed to compete with high-end models from Korg, Roland, and Yamaha. It was discontinued around 2007 and is cited as an example of Alesis’s most innovative and high-end gear. A related model, the Fusion 6HD, shares the same core DSP and components but features a 61-key synth-action keyboard.
Market
The original price was £999 circa 2007. On the used market, it commonly sells for $500–$800 USD. Common problems include power supply failure, screen backlight failure, internal hard drive failure (often replaced with CF/SSD), IDE interface issues, and occasional key response or MIDI bugs. Hard drive and memory upgrades are common, and the screen backlight can be replaced with LEDs.
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