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Post by valiant on May 12, 2007 6:49:27 GMT
I'm posting the email below to Alesis - Jim Norman, in case others here might be interested in the issues raised here:
Hi Jim Norman,
How do I set up a sample-based 4-oscillator, 4-way velocity switched program, with each oscillator covering its own unique velocity range:
eg. I want to setup a 4-way velocity switched Fender Rhodes as follows:
Oscillator 1: Very Soft Rhodes sample: velocity range: 0 - 35
Oscillator 2: Soft Rhodes sample: velocity range: 36 - 75
Oscillator 3: Hard Rhodes sample: velocity range: 76 - 127
Oscillator 4: Very Hard Rhodes sample: velocity range: 127 - 127
My understanding is that I would have to use the Cross-fade feature in the modulation matrix to do this, but how exactly is this done ?
I realise that it is possible to achieve a 4-way velocity switch using only one oscillator, but would like to know whether the above 4-oscillator program setup can be used to achieve a 4-way split in terms of key velocity. The reason for preferring a 4 oscillator setup rather than a one oscillator setup to achieve a 4-way velocity split, is that 4 oscillator setup would give me much more flexibility in terms of programming or tailor-making a number of other relevant parameters.
I'd also like to provide some relevant feedback re the Fusion tutorials released by Alesis.
Alesis response to the request for tutorials on the Fusion, in my view missed the point, because what Alesis provided was a general discussion of the basics of eg. analog synthesis, on sampling, etc. Such literature can be found elsewhere. What would have addressed the issue raised by several users would have been tutorials that specifically demonstrated how the concepts of analog synthesis, sampling etc. had been applied in the Fusion with examples of how to address common issues, such as, the example issue I have given above.
Another example of what I believe users are looking for is the fairly recently published article in the Keyboard magazine:"10 Tips for the Alesis Fusion" written by, I believe, a Sweetwater employee.
If it turns out Alesis is not prepared to provide such documentation, would it, at least, be able to refer users like me to Fusion "experts" who know the answers to questions such as the above.
Thanks.
Valiant Halborg
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Post by gwenhwyfaer on May 12, 2007 11:40:50 GMT
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Post by mps on May 12, 2007 13:40:00 GMT
First off the heading of Hints and Tips to my way of thinking implies that this is the section to share some know how. Second, the answer to your question appears to be Tip number 9 from the very article in Keyboard that you mentioned. It is basically exactly what Gwen said. As far as Alesis referring you to an expert... ahh...  that's Gwen dude! Gwen ALWAYS knows the answer. I'm not sure if the pissed off tone of your post was intended Valiant. If so it is skirting the "bitching about Alesis" rule at this forum. Please remember that if Alesis were to produce tutorials for every feature in the Fusion you would have a million pages. The complaint is a puzzle to me. I have equipment that cost much more with far worse documentation and no tutorials. It seems that every time Alesis tries to offer support there are those who complain that they didn't give enough. When you get stuck you can always post a question here and somebody will always be along with an answer. Usually Gwen. |
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Post by Hollow Sun on May 12, 2007 13:56:52 GMT
I'll respond on behalf of Jim. I'd also like to provide some relevant feedback re the Fusion tutorials released by Alesis. Alesis response to the request for tutorials on the Fusion, in my view missed the point, because what Alesis provided was a general discussion of the basics of eg. analog synthesis, on sampling, etc. Such literature can be found elsewhere. Yes - but arguably not as well written.  The tutorial on analogue synthesis was cited recently by a Uni lecturer in music tech as one of the best explanations of the principles he has ever read and is using it in his course! They were written from the standpoint that if you can understand the underlying basics, then you can apply that knowledge to Fusion (or, in fact, almost any product using those principles). They were also written because many Fusion users both in fora and in contact with tech support were asking such fundamental questions as "What is a filter?"! Having a solid background in basic principles is far better than being spoon-fed snippets of easy-digest tricks. Ever wondered how those roadside repair call-out services can fix your car when you're stranded? Because they have a thorough understanding of the internal combustion engine 'in principle' and even if they've never seen your particular vehicle before, they can work out how to fix it... because of a general understanding of the essential principles. What would have addressed the issue raised by several users would have been tutorials that specifically demonstrated how the concepts of analog synthesis, sampling etc. had been applied in the Fusion with examples of how to address common issues, such as, the example issue I have given above. A good point. But the example you have given above is just ONE example of a myriad of other permutations and possibilities. It is almost impossible to cover all eventualities - "How to make a bass sound"... what kind of bass sound? What kind of pad? What kind of filter sweep? And so on. Furthermore, such 'how to' explanations would by default include a lot of technical jargon which is meaningless unless you have an understanding of the basics. If you haven't written technical documentation that explain complex concepts in an easily understood manner, you have no idea of the amount of work involved - it's a MAJOR undertaking and very difficult to impart - what? - 20 years of knowledge and experience in a few succint paragraphs. Another example of what I believe users are looking for is the fairly recently published article in the Keyboard magazine:"10 Tips for the Alesis Fusion" written by, I believe, a Sweetwater employee. I don't understand. You are posting in the very area of the Club where there are loads of hints and tips (many of which appeared in the Keyboard magazine article BTW!!!) and which is why I set this area up in the first place - for less experienced users to use as a reference library and for more experienced users to contribute their knowledge and experience. There are already almost 30 tips for the Alesis Fusion here, many of them very useful and which have helped me out on occasions. If it turns out Alesis is not prepared to provide such documentation, would it, at least, be able to refer users like me to Fusion "experts" who know the answers to questions such as the above. The tech support guys do where appropriate. Sorry Valiant, I am not sure of the point you are making, especially addressing it to Jim as an 'open' email kind of thing maybe expecting some 'official' response. All you had to do was ask how to achieve a four-way split! Gwen has already answered it. At the end of the day, manufacturers (not just Alesis) have enough to do and can only spend a finite amount of time and money on support resources. It is also incumbent upon users to learn how to use the products they buy. With respect, it's not unlike a complete newbie buying a guitar, getting it home and then expecting the manufacturer to provide free lessons - we have to seek out our solutions and apply what we find out to our instrument; that just happens to be a bit more difficult with something as complex as a synthesiser (especially one as powerful as Fusion). But you only have to ask here and not expect Alesis to divert more resources into publishing yet more support material for people - with respect - who want it handed to them on a plate. No-one said that learning a new instrument is easy!! Steve |
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Post by valiant on May 13, 2007 0:16:21 GMT
I apologise if I have offended this community and Alesis in my most recent posting, and will take care in my future postings not to do so.
As also pointed out by mps, you are indeed the Fusion expert, gwenhwyfaer ! Thank you for taking the time to address the issue I raised ! I think I owe you by now!
Thanks for you comment, mps. I apologise for coming across as pissed off in my posting.
I do realise that the Fusion is that deep that you would easily end up with a million pages if you tried to produce tutorials for every feature. Hence, I thought that in asking for:
"... examples of common issues, such as, the example issue I have given above." I was asking for something much less unreasonable and unrealistic.
Also, thanks for your comments Steve !
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I (still) do not think that Alesis owe anything to me in terms of providing tutorials or any other assistance in relation to the Fusion, although I can see that my previous posting would clearly seem to do so.
Enough said. Hopefully, it is possible to move on from here.
Regards,
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Post by mps on May 13, 2007 3:11:57 GMT
No problem. You are correct that the Fusion is deep. I often find that I am in over my head. This is always due to the poverty of my comprehension. |
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that's Gwen dude! Gwen ALWAYS knows the answer.
