|
Post by derekf on Apr 19, 2007 5:04:27 GMT
Hi I'm Derek from Christchurch New Zealand. Have been mucking around with synths since they were invented, but have been out of the loop for a while. My last is a QS6 which I've had for some time, but found the smaller keyboard and touch uninspiring. Started researching a replacement and found the fusion on line. Have yet to see one for real, but sounds from what I have read an awesome machine. Am off to London in June so should be able to try one there if not before. Any other users in NZ? and tips for best place to buy. I am tempted by the cheap US prices but then will have no service in NZ. Have bought electronic drum parts from US before, so am not averse to international purchases, but just a bit wary with something as complex as a synth. Hope to be a happy owner in the not too distant future and will be a regular reader and hopefully contributer to this forum. Derek
|
|
|
Post by mstsfreak on Apr 19, 2007 13:51:26 GMT
Welcome on board!!
|
|
|
Post by shaggyclown on Apr 19, 2007 20:51:40 GMT
Welcome.
|
|
|
Post by valiant on Apr 20, 2007 21:40:25 GMT
Hi Derek,
I am a user of the Fusion 6HD, living near Melbourne, Australia. I bought my Fusion directly from the US, because the price in Australia at the time was exorbitant (US$1000 compared to AU$5200). The price in Australia has since come down. However, I've found that I have 2 issues with the Fusion that I bought, one of which no-one at Alesis US or Alesis Australia seems to have ever come across. That isssue is: Some of the internal circuitry in my Fusion seems to heat up when it has been turned on for a while and I then find that the velocity response of the keys change so that the keyboard no longer respond to velocities below 30 or so, which means you can no longer play soft expressive piano-patches, for example.
I also found out that Alesis authorised service centre in Australia (Electric Factory, located in Melbourne) and Alesis in the US are not on the most amicable terms (I think that Electric Factory here in Australia feels they are getting no support or cooperation from Alesis in US), which means that I am definitely on my own here in Australia, when it comes to any technical issues with a Fusion I bought in the US (whether they be warranty issues or non-warranty issues).
I hope the situation is better in New Zealand, because, I have yet to find anyone here in Australia (incl. the Alesis authorised service centre - Electric Factory) which knows the Fusion well enough to undertake repair work.
By the way, the second issue I have with my Fusion is that when the unit has been turned on for while, spontaneous filter setting changes take place. Again, this makes live use of the Fusion very tricky.
I prefer to think that I simply was unlucky in getting a defect unit.
Other than that, I still think there is a bug in the current OS (ver 1.24), relating to the use of expression pedal, that Alesis is still to address, because again, that makes live use of the unit tricky.
Apart from the above issues, I think the Fusion is an amazing unit for the price.
Regards,
|
|
|
Post by derekf on Apr 22, 2007 18:23:46 GMT
Thanks for your reply, certainly some food for thought. Will certainly check out the servicing side before I do anything, but the temptation to save 3 grand is strong. The question is, if Alesis Australia can't properly service the fusion would you have been much better off buying in Aussie? Would they replace it if it is a dud? probably not I suspect.The money you saved would be some comfort I guess. Any issues with the sequencer? Thanks Derek
|
|
|
Post by valiant on Apr 23, 2007 5:56:27 GMT
Re the sequencer:
I haven't had any issues with the sequencer. Editing works fine. It's not as developed, in some respects, I think as, for example, my Yamaha QS300 (brought out around 1996), which is more developed in the area of pattern based sequencing.
Then again, I have probably not explored all aspects of Fusion sequencer at this stage.
Regards,
|
|
|
Post by derekf on May 23, 2007 2:48:04 GMT
Just sourced a deal at Sweetwater in States which sounds great, works out half the price here, incl freight and taxes. The only thing is they can't supply with NZ power requirements. You would have had the same issue I guess. What was involved to confirm to Aussie power? Can you use an adapter of some sort or do you have to delve in to the works of the board? Thanks Derek
|
|
|
Post by gwenhwyfaer on May 23, 2007 3:09:25 GMT
You should be OK for power - according to the manual the PSU is rated for 100-240v AC, so you should just be able to grab a kettle lead and go.
|
|
|
Post by valiant on May 23, 2007 3:14:59 GMT
Hi Derek, Power supply is something you don't need to worry about as "... the Fusion has an internal power switching supply that automatically adjusts itself to the correct power setting anywhere in the world." (page 19 of the manual.) So that is good news, I think! Valiant
|
|
|
Post by valiant on May 23, 2007 3:27:21 GMT
Hi Derek,
Further to my previous email: I bought a Fusion 6HD directly from U.S. and plugged it straight in with a normal computer power lead and have never had any problems.
|
|
dana
Full Member
Posts: 45
|
Post by dana on May 23, 2007 3:55:00 GMT
Kia Ora Derek! D
|
|
ray
Junior Member
Posts: 86
|
Post by ray on May 23, 2007 5:42:21 GMT
Hey Valiant - interesting to hear from a fellow Aussie. I'm in Sydney, and also looking at buying a 6HD from overseas. Did you have any problem with shipping (who did it ship with?) and/or customs? And may I ask which state-side retailer did you buy from?
Somewhat disheartening to hear the lack of local technical support, as well as the electronic/circuitry-related problems. I do worry a bit whether it could get damaged in postage, especially since it contains something as fragile as a hard disk. Do you think this might be how your problems came about?
|
|
|
Post by derekf on Aug 9, 2007 8:42:38 GMT
Hi Ray, haven't checked the forum for a while but just read your message to Valiant re damage in transit from overseas. I have just a week ago received a fusion from Sweetwater in the States and am very impressed with their service. Delivery was by fedex, could track its progress as it made its way here (Christchurch, NZ) very quickly, less than a week. Was very well packaged. Did have a problem with about 3 bass black keys hitting the casing and making a fairly loud clack. Followed up with Sweetwater, they referred back to Alesis and got the answer within a day or 2. Don't know about customs in Aus, but here it turned out as my import was over $1000NZ i needed a special import number. That held things up a little at this end and of course had to pay GST (12.5% here not your 10%) and some customs fees, but well worthwhile. All up including exchange rates, shipping, GST and fees came to $2,500 compared to $4,500 - $5,000 to buy here. I am very happy with my purchase. Your message was dated May 23 so maybe you have your fusion by now. Anyway all the best Derek
|
|