Solid State Logic SSL 2 Audio MIDI Interface Instructions

The Fusion by Solid State Logic is a high-quality audio
processor designed to add analog warmth and character to your
digital audio workstation (DAW) recordings. It features SSL’s
renowned Violet EQ, Vintage Drive, HF Compressor, Stereo LMC,
Stereo Image Transformer, and various color circuits to enhance
your audio signals.

Product Usage Instructions

Setup and Hardware Overview

Before connecting Fusion to your setup, carefully unpack the
device and review the safety notices provided in the user manual.
Ensure proper rack mounting, heat dissipation, and ventilation for
optimal performance.

Hardware Overview

The Fusion unit consists of a front panel and rear panel. The
front panel includes various controls for input trim, EQ,
compressors, and color circuits. The rear panel features connectors
for audio input/output, power, and additional settings.

Connecting Fusion

Depending on your setup, you can connect Fusion to an audio
interface using it as a hardware insert or integrate it with an
analog desk or summing mixer for added processing capabilities.
Follow the provided setup examples in the user manual for detailed
instructions.

Start Me Up! Tutorial

The tutorial section guides you through the initial setup of
Fusion, including adjusting input trim levels, utilizing color
circuits, applying EQ, compression, and exploring various
processing options available on the device.

Troubleshooting & FAQ’s

Refer to the troubleshooting section for assistance with common
issues that may arise during product usage. For additional
questions, check the FAQ section below.

FAQ

Q: How do I change the mains voltage of Fusion?

A: Refer to Appendix E in the user manual for detailed
instructions on changing the mains voltage from 115V to 230V or
vice versa.

Q: What is the warranty coverage for Fusion?

A: The warranty information, including coverage details and
terms, can be found in the user manual under the “Warranty”
section.

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www.solid-state-logic.co.jp
FUSION
User Guide
Fusion. This is SSL.

Visit SSL at: www.solidstatelogic.com
© Solid State Logic
All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions
SSL® and Solid State Logic® are ® registered trademarks of Solid State Logic. FusionTM is a trademark of Solid State Logic.
TBProAudioTM is a trade mark of TB-Software GbR. All other product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are hereby acknowledged.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, whether mechanical or electronic,without the written permission of Solid State Logic, Oxford, OX5 1RU, England.
As research and development is a continual process, Solid State Logic reserves the right to change the features and specifications described herein without notice or obligation.
Solid State Logic cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from any error or omission in this manual.
PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS, PAY SPECIAL HEED TO SAFETY WARNINGS. E&OE
May 2019 updated January 2021
Initial release Japanese version June 2020 updated December 2023 v1.4.0

The Path To Fusion
SSL 2 / SSL
DAW DAW SSL Fusion
–The Analogue Hit List Fusion 5
“The Analogue Hit List”
#1 – EQ #2 – #3 – #4 – Wet/Dry #5 – #6 –
±9dB SSL EQ VIOLET EQ HF COMPRESSOR VINTAGE DRIVE STEREO IMAGE SSL TRANSFORMER Fusion
Let The Fun Begin…
Fusion Fusion

Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
Features Unpacking Safety Notices Rack Mounting, Heat & Ventilation
Hardware Overview
Front Panel Rear Panel Signal Flow Overview
Setup Examples
Connecting Fusion to an Audio Interface Using Fusion as a Hardware Insert Alternative Setup Option
Connecting Fusion to an Analogue Desk / Summing Mixer
Start Me Up! Tutorial
Input Trim HPF (High-Pass Filter) The 5 (+1!) Colour Circuits Vintage Drive Violet EQ HF Compressor (High Frequency Compressor) Stereo LMC (Listen Mic Compressor) Stereo Image Transformer Stereo Insert Insert (Standard Mode) Insert (M/S Mode) Bypass Modes Bypass (Standard Mode) Bypass (Post I/P Trim) Output Trim Master Meter FRONT PANEL SWITCHES
Settings Mode & Factory Reset
Entering Settings Mode Brightness Relay Feedback Exiting Settings Mode Factory Reset Simon Says Game

1
1 2 2 2
3
3 3 4
5
5 5 5 6
7 8
8 8 9 9 11 12 12 12 13 14
14 14 14 14 15 15
16
16 16 16 16 17 17
Fusion User Guide

Troubleshooting & FAQ’s
UID Display Mode Unique ID (UID) Hardware Revision
Soak Mode Warranty
All returns
Appendix A – Physical Specification
Connectors
Appendix B – Analogue Specification
Audio Performance
Appendix C – System Block Diagram Appendix D – Safety Notices
General Safety Installation Notes Power Safety CE Certification FCC Certification RoHS notice Instructions for disposal of WEEE by users in the European Union Electromagnetic Compatibility Environmental
Appendix E – Selecting Mains Voltage
Changing the fuse from 115V to 230V Changing the fuse from 230V to 115V
Appendix F – Recall Sheet

Contents
18
18 18 18 19 19 19
20
20
21
21
23 24
24 24 24 25 25 25 25 26 26
27
27 28
29

Fusion User Guide

Contents This page is intentionally almost blank Fusion User Guide

Introduction
Introduction
Fusion Fusion 5
Features
SSL5 VINTAGE DRIVE — VIOLET EQ — 2 EQ 4 ±9dB / HF COMPRESSOR — STEREO LMC — STEREO IMAGE — M/S TRANSFORMER CIRCUIT — SSL
SSL VIOLET EQ / /2STEREO IMAGE /
3 (HPF) SuperAnalogueTM INPUT/OUTPUT (±12dB, )
2
INPUT TRIM 3BYPASS LED +27dBu XLR

Fusion User Guide

Introduction
Unpacking ()

Fusion IEC

Safety Notices ()
FusionAppendix D
Fusion230V115V Appendix E
Rack Mounting, Heat & Ventilation ()
Fusion2U19Fusion FusionFusion Fusion

Fusion User Guide

Hardware Overview
Fusion
Front Panel

Hardware Overview

LED

Vintage Drive

HF Compressor

±12dB

Violet EQ 2

–

Rear Panel

IEC AC

Fusion

Fusion User Guide

Hardware Overview
Signal Flow Overview
Appendix C Fusion

HPF

VINTAGE DRIVE

INSERT (Standard)

VIOLET EQ

HF COMPRESSOR

INSERT POINT

STEREO IMAGE

TRANSFORMER

HPF

VINTAGE DRIVE

INSERT (Standard) + Pre EQ

INSERT POINT

VIOLET EQ

HF COMPRESSOR

STEREO IMAGE

TRANSFORMER

HPF

VINTAGE DRIVE

INSERT (M/S Mode)

VIOLET EQ

HF COMPRESSOR

STEREO IMAGE

M/S INSERT POINT

TRANSFORMER

HPF

VINTAGE DRIVE

INSERT (M/S Mode) + Pre EQ

VIOLET EQ

HF COMPRESSOR

M/S INSERT POINT

STEREO IMAGE

TRANSFORMER

Fusion User Guide

Setup Examples
Setup Examples
Connecting Fusion to an Audio Interface (Fusion)
DAWFusion

Using Fusion as a Hardware Insert (Fusion)
1. 3 412
2. 34FusionLR 3. FusionLR34 4. DAWFusion

Alternative Setup Option ()
DAWFusion
1. 3412
2. DAW/3412
3. 34FusionLR 4. FusionLR12 5. 12REC/
12() 6. Fusion

Fusion User Guide

Setup Examples
Connecting Fusion to an Analogue Desk / Summing Mixer
(Fusion/) FusionFusionSSL
1. /Fusion 2. Fusion/ 3. FusionG 4. GFusion

Fusion User Guide

Start Me Up!
Start Me Up!
5
Fusion INPUT TRIM VINTAGE DRIVE 3 LED INPUT TRIM DRIVE HF THRESHOLD OUTPUT TRIM

“Mix Bus Mojo”

“Expensive Vocals”

“Aggressive Bass”

Fusion User Guide

Tutorial

O/L

Fusion+ 27dBuLRLED

Input Trim

INPUT TRIM Fusion±12dB12 Fusion 0 INPUT TRIM 2dB 4dB FusionINPUT TRIM VINTAGE DRIVE

HPF ()
18 dB /oct 430 Hz40 Hz50 HzOFF30Hz 40Hz50Hz

HPF Plots – OFF, 30Hz, 40Hz, 50Hz. 8

Fusion User Guide

Tutorial
The 5 Colour Circuits
Fusion5 IN
Vintage Drive
VINTAGE DRIVE SSL
DRIVE VINTAGE DRIVE 111 VINTAGE DRIVE 3LED LED LED
DENSITY 3 2 3 3 3 / RMS37
VINTAGE DRIVE DRIVE DENSITY VINTAGE DRIVE DRIVE INPUT TRIM
1 : DENSITY MIN MAX OUTPUT TRIM
2 : DRIVE 5DENSITY 5 DRIVE
3 : DENSITY MIN DRIVE DENSITY 2

Fusion User Guide

Tutorial Example of additional harmonics generated using a 1kHz tone. (‘Low’ Density)

Example of additional harmonics generated using a 1kHz tone. (‘High’ Density)

VINTAGE DRIVE bypassed.

VINTAGE DRIVE engaged.

Density Max RMS

Fusion User Guide

Violet EQ

Tutorial
VIOLET EQ S S L E Q E Q LOW 30Hz50Hz70Hz90Hz HIGH 8kHz12kHz16kHz20kHz12 0dB±9dB

Maximum Gain plots of Violet EQ – 30 Hz, 50 Hz, 70 Hz and 90 Hz.

Maximum Gain plots of Violet EQ – 8 kHz, 12 kHz, 16 kHz and 20 kHz.

Fusion User Guide

Tutorial
HF Compressor (High Frequency Compressor)
THRESHOLD X-OVER
THRESHOLD +2dBX-OVER 15kHz HF 3 LED
VIOLET EQ HF COMPRESSOR
LMC ()
HF HF Compressor IN 5LMC IN / / LMC X-OVER `WET/DRY’ —
SSL LMC (Listen Mic Compressor) SSL 4000 ” “80 ‘In The Air Tonight’ LMC LMC
Stereo Image
STEREO IMAGE Fusion Mid-Side Mid-Side Mid SideWIDTH SPACE SPACE +4dB SPACE +2dB +4dB

Fusion User Guide

Tutorial
Transformer
Fusion SSL 60011 Fusion +16dBu 40Hz 30Hz 0.5dB
Typical Low Frequency Rolloff of Transformer with +16dBu on input.

Fusion User Guide

Tutorial
Stereo Image
Insert (Standard Mode)
Fusion SSL G INSERT PRE EQ VIOLET EQ
Insert (M/S Mode)
INSERT 2 Left Insert Send Return MidRight Insert Send Return Side PRE EQ
Bypass Modes
Bypass (Standard Mode)
BYPASS Fusion BYPASS Fusion
Bypass (Post I/P Trim)
BYPASS 2 POST INPUT TRIM INPUT TRIM INPUT TRIM
Output Trim
OUTPUT TRIM Fusion ±12dB 12 0dB

Fusion User Guide

Tutorial
Output Trim
3 Fusion dBu +24dBu Fusion A/D
BYPASS
FRONT PANEL SWITCHES ()
Fusion M/S 16

Fusion User Guide

Settings Mode & Factory Reset

Settings Mode & Factory Reset
() Fusion Fusion

Entering Settings Mode ()
TRANSFORMER BYPASS

Brightness
5 VINTAGE DRIVE IN VIOLET EQ IN
VINTAGE DRIVE IN VIOLET EQ ()
: LEDVINTAGE DRIVE HF COMPRESSOR LED
Relay Feedback
INSERT IN
If INSERT . If INSERT

Exiting Settings Mode ()
BYPASS

Fusion User Guide

Settings Mode & Factory Reset
Factory Reset
FusionVINTAGE DRIVE IN BYPASS

VINTAGE DRIVE

Simon Says Game
Simon Says LED4 IN

VINTAGE DRIVE

VIOLET EQ HF COMPRESSOR STEREO WIDTH

BYPASS x1x102LED6LED 262LED

1. BYPASS 2. 4IN 3. 44
4.

Fusion User Guide

Troubleshooting & FAQ’s
Troubleshooting & FAQ’s
Solid State Logic Website ( https://solidstatelogic.zendesk.com/hc/en-us )
Fusion SSL https://www.solid-state-logic.co.jp/
UID Display Mode (UID)
UID ( ID) UID LED PRE EQ BYPASS

Unique ID (UID)
UID 5 UID LED LED

0 LEDs on current digit is 0

1 LED on current digit is 1

2 LEDs on current digit is 2

…

VINTAGE DRIVE VIOLET EQ HF COMPRESSOR STEREO WIDTH

Hardware Revision ()
UID PRE EQ ( LED )

0 LEDs on 1 LED on 2 LEDs on …

current digit is 0 current digit is 1 current digit is 2 …

BYPASS

Fusion User Guide

Troubleshooting & FAQ’s
Soak Mode ()
LED LED INSERT BYPASS

HPF “OFF” LED OFF .
BYPASS
Warranty ()
SSL SSL
12
All returns ()
RMA (Return to Manufacturer Authorisation ) SSL

Fusion User Guide

Appendix A
Appendix A – Physical Specification

Depth
Height Width Power Unboxed Weight Boxed Size Boxed Weight

303mm / 11.9 inches (chassis only) 328mm / 12.9 inches (total including front panel controls) 88.9mm / 3.5inches (2 RU)
480mm / 19 inches 50 Watts maximum, 40 Watts typical 5.86kg / 12.9lbs 550mm x 470mm x 225mm (21.7″ x 18.5″ x 8.9″) 9.6kg / 21.2lbs

Note:

Connectors

Fusion User Guide

Appendix B – Analogue Specification

Audio Performance ()

– : 50

– : 100k

–

: 1kHz

–

: 0dBu

–

: (22 Hz to 22 kHz) RMS dBu

– : THD 1%

–

±0.5 dB 5%

Appendix B

Measurement Input Impedance Output Impedance Max Input Level Max Output Level Frequency Response
THD+Noise

Conditions
1% THD 1% THD All circuits off
– 20Hz to 20kHz All circuits off
– +20dBu, 1kHz (filter 22Hz to 22kHz)
Bypass – +20dBu, 1kHz (filter 22Hz to 22kHz)

Value 10k 75 27.5 dBu 27.5 dBu
– ±0.05dB
– < 0.01
– < 0.01

Fusion User Guide

Appendix B

This page is intentionally almost blank

Fusion User Guide

Appendix C – System Block Diagram

Appendix C

Fusion User Guide

Appendix D
Appendix D – Safety Notices
General Safety
– – – – – – – – – AC
– – – – – – SSL
Installation Notes
– 19 – – 1U –

:
Power Safety ()
– – AC125V2.0A – 3 IEC 320 – 4.5m – PSE
– –

Fusion User Guide

Appendix D

GB DEN FIN NOR SWE

The apparatus shall be connected to mains socket outlets with a protective earthing connection. Apparatets stikprop skal tilsluttes en stikkontakt med jord, som giver forbindelse tilstikproppens jord. Laite on liitettävä suojamaadoituskoskettimilla varustettuun pistorasiaan. Apparatet må tilkoples jordet stikkontakt. Apparaten skall anslutas till jordat uttag.

ATTENTION! This unit has a selectable fuse for 115 Vac and 230 Vac operation, situated next to the mains inlet. When changing the fuse always disconnect the unit from the mains outlet and only replace with the correct value of fuse. Refer to the User Guide for further details.

WARNING! Un-earthed metal parts may be present inside the enclosure. No user-serviceable parts inside – to be serviced only by qualified personnel. When servicing disconnect all power sources before removing any panels.

CE Certification
Fusion is CE compliant. Note that any cables supplied with SSL equipment may be fitted with ferrite rings at each end. This is to comply with the current regulations and these ferrites should not be removed.

FCC Certification
– Do not modify this unit! This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions contained in the installation manual, meets FCC requirements.
– Important: This product satisfies FCC regulations when high quality shielded cables are used to connect with other equipment. Failure to use high quality shielded cables or to follow the installation instructions may cause magnetic interference with appliances such as radios and televisions and will void your FCC authorisation to use this product in the USA.
– This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

RoHS notice
Solid State Logic complies with and this product conforms to European Union’s Directive 2011/65/EU on Restrictions of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) as well as the following sections of California law which refer to RoHS, namely sections 25214.10, 25214.10.2, and 58012, Health and Safety Code; Section 42475.2, Public Resources Code.

Instructions for disposal of WEEE by users in the European Union
The symbol shown here, which is on the product or on its packaging, indicates that this product must not be disposed of with other waste. Instead, it is the user’s responsibility to dispose of their waste equipment by handing it over to a designated collection point for recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment. The separate collection and recycling of your waste equipment at the time of disposal will help to conserve natural resources and ensure that it is recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment. For more information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city office, your household waste disposal service or where you purchased the product.

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

Fusion User Guide

Appendix D
Evaluation of apparatus based on altitude not exceeding 2000m. There may be some potential safety hazard if the apparatus is operated at altitude exceeding 2000m.
Evaluation of apparatus based on temperate climate conditions only. There may be some potential safety hazard if the apparatus is operated in tropical climate conditions.
Electromagnetic Compatibility
EN 55032:2015, Environment: Class A, EN 55103-2:2009, Environments: E2 – E4.
Audio input and output ports are screened cable ports and any connections to them should be made using braid-screened cable and metal connector shells in order to provide a low impedance connection between the cable screen and the equipment.
WARNING: Operation of this equipment in a residential environment could cause radio interference.
Environmental ()
+1 30 -20 50

Fusion User Guide

Appendix E
Appendix E – Selecting Mains Voltage
Fusion has a linear power supply and therefore needs to be manually switched to operate with either a 230V or 115V power suppy. The AC mains fuse is located on the rear panel next to the AC mains connector. The orientation of the main fuse cartridge will dictate the operational voltage; this can be either 230V or 115V AC power. The operational value of the fuse is displayed through a slot on the fastening that holds the fuse in place (as shown).
Note: Only one fuse is supplied with Fusion. Each operational voltage requires a different fuse: 230V – Current Rating 500mA, Voltage Rating 250 V AC, Body Material Glass(LBC), Size 5mmx20mm 115V – Current Rating 1A, Voltage Rating 250 V AC, Body Material Glass(LBC), Size 5mmx20mm
Changing the fuse from 115V to 230V
1. Remove the IEC power cable from the IEC socket.
2. Remove the fastening by leveraging a flat-head screwdriver in the slot at the top of the fuse panel.
3. Remove the fuse cartridge, then remove the small metal link plate. Place the link plate on the opposite side of the fuse cartridge (you will need to remove the fuse to do this).
4. Place the new fuse in the vacant slot on the opposite side of the fuse cartridge.
5. Re-orientate the fuse cartridge 180 degrees and reposition it so that the alternate operating voltage value is displayed through the slot in the fastening. Re-seal the fastening, reconnect the IEC power cable, and switch the unit on.

Fusion User Guide

Appendix E
Changing the fuse from 230V to 115V
1. Remove the IEC power cable from the IEC socket. 2. Remove the fastening by leveraging a flat-head screwdriver in the slot at the top of the fuse panel. 3. Remove the fuse cartridge, then remove the small metal link plate. Place the link plate on the opposite side of the fuse cartridge (you will need to remove the fuse to do this).
4. Place the new fuse in the vacant slot on the opposite side of the fuse cartridge.
5. Re-orientate the fuse cartridge 180 degrees and reposition it so that the alternate operating voltage value is displayed through the slot in the fastening. Re-seal the fastening, reconnect the IEC power cable, and switch the unit on.

Fusion User Guide

Appendix F – Recall Sheet

Appendix F

Fusion User Guide

www.solid-state-logic.co.jp
Fusion. This is SSL.

Documents / Resources

Solid State Logic SSL 2 Audio MIDI Interface [pdf] Instructions
SSL 2, SSL 5, SSL 2 Audio MIDI Interface, SSL 2, Audio MIDI Interface, MIDI Interface, Interface

References

User Manual

SSL 2 Audio MIDI Interface

Specifications

Product Information

Product Usage Instructions

Setup and Hardware Overview

Hardware Overview

Connecting Fusion

Start Me Up! Tutorial

Troubleshooting & FAQ’s

FAQ

Q: How do I change the mains voltage of Fusion?

Q: What is the warranty coverage for Fusion?

Documents / Resources

References

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