New Virus Range From Access Provides Total Integration

US The Virus TI, more polyphony, waveforms and USB connection 08/11/04

The all-new Virus TI keyboard

Buying Choices

Affilliate Links help support the site

Access Music s Virus range has a pedigree, that few could deny, they provide beefy analog sound with quality effects and performance based interfaces. The new Virus TI range has been the result of a totally redesigned DSP engine platform, giving more synthesis power from the new dual DSP chips. Additionally, a large white graphic display shows multiple parameters at the same time which can be edited using three Soft Knobs. Keyboard models feature an illuminated logo on the I/O panel (it looks great, and even pulses in sync with the tempo for real posing value).

The Virus TI Polar

Also new in the hardware, a Tap Tempo button helps live VIRUS musicians stay in sync with drummers and turntablists using a sophisticated algorithm based on Access’ SyncXtreme technology. New synth features include greatly increased polyphony (up to 80 voices), 2 new oscillator types, a per-patch programmable arpeggiator, 16×2 delay/reverb fx, embedded singles in multi mode, and much more. The new TI products link to your computer with VIRUSControl™, a companion software product which ports the hardware synth into a host sequencer for use as a sample-accurate VST/AU instrument, simultaneously offering 2-way audio and MIDI connectivity, control surface functionality, editor and librarian functions, and more.

The Virus TI Desktop

A scalable USB link connects the VIRUS to a Mac or PC for total integration of synth and studio. The VIRUSControl™ plug-in automatically detects and connects the synth, ensuring a hassle-free configuration every time. From inside a host application, the plug-in enables the new VIRUS hardware to appear as a multi-channel VST/AU soft-synth with up to 4 sub-mixes (or 2 × stereo). Access’ proprietary driver technology makes VIRUS TI the world’s first hardware synthesizer with sample-accuracy timing and a delay-compensated audio/MIDI connection. Interconnectivity also provides a real benefit in the software sequencer environment. All multi-timbral sounds and settings used for a project are stored within it with the plug-in, for snapshot ‹‹total recall›› plus editor and librarian functions with no SysEx or 3rd party software hassles. The new VIRUS hardware is also well-equipped to capitalize on the power of Total Integration. With 24-bit 192KHz balanced analog, S/PDIF I/O and MIDI in and out ports, the new VIRUS is well-suited for use as the main audio and MIDI I/O center for your entire rig. These functions are especially practical for the laptop studio, offering an unmatched range of features and capabilities from one product. Additionally, a new ‹‹Remote Mode›› allows the VIRUS hardware to become a control surface for any MIDI-capable device or software, mapping each of the 33 knobs to a specific MIDI message. TI ships with a great selection of templates and includes 32-user memories for custom controller maps. It’s a powerful addition that greatly increases the value of the synth’s studio footprint. According to Access, the sound is "phenomenal", though one would expect to take any manufacturers claim with a pinch of marketing dust, the Virus range has always sounded good so it's likely that they are not exaggerating. NEW FEATURES
We'll quote Access directly here -as they are clearly stoked about this new range and put it rather well.
HyperSaw™. This taps up to 9 parallel sawtooth oscillators (plus 9 optional subs) for colossal classic layers. The number of voices can be changed smoothly in realtime. Surprisingly, HyperSaw doesn’t require additional power or reduce your polyphony! With 9 main plus subs per voice, the VIRUS TI can play over 1800 oscillators in realtime! Now imagine Access’ award winning filters, including MiniMoog cascade emulation, on raw, pulsating WaveTables or insanely fat HyperSaws. With these new features, the Virus has never sounded better! The Mod Matrix has also been expanded to 6 sources with three destinations each (18 routings total) for greater real-time control and patch programming freedom. The new ‹‹Knob Quantize Mode›› syncs the effect of real-time or sequenced parameter changes to a pre-selected clock interval. Changes are updated on the selected pulse and held until the next, resulting in staggered parameter movements like those produced by a step sequencer. New and existing Virus owners will love the addition of a programmable arpeggiator! Users can create and store their own rhythmic pattern in every patch. Enhanced with new power and resources, Multi Mode now embeds 16 patches for self-contained sounds you can tweak and transform without overwriting your singles or affecting other Multi programs. Use it to build impressive layers, splits, or poly-arps for performance or recording. A mode for use with sequencers is also provided, emulating the classic Multi which loads sounds from within the single banks. In either case, the complete sound engine is always available to each Multi part, including dedicated delay and separate reverb fx for all 16 sounds. In effect, the full VIRUS TI single modes is replicated 16 times! Inside, a new Dual-DSP core delivers stellar performance with super-low latency. TI also employs studio-grade converters with 192 Khz/24-bit D/A. These are paired with +4 dB balanced inputs and outputs and a switchable ‹‹soft limiting›› algorithm, and accompanied by S/PDIF digital stereo output and input as well. The onboard USB port is compatible with USB 2 specifications and works with USB and Hi-Speed USB devices and peripherals. For easy access to all these new jacks, the entire I/O panel of the TI desktop model can be rotated 90 degrees so the interface is on the rear panel. The 4U Rack mounting kit is also included with the desktop model. Last but certainly not least, the onboard memory has been drastically expanded: 512 RAM patches and 2048 (rewritable) ROM patches plus space for 16 ‹‹self-contained›› Multi Mode programs described above. All these new numbers add up to one hell of a synthesizer. Well three actually! THREE NEW MODELS
The VIRUS TI Line is comprised of three different models which all share the same technology inside for identical soft specifications. Products are expected to ship in December 2004. THE VIRUS TI DESKTOP (EURO 1800 incl. 16% VAT) comes with mahogany styled wooden sides, flip-back I/O panel and 4U rackmounting kit. THE VIRUS TI KEYBOARD (EURO 2350 incl. 16% VAT) features 61 semi-weighted keys with velocity and aftertouch sensitivity, mahogany styled wooden sides and a bright, illuminated logo on the back. THE VIRUS TI PØLAR (EURO 2350 incl. 16% VAT) All white including frosty white LEDs, stylish aluminium sides, an illuminated logo at the back, with a block of solid walnut visible beneath the keyboard. For more information:

www.virus-ti.com

Access Social