The Access Virus Synth line - is it still relevant in 2024?

A look into the pros & cons of this well respected synthsizer line, in efforts to determine if it's worth the money in the modern synth world of 2024.
#access
virus
#Virus

[@ElectroPanPipes]

I still want one after years of wanting one.

[@PK-ct1bm]

Do it. I got 2 and I don´t regret one of them.

[@smiljanicn]

Have mine for 13 years, never gona sell it.

[@TechnoAssassin-vx6zf]

I can point you in the direction of a B & C 3mulat0r….IIts called Osirus and yes it works, at least on my M1 mac AU, although its cpu intensive so may not be good for older intel machines. side note, doesnt matter if you use the b or c as they are the same initally but the c added more features but all the features are available on the emulator for either version…..AND…IT IS inditinguishable from the real thing at least to my ears. Videos on youtube on how to set it up. I have a problem though, I just cant stop playing pad sounds on it its that good 🤣

[@ElectroPanPipes]

@@TechnoAssassin-vx6zf Yeah I've just got it yesterday! Crazy good :)

[@PK-ct1bm]

@@TechnoAssassin-vx6zf Have fun, but it is not a TI nor can you use it standalone and dawless, it ain't got an interface.

[@PaulKwitekmusic]

I used it in most of my music and live shows for the past 17 years.. since then I tried other synths and modular in between.. the Virus Ti in my opinion is the best synthesizer ever built.

[@willswitchcraft]

Great to hear...thanks for watching

[@acidgirl.303]

Agreeeeed

[@willswitchcraft]

thanks for the comment

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

agree 100% and I have a lot of modular and other synths. Virus TI2 is a powerhouse. I pray that Kemper develops a modern version someday once he is done with the Kemper amp modeler.

[@willswitchcraft]

I wouldn't hold my breath for Kemper to update software support, but it's a nice thought.....

[@dafunkycanuck]

I love my Access Virus TI2 desktop. I'm using just the slimmest fraction of its potential currently but even that is amazing to me.

[@willswitchcraft]

Nice to find what works for you - I suspect we all use the Virus a little differently.

[@boblove2912]

So there was a simple answer. Yes. End of.

[@jsteed10]

😂😂😂😂

[@antichicmusic]

My Ti Polar 2 is still relevant, and plays many kinds of sound in almost all my tracks. Even midway through a track, I will power it up and it still is able to surprise with unique ideas. I am stuck on a MacBook Pro 2012 Mojave to keep the Ti running.

[@willswitchcraft]

I keep an old MBPro for the exact same thing......thanks for the comment

[@ComposerMichaelDow]

Why not use the mystery islands programmer? It works for most people and is easy to work with. Then you can update your Mac. Or just use it without the USB and use as a normal synth! I guess if it ain't broke don't fix it though! 🙌

[@antichicmusic]

As long as it works I am happy without updating, never change a winning horse I guess 😉@@ComposerMichaelDow

[@andivax]

TI 2 sound designer here. Thank you for using Virus! It's versatile and still relevant for live shows or trance genres. Weak point is bass which is nah in comparison with Moog, Prophet (even Mopho) or Bass Station. In this year we will probably see abandonement of TI series and in this case DSP563000 emulation will be commercially released as TI emulation. About difference in C and TI. The engine is the same. The difference is in DAC which adds colour.

[@willswitchcraft]

Thanks so much for the clarification about the C......I'm always happy when comments fill in the areas I'm ignorant of......

[@ErwinSchrodinger64]

I've created some hard bass analog 303 sounds on the Virus with saw waves. I swear to you, everyone thought I was on a Sequential Prophet or some type of Moog.

[@willswitchcraft]

that doesn't surprise me at all.....thanks

[@M.W.777]

Rock on! I love your patches -- the Virus Ti will never die!!

[@willswitchcraft]

thanks v much

[@chris.dillon]

The holding notes between patches is a big non-obvious one. I have a bunch of custom patches that I've made and a lot of them sustain, have movement and react with the mod wheel. If you sustain a bunch of notes with the pedal and then hold individual keys down as you cycle patches, you can build up some very complex sounds. Then move the mod wheel, they all react from their own mod matrices. On top of that, the Virus has almost a compressor or limiter built-in which sounds really great. I made a patch called BOOM which (accidentally) is the loudest patch I've ever created in my life. It's just an explosion and I don't know how I made it. If I build up a complex sound like I said above and then hit BOOM, the limiter pushes all the other sounds down in a really interesting way. It never clips and it sounds great. The virus was an early synth purchase for me and I didn't realize how lucky of a choice it was as I've tried others since.

[@willswitchcraft]

great insights...........

[@ComposerMichaelDow]

Yes it has a soft limiter built in to protect your speakers (and ears!)

[@willswitchcraft]

Glad to hear that - (never used it myself)

[@deadlinkofficialartst5592]

@@willswitchcraft i have the moog grandmother ngl and more

[@mutantmanfred]

I have owned a Virus Ti for a year. Great synth. Beautiful sounds and great possibilities of programming and creating your own sounds. Thanks for the videos about Virus!

[@willswitchcraft]

thanks for watching.....hope you continue to enjoy your Virus

[@glenrobertson2556]

Excellent video Will nice to see your channel taking off

[@stanbekker]

It will always be relevant, it always delivers and it is very versatile. The swiss army knife of synths! Get one while you can still find them, the TI 1 (one) is a lot of bang for the buck second hand. TI 1 (one) is the exact same sound engine as the TI 2, only difference is that TI 2 is 20% more voices. Virus A/B/C (older series) is also worth it! Thanks for the video, always like it when people talk about the Virus series. I always show every musician and producer I meet the Virus and many have heard of it but never tried it themselves, always nice to see their reaction. I find the Elektron Octatrack + Virus TI is a very interesting compact portable hardware setup; you can get 8 midi tracks sequenced out of the Octatrack (that is 8 different Virus patches) + the 8 audio tracks of the Octatrack itself. Well, have a nice day Will, looking forward to more Virus content lol

[@willswitchcraft]

Yeah, great synths.....all of them

[@andregodfrey559]

There was another synthesizer did similar the Accelerator.

[@willswitchcraft]

interesting, thanks

[@moe47988]

@@willswitchcraft Your question was flawed from the start, synths that make good sounds never go "irrelevant" unless we stop listening to music.

[@willswitchcraft]

If you read some of the comments, you'll see that my question is not 'flawed'........especially since there are now softsynths which reproduce these same sounds.....................(not that I see anything to suggest that your opinion has any merit)

[@RemixSample]

Learned a lot in this video. Thanks for sharing!

[@willswitchcraft]

thanks

[@Avesta.]

Great video, it's always amazed me how regardless of the time that has passed, or how many different synthesizers have come and gone from my studio, two synths always remain as a sort of backbone even when they barely (if ever) interface with any of the newer computers...my Virus and my Blofeld. Most people wouldn't put the words "soul" and "digital" in the same sentence but those two synths have soul...and if you have ever had them in your studio you absolutely notice their absence when you remove them.

[@willswitchcraft]

Agreed. I had a Blo and loved it (finally got sick of the encoders dying, but it sounded amazing)

[@s28music]

Thanks for your vids on the Access Virus. I just ordered a used TI Snow & you've been a big help already. 👍

[@willswitchcraft]

So glad to be of service.................They're still very amazing sounding synths - glad you found one........

[@montespitz8558]

Still own a virus as my midi sequencing destination of my elektron devices DT and OT and its just perfectly fitting for that, mapped most important stuff for modulation in midi arangement on the elektrons and use the virus in multi mode to deliver 16 parts of sounds while the others deliver live percussion and Drums or samples. Best thing to have around and best thing for live performance in terms of reliability and sturdyness so that i dont have to worry something breaks. even made my own rackmounted kickstands so that i can take the ti2 dektop out of the case i can stand and angle it up. awesome. great videa thank you man!

[@willswitchcraft]

thanks for your response.........I appreciate it! Sounds like you're really using all it's strengths

[@Nunchuckstraberry]

Thank you so much for these videos!! I am currently in the market for an a,b, or c and indigos 1 or 2. The earlier pre ti versions have worse converters that I think add to the sound and character of these units. I still think that they will be relevant till the end of the world because Cristoph Kemper really is the dsp god and a lot of other va synths and vsts don’t exactly cover the magic that the viruses had in my opinion.

[@willswitchcraft]

awesome......thanks for adding your comment.

[@FoundationMCR]

I found that once the mystery islands/ aura updated, the software has been running really well with my TI. I also installed it when I first bought it and it worked just fine. Just for the record!

[@EnviroDouglas]

I had a 61 key whiteout. Sold it to get the 37 key TI2 Dark. I prefer hardware synths to software after delving into the box. Great video! I wish Kemper would release a new model. Happy New Year!

[@willswitchcraft]

Keeping our fingers crossed for a new Virus from Kemper, but I'm not optimistic

[@derrickaf1]

Excellent and important information for TI Virus owners:)! Thank you...

[@willswitchcraft]

Appreciate that , thanks

[@juliebabygirl]

I have both the Virus B desktop & the Ti2 Polar keyboard, and they sound amazing, even in 2024, and will forever on :)

[@willswitchcraft]

I'd be really curious to know how different those sound, when the same patch is loaded into both. I've heard some really conflicting reports about how different the B sounds

[@SIAKPHDLIVE]

Yes. The answer is yes. Keep up the good work!

[@missingdogmusic]

I got a Virus A really cheap early 2020 after not having touched one since 2005. I love the user interface of just having most controls directly accessible for quick sound design. I tend not to use multi mode due to the lower voice count. I use the DSP56300 VST whenever I feel the need for multi or record stuff track-by-track. Might get a newer model eventually if I don't buy a Nord Rack 2X or 3.

[@theeventhorizon-valebridge9512]

The best sounding Access Virus synth for me is the C. The sound changed with the TI series and I found it not so warm, too thin and metallic. I have a secondhand KC and the keyboard has a lovely feel. I had to replace some worn encoders as they were rather wobbly and kept jumping the setting about when moved! Not too difficult a job though. This synth is a keeper.

[@willswitchcraft]

glad to hear your perspective

[@theeventhorizon-valebridge9512]

@@willswitchcraft Glad you used the word perspective and not prospective! So often you hear even professional people getting wrong!

[@willswitchcraft]

Yes, I hear that often, as well as so many other little strange pronunications.

[@roccsterx]

Recently bought a Polar TI2, and I can confirm that the Access software works great in Windows 10. One more thing to consider is that there is still very little out there that sounds as a Virus. Sure you can get close, but sometime close is not enough. Love everything about it, and atm. it is the only HW synth I own😊

[@willswitchcraft]

Glad to hear the confirmation about Windows 10....Thanks........Yeah, it still creates so many awesome sounds, I'm still sold on it. thanks for the comment

[@NukleoNMusik]

Does Access software work in Windows 11?

[@willswitchcraft]

Yes, I've heard that it's still fully supported.

[@NukleoNMusik]

@@willswitchcraft Thanks! It's weird how the Access site doesn't acknowledge Windows 11!

[@willswitchcraft]

it seems they've basically dropped the synth line, and all related info these days......(really sucks)

[@swid_swid_swid]

I bought a TI2 Polar last summer, and I adore it - I don't plan to ever sell it. Sure, it's an abandoned product last updated in 2009, but that could be said for so many classic synths. I've had a few digital hardware synths in my collection - I got rid of my Summit, and my Hydrasynth Explorer covers different territory (plus the smaller form factor makes it unique) - the Virus just covers a niche that I don't really think anybody else does. That said, it is incredibly feature-rich, so it *really* covers that niche exceptionally well. It's also worth mentioning that the keybed is top notch (I do wish it had polyAT, but my understanding is Fatar has only recently developed a polyAT keybed). If I had to narrow my synth collection down to one, first I would cry, but second, I think the Virus would likely be right at the top of my list - it would probably be a battle between it and my Take 5 (do I get to keep my v synths in this hypothetical situation? :D ).

[@willswitchcraft]

Do you own multiple Roland 'V-Synths' ?, ...or I'm assuming that you mean your V(irtual) synths? I hear you. The Virus really holds it's own, even after all these years.............

[@carlosmedrano7005]

Omg I’ve had my virus ti2 for 4years and barely touch it because it’s confusing to program to me. I am a house music producer and was hoping to get House music type piano sounds (punchy organs etc). Is there a website where someone can purchase sound kits for the ti? I don’t want to give it up but I cant get the sounds I need from it. Edited to add: I bought my ti2 from guitar center and it only has sounds up to rom D. The rest of the roms onward are empty. Should there be factory sounds? Is there a place to download to rest of the roms? Any help is appreciated

[@willswitchcraft]

It sounds to me like you clearly purchased the wrong piece of gear for what you're doing. Sell it, and you be able to buy something more suitable for a lot less........

[@pauljeavons8878]

Access made a few overstatements at the beginning but one sound on its own is all is needed. The creamy phaser is wonderful. The eq gives upfront presence. Had mine for many years and still use it alot.

[@willswitchcraft]

thanks for weighing in......

[@vjrei]

A Virus Ti2 is like having 16 Roland JP-8080. And is way better than having any of the new Waldorf. I have a Ti2 Desktop and I use it as my audio interface for my studio monitors. I have a Waldorf Pulse which is an analog module with no effects and I run it through the Ti2 and use the effects of the Virus which are massive. I have a bunch of VSTs in Ableton and Logic Pro, everything runs through the Virus. I have several synths in racks: Waldorf Q, XT, two JP-8080, Korg Radias, Waldorf Pulse, Quasimidi Polymorph and an Emu Proteus. in keyboards I have a Roland D-50, D-70, Quasimidi Variator, Roland JD-800, MC-505, Peavey DPM3, Ena Emax II and an ASR-10 in rack. And the best sounding one is the Virus. Then the D-50, the Pulse, the Q and XT, the D-70. The Radias, the JPs, and the least the Morpheus. Everybody needs to have a Virus. It is not just an amazing synth, it is an amazing tool.

[@willswitchcraft]

What an awesome collection

[@DrDAAD]

I had A Virus Snow. I wanted for years! Absolutely loved it! As long as a Juno 60 or 106, for instance, will remain relevant I see no reason Virus series would not! This is just as great for what it is as all analog old classics are, in my opinion. Unfortunately, another...virus changed my life (too) and I had to sell it. As well as some other hardware synths. I am not playing live much and for studio I am now using soft plug ins because I am traveling and it is more practical this way. But in a perfect world... Great video, tough!

[@willswitchcraft]

thanks for your input................

[@Toronto_EMOM]

Your Virus videos are really great, and helpful. And now that Access has made the official decision to not make any more, I think your channel will become even more important now with these great tips. Thanks

[@willswitchcraft]

Cool...thanks for the supportive comment

[@johnsch8634]

As someone who's never owned a Virus, I still think the whole series was excellent. It had a good sound and interface from the beginning, so even though we now have things vastly superior in processing power and "sound quality" they can never make it sound bad. I mean we still bang on things with sticks and that's a technology so old it probably predates humans and nobody is going to tell you percussion instruments aren't relevant in 2024.

[@willswitchcraft]

True - drums, shakers, even brass bells.......thousands of years old and still really well used

[@spacep0d]

Does the TI connection/software work in Windows 11? I don't think I want to downgrade to Windows 10.

[@willswitchcraft]

I think it does work on W11

[@treschlet]

I had a kB way back in the day and I sold it cause I needed the money and wasn't really using it. But now that I'm getting back into electronic music production I miss it

[@earlsfield]

Yes. Nothing sounds like Virus TI.

[@willswitchcraft]

agreed

[@lucasmartinez4248]

Thanks a lot for the information! Been considering the TI2 for a while now but the incompatibility with recent macbooks seems like a thing to check more before buying...

[@willswitchcraft]

true....thanks

[@jclark521]

I bought a Virus C when it first came out, and still use it today. The only issue I had was that the battery needed replacing which I did myself. Access emailed me the sound banks which I loaded back in, and was good to go. Amazing synth.. great sounds, easy to use, looks & feels great.

[@willswitchcraft]

thanks for adding that......always great to hear the perspective of Virus owners (not just people interested but uninformed)

[@achimwasp]

Could you tell me which battery exactly I would need for my Virus C? The banks I still have somewhere on my harddrives.

[@willswitchcraft]

Wish I could help you with that, but I don't know the answer. I'd try contacting someone on the Virus Users Forum, and if you don't get an answer quick enough, call a repair shop that does work on Virus synths. They'll know.

[@achimwasp]

@@willswitchcraft Thank you! I found out by some deeper googling - it's a simple CR2032, available in every supermarket. There's even a video here that shows the process in detail.

[@willswitchcraft]

Good to hear.....the 2032 have been very common in many synths for decades, and yeah, you can find them everywhere................Glad you've found a solution.

[@tyranic1]

I've had my Virus C for over fifteen years and it's still a match for sound with most of today's synths hard or software. I have other hardware that i have held on to, Roland jd-xa, Minilogue xd, Motif es, and Dreadbox typhon. The only thing that a virus can't match is the analogue filters of the jd-xa and probably other analogue polysynths. I'm still in love with it though and i will never let it go.

[@willswitchcraft]

Nice list of synths....thanks for commenting

[@newtype-tv]

I covetted the Virus C when it came out but never thought I'd be a position to own one. Last year I finally managed to buy a Virus TI2 and absolutely love it. Im still getting to grips with it and sound design in general, are you available to hire for that kind of help?

[@willswitchcraft]

I don't have a very good set up for helping tech people about the Virus, as I've recently replaced my Ti desktop with a Snow, which fits into my set up better but has very few front panel controls.....thanks for watching

[@newtype-tv]

@@willswitchcraft I appreciate you taking the time to respond and no worries, thanks for all the content.

[@willswitchcraft]

Thanks

[@Themozartthug]

No one seems to be able to answer me Can I write midi in on my daw and the snyth will play it back? Or do I have to play it on keys and record it into audio I dont care about the software....I want to be able to play with kobs

[@willswitchcraft]

Yes, you can just assign different tracks in your DAW to different MIDI channels, and then use the Virus as a mutli-channel sound module......you will just have to assign the different patches to different outputs, if you want to take audio directly out of the Virus (if you're playing live, using a hardware mixer or want to run the audio through outboard processing, etc.....

[@Themozartthug]

@willswitchcraft thankyou for your reply I'm still confused?? So if I was to play something on the ti polar keyboard, would it come through as midi? I don't really get it....I thought you would have to send it through as an audio track? Like when you mix down a midi track?? Sorry pal, the Internet is a wonderful place but stuff like this just isn't covered? Everyone to presumes you no what if doing lol x

[@willswitchcraft]

You can play a Polar from a keyboard, any MIDI input, etc. If you hook it up to a laptop, you can control it as a sound source, by USB, MIDI, etc. You can also take MIDI out, or audio out, (multiple pairs). If you have further questions, I'd suggest the Virus Users Forum....

[@Themozartthug]

@@willswitchcraft thanks dude, earned a sub 👊

[@LabofmusicRecords]

I own the TI Polar for years and I love it. The TI is like a VST Plugin with real hardware. Looks amazing, sounds amazing, maybe one of the best synths ever built.

[@willswitchcraft]

I dream about owning a White Polar., but as of now, it's never been quite important enough to spend the $ just for the whole package (keys...)...............................................

[@LabofmusicRecords]

@@willswitchcraft I bought one in used but like new condition for 1500.- I think 2015, quality is great, turn it on and it works :)

[@jmzorko]

I purchased my first Virus - a TI 61 key - in 2008. I've had that one, the TI desktop, the Classic, the TI Polar, and the TI2 Darkstar, which I still have and can't imagine ever getting rid of. I also have the Virus|PowerCore. They all sound absolutely incredible - big, lush, just beautiful. However, the TIs and TI2s are some of the most mercurial synths i've ever owned. There are times where my TI2 will just straight up misbehave until I reset it (sometimes multiple times), re-install VirusControl (my main music Mac is running Mojave still), burn the necessary incense and pay homage to Apollo and Dionysus, and every TI / TI2 i've owned has done this. I put up with it because I adore their sound. Have you played with the Waldorf Kyra? It's probably the closest we're ever going to get to a TI3, sounds similarly gorgeous, and is also built to last. I'm using mine more and more, though alongside my TI2, not in place of it.

[@willswitchcraft]

No, I haven't touched a Kyra, but I'm glad to hear your feedback on it. thanks for watching......Sounds like you're a solid Virus addict.

[@Tommass79]

When l worked in instrument retail there were 2 contenders for pro live/studio application Clavia Nord Lead and the Virus range the Virus it was by far the king of synth power,robustness and striking analog emulation if you had one you were a king and the envy of everyone else.

[@willswitchcraft]

interesting, thanks for the commnent...I've also owned a Nord. Both great pieces of gear, and so much more robust build quality than a lot of other manufacturers................

[@keekeefries6298]

Question: Can you take an Access Virus TI and convert it into a Virus TI2? if I want the TI2 am I stuck with the desktop? thanks, and great video!!

[@willswitchcraft]

I don't think that's possible, but I'd check the Virus User's Forum to get a more educated answer

[@christophersorrenti4588]

Appreciate your commentaries on the Access Virus, purchased an Virus Ti Desktop and need a little help. Could you do a video showing how to setup the Access Virus Ti Desktop and the Novation SL MIDI controller keyboard please?

[@willswitchcraft]

Sorry, just had a serious car accident, so I can't promise that I can even think about getting around to that

[@chadduncan9716]

Still eyeing a TI Snow. Want to pull the trigger but as a Mac user I’m not sure about software for it

[@willswitchcraft]

Yeah, I love my little Snow......small and powerful. The software is a real issue, however with the Aura Plugins editor/librarian (once you get it configured and running) it's a great solution.

[@richardkennedy8312]

great video thank you :)

[@decreasingmass4577]

still a mint synth

[@willswitchcraft]

agreed

[@Pulse2AM]

I had the C I was doing Trance remixes for a couple of labels and it is the best Trance synth along with Novations imo. I sold it after I wasn't making remixes anymore. It was a great synth.

[@signaltouch7413]

best synth ever made

[@arisumego]

which one is the best one? i’m looking for the best possible one. is it the ti2?

[@willswitchcraft]

That's the newest and most capable, however there are people that swear by some of the older models, and prefer that sounds......a very personal choice....

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

yes! I bought mine 2 years ago and love it. It still can do more than most new synths today in spite of the quirky dated user interface and issues with new Mac OS X versions. Sounds amazing too! I can do drums, bass, pads and more on one box. Few synths not even Elektron can touch it. I just wish it had a sequencer like the fantastic Elektron sequencer but the arpeggiator is the best in the synth world.

[@willswitchcraft]

thanks for weighing in.....

[@navarredr]

I heard the maker of the Virus moved onto guitar.. Kemper Profiler Amps? I've just dusted off my Ti2 for the new year with a resolution to spend an hour+ a day learning/producing new music in the new year. Wish me well. Thx, Will!

[@willswitchcraft]

The Kemper stuff is amazing, but I'll be surprised if they make another synth.....

[@AgonyVoid]

I've long suspected the reason for Access abandoning the Mac platform is simply because Apple repeatedly and consistently makes critical upgrades to their OS that tends to make audio plugins non-functional. It got the point I just refused to update my Macbook when half of my plugins would break. When I upgraded to an M1 chipped Mac when they were new almost every VST broke and took days to get updates pushed. Access likely is tired of spending time constantly having to make changes to their software every time they roll out a yearly update when the Virus Control software works on Windows with no issues. They're still well worth the money, and running one pure hardware with a hardware sequencer is actually pretty simple, you just miss some of the faster tweaking that you could do with the DAW plugin. There has been talk of them getting the axe due to development shifting to the Kemper amp lines, but they've been saying that for several years now. Virus is still a great sounding unit with enough features to still make them competitive.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

true and I run my Virus TI2 with Squarp Hapax hardware sequencer and both play well together. I think a Virus is the king of synths even in 2024.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Aaaaaaaand, it’s been axed …

[@tk1ngatk1nga]

I have.a love hate/fear relationship with the virus, I purchased a new Ti Polar Keyboard around a year ago, it arrived but had a weird issue where a note or two in every octave would not play, I contacted the reseller and had to send it back as they did not have any other in stock, same thing happened again when I purchased a Waldorf Kyra desktop, hardware issues, had to send that back also, eventually ended up getting a Nord Lead A1, solid workhorse, only thing is I'm missing the voices and 12 other parts of the Virus I dreamt of for months if not years, now I'm just too scared of the issues I hear others seem to get, I would love to have purchased one as I wanted to also develop an app to manage the synth as I did with my Moog Sub Phatty when I had one. Still dreaming about it in fear...

[@willswitchcraft]

Understood.....Once bitten.................

[@t3l3phasicworksh0p]

The 5 Octave Ti keys is quite frankly astonishing even after nearly 20 years. Iconic sound but amazing modulation and build quality.

[@willswitchcraft]

thanks for your input

[@mauriceleysens9520]

This may help add to the story. i have owned a B desktop, C desktop, Indigo Redback, Snow, TI desktop, MacOS emulation and TI2 61 note keyboard. The C & Redback (same as Indigo 2) are the best, gritiest and attractive of them all. The EFX on the TI is in the sweet spot of feeling real, but not overly crystalline and unreal (TI2). TI (not TI2) also beats out the C’s EFX. The B and C share the same sonic feel for me but the B is too short on features and notes get stolen often. I have played the Indigo 1. Felt very cheap, but sound matched the B exactly. The Snow is like the TI2 but only 1 DSP chip so less polyphony. i suspect the same chips were used. To own or buy a Virus is to want something of its time. Maybe call it vintage. And it’s the components Access was able to source for production runs at the time that accounts for the differences in sound. I felt I lost something when I sold my C for a TI2. The DSP and A/D chips changed.

[@willswitchcraft]

Great to have your insights and clarification here for us all to learn from.

[@Alpha-DX]

Will, perhaps you can help me out here please.... Access Virus C, Single sound, transmitting PC's to the Virus either from MC-707 or Ableton/MOTU result in missed notes at start of 16 step sequence. It's almost as if the note starts on step one for a few milliseconds, cuts off then plays again. Short bass notes will miss 2 steps on average 1st time round and pads consistently miss 16 steps initially. Disabling / removing PC from Ableton / 707 and the Virus is rock solid. No problems at all with any patches Known issue Will or not? I'm tearing my hair out here and I haven't got much to start with! Have filtered out all non essential MIDI information from the data stream but no joy.

[@willswitchcraft]

No idea....my suggestion would be to post your problem on the Access Virus Users Forum. There seems to be lots of people there to share knowledge and assist................best of luck

[@alexdiakov_ambient]

No chance to get the same sound and design opps like with TI. Aura makes a great job, prolongs to upgrade soft consistently. I had issues with it and it still has some minor faults, but Virus is alive with it. Even if one have to spend a week establishing workflow in the end of the day he gets Virus TI with all the features mentioned above. And with great sound quality. Also let's keep in mind the second hand price which is more than affordable. Thank you for the overview, Will.

[@willswitchcraft]

thanks.....I totally hear you

[@jendrikschmidt]

Can't decide between Access Virus and Novation Peak for my main synth.

[@willswitchcraft]

Tough call......can you borrow or rent one of each?

[@kosmikmusa]

Is Virus TI usb audio compatible with M1 M2 Macs?

[@julian-multiman]

No. It’s stated in their site and manual… But the mistery island plug-in does seem to work.

[@PK-ct1bm]

Most of all: The Virus sounds amazing. And will always. It is a classic.

[@willswitchcraft]

agreed

[@Music-Gear]

Watched many of your videos, still the best info on Access, I dont own any virus, but if i had one pick one hardware synth this would be it, , if its software it has to be Omnishpere , if i had both i would be a happy man.

[@willswitchcraft]

thanks v much....very kind comment........yeah, Omnisphere is still blowing my mind, after more than 10 years.....and frankly, with so many amazing soft synths (including Virus emulations), you could do tones of work without every buying hardware synths...............

[@mikefellhauer3350]

If you get a "B", there's one capacitor that (from the factory) needs to be replaced because it prematurely goes bad. Read up on it, or ask the seller if it's been replaced.

[@willswitchcraft]

Thanks for sharing that. I've had 3 other synths that needed encoders replaced - repeatedly.....sucks!

[@e-conrecords4665]

In short, YES!

[@willswitchcraft]

thank U

[@Tirisfaldnb]

I still use my Rack B every day :)

[@willswitchcraft]

Glad to hear it

[@Arcessitor]

As long as there's EDM I don't see how it could ever not be relevant. I own the Virus line and the emulator (the one that runs the same code), and I expect a massive return of the Virus sound outside of the Harder styles the moment the Emulator for the TI gets released. I don't think it (TI/TI2) will ever go away because some sounds only it can do (due to the particular way it does its voicing ties to the supersaw osc.), which alone makes it relevant. It also doesn't have the greatest filters but it does have filter saturation (distortion after a filter and into another filter) with some great saturation algorithms as well. Outside of maybe Diva or softsynths that can also sample I also don't think there's any softsynth around that can create as big of a sound, but ymmv.

[@willswitchcraft]

Thanks for that perspective

[@TheSoundspot]

It already starts to get harder to get a new Virus TI2 from stores. Definitly a future classic synth. I doubt, that the emulation will play such a big role in the near future because of CPU power. Yes, it sounds more or less exactly the same but try to hit three notes at once, your CPU will start to cry. Hypersaw unison trance pad with 5 tone chord? Overkill. Btw happy TI2 KB owner here.

[@willswitchcraft]

Thanks for weighing in

[@CaptainProton1]

When you play a single raw oscilator say a saw or square... you can hear the aliasing and weakness of the sound. As you go up the octaves the sound just is not as pleasing as say an analog. But it does have it's place for sure as a digital synth. Good for plucks, but for bass I found it not holding its own and needing the onboard effects to make up for raw sound quality.

[@willswitchcraft]

Interesting perspective......don't forget that the different Virus synths DO sound different, so that could be a potential factor (bass sounds, etc.)

[@julian-multiman]

You can’t compare an analog synth to the virus… or viceversa, I have a Moog minitaur and it doesn’t play high scales at all lol, and is monophonic… I doubt you can hear aliasing in normal lower scales, but sure it’s there. Never had a need for more bass in my Ti, sure I use a bit of the “analog boost” fx but I often need to eq afterwards and remove low frequencies.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

I had pretty good results with Aura MI software and also with ipad Touch for Virus to use ipad with Virus. Personally, I prefer to use Virus TI2 stand alone and can get around fine with the user interface and record to a DAW or mixer SD card.

[@nihost]

the virus was my first love in synth gear. I still have my virus A Serie 1 Number 520, haha.. and a TI snow. love them both but using a lot of VST lately like Dune3 or Avenger2

[@willswitchcraft]

Yeah, the SoftSynths these days are amazing............at the same time, I'm an old school guy, and from decades of playing live, I still do love working with hardware.......thanks for the comment

[@nihost]

@@willswitchcraft yeah, totally. I s till enjoy the power of the virus TI as it definitely adds some more depth to the whole mix

[@willswitchcraft]

100%

[@S.S.P303]

Bonjour, merci pour cette information , je ne pouvais plus utiliser le virus ti desktop depuis la mise a jour Catalina ... THANKS YOU VERY MUCH

[@willswitchcraft]

Mon pleasure, Merci for the comment

[@user-rv8wb1nl1b]

its 16 synths in 1

[@willswitchcraft]

Pretty much

[@enygma3d]

Just want to address a few things. Polyphony in the TI isn't Polyphony in the traditional sense. When using the Virus as a sound module, polyphony is limited by the complexixty of a patch. Everything from unison, whether you're using a sub oscilator, the effects, etc. Despite having 16 parts, I found with a track I was working on, I got to 3 parts before I noted inconsistency in MIDI triggering. This was with my TI2. I managed to narrow this down to note stealing, so I ended up bouncing one track to audio at a time. As I understand, Access is also not producing more Virus synths because the DSP they are based on have been discontinued. Whatever stock Access has is it. They'd have to come up with something new with a new DSP and rewrite their software to operate on the new DSP. Having said that, I just recently bought the Virus TI2 61 key version off Reverb and am selling my desktop version. It really is a magical synth and I just had to have a version of it with keys. The Aura librarian took a bit to get used to, and I still preferred the TI software when I had my PC, but it is usable and actually quite nice once you get the hang of it. Not a fan of the sequencer part of the plugin, but I'll spend some time with it and see where I can take it. It isn't as performative as something like a Polybrute, but at least with the 3 programmable knobs on the front, you can add some nice performative functionalities to your patches. It's not the best interface, but it's far from the worst. I do wish they added extra knobs and sliders to the keyboard version to take some functions out of menu diving territory. I would say it is very much relevant today as you can do some amazing things with it, especially in a live setup.

[@willswitchcraft]

I totally hear you on all those points, ...thanks for sharing that info

[@Groove81TV]

I agree !

[@Screaming-Trees]

You could also, I suppose, buy something like a Kurzweil. If you need that level of reliability and multi-timbrality I mean. 256 notes of polyphony and might be a bit cheaper even I don't know. Similar number of synthesis types/engines as well. Different programming style though. Oh and effects quality. I have yet to hear better effects in a keyboard than what Kurzweil do. But hey I don't think you can go wrong with either. Virus is a pretty cool sounding synth. Timeless classic really.

[@willswitchcraft]

True enough................

[@johncarter2741]

Love my snow

[@m.ericwatson968]

Had a TI keyboard, excellent synth, still one of the best, kind of miss it but honestly it was more synth than I ever needed or fully utilized, 16 part multi-timbral is like having 16 Virus synths, only needed one lol, I'd get the TI Snow if I bought another one; and the effects engine is separate from the synth engine so the effects don't steal polyphony

[@audiolego]

My Darkstar TI2 is for keeps. For me Aura editor is awesome for me. It's on when I'm using Virus TI

[@willswitchcraft]

I'll bet!

[@ingolf7411]

There are a lot of fascinating new synths on the market. But ... the Darkstar in combination with a Blofeld, who is asking for more? I think you don't get all the features of a Virus "out of the box". But if you take your time to dive in into this synth and its programming then you will get a gem at your fingertips.

[@willswitchcraft]

Agreed......Loved my Blofeld....Sad when it began to fail

[@ingolf7411]

@@willswitchcraft Knock on wood, mine is still working fine. Just looking your "Nucleus" patches review again. Always amazing.

[@hrvstmusic]

If only they would update the TI software for OS X to something even closely recent but that’s not stopping me from using it

[@OKvalosound]

Agreed! Virus is still relevant. Current VAs are nice, but seriously ... 8 voices polyphonie in 2024? Sound and potential of the Virus is timeless and always at least competitive to current VA. A lifecycle of 25 years for a digital (!) device product line is remarkable. Only the Nord synths beat that. Due to Christop Kemper the basic engine has been the same from Virus A up to Virus Ti 2. Unfortunately the Virus is now official discontinued. I found it only available on the Kemper online store. Hopefully Christoph Kemper is planning to revive activities in building synths. Saw an interview last year which he ended with a humorous but maybe also ambiguous statement.

[@ComposerMichaelDow]

I saw that too. He showed some interest, he didn't say NO! they would go with the fpga tech now I guess so it may end up sounding not like a virus... Who knows! Would certainly be a huge bit of news

[@OKvalosound]

@@ComposerMichaelDow Yes, let's see will happen or not. Not easy to evaluate for a company. The release of the Virus in the late 90ies was at the beginning of the VA hype. Nowadays the market is pretty much saturated with lot's of synths. I think he will keep a keen eye on customers long term demands. IMHO there are three options: no more Virus/synth, a boutique Virus for a fraction of Virus lovers (risky), something total new (most difficult, because any kind of soundgenerating is already available)

[@EyezerProductionz]

While the TI2 can be a bit clunky to use, due to it being a hardware synth after all, it is still imo one of the best sounding synths I've ever used. I've kinda lost my inspiration for playing with synths, so I don't use my Virus TI2 much anymore. However, I will never sell it. I consider myself lucky to have one, I know there is an emulator in the works for it but having the real physical hardware version is just a different experience.

[@willswitchcraft]

agreed.............nothing like grabbing a knob and tweaking it.....the Virus always delivers such killer tones

[@snowleopard9749]

The TI shaped hole in my heart is filled by Viper and OsTIrus and I don't really miss the latency/strange timing issues of the hardware.

[@willswitchcraft]

thanks for that perspective.....

[@spacetrucker2196]

they been saying this for 20 years.

[@willswitchcraft]

Yeah, it's old tech, but I'm still into it......(just thought I'd answer some of the many questions I've been asked in a video)

[@spacetrucker2196]

@@willswitchcraft right on. keep it up

[@odeonhealingfrequencies2743]

check out the viper vst by adam szabo, its a clone of the processors and runs virus TI patches pretty flawlessly

[@nightnaj5278]

your sound foam is so sick

[@willswitchcraft]

yeah, I think it looks awesome too, thanks......just found it on some online outlet

[@kierenmoore3236]

Christoph is all about the Kemper still (liquid profiling update and new Player hardware unit, most recently). However, Kemper has VERY stiff competition from Quad Cortex and ToneX, now (most would agree they have surpassed the Kemper platforms, now; and at a lower price-point) … so, it’s conceivable he could hop back to Synth world … Mind you, it’s no less competitive/saturated there … and it would be with a wholly new synth hardware platform, if anything, I’m certain.

[@willswitchcraft]

Yes, complex issues

[@antikytheramechanism7909]

I assumed Access was going bankrupt sometime after 2009 when they stopped all R&D and innovation. But I don't think they did yet. There is not much volume of business happening with Access these days.

[@willswitchcraft]

No. C.Kemper has switched his focus.......C'est La Vie......

[@meskisable]

You can emulate virus with original firmware with dsp56300 project VST. If you donate you can even get TI version.

[@Chalisque]

Provided you have powerful enough CPU. I have yet to benchmark it on my 5950X. I'm curious the difference in CPU usage if you have e.g. 4 voices each in 16 instances, vs 64 voices in one instance.

[@nisroch]

It's a great synth and I actually have two of them but I've given up hope of any new updates or support from Kemper since he can't seem to pry himself away from the Amps. A simple update to address existing bugs that will also restore Mac compatibility has been needed since 2017 and they have been silent about this. Long term, Kemper is in serious trouble. They're using an EOL DSP platform that ceased production 4 years ago and haven't made any indication that they are prepared to adopt a new one. The KPA is also falling behind the competition. The Quad Cortex now has profiling which sounds better than the KPA and the ToneX pedal offers this at a much lower price point. Their days are numbered if they fail to properly adapt.

[@willswitchcraft]

thanks for your perspective......I agree, it's a shameful lack of support

[@fxtreffer]

Yes, it is. I am afraid, many synths are still relevant in 24, 25, ... Because each synth has its own sound characteristic! Best, Frank

[@willswitchcraft]

Right like almost everything in life....... "Collect the whole set - Each one unique - Each sold separately"

[@acidgirl.303]

There is no synth like the virus. Will NEVER sell mine

[@mc2engineeringprof]

The Virus is still the king. I don't see anything new coming even close. The Roland System 8 maybe comes in a distant second place. Although it's technically just a wavetable synth, the Waldorf Blofeld might be somewhat similar, I guess. I guess the Waldorf Kyra is supposedly similar (another FPGA synth), but I've never used one so can't confirm. The old school Novation Supernova 2 or Nova/Nova 2 (same DSP chips) got close, but even those are gone and only available used today. So, no. There's really still nothing like a Virus. If Kemper / Access Music could develop a TI3 with contemporary improvements (maybe an RME interface with provisions for many extra input channels, updated TI software and plugin so that you could use software effects on separate TI channels in the DAW, sampling support, VPS Avenger / Refx Nexus style sequencer expansion packs - and, therefore, enhanced sequencer capabilities - a more robust drum system with step sequencer... essentially turning it in to a true workstation), I suppose, I'm certain that they'd sell like nothing in history. But, they're too busy selling modeling amps to care, it seems. Too bad. Huge missed opportunity. The Virus will continue to be king for a long time, I foresee, in spite of this. I own a TI2 KB, a TI Polar, a TI2 Snow, and a Rack, and I'll never let any of them go.

[@ChristopherOrth]

A Virus seems expensive until you realize it can replace all the other little boxes scattered around your studio, all of which added up to way more $$ than a single Virus costs. And if one spends time with it and learns to actually program a synth, you won't want every new shiny little box that comes along because you will realize you can already do all that stuff with what you have.

[@willswitchcraft]

Very good points, thanks.....and of course, if you use a Virus Ti that plays 16 different parts/MIDI Channels at once, all with separate fx, sequencers, etc., you begin to see why they're so much more powerful than most of the competition......

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

The last real release of the Virus was in 2009 - 13 years ago! Access has totally abandoned the synth, in fact they have abandoned synths completely and now focus exclusively on guitar FX products. There are plenty of other modern synths that have multi-timbrality on multiple MIDI channels with independent FX like you mention, with HUNDREDS of voices, far more than the 90 of the Virus (Montage/MODX, Fantom, various Waldorf synths come immediately to mind). The 15-year-old technology used in the Virus DSP's means it is easy to exhaust DSP resources when playing multitimbral sounds on the Virus, so you'll never get close to those 90 voices. Using the multiple audio outputs also brings severe DSP and channel limits on the Virus when you enable them - and worst of all, because of the 15-year-old processor technology, the latency on the Virus when running as a multitimbral sound module can get very bad. The Virus is an old digital synth using obsolete technology, that has been abandoned by its maker - yet still sells new for a crazy expensive price. $3000 for a Virus! For that price there are FAR better, more capable, modern choices, that are actually supported by their manufacturers and have an actual future. Yes the Virus sounds good - but so do many other, newer, modern synths. One other thing - complaining that a monotimbral synth cuts off its sound when you change patches because...well, it's monotimbral? Not really a fair comparison now, is it?

[@willswitchcraft]

I keep thinking: they should let Behringer build a new Virus....they're doing everything else

[@antskaljurand3091]

Yes.

[@spacep0d]

The answer is this: YES. :)

[@roseutterback5755]

I sold my virus 88 ten years ago it was way toooo complicated for me it’s like to high pitched and I needed a more comfortable synth for me I’m not wanting to go online to make a new sound

[@Wrenchfist_Studios]

I have a lot of synthesizers. More than any human really should. In my opinion the virus is still very very relevant. It's kind of the best one

[@willswitchcraft]

I used to collect, but that was decades ago. Thankfully, my best friend just keep buying all the great new gear, so at least I have access and get some insights......................thanks for the comment

[@TechnoAssassin-vx6zf]

have access shut shop now?

[@willswitchcraft]

I think they've been selling off their existing stock, but I'm not aware of them designing any new synths....They're onto the Kemper guitar gear now......

[@TechnoAssassin-vx6zf]

@@willswitchcraft ah ok thanks

[@TechnoAssassin-vx6zf]

@@willswitchcraft with 96 polyphony on the TI for the price it was sold at, maybe the bigger companies got together and told them to just stop making them look bad and to stop making it 🤣

[@AndrewLeSynt]

were is that company ?? we all are waiting for new synths

[@willswitchcraft]

agreed

[@payt01]

Just get Ostirus. Ity runs on your computer and is a 1 on 1 emulation of an actual Virus TI2. It runs on Mac as well as PC, and even Linux I think.

[@willswitchcraft]

I think you're missing one key thing.....the Virus can run as a sound source playing back 16 different parts at once (on different MIDI channels), each with their own fx, etc......when you consider how powerful that is, especially for live gigs, it's a lot different than running a Soft Synth.......Otherwise, frankly, there are a lot better plug ins and software out there..................

[@payt01]

@@willswitchcraft Point taken.. for live it's an awesome synth. I have to say that even as a VST it's ra really versatile synth as well, especially if you're into EDM..

[@willswitchcraft]

Yes, and the Virus line are built like tanks. I used to collect synths. I've had so many amazing hardware synths. I'm not saying that the Virus is the best, or even my favourite, but it is diverse and powerful.................