ALL ACCESS: VIRUS Everything you need to know about Virus synths - all models, in-depth review
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- Опубликовано: 3 июл 2024
- My morning coffee (which ended up being a glass of wine at night)......An overview and review of the different models of 'Virus' synths: what they have in common, how they differ, etc.
A comprehensive look at the Access Virus family of synths
0:00 introduction
5:52 the different Virus models
14:40 additional info
Disclaimer - in some of my comments about what Virus was doing in comparison to other companies, I have somewhat oversimplified what was happening, just to try and keep the video under an hour (LOL)
About 95% of this info is accurate, however I recognize that I may be slightly off on the odd detail. 
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Great video man ! I have produced almost 10,000 sounds on it. This is probably the only synthesizer that has kept surprising me for over 10 years. It is a solid hardware.
I have been checking through quite a few of your sounds. Some really amazing work. I'm sure you've helped a lot of Virus users make the most of their hardware.
You may hear some of your patches .....Here's more interesting Virus video: ruclips.net/video/5o4KVDtpBAo/видео.html
I have purchased several Ultimate X soundbanks. Really good stuff.
Agreed. Excellent programming
@@aristotlekumpis7095 Thanks mate!
Thank you so much for taking the time doing this video Grandpa!!... I was needing this information on the Access Virus line to decide which one to buy and you made it possible..
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting.
Here's more interesting Virus video: ruclips.net/video/5o4KVDtpBAo/видео.html
check this one:
ruclips.net/video/__3UXoqfw04/видео.html
One of the best music and synth lovers video I have seen in a very long time. Thankyou! ❤
what a welcome comment. Thnx so much Rob - truly appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment (I have quite a few Virus videos here if you're interested)
Great video! I have had my Virus TI2 for almost ten years, and it can still make me go "wow" as I create sounds on it. I don't know any other synth that can do as much and whose sound just doesn't get old. It's one of two synths that I would never sell, the other being my beloved Yamaha DX7II.
awesome to hear, I also had a pretty serious DX addiction back in the day. I did a shipload of custom programming on it, and yeah, it was also a piece of gear which really maintained my attention and respect....
I have to be honest;you are great explaining everything so pure,natural about VIRUS, thank you
I really appreciate that!
Thank you so much for this access virus history lesson! I really enjoyed watching and learning about all the models. I had one of these synths as a kid, but couldn't really appreciate or understand what I had at the time.
glad you enjoyed it Matt
REALLY really great overview of the line!
Thanks...
Thanks so much for your comment. I've done a few Virus videos now. I wasn't really sure anyone would be interested, but it's wonderful to get responses like yours - makes it all worthwhile.......
Thank you very much for this. I'm about to get a TI in a few days and it's gonna be my first Access gear ever so, your video was just what I needed right now.
Glad to hear that you found my channel.....I have a playlist (if you haven't seen it) which is just the Virus video stuff.........
The most valuable video about that synth on YT. Thanks for good job!
wow, thanks so much for your kind & supportive comment....much appreciated
Thanks for the great vid! I’ve been using a TI for well over a decade now and I still love it. It’s my number 1 work horse go to synth.
great to hear......thanks for watching and for the comment
Great video Will... i am so happy to have found your channel thank you for introducing me to this synth series!
Glad you got here....................I have quite a few more Virus videos to watch if you're interested........
@@willswitchcraft oh im more than interested you could say im already "infected" by the virus! will definitely check out the other videos you have on this synth and well anything else you have. i love how clearly and well you explain things.
Thanks for the words of support........Yeah, I have to admit, I was very happy to finally contract the Virus. (No vaccine for me).......Sadly, Access Virus isn't really continuing to support the product, but the sounds are unbeatable - even though the basic synth architecture is more than a decade old. It shows you how far ahead of their time they were......
What a great review, good job. The Virus TI has been my favorite for a looong time ;)
Cool that you watched and enjoyed it Leo...........makes it all worthwhile
Best in depth explanation of the Virus line. Great job
thanks v much......I just uploaded a bunch of new Virus content, so stop by....(just saw this comment now for some reason)
A brilliant overview.Many thanks.
Hey, thanks for taking the time to comment...................................makes it all worthwhile!
thanks you for elaborating on so many relevant topics and the history of this amazing instrument.
Thanks for the comment.......I have quite a few related videos on my channel if you;'re interested, there's a Virus playlist....
@@willswitchcraft yes, I'm getting into them and also really enjoy your music. I've been a klaus schulze fan forever and even though it is completely different, there is something about your music which reminds of his vibe.
man your energy is contagious. I can really tell you know extremelly well what you are talking about and that's awesome (and very informative!). Thank you Will; subscribed!
So happy to hear that my energy level and enthusiasm are a benefit to these videos.......Hope you find other stuff you like on my channel......(lots of different things hidden there)
@@willswitchcraft i will surely have a look at everything asap :)
Thanks for this video. Really interesting and informative. Nosing around these synths you help me get around. 🙏
Sorry that I didn't see this comment before. Thanks for watching and commenting.
I don’t know anyone that has a virus that doesn’t love it to pieces. Great video.
True. There do seem to be pieces of gear that people are less addicted to, but I hear repeated comments from people who own Moog, Nord and Virus, that show real loyalty, and kick themselves later after selling one....To me, some of the new gear has incredible workflow, innovative and unique features, etc. Those are a joy, especially for novices, however after years and years of full time use, some gear, and some sounds just seem to always be useable and remain current.
It is such a service to have a straightforward rundown. I was shocked when I first discovered how powerful the TI series was, especially because of the reputation of the virus as primarily a VA synth. Understand the snow in particular was useful because it was never clear to me how it related to the others. Also, great to hear about the rack mount 90 degree flip. Now I just need to figure out what I'm going to sell to get one.
thanks....It's great to know that there are people who get something from the videos.........As far as buying one, the cheapest model is the little SNOW. Still uses the same basic sound engine, same effects, etc. but can only handle a smaller voice count, etc. (I guess we all have gear that we lust after, and begin to think about what we could 'release' to get...)
You are *NOT* a grandpa (well maybe you really are but whatever), You are a MAN with experience of having toured, performed with some really great synths and I appreciate your vast experience in this realm of musical expertise.
Continue to stream on my friend.
Thank you SO MUCH for your kind comment It's awesome of you to take the time............all the best..... ;0)
check this one:
ruclips.net/video/__3UXoqfw04/видео.html
I saw an advert somewhere (maybe 20 plus years ago) for the Virus and I’ve been enamored with them ever since. I’ve always felt that the Virus is one of the most radical looking sound machines. I had a grad student/professor in one of my undergrad electronic music classes and he brought his Virus’ into class one day to demo synthesis and waveforms. I was completely smitten by that thing. That’s the only time I’ve seen or listened to the Virus in person and aside from adverts I haven’t seen or heard about them since then. So, this video is great because for me this particular synth really does have a hint of mystique and I’ve enjoyed learning about them. Thanks.
Like you, I'd known about the Virus line for a long time, but I'd never owned one. I was pretty much blown away by it's abilities, and it has some really distinctive features. It unfortunate and sad that it seems to be a bit orphaned by the company.....
@@willswitchcraft I’m in the mood to share some comments at the moment, so pardon my chatter here.
I studied A/V design, art history and a dash of architecture in college. And I lived in London for a brief time while in school, circa 2002. Andy C, High Contrast, Mouse On Mars, Dieselboy, Amon Tobin, Squarepusher, Autechre... these were all happening around town and I had never heard anything quite like it - truly exhilarating. I returned to the states renewed and refreshed; loaded to the gills with inspiration; mostly from contemporary circles and regular visits to various venues around town, such as: SoHo, ICA, Fabric Live, the Tate museums, and actually several outstanding London libraries (the books I found about contemporary art and electronic music were so mint and cutting edge). All of that fantastic energy flowing through a single place, the urban metropolis that is saturated with throbbing grit and creative life there in London. Anyway, the music and contemporary art scene was especially inspiring. So, first thing I did upon returning from Europe is I went out and bought my first synth - a brand new Korg Electribe EA-1 (it’s okay, go ahead and laugh); a used drum machine (Boss Dr. Groove DR-202); and a crappy Tascam Portastudio (4-track cassette tape recorder). Those were golden years. Unfortunately, my passion for music making and audio design took sort of a back seat to my other studies (emphasis on visual design, engineering and graphics), and later my career pulled me into the direction of professional graphic design and international photography circles. So, unfortunately music faded away from my creative practice (for almost a decade) with my only “music making” exercise being late night reading up on the newest instrument designs, released by companies like - Teenage Engineering, Moog, Gamechanger Audio, Roger Linn, etc. Anyway, I’ve just recently in the past few years started catching up again with my passion for music and especially musical instrument design (drums > bass > synth, in that exact order). Today, I’m happy to say, I’ve built my own home based fabrication/design studio, and I build my own instruments (boutique electric basses, kalimbas/mbiras and other quirky R&D projects) which is really something I had always wanted to do back in the early years of academia but I didn’t quite figure that out until later down the road.
Anyway, this is a long way of saying that after watching your Virus walkthrough, you reminded me about this particular synth and how much I appreciated, all those years ago, this instrument for its incredible German engineering and slick design. I’ve been buying and trying out a new piece of synth gear (about 1 or 2 per year) to find something with a particular sound design palette for the purpose of building my audio sound scape works in tandem with my acoustic drum kit and electric bass looping setup. It’s become a bit of a ritual actually to buy some new piece of synth gear, work with it for 6 months or so and then sell off the newly acquired gear in search of another synth that might work better with the vision I have for this particular - drums/bass/synth - rig setup. That’s been the goal for the past few years but so far no luck pinning down the right synth for my setup. So then, I completely forgot about the Virus synths and I was recently just getting ready to buy this years trial synth (I was looking at the Moog DFAM, Subharmonicon and an older Roland synth, Sh-32). But then I encountered your videos on the Virus and voila! That’s the one - the missing link. So, needless to say, you motivated me and I finally bought the Access Virus B (Rack Classic), just yesterday. I’m stoked. So then, I hope you don’t mind if I send you a tech question or two, now and then. Thanks again for the overview and for reinvigorating my long lost interest in the Access Virus. ✌️😎👍💥🎹💥
Thanks for the insights.....I too have been into the synth thing forever, and also have worked as a graphic designer, and cinematographer, etc. I often buy and sell gear, just so that I can try different pieces without collecting (like I used to do when Was doing it as a full time professional). I also spent many years designing and building my own 'art house' in the wilderness, with my wife, and am just now finding more time for music again.......BTW - I had an Electribe (I think it was an EMX, it was awesome, so no, I wouldn't laugh) Glad to hear about your Virus purchase. I'm hoping that it will be everything you need.
These are great, so happy to have discovered the channel. 🙏
Thanks so much Paul. I'm just uploading a video on the Deluge, and before long, I'll do another Virus video.......Thanks for checking in here.......
@@willswitchcraft I had a Deluge for a bit, it was really easy to write stuff on. The synth engine is also very capable. Something about the DAC seemed lacking to me, but it's probably fine if you run it through compression, etc.
Yeah, it has some real limitations, but it's a portable, fast and fun machine.... My Deluge vid is up now:
ruclips.net/video/Zmpm7LZPhfk/видео.html
@@willswitchcraft Oh, I'm watchin' it all right. Good stuff.
Thanks
I've always wondered about the history and differences between all the units, this video is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks, subscribed 🎹 👍
Welcome aboard - Happy that you found the video useful.......lots of other Virus stuff on m channel, if you're interested.....
From one Canadian to another, thanks for the great overview! I plan on picking up a Ti2 😃
Hey GT-R.........I hope you're having a good spring/summer. All the best, from B.C. I hope you're making good use of all this time, where we'd usually be out at festivals.....Thank goodness for gear!
Great review thank you.
My pleasure. Glad to know that people are interested.....makes it all worthwhile.
Very useful, thank you! Keep up the good work, it's great to see an educational video on the Virii by someone who understands what they are capable of :-)
Hey, thanks for your kind words.....I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment
check this one:
ruclips.net/video/__3UXoqfw04/видео.html
What an interesting history lesson. I enjoyed, thanks.
Great video, very clear! I have a TI and I love it, its programming possibilities are almost endless, really deep!
Yeah, they're deeeeeeeeeep!
Here's more interesting Virus video: ruclips.net/video/5o4KVDtpBAo/видео.html
check this one:
ruclips.net/video/__3UXoqfw04/видео.html
This was great and I liked the way you presented different Virus units. Keep it coming since I just subscribed your channel and I'm a happy TI desktop owner. :)
Thanks for your comment. I'll try to get around to uploading some more Virus content soon.................
check this one:
ruclips.net/video/__3UXoqfw04/видео.html
Considering a Virus currently, very helpful video thanks man
Thanks for commenting Nate. I have a few other Virus videos here which may be helpful to you....
DMPM just purchased the Virus Polar Ti… It’s a beast. Thanks for this overview.. it enlightened DMPM and helped DMPM make an informed decision.
Enjoy!
Thank you so much for this video! I'm looking forward on getting one and couldn't get my head around the models. Appreciated!
Glad you found this video.......I'm working on a new Synth/Virus video right now....check back in a couple of days.....
@@willswitchcraft Awesome!
Your videos are really great. I look forward to more!
Hey Raxel, thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, makes it all worthwhile......All the best
@@willswitchcraft There aren't a lot of seasoned professional touring musicians who share their knowledge and experiences with the world like you are doing. I think everyone would love to hear your thoughts on music composition, what makes a band successful, how the music industry works, stories from the road (EVH video was great!), using computers and tech for music creation, using sequencers and synths together, recording techniques, working with others online, what makes a great solo, connecting with your audience - the list goes on!
It's nice of you to say that you appreciate my insights. I guess some people might find my experience helpful. I just suspect that there are probably loads of other, experienced touring/recoding musicians out there, sharing their perspectives. Because it was so long ago, I don't often talk to people about that part of my life.....However I do have some interesting stories and viewpoints. I'll have to think about that and see if I can come up with an angle that makes it truly entertaining and useful....
check this one:
ruclips.net/video/__3UXoqfw04/видео.html
This was super useful! Thank you.
Glad to hear it, Bennett
This is a wonderful video. Good job man!
Sorry, I didn't see this before now. Thanks so much!!!
dude thank you!! i just scored a TI2 that's on the way and i am VERY excited, now...
Good to hear....yeah, these things are KILLER.......I've uploaded a bunch of other Virus videos as well, so check them out while you're waiting!!!!
Much appreciated, really informative video!
Thanks for watching Jaime (and commenting) ;0)
Great overview!
Thanks Strange!
Really enjoying your videos on the Virus series, but gotta say the intro for this one is just magical. I can't think of any intro on YT I've liked enough to rewind several times lol
So good to hear.......Do you mean an old guy in the great Canadian winter? or do you mean the start of the 'meat & potatoes' of the video? (This was one of my earlier videos, and I thought I'd inject a bit of 'reality', but then, realized that most people just want to get to the content) Lots of time, when I'm hunting on YT, I just feel like skipping the whole first part of the videos, as people are just babbling........so I guess it depends what you're looking for. Either way, thanks for taking the time to comment, .....I appreciate it!
@@willswitchcraft The shot of the stove together with the dog followed by the cut to the winter scenery + the coffee mug & then you giving the intro dialogue with the scenery in the background....just very well done visually.
Very interesting that those images appealed to you.....thanks for letting me know.......
@@willswitchcraft Sure...Well, I'm a huge coffee addict #1 & also live in the Southern U.S. where no snow, mountains or any of that exists whatsoever lol Sure that has something to do with it, but IDK it just felt visually stunning & gave off a relaxing vibe, the dog added to it as well.
no matter - so great to get your positive vibe comments......I wish everyone was so easy to please......Where in the Southern US are you?
Very informative, i just purchased a virus ti snow, definitely the cheapest and most portable among all virus synths in the virus range
I've always thought the Snow was a great option....hope you enjoy it........BTW, lots more Virus content on my channel if you're interested.....
Great vid, thanks. It's helpful to learn the differences between the Viruses, in my case, I was looking for differences between the Indigo 2 and the TI2 Polar.
thanks for the comment. I've never had my hands on an Indigo 2, so I'm not going to be much help......Maybe you can glean some info on the Virus Users Forum (free to join, etc.)
Lots of coincidences here .... i am sort of "grandpa" too, i have had (and still have) tons of synths too, and i am now enjoying the Virus line of synths (like you) after so many years of "skipping" them. To me, the Access Virus and the Novation Supernova are the top of the tops in VA synth design. Thank you for a great video.
Very cool to hear from you! The Supernova was also incredibly powerful and offered the multi channel options (as did the Yamaha TX816) I'm still a fan of a lot of the Novation stuff.
Thanks for watching and saying hello.
Here's more interesting Virus video: ruclips.net/video/5o4KVDtpBAo/видео.html
Thank you for the review
My pleasure!
Brilliant video!!! Thank you
Wow, thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here's more interesting Virus video: ruclips.net/video/5o4KVDtpBAo/видео.html
great video thanks for the info
Hey, thanks for commenting Nicolas. I appreciate it.....
was very curious about this line of synths and this video was perfect, very informative. i hope im still as passionate about audio by the time im your age haha
Thanks for your comment... so much great gear out there these days, it's hard to make decisions I suspect, but these things certainly compete well with most of the newer stuff...... as far as my passion, I'd have to admit, it's probably more of an obsession, which one can have at ANY age LOL)
Indeed, demystified. Thank you so much for this video!
'demystified' - love that! ....thanks for checking it out Renato
Excellent and informative video.
Thanks. Subscribed
Thanks Paul.......I always wonder if it's worth putting these together, but it's great to hear from people. Thanks for watching & commenting. I do appreciate it.
Such a brilliant video Will ;)
Thanks so much.....thanks for watching
Great informative video,subbed.
check this one:
ruclips.net/video/__3UXoqfw04/видео.html
Thanks, a really helpful explanation!
My pleasure
Thank you for explanation!
You are welcome! ....Appreciate you watching and commenting
Fantastic presentation. 👏👍🙏
thanks for watching, and taking the time to leave such an awesome comment
Great video! Buying one.
check this one:
ruclips.net/video/__3UXoqfw04/видео.html
Excellent Overview :)
check this one:
ruclips.net/video/__3UXoqfw04/видео.html
Thanks for the information, going to dive into your videos!
Cool, glad you find my channel.........dig deep!
Filterbanks are amazing, you can form sound as a plasticine. That's make TI line unique. I've been virused for almost 20 years (С&TI) and it's really great. Thanks for a video!
Thanks Alex. I didn't go into tooooooooo much detail as honestly, I wasn't sure anyone would be interested. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Here's more interesting Virus video: ruclips.net/video/5o4KVDtpBAo/видео.html
Wow. What a well done video. Thanks!
Thanks for watching and commenting.......It's nice to have these videos be so well received. As people continue to Subscribe and comment, I suspect I'll do a few more....
What's funny is I saw a post of someone taking the Virus TI Keys apart and the sound module was just a tiny little palm sized PCB. Which is rich, because the Ti1 is the heaviest brick of a synth I have.
Hmmmm. That's interesting. Maybe the rest of the bulk & weight are there so people don't feel so bad about forking out all that ca$h!? (LOL)
Here's more interesting Virus video: ruclips.net/video/5o4KVDtpBAo/видео.html
Excellent info.. ty. Subscribed!
Just uploaded a bunch of new Virus content (just saw this comment now for some reason)
Another cracking video Will. I always assumed Palm started Waldorf but you are 100% correct, I just learned it was the German PPG distributor Düren. I’ve been buying synths since 1983 and it’s a joy to see someone generating content that I know it true and in context. I’m just buying my 4th TI (a 2 keyboard) for live use on a UK tour. And you are 100% right, the snow was a master stroke for me because it meant I could tour Europe far more easily, with a lightweight controller in with my other and have a snow in hand luggage.
A joy to watch.
Hey Keith, Thanks for your supportive comment. I did a bit of research to try and make sure that my info was accurate. I know that some of what I stated was a bit of an oversimplification, but I wanted to keep the video under 10 hours long. I hear that the Snow even comes with a little padded case - perfect for the backpack or carry on....... I did a bit of serious touring with synthesizers, so I'm probably overly concerned about reliability. Most people just do recordings, where there's always time for another take. Right now, I have a fave little gadget that I do some work with - a Synthstrom Deluge. An amazing piece of gear (I just uploading a bunch of my custom Virus samples into it). It's got a really interesting workflow and some cool features - but frankly, once in a while it just locks up. I would never use it for any sort of live gig. I hope you get to go out and do some shows in the UK. Seems like so much of that activity has ground to a halt. Nice to get such a great comment - makes it worthwhile. All the best to you! ;0)
I always found the TIs extremely reliable as a stand-alone and this time round I plan to sequence and live play it from an MPC Live II along with a wavestate (which you simply have to try out). I’ll check out the deluge as I keep hearing very promising things. I might get a Waldorf as well (I can’t justify it and must stop buying synths 😂, but can’t)
Thanks to the Boris speech yesterday the originals band tour (using the TI) looks promising, but my other band (a DM tribute) is getting another 7 shows (up until June) rescheduled to later in the year. It’s the 3rd or 4th time we’ve had to do this, an absolute nuisance, but it is what it is.
Hey Keith. It really sucks that the arts are basically dying. People really need stuff like that to make their lives satisfying and stimulating, let alone connection with other humans. Even though I live in a very remote area, there is a guy 1/2 hour away who has massive G.A.S. and seems to have one of everything, so I always get to check out new gear, like the Wavestate. As far as the Waldorf stuff.....I had a Blofeld - AMAZING, esp. for the size and price, and also a MicrowaveXT which I was in love with. Sadly, even though the gear sounds excellent, the build quality isn't there. On both my units, I ended up with faulty encoders, and thus, decided to sell them. Perhaps if I lived near a centre where I could get them fixed, I'm might not have let them go, but - from everything I've read online, my experience wasn't unique. These days, I don't collect hardware anymore, I tend to buy and sell stuff. Before the Virus, I had a Hydrasynth. It was an incredibly deep and sensational sounding synth, but there were a few minor things (not relating to the sounds) that I found too annoying, so I 'liquidated' it. Thanks for reaching out. Feel free to send me links to anything you've done....
@@willswitchcraft That’s a huge shame about the Blofeld encoder issue. Such a capable synth in multi mode as well. I rarely buy synths due to space so every few years I tend to cycle and have recently been on a binge because of a 10 date support slot on a UK tour. And the logical decision is, yet again, a Virus.
I was buying a lot of software at one point but couldn’t bring myself to spend £400 updating Arturia to 7 (now 8) for not very much in return. Similarly with Native Instruments wanting £500 to go K12 UCE to K13 UCE.
This is the first FORM album on Infacted Recordings.
ruclips.net/p/OLAK5uy_k2r-NqpCysly3oAtrpzQSlnWm_i2A0aXQ
The glass masters just came back for the new which is out on 9th April 2021 on the same label. I’d love to know what you think.
I'll check out what you sent, thanks.................. As far as software, when I record, I usually lean pretty heavily on Omnisphere - it's very versatile, and just ends up suiting my needs, so I haven't spent much time looking at anything else......Not too long ago, was rehearsing to do a bunch of tour dates (as a drummer) with a Canadian 80's synth band, called Strange Advance. Everything kind of fell apart, and now it looks like the band will never get it together to head out, as the audience, although loyal, is quite small.
I'm basically retired, especially because we live so remotely, but I also write and record with my wife, in this musical project:
www.thearcanegarden.com
I had the A in 07 and I like it. I upgraded to TI2 later on and it is really synth /sound module because even the presets that come is I feel is complete. Has bread n butter sounds and tweakable presets. I really like the that the Virus doesn't come with a jillion wavetables .
Yes, however it might be cool if there was a better way to name/organize the wavetables.....If you haven't watched, you might enjoy this:
ruclips.net/video/5o4KVDtpBAo/видео.html
Thanks man, really helpful
Glad it helped you
Thank you for this video!
thanks for the comment!
ive wanted a virus ever since i was 6 y/o, using my precious dial up internet time browsing vintage synth explorer, im about to pick up a used ti polar, cheers from alberta man!
Hey Dan, That's v exciting exciting about your used Polar! If you haven't watched, check this other vid out:
ruclips.net/video/5o4KVDtpBAo/видео.html
Greetings from South Western B.C.
@@willswitchcraft i picked up the ti2 polar!!!!! omg !!!! dude a longtime dream come true!!!!! yes!!!!!!!!
That's awesome.........You'll have no trouble 'social distancing' for the next while....... ;0)
Yours were among the videos that helped push me into taking the plunge for a Virus TI2 a couple weeks ago. Absolutely thrilled with it so far. It has so much character that's lacking in many modern digital synths. The effects are also in a league above most of the other HW in my collection (Deluge/Hydrasynth's FX sound a bit sterile in comparison - though they make up for it in other ways)
So glad to hear that you're excited by your new tool..................BTW - if you're not up to date with the Deluge Community Software, the effects are finally getting better on that box, not like the Virus, but there are real improvements......
nice video - Virus TI owner and superfan since 2007 :-)
some of those odd models I never saw so thanks for that...
an incredible synth for all sorts of uses, even input FX and the Atomizer (looper) functions
thanks for watching. Yeah, they're still strong sounding, powerful, unique and capable of so much.................
check this one:
ruclips.net/video/__3UXoqfw04/видео.html
Great video. Thank you
thanks for watching
Thank you so much for this video!!! 👏
no problem......I have a whole playlist of Virus videos on my channel............
Amazing Video 👏 I didn't know that it can play different patches at the same time, thats really an amazing feature. I definetly need to get one of these now, my macbook is calling for it 😄
Glad you got something from the video.....I have quite a few Virus videos, if you need more insight......
check this one:
ruclips.net/video/cdS3zbQXNBE/видео.html
My TI 2 is in the mail. This is good info, cheers.
Now THAT must be exciting!? Nothing like a deeeeeep monster of a synth to help you Social Distance.... Check out this video if you haven't seen it:
ruclips.net/video/5o4KVDtpBAo/видео.html
@@willswitchcraft I'm pretty keen. Haha. You don't need socialising when you have hypersaw. I'm watching that video now.
Thanks, great video on a great product line!
thanks .......glad you enjoyed it (I have quite a few Virus videos on my channel)
@@willswitchcraftGood to know. On your list of upgrades from C to TI, you mention 6 outputs, is that so?
As far as I'm aware - the Polar, Ti and Ti2 all have 3 pairs of Stereo outs - completely assignable per patch . . . . . .whereas the Snow just has 1 pair......I can't remember the specs of some of the earlier Virus models, but you should easily be able to find photos on the web.......
Cool video. Loving my #35/150 Whiteout keyboard ❤
nice....thanks 4 watching
the info you need. thank you
thanks - happy to help people understand the Virus line
This video is amazing! I never comment on youtube but im getting my polar tomorrow and im just so excited haha!
Hey, Thanks! You must be really thrilled to receive your Polar. If you haven't checked them out, I've uploaded a couple of other videos about the Virus. Here's the newest one, which I think will be of most interest to you: ruclips.net/video/5o4KVDtpBAo/видео.html
Awesome Buddy, have fun. Ive got a Ti Snow. They really are amazing sounding synths - from Evil to Heavenly.
Yes, they are really sonic chameleons.....Honestly, I had no idea before I bought one recently.....
great content!
Hey - Thanks for the supportive comment! This video is probably a lot more entertaining: ruclips.net/video/5o4KVDtpBAo/видео.html
A LONG time ago I bought a Virus B, and a Waldorf XT (serious GAS moment - LOL!). Always wanted a Waldorf, did some fantastic sound-design projects on the the Virus - but then sold it because I felt I didn't have the money/time to keep both. Though I still love the XT, 20 years later I wish I'd kept the Virus, instead. Amazingly FLEXIBLE architecture, effects, and a lush warmth to it like none other. It was one of the most fun/interesting synths I've ever programmed.
I owned a Waldorf MWXT for a while. Absolutely loved it, however (like my Blofeld) once the rotary encoders began to fail (mainly the main data entry one), I decided to sell it 'as is', because I was so frustrated. I loved the flowing arpeggiator sounds with effects. So great for ambient. That said, the Virus does all that, and also killer effects, leads, bass....
Thanks for watching & commenting.
Thanks again!
It's really fascinating how well received the Access synths have been, and the fact that Kemper (who either is Access or a branch of it) has a guitar amp profiler that's been in tons of major studios and used on a lot albums for a decade now.
The Profiler is really amazing, true.......I just uploaded a couple of new Virus videos last night - check my channel!
Wow really impressive comparison video Great viewing 👍
thanks.......lots more Virus offerings on my channel......
Nice video! After owning a C Desktop and a C Rack, I finally settled for a TI2 Polar. A very handy all-in-one machine thanks to its built-in audio interface - that plus a laptop are all I need in the living room whenever my wife is occupying the work/music room.
One comment: Multi-timbrality was not really invented by Access - already my first sound modules in the 80ies had it. And my favorite synth, the Novation Supernova II, is also multi-timbral. But it's become a rare feature nowadays!
Yes, I understand and agree... There were a few companies doing that type of thing, perhaps most popular was the Yamaha TX816 set up, however it didn't function as a hardware synth, no knobs, etc, just a rack mount sound system... I just wasn't really aware of anyone doing it so completely, with so many voices, individual effects, etc.....
@@willswitchcraft That's true, only the Supernova comes close and that one was released after the first Virus IIRC.
For years I played with the idea of getting a Supernova. I've had a lot of Novation stuff over the years, including a Zio, XSynth and an Ultranova. I just loved the sounds, and all the control from the panel. In the video, you'll hear a few 'oversimplifications' which don't really tell the whole story, because I wanted to try to keep it under an hour LOL
@@willswitchcraft Haha, no problem! I really love the Supernova series, but of course it's 20 years old by now whereas Access have continued updating their machines with USB, faster processors... the Virus is the last one standing. :)
I partially agree with you, however from a different perspective - Novation is still kicking ass and making cool stuff, yet Access is pretty much over. Now that they have stated that they will NOT be making their editing software compatible with the new 64 bit MacOS, all the users will start to feel unsupported. I suspect that the Supernova will always be a great piece of gear, even if it doesn't support MPE, or other new advances....Not unlike the beloved old Moog stuff, Oberheim, etc,.....
I once spontaneously kissed my TI2 Darkstar.
just saw this now.....awesome......
That is my synth girlfriend too.
Very informative - great video.
Thanks v much...I've done quite a few other Virus videos, incase you're interested.......
Thank you very much for this!
Thanks for watching!
essential video thanks!!!
thanks!
Will, your killing me, I just picked up a TI Polar on the strength of your video. Thanks man! :D
Hey, so sweet that you got a Polar - I'm drooling.........Hope you enjoy it - good for a long, self imposed quarantine!!!!
@@willswitchcraft Thanks Will, its turned out to be one of the best investments I've ever made. Totally killed off my GAS, which strangely is kind of a relief TBH.
Glad to hear it.....I've been able to resist a lot of GAS these days, but I'm still tickled when I watch a promo for something really unique.....
I have had the "b" since conception and never looked back. No need to upgrade as the sound is still new, dark, punchy and deep! Thanks for an awesome overview! (Aubrey - Cape Town, South Africa)
I really wish that I had to opportunity to check out the various models, just to get a more accurate picture of how they differ. Glad yours is still a good fit for you. I hope things aren't too screwed up down there with all this drama the world is going through....all the best. Thanks for watching....
This was very helpful. Made a subscriber out of me. Hello from Fort Wayne Indiana.
I happen to love the sound of these. I don't know how many know about this, but Access Virus made a software version of Indigo that was only available for Pro Tools HD/TDM. It had a polite little indigo GUI and was stuffed full of fantastic patches. It was my go-to synth on a previous system. I used it on a song I wrote while courting my wife so I could say Indigo practically got me hitched. hah I'm half tempted to revive the Pro Tools HD 2 Accel system (on power mac dual G5) and set it up as a slave, just so I can use that synth. :D Buut I may just be buying one of the new versions when the time is right. Funny it went from that to now they don't even make an AAX version of their current plugin.
Cheers
Ahh, the old Power Mac Dual G5 - had one forever.......Yes, strange how gear reminds us of other times....Thanks for commenting.
Thanks for watching......I appreciate it.
Thanks for the overview new sub earned!
Good to hear - I've uploaded quite a few assorted Virus videos....so feel free to check out the channel......
a lot of interest in the Viri again! Here are some interesting notes i can add. I have owned or own the B, Redback Ti desktop, TI2 keyboard, Indigo 2, and the snow. They do sound different. And yet recognizably a Virus. And the sound designers accentuated those differences in the patches. the chips and discrete components available for those model runs were different. Also the TI2 has usb 2.0, the TI usb 1.1. I’ve had to get inside them as well. Fatar keyboards from Indigo 2 and on. The b series has a toothpick holding the power connections tight. I kinda wish i’d left one of the C’s OS 5.5 because when you go to OS6.5 you loose the demo. And that demo is fantastic. Finally you can on the fly, switch into MIDI controller mode on TI’s that lets you program each knob to control another synth, even while performing (i.e. the patch active still plays).
such great insights. thank you. I hope some of the viewers check out your response.........appreciate you taking the time (to watch and to comment)
I just bought a Virus Ti2 and I'm in love. 20 years old and still better than any other synth out there. And yes, I own Iridium...
Bastard! You own an Iridium & and Virus........I'm envious..............thanks for the comment!
Great summary. Only thing I know that you forgot is the TI2 Whiteout Limited Edition Desktop Modules. They made 100 of those, whereas they made 150 of they Whiteout Limited Edition Keyboards.
Wow, you really know your Virus line......Actually, I'm sure there were other things that I could have mentioned. My knowledge is not complete, and I wasn't thinking it would be a 'definitive' video on the synth line, just an overview. Thanks for commenting.
check this one:
ruclips.net/video/__3UXoqfw04/видео.html
the best virus video, ty
wow, thanks so much - I appreciate the comment.........Yeah, it's still a really amazing piece of gear
Biggest difference for me was when I upgraded my Mac OS the virus control stopped then I really had to dig into my Polar TI hardware. My understanding of the synthesis and the unit greatly increased because of that. Through I still would like the virus control upgraded in the future. I like hardware knobs that I don’t have to map or mouse click on. You are right I love to program my own sounds more with the virus. Learning to use the wavetables more these days.
In my opinion, on screen programming is better for 'hidden' features, like the 3 & 4th envelopes, and sometimes as a more efficient way to navigate other features - like the Modulation Matrix. I grew up doing hardware programming (before there was even such a thing as presets) so I'm totally solid with that. I do wish it was possible to simply Copy & Paste parameters or sections of a patch - to make things quicker and more efficient, but different type of programming requires different approaches.... I sometimes wish I had something like a Virus, where each knob or switch had a single function. So much better than stepping though pages and having to read a screen to make an adjustment - C'est La Vie - I guess with more control, comes more complicated access......(So why did they call the company Access, if accessing parameters isn't easier?????) LOL
@@willswitchcraft yes and I wish that Access Music would learn from Elektron how to write plugin software for Virus. Overbridge on Elektron works flawless in DAW as plugin. So I will try Mystery Islands software on Mac OS X Ventura or direct to audio interface.
I'm having a problem that perhaps you could help me with.....I have a backup of the sounds on my Virus Ti desktop (which I've now sold), but I can't upload any of those patches into the Virus Snow - some strange issue, even though they have an almost identical synth engine......I need to get someone to take my Virus back up (.vti file) and then create .mid patch banks for me. I only need the first 4 RAM banks. Interested in helping me out? I can send you - not only my back up file, but over a hundred different patch banks from various sourced, for the Virus
Well I'll have to make do with the snow because of space and budget and live sets. Great video really helped me understand the range and history. 🎧🎹🎹🎧❤
I just picked up a SNOW a month ago. I got it for under $900. I'm really happy with it. I'll have to do a Virus SNOW video at some point in the future.
I'm glad you got something from the video.......
great video 👍
Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment Barny.....I know there's a shipload of content out there, and am always happy to know that someone got something from one of my uploads....All the best....
Btw for a few months , TI2 Darkstar was also my sound card . Btw my DAW is Renoise because TI2 sounds sooo good when you step sequence to create those tight melodies. Renoise is good for techno music/Rave and synth pop. Reverb and Delay sounds good 👌
Because I generally record large diaphragm mics (which need Phantom power and use an XLR connector), I haven't really experimented with the Virus as a primary sound card - interesting thought though......thanks for commenting.....
@@willswitchcraft Will, I'm not an expert with recording but they say the TI2 doesn't have a preamp. I didn't care because it sounded good for what I do. The mixer went to the IN of the Virus Darkstar.
I have just completely renovated a Virus-C as a keeper. Well over a 100 components changed, it's an absolute joy to use / play.
Sights are clearly aimed at a little Snow desktop to compliment it
Wow, sounds interesting. Great to know that parts are still available, or perhaps you were 'hotrodding' the synth, and using different components. Thanks for the comment..................
Great video!
Thanks v much.....there's a playlist on my channel with just Virus videos if you're interested.......
@@willswitchcraft Already started watching! Would you recommend a jp8000 or the virus for just the supersaw? Also, hello from Canada!
I hate to make recommendations, as everyone seems to have their own workflow and tendencies.......Both are great synths........Hope all's good wherever you are....(I'm in SE BC, Canada)
Nicely done, thanks for the helpful overview ! As a german "Besserwisser" I have to comment on some facts though. The city of Berlin is often referred to when talking about electronic music. The "Berlin school" is a known term. But no of the companies you mention and bind to Berlin has actually its roots there. PPG is from Hamburg, Waldorf originates from Waldorf /now Remagen, Access is from Recklinghausen. The only obvious one that comes to my mind is MFB (Manfred Fricke Berlin). Other german synth manufacturers like Doepfer, the former Quasimidi / Radikal Technologies are not Berlin-based either.
Interesting observations and information Thomas. Thanks so much for the clarification. I haven't been to Germany for a long time now, but it's always seemed like a very unique place with a creative and innovative bunch of people.......Good to know more facts......thanks for commenting!
Jomox