Virus TI2 Polar
The Access Music Virus TI platform is the sublime fusion of an 12-year
triathlon in sound-research, distillation of user input, and the simple desire
to create an exceptional instrument. Conceived as a virtual analogue synthesizer
it grew into a multi-synthesis workstation which seamlessly integrates into your
production environment using our unique Total Integration plug-in
technology.
The successor of the acclaimed range of totally integrated synthesizers adds
25% more caluclating power and sports a redesigned housing and front panel.
Access has also used new materials to bring down the weight of the keyboard
versions. On the software side of things, a major feature update, OS3 has been
added. The OS3 operating system adds several new FX such as a tape delay,
frequency shifter and several new distortion algorithms along with a new feature
called character.
Character allows you to adjust the overall tone of a preset reminiscent of
several vintage and well-known synthesizers. In addition you can emphasize
certain aspects of the patch to allow it to cut better through the mix, or fade
it into the background with an extra wide stereo field.
The new distortions were built from scrach and feature an extreme dynamic
range along with sophisticated controls to tailor the sound of your specific
needs. They can add everything from warm, tube-like overtones to complete sonic
deconstruction more reminiscent of circuit-bending. The new algorithms also
include a revamped bit and sampling-rate reduction, allowing you to change the
quality of cutoff point with precise, continuously variable control. The stereo
Frequency Shifter and the Ring Modulator are state of the art algorithms
modelled with old 70s stomp boxes in mind.
Sound Design
The Virus TI platform features a wealth of inspiring oscillator models such
as virtual analogue, hypersaw, wavetable and graintable oscillators along with
several filter models and the all new Character control for emulating the vibe
of old analogue gear. A ring shifter, several FM types and a tape delay add the
warm lo-fi sound featured so often in music today. The effects section delivers
multiple, simultaneous effects including reverb and delay per part, ensuring
your patches sound exactly the same in single and multi mode.
Oscillators
Three main oscillators and one sub oscillator per voice. A main oscillator
can comprise of various oscillator types including the classic virtual analog
oscillators (saw,variable pulse, sine, triangle, 62 spectral waves with several
FM modes) and hypersaw (a multi saw-tooth oscillator with up to 9 stacked
oscillators, 9 sub
oscillators and sync oscillator at the same time).
Wavetable oscillators with 100 multi-index wavetables, feature variable
resolution and optional pulse-width modulation. Graintable oscillators apply
granular synthesis techniques for independent control of pitch and formants to
warp a waveform beyond recognition. Formant oscillators sound like running a
signal through a massive, modulatable filterbank with hundreds of resonant bands
being morphed by the wavetable index.
Filters
Two fully independent filters (lowpass, highpass, bandpass, bandstop) with an
optional saturation module located in between both filter blocks. The saturation
module can add one of several distortions and lo-fi effects or an additional
low/- high-pass filter. Optional self-resonating Moog™ cascade filter simulation
with circuit overload and 1-4 poles.
Modulation
Two-dimensional modulation matrix with six slots (1 source and 3 modulation
targets each). Every feasible parameter can be modulated in realtime. Three LFOs
with additional hardwired destinations along with one user-definable slot. Two
lightning-fast, multi-stage envelopes (ADSTR) - LFOs can be used as ramp
generators
as well.
Effects
The FX section has independent delay and reverb per patch (even in multi
mode), along with multiple distortion/lo-fi algorithms, phaser, chorus/flanger,
character control, ring modulator/shifter, EQ plus a global vocoder. There is no
difference between single and multi modes - patches sound exactly the same.
Arpeggiator
Each patch contains it’s own arpeggiator pattern feat. 32 programmable steps
(length and velocity can be adjusted per step) along with a global control for
swing/shuffle timing and one for note lengths. Pretty much every parameter
including the pattern itself, the amount of octaves and many more can be
controlled using the modulation matrix.
I/O
Virus TI Desktop/Keyboard/Polar: 6 balanced outputs (@ +4dB), backed by 192
Khz/24bit D/A converters, with soft-limiting. Two inputs with 24-bit A/D.
Dedicated headphone out. MIDI in, out, and thru. S/PDIF digital audio (44.1/48
kHz) inputs & outputs. USB is used for MIDI and audio transmission (adding 3
additional stereo audio outputs) and works at 12Mb/s. Virus TI Snow: 2 outputs
(@ +4dB) , backed by 192 Khz/24bit D/A converters, with soft-limiting. Two
inputs with 24-bit A/D. MIDI in and out. USB is used for MIDI and audio
transmission (adding 3 addition stereo audio outputs) and works at 12Mb/s.
Enclosure
Virus TI Desktop: Sleek charcoal-gray finish, Red and white LEDs, white
display, wood rail on front. I/O panel can be rotated for convenient
rack-mounting. Virus TI Keyboard: Premium quality semi-weighted keyboard with 61
keys, velocity response and aftertouch. Hold and control pedal inputs. Sleek
charcoal-gray finish, red and white LEDs, white display. Wood side panels. Virus
TI Polar: Great synth-action keyboard with 37 keys, velocity response and
aftertouch. Hold and Control pedal inputs. Winter-White finish, aluminium and
wooden side panels, white LEDs and display, wood rail beneath the keyboard.
Virus TI Snow: Winter- White finish, white LED and display, wood rail beneath
the front panel.
Surround sound output
Every part can be panned dynamically between two stereo outputs for
quadraphonic effects.
Hardware controls
Virus TI Desktop/Keyboard/Polar: 32 knobs, 43 buttons, 73 LEDs and Pitch/-
Modulation wheel if applicable. Virus TI Snow: 6 knobs, 21 buttons, 18 LEDs
Polyphony
Virus TI Desktop/Keyboard/Polar: Between 25 to 110 voices*, depending on the
complexity of the patch. Virus TI Snow: Between 25 to 110 voices*,
depending
on the complexity of the patch.
*Estimates are based on single mode performance results may vary in multi
mode.
Multi Mode
Multi programs can have fully-independent embedded singles, without the links
to single banks required by most synths. This provides freedom from breaking
other
programs.
Memory
Virus TI Desktop/Keyboard/Polar: 1024 RAM and 3328 ROM sounds, 16 embedded
multi patches along with 112 conventional multi slots, 16 parts in
multi
mode. Virus TI Snow: 512 RAM and 512 ROM patches, 64 embedded multi
patches, 4 part in multi mode.
Remote Templates
Turn the Virus into a MIDI remote, the sound engine will still work
independently. 32 user programmable templates to reassign most panel knobs
controlling control third party plug-ins and MIDI synthesizers (TI
Desktop/Keyboard/Polar only).
Smooth parameter changes
Adaptive control-smoothing provides parameter changes with no zippering
artifacts. With knob quantize, a clock ratio is selected and parameter changes
are
updated at specified intervals only. The result is sample-and-hold
parameter movements, evocative of step sequencer sounds.
Atomizer
The unique DJ style audio slicer turns the Virus TI into an powerful realtime
FX for DJ applications.
Total Integration
Total Integration is our proprietary technology, which seamlessly links any
Virus TI model and a computer to create a unified system consisting of a
powerful hardware
synth and a virtual instrument plug-in, which not only
controls the Virus TI but also receives audio from it, in order to allow
post-processing right inside your computer. This way you get the best of both
worlds: Your Virus TI will calculate all the voices and effects and therefore
makes the CPU of your computer available for other tasks. Since it is driven by
the Virus Control plug-in, the timing (unlike normal MIDI and USB-MIDI timing)
will be sample-accurate, and all sound data will be saved within the song or
project. Virus Control also offers sophisticated editing capabilities, along
with an easy-to-use librarian page to keep track of all your Virus TI
patches.
The Virus TI’s analogue input and outputs can double as an audio interface,
the MIDI sockets can double as a MIDI interface.
Virus Control is an VST/AU/RTAS compatible plug-in. Total Integration is
certified for the following hosts: Apple Logic 8, Steinberg Cubase 4, Ableton
Live 7, Digidesign Pro Tools 8, Cakewalk Sonar 7, ImageLine FL Studio
8.