Access is excited to announce the new Virus
Total Integration (TI) Line of synthesizers, leading the world in a
completely new direction with musical instrument and pro-audio
convergence. Total Integration uses innovative technology to greatly
expand the Virus Synthesizer, resulting in an advanced stage/standalone
instrument, while simultaneously extending the product capabilities
with a suite of compelling studio integration features.
New synth features include greatly increased
polyphony, 2 new oscillator types, a per-patch programmable
arpeggiator, 16×2 delay/reverb fx, embedded singles in multi mode, and
much more. The new TI products link to your computer with
VirusControl™, a companion software product which ports the hardware
synth into a host sequencer for use as a sample-accurate VST/AU
instrument, simultaneously offering 2-way audio and MIDI connectivity,
control surface functionality, editor and librarian functions, and more.
Features
-
Dual DSP system with over 80 stereo voices under average load. (Load depends on which oscillator / filter model has been chosen)
- VirusControl™ VST and Apple Audio Unit
Plug-for Mac OS X and Windows XP. The remote seamlessly integrates the
Virus TI into your sequencer, making it feel just like a plug-in
- The Virus TI‘s Audio and MIDI inputs and outputs can be used by the sequencer application as an audio and MIDI interface
- The Virus TI is the first hardware synthesizer with sample-accurate timing and delay-compensated connection to your sequencer
- WaveTable Oscillators for a completely new
array of sounds. WaveTable and conventional Virus oscillators and
filters can be mixed
- HyperSaw™ oscillators with up to 9 sawtooths -
each with parallel sub oscillator per voice (that‘s over 1800 stereo
oscillators @100 voices!)
- Independent delay and reverb for all 16 multi mode slots
- 129 parallel effects. There is reverb and
delay, chorus, phaser, ring modulator, distortion, 3 band EQ and the
Analog Boost bass enhancer
- 2 multi-mode filters (HP, LP, BP, BS) and the
Analog Filter (modelled after the MiniMoog™ cascade filter with 6-24 dB
Slope and self-oscillation)
- Dedicated remote mode turns the Virus TI into an universal remote control for VST / AU plug-ins and external synthesizers.
- 6 balanced outputs with +4 dB level and
switchable soft limiting algorithm. Studio grade 192 khz D/A converters
with S/PDIF digital I/O. 2x24 bit inputs. Surround sound capabilities
- Tap tempo button. The algorithm is based on Access‘ Sync Xtreme technology
- Programmable arpeggiator pattern for every patch
- Knob quantise for creating stepped controller
movements. The stepping automatically syncs to the Virus clock or an
incoming MIDI clock
- 3 LFOs with 68 waveforms to choose from. 2 super fast ADSTR envelopes
- Extended memory: 512 RAM patches and 2048 ROM patches (rewritable)
- Adaptive control smoothing for jitter-free modulations on all important parameters.
- New multi mode with embedded patches
- Compatible with USB 2.0 specifications, USB and High-Speed USB devices
- Premium quality light-weighted keyboard with 61 keys, velocity response and aftertouch. 2 pedal inputs
- Mahogany-style wooden side panels and illuminated Access logo on the back.
The First Totally Integrated Synthesizer
A scalable USB link connects the Virus to a Mac
or PC for total integration of synth and studio. The VirusControl™
plug-in automatically detects and connects the synth, ensuring a
hassle-free configuration every time.
From inside a host application, the plug-in
enables the new Virus hardware to appear as a multi-channel VST/AU
soft-synth with up to 4 sub-mixes (or 2 × stereo). Access’ proprietary
driver technology makes Virus TI the world’s first hardware synthesizer
with sample-accuracy timing and a delay-compensated audio/MIDI
connection.
Seamless interconnectivity also provides a real
benefit in the software sequencer environment. All multi-timbral sounds
and settings used for a project are stored within it with the plug-in,
for snapshot ‹‹total recall›› plus editor and librarian functions with
no SysEx or 3rd party software hassles.
The new Virus hardware is also well-equipped
to capitalize on the power of Total Integration. With 24-bit 192KHz
balanced analog, S/PDIF I/O and MIDI in and out ports, the new Virus is
well-suited for use as the main audio and MIDI I/O center for your
entire rig. These functions are especially practical for the laptop
studio, offering an unmatched range of features and capabilities from
one product.
Additionally, a new
‹‹Remote Mode›› allows the Virus hardware to become a control surface
for any MIDI-capable device or software, mapping each of the 33 knobs
to a specific MIDI message. TI ships with a great selection of
templates and includes 32-user memories for custom controller maps.
It’s a powerful addition that greatly increases the value of the
synth’s studio footprint.
The Legendary Sound of Access: Evolved
Of course, TI is still a Virus, with all the
soul of its legendary predecessors, but for Total Integration, the
power and performance of the synth engine have been taken to new
extremes, thanks to a newly optimized core which delivers unprecedented
performance. For starters, polyphony is more than doubled, to 80 voices
under average conditions.
And the sound? Phenomenal! Alongside the
award-winning Virus oscillator models, two completely new types have
been added. First is the real Wavetable oscillator model. This unique
algorithm can blend waves to create evolving motion or switch between
them to create gritty lo-fi textures.
Also new is HyperSaw™. It taps up to 9 parallel
sawtooth oscillators (plus 9 optional subs!) for colossal classic
layers. The number of voices can be changed smoothly in realtime.
Surprisingly, HyperSaw doesn’t require additional power or reduce your
polyphony! With 9 main plus subs per voice, the Virus TI can play over
1800 oscillators in realtime! Now imagine Access’ award winning
filters, including MiniMoog cascade emulation, on raw, pulsating
WaveTables or insanely fat HyperSaws. With these new features, the
Virus has never sounded better!
The Mod Matrix has also been expanded to 6
sources with three destinations each (18 routings total) for greater
real-time control and patch programming freedom. The new ‹‹Knob
Quantize Mode›› syncs the effect of real-time or sequenced parameter
changes to a pre-selected clock interval. Changes are updated on the
selected pulse and held until the next, resulting in staggered
parameter movements like those produced by a step sequencer.
New and existing Virus owners will love the
addition of a programmable arpeggiator! Users can create and store
their own rhythmic pattern in every patch.
Enhanced with new power and resources, Multi
Mode now embeds 16 patches for self-contained sounds you can tweak and
transform without overwriting your singles or affecting other Multi
programs. Use it to build impressive layers, splits, or poly-arps for
performance or recording. A mode for use with sequencers is also
provided, emulating the classic Multi which loads sounds from within
the single banks.
In either case, the complete sound engine is
always available to each Multi part, including dedicated delay and
separate reverb fx for all 16 sounds. In effect, the full Virus TI
single modes is replicated 16 times!
Optimization from the Ground Up
Besides adding great convergence and synth
engine features, Total Integration is built around a major hardware
platform upgrade, sporting a complete redesign inside and out.
A large white graphic display shows multiple
parameters at the same time which can be edited using three Soft Knobs.
Keyboard models feature an illuminated logo on the I/O panel (it looks
great, and even pulses in sync with the tempo for other musicians or
the audience to enjoy).
Also new in the hardware, a Tap Tempo button
helps live Virus musicians stay in sync with drummers and turntablists
using a sophisticated algorithm based on Access’ SyncXtreme technology.
How is it all possible?
Inside, a new Dual-DSP core delivers stellar
performance with super-low latency. TI also employs studio-grade
converters with 192 Khz/24-bit D/A. These are paired with +4 dB
balanced inputs and outputs and a switchable ‹‹soft limiting››
algorithm, and accompanied by S/PDIF digital stereo output and input as
well. The onboard USB port is compatible with USB 2 specifications and
works with USB and Hi-Speed USB devices and peripherals. For easy
access to all these new jacks, the entire I/O panel of the TI desktop
model can be rotated 90 degrees so the interface is on the rear panel.
The 4U Rack mounting kit is also included with the desktop model.
Last but certainly not least, the onboard
memory has been drastically expanded: 512 RAM patches and 2048
(rewritable) ROM patches plus space for 16 ‹‹self-contained›› Multi
Mode programs described above. All these new numbers add up to one hell
of a synthesizer.
Software Details
Huge Voice Count
As a result of a complete hardware redesign,
the heart of the new Virus TI series features a dual core DSP system
with a high-speed local buss. This combo is capable of cranking out 80+
voices under average conditions. Also thanks to the new design, we were
able to improve the overall system response time (sometimes referred to
as latency) which makes the Virus TI Series even snappier, especially
for live musicians.
Delay and Reverb per part...
Each of the 16 parts in multimode can have it’s
own, dedicated delay and reverb. In other words, there are now 16
delays and 16 reverbs.
Wavetable oscillators
In addition to the award winning Virus
oscillators the Virus TI series introduces Wavetable oscillators. These
sophisticated new oscillators put a completely new array of sounds at
your disposal. From gritty, screaming, somewhat LoFi sounding textures
to silky-smooth wave cascades - the sky is the limit. Now imagine
processing the WaveTable with Access’ self-resonating MiniMoog™
Filter... A mixture between Virus oscillators and WaveTable oscillators
is also possible.
HyperSaw oscillators
HyperSaw is a multi-sawtooth oscillator. With a
single parameter the user can alter the amount of parallel oscillators
from 1-9, smoothly and in realtime. You can literally add more
oscillators to fatten up the sound whilst playing a chord. The relative
tuning and spread can be controlled as well. Using the highly efficient
HyperSaw engine with 9 parallel oscillators per voice (each with it’s
own parallel sub oscillator) the Virus TI series can calculate over
1800 oscillators in realtime!
Programmable Arpeggiator
The Virus TI features a user-programmable
arpeggiator. Every single Virus TI patch can store it’s own arpeggiator
pattern. You can build new patterns from scratch or use one of the 64
presets as a foundation.
Refined Multi Mode
The multi mode and multi/single mode structures
have been streamlined and refined. The new Multi Mode doesn’t just
reference every patch in each of the 16 parts (as most synthesizers
do); it embeds all patch data for every part. There is no longer any
need to be cautious of editing single sounds that might be used by
multi mode patches. Sounds can be tweaked and tailored to build stacks
or to compliment each other without the risk of overwriting a patch
which may be used in another song or MultiMode preset. The second new
mode is the Sequencer Mode, which replaces the Multi/Single mode from
the Virus A-B-C series. In contrast to the new Multi Mode, it
references the patches in single mode, so you could say that it makes
the Virus TI Series feel like a synthesizer with 16 true single modes.
Bigger Modulation Matrix
Mod Matrix is now comprised of 6 slots; each with one source and three destinations.
PureSemitones
PureSemitones tunes the oscillator’s semitone
knob to pure intervals. The technology, derived from Access’
PureTuning, tunes the intervals of the semitone parameter to the
nearest harmonic and therefore combines a linear scale with intervals
which are perfectly in tune. Sync sounds especially benefit from
PureSemitones.
Knob Quantise
Knob movements can be quantised to create
gritty, jagged controller movements. The parameter changes on
continuous parameters will be synchronized to the internal or external
clock. A clock ratio can be selected in SmoothMode just as it can be
for the LFOs. Any parameter change is only updated on the selected beat
and held until the next beat. The result is a stepped parameter
movement, as in a step sequencer or sample and hold modules.
Hardware Details
Dual DSP system
The Virus TI DSPs are not only faster, they
come in pairs now. A highly effective local buss in between the
processors boosts performance even further.
Bigger Display
In fact, a much bigger Liquid Crystal Display,
which can show graphics (128x32 pixels). The display shows up to 4 rows
of text and graphics. In most cases three parameters are being
displayed at the same time. As a result, there are only 1/3 of the menu
pages in comparison to the previous Virus series.
Extended Memory
512 RAM patches and 2048 ROM sounds + 16 Multi Mode slots which embed all patches used.
Studio Grade D/A Converters
192 Khz studio grade D/A converters (+4dB balanced output), with optional soft limiting algorithm. 24 bit A/D converters.
Quicker Editing
3 edit knobs underneath the display which can
edit three parameters at the same time. The 3 soft knobs can also act
as programmable and nameable knobs for every individual patch.
Tap Tempo
There is a dedicated Tap tempo button. The tap
tempo algorithm used is based on SyncXtreme, Access’ acclaimed tempo
sync algorithm introduced last year for the Virus C series.
Rack-mounting kit included
Rack mount kit included (user can replace wooden side panels with rack ears). (Virus Desktop only)
Digital I/O and USB
The Virus TI comes with SP/DIF (44.1khz/48khz)
digital I/O as standard. The USB port is compatible with the USB 2.0
Specification and works with USB and Hi-Speed USB systems, peripherals
and cables.
Better Overview
New front panel layout with redesigned sections
and Shift button for easy access to even more parameters through the
front panel.
Simplified User Interface
Exit button for easier navigation (Exit gets out of a menu back on the play page)
Quicker Mod Matrix Navigation
Dedicated buttons to scroll through the Mod matrix slots and destinations
Painless rack mounting
The entire I/O board can be rotated by 90
degrees which makes rack-mounting the Virus much more fun. Instead of
having to find special jack plugs or waste loads of rack space, simply
turn the whole I/O section and voilá! - all the sockets are at the back
of the rack mounted Virus TI Desktop. (Virus TI Desktop only)
Illuminated Logo
Illuminated Access Logo on the rear of the
Virus TI Keyboard and Virus TI PØLAR (=Virus Indigo successor). The
logo pulsates in standby mode, and can be statically on during normal
operation or pulsate to the tempo (like the tempo LED) which is
especially nice for those drummers used to playing to a visual tempo
source.
Total Integration
What is “TI” Overview?
TI stands for Total Integration which is our new technology to create a tight link between the user’s computer and the Virus.
TI is scalable to allow maximum flexibility.
Everything from a simple USB based operating system upload, to turning
the Virus into a combined Sound Engine, VST/AU instrument, Master
Keyboard, Audio Interface and MIDI interface is possible.
From inside a sequencer host, the Virus looks
like a VST instrument or Audio Unit. The Virus TI transmits up to 4
sub-mixes (2 stereo sub-mixes) right into the Virus TI plug-in which
acts as a multi-channel audio instrument.
Connected to a computer, you also may use the
audio and MIDI ports on your Virus TI to connect it to an analog desk
and MIDI interface or choose a more advanced approach... Once connected
via USB your sequencer can send it’s master output through the Virus’
studio grade outputs. The Virus input section can be used to record
audio as if it were a well-equipped soundcard. The MIDI ports turn into
a MIDI interface which can talk to other keyboards or effects.
Thanks to Access’ proprietary driver technology
the Virus becomes the first hardware synthesizer with sample-accuracy
timing with a delay-compensated audio/MIDI connection to your favourite
software sequencer. Forget about sloppy arpeggiators and basses you
can’t decide are playing before or behind the beat. Sound editing and
management has never been easier.
The patches used in a song are stored with the
song, which gives you instant total recall without the need to record a
single SysEx dump. No configuration is needed. The plug-in searches and
finds the Virus automatically. All you need to do to play the Virus and
select the Virus TI plug-in within your sequencer application.
All parameters of the Virus show up with their real names in the automation dialogs of compatible sequencers.
The VirusControl Plug-in
...comes as a Mac/PC VST instrument and Apple
Audio Unit. It is the Virus’ hub to your sequencer application. The
plug-in manages your sounds in the Virus as well as on the hard disk.
It receives audio data from the Virus and streams them into your
sequencer application as if you were playing a native audio instrument.
It is a multi-channel instrument plug-in which can split the several
sub-mixes from your Virus TI to be independently processed and refined
with additional VST plug-ins. It also handles all relevant information
for your sequencer’s automation system.
Remote Templates
Switching the Virus TI to Remote Controller
mode enables you to control your favourite synths and virtual
instruments using the knobs. Every knob on the front panel generates a
specific MIDI message which changes the equivalent parameter on the
remoted synth. The display shows a user-definable name for every knob.
There are templates available for many soft-
and hardware synthesizers. You can even create your own templates using
the Virus TI plug-in and store them in any of the 32 memory locations
in the Virus.
Configurations
Inputs and Outputs
All connections to the outer world have been drastically improved
- 6 Symmetrical outs with +4dB studio level
- Optional Soft Limiting for every output
- 192 Khz/24bit D/A converters
- 2 Inputs with 24-bit A/D converters
- 4 different input sensitivities
- USB for audio, midi and data connection
- USB2 compatible device, 12Mbit data transfer rate
- S/PDIF In/Out for Digital I/O
- Dedicated headphone out