Product Description
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, 16x2 delay/reverb fx, embedded singles in Multi mode, and much more. The new TI products link to your computer with VirusControl, a companion software product which ports the hardware synth into a host sequencer for use as a sample-accurate VST/AU instrument, simultaneously offering 2-way audio and MIDI connectivity, control surface functionality, editor and librarian functions, and more.
The 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.
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. Well three actually!
Details
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 quantize 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
Quality synth-action keyboard with 37 keys, velocity response and aftertouch. 2 pedal inputs
Brightly illuminated Access logo on the rear panel and walnut strip underneath the keyboard
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, Access was 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 Multi mode 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 lo-fi sounding textures to silky-smooth wave cascades -- the sky is the limit. Now imagine processing the WaveTable with Access? self-resonating MiniMoog rilter...
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 its 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 Multi mode 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 quantize -- Knob movements can be quantized 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 voil�! -- all the sockets are at the back of the rack mounted Virus TI Desktop. (Virus TI Desktop only)
What is Total Integration?
TI stands for Total Integration which is Access' 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 favorite 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 favorite 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.
Technical Info
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.
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