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Access Virus
View on WikipediaThis article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (December 2013) |
The Access Virus is a virtual analog synthesizer made by the German company Access Music GmbH.[1] It was first produced in 1997 and has since been upgraded frequently, with the company releasing new models about every two years. Early models include the Virus A, Virus B, and Virus C series, each available in various hardware configurations. In November 2005, the Virus TI series was released, including the 61-key Virus TI Keyboard and the 37-key Virus TI Polar. A small desktop model was released in February 2008 called the Virus TI Snow. A revision of the TI series called TI2 came out in March 2009, featuring faster digital signal processing (DSP) controllers, additional polyphony, more effects in the effect section and a slightly changed design. The Virus series also has come out with two software plugin versions: TDM for Pro Tools and VST for TC Electronic Powercore series. The term Access Virus can be used to refer to any one of these synthesizers. In 2024 Access Music discontinued the TI2.
Technical details
[edit]The Access Virus employs various synthesis techniques, including subtractive synthesis, phase distortion (PD) synthesis, frequency modulation (FM) synthesis, and starting with the TI series, wavetable synthesis.
All of the Viruses are DSP-powered, virtual analog synthesizers. They have virtual VCOs which can be tuned continuously from a pure sine wave to a square wave (with variable pulse-width modulation), as well as 63 "spectral" waveforms which are entirely synthetic, non-analog style waves. Oscillator waveforms may be modulated in a number of ways: ring modulation (AM), phase distortion (PD), or Frequency Modulation (FM). The Virus has a Matrix Modulation specification. With the TI series, several new oscillator models were added: Hypersaw and wavetable, as well as formant and granular oscillators.
The filter section is programmable, with two independent resonant filters[2] which can be combined and modulated in various ways. The Matrix Modulation specification allows for the creation of complex and detailed sounds. The Virus features a filter saturation stage as well as different types of digital and analog-style distortion.
Series comparisons
[edit]The Virus has had three major hardware revisions since the original Virus A model as well as having numerous features (both minor and major) added via firmware operating system updates. The Virus engine largely remained the same from the Virus A up until the Virus C. They all utilize a single Motorola DSP chip and the sound is quite distinct between models when not factoring in the additional features provided by each hardware and firmware upgrade. The biggest effect of software optimisation is seen as a third oscillator control in the B-series menus.[3]
The Virus TI utilizes two DSP chips and represented the most significant technical overhaul of the Virus series since its inception.
The Virus TI series allows for a very wide emulation of past and present synthesizers. It is a digital synthesizer but can emulate the characteristic sound and behaviour of analogue synthesizers whilst also retaining some digital features. What separates the Virus's VA module from other analogue modelling synths in its price range is its twin multimode filter design and extensive modulation matrix. As of the Virus B OS4 update, it has three oscillators per voice (+1 sub oscillator per voice) with two filters per voice.
The basic Virus analogue modeled oscillators between the Virus A and TI are identical with the only difference being the number of voices available as well as the additional Hypersaw oscillator and digital wavetable oscillators of the Virus TI. Additionally, the raw Virus oscillators have much less high frequency content than the oscillators found on other subtractive virtual analogues such as the Clavia Nord Lead and Roland JP-8000.
The highly resonant twin multimode filter is also an important aspect of the Virus sound, the features of which have been extended in the Ti range to include grain table, comb and formant filter settings.
Both Virus filters can be connected in series, parallel or set to process two oscillators independently. The routable nature of the filter allows the Virus to emulate an 18 dB/octave 3-pole filter for instance, by routing a 24 dB/octave 4-pole filter in series with a 12 dB/octave 2-pole filter, then turning the filter balance to 3 or 9 o'clock. Connecting a 4-pole filter in series with a 2-pole filter also allows for a 36 dB/octave 6-pole filter configuration, which is unique amongst similarly priced virtual analogues. The interchangeable filters allow for such things as simultaneous high pass and low pass sweeps and filter modulation effects such as automated filter sweeps whilst still leaving a filter free for manual use.
Every parameter on the control surface of the synth and every parameter in every sub menu can be set as a modulation destination. The Virus also has a list of modulation sources, including a random trigger. There are three modulation sources on the Virus A and B, which can be set to control six destinations. The Virus C and TI both allow for six modulation sources controlling a possible 18 modulation destinations. This does not include the three LFOs which can be set to modulate oscillators 1 and 2, pulse width, resonance and cutoff of both filters, stereo pan and any parameter set as a source in the modulation matrix, simultaneously if desired.
It is possible to emulate the unstable tuning of analogue synthesizers by setting a random source to modulate the pitch and detune of one or more oscillators, so that every time a note is played, its tuning will be very subtly different. The modulation matrix also allows for recursive modulation - setting a variable to modulate itself. This plays an important role in altering the behaviour of many of the control variables on the synth. For example, the Virus amplifier attack envelope is linear by default but can be changed via setting the amplifier envelope as a modulation source that modulates itself as its destination.
The Virus also has a complement of DSP effects, including a distortion unit that allows for rectification, analogue modelled and digital distortion, as well as bit-reducing and sample rate-reducing effects. The Virus C and TI also includes a 3-band EQ.
Lastly, the Virus has always been 16 parts multitimbral for multilayered patches and ensemble performances. However, up until the Virus TI, this aspect of the Virus has been severely flawed and is often considered unusable because of the polyphonic limitations of the Virus A, B and C.
The programming methodology for a Virus A is largely the same as that of a Virus TI and so are the bulk of the sounds produced. However, the additional oscillators, higher polyphony, extra filter type, the EQ and revised control surface and sequencer integration of the TI allow for a greater palette of possible sounds over previous revisions. There were hardware alterations made to the TI such as the balanced inputs/outputs, 24 bit/96 kHz output and the new sequencer integrated interface.
The Virus TI Snow was unveiled at the NAMM Show in January 2008. It is a stripped-down version of the TI Desktop and is patch compatible with the rest of the TI line. It is much smaller, sporting a minimalist interface and utilizes a single DSP chip, giving it about half the polyphony and only four parts of multitimbral capability.
Notable users
[edit]The Access Virus has been used extensively by trance and techno artists, including Headhunterz, Hardwell, Angerfist, Luca Anzilotti a.k.a. John VIRGO Garrett III of Snap!, Paul Oakenfold, DJ Sammy and Sasha.[4] The synthesizer has been utilized in a broad range of genres by artists such as t.A.T.u, The Prodigy, TOOL, Covenant, Periphery, Velvet Acid Christ, VNV Nation, Nine Inch Nails, KMFDM, Front Line Assembly, Owl City, Gary Numan, Thomas Dolby, Myon & Shane 54, fripSide, Depeche Mode, Jean-Michel Jarre, Barenaked Ladies, Celine Dion, Dr. Dre, Linkin Park (Even featured on the music video of their single "New Divide"), No Doubt, Radiohead, Ryan Leslie, Tangerine Dream, Thorsten Quaeschning, Stevie Wonder, Jim Jonsin, Michael Jackson and film composers Hans Zimmer[5] and Klaus Badelt. It has also been used by Minecraft composer Daniel Rosenfeld. Anders Trentemøller mentioned Access Virus as one of two synths he used while creating his first album "The Last Resort".
Notes
[edit]- ^ Scarr 2002, p. 17.
- ^ "Access Virus". Sound on Sound. May 1998. Archived from the original on 7 June 2015.
- ^ "Access Virus B". Sound On Sound. February 2000. Archived from the original on 9 June 2015.
- ^ Snoman 2004, pp. 135, 162, 197-8.
- ^ "Virus users". Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2012-04-08.
References
[edit]- Blum, J. (October 1, 2008). ACCESS VIRUS TI SNOW. Remix, 10, 10.
- Scarr, Howard (2002). Programming Analogue Synths: Virus Tutorial Archived 2010-09-17 at the Wayback Machine, Access Music GmbH, Germany.
- Shrock, Rob. "Access Virus C." (August 1, 2003). Electronic Musician, 19, 9, 120–3.
- Ita, Blaise "Access Virus Articles: Access Virus Overview - Are You Still Infected, 10 Tricks for Access Virus, Access Virus Powercore and TDM Virus Indigo Synthesizer Review", "The Future (?) of the Access Virus"
- Snoman, Rick (2004). The Dance Music Manual: Tools, Toys and Techniques, Elsevier.
- "Keyboard Reports - Access Virus." Keyboard. (1998): 98. Print.
- danbroad. (December 2009). "Access Virus TI." Vintage Synth Explorer. Web. 13 Sep. 2010.
Further reading
[edit]- "Access Virus V3.0". Future Music. No. 96. Future Publishing. June 2000. p. 82. ISSN 0967-0378. OCLC 1032779031.
External links
[edit]- Official site
- A side-by-side comparison chart between the various models (in PDF)
- Access Virus|HC AudioUnit & VSTi Librarian Editor Plug-in
- Access Virus Sound On Sound preview (archive.org)
- Access Virus Indigo Sound On Sound review (archive.org)
- Access Virus Rack Sound On Sound review (archive.org)
- Access Virus C Sound On Sound review (archive.org)
- Access Virus Indigo 2 Sound On Sound review (archive.org)
- Access Virus Indigo 2 Redback Sound On Sound review (archive.org)
- Access Virus TI Sound On Sound preview (archive.org)
- Access Virus TI Sound On Sound review (archive.org)
- Access Virus TI Snow Sound On Sound review (archive.org)
Access Virus
View on GrokipediaHistory and Development
Origins and Initial Release
Access Music GmbH was founded in 1997 in Germany by electrical engineer Christoph Kemper, who had been developing audio algorithms and digital models since the mid-1990s.[8][9][10] Kemper and his team were motivated to enter synthesizer design amid the late 1990s resurgence of interest in analog-style sounds, aiming to produce a virtual analog instrument that digitally replicated the warmth and character of classic analog synthesizers while leveraging advancing DSP technology for greater flexibility and polyphony. This approach was inspired by early virtual analog successes like the Clavia Nord Lead, addressing a growing demand among electronic music producers for affordable, digitally efficient emulations of vintage timbres.[9][10] The Virus A debuted in late 1997 as a compact desktop module, featuring 12-voice polyphony and shipping with operating system version 1.0, which supported updates via MIDI SysEx. Priced at around $1,000 USD, it targeted studio producers seeking a versatile sound module without the bulk of a keyboard.[11][2] Upon release, the Virus A received acclaim for its bold, aggressive analog-emulating tones, particularly its superb multimode filters that excelled in generating resonant, dancefloor-ready arpeggios and pads suited to genres like techno and trance. Early reviewers highlighted its punchy, immediate sound as a standout in the virtual analog category, quickly establishing it as a staple for electronic music production.[11][9]Evolution and Updates
The Access Virus series saw significant iterative improvements starting in 2000 with the introduction of the Virus B, which doubled the polyphony from the original Virus A's 12 voices to 24 voices per patch, introduced a third oscillator per voice for richer timbres, while also expanding the effects section to include phaser capabilities and increasing the number of simultaneous effects. This hardware revision also featured an upgraded display for better patch navigation and larger RAM for user patches, allowing for 256 editable sounds compared to the A's 128. These changes were accompanied by OS 4.0, released in late 2000, which enhanced waveform options with additional spectral shapes and improved the arpeggiator's resolution for more complex patterns.[12][13][14] In 2002, the Virus C series replaced the B lineup with a complete hardware redesign, including a new black finish for durability and expanded keybed options in the Indigo 2 variant, which offered a semi-weighted 37-note keyboard for enhanced playability over the B's velocity-sensitive but less refined action. The accompanying OS 5.0 (build 209) introduced 24-voice polyphony, expanded the modulation matrix to six sources and nine destinations, enabling more dynamic sound design without requiring major circuit overhauls. Early Virus A and B models were prone to reliability issues, particularly power supply failures due to faulty capacitors that caused intermittent shutdowns or glitching, problems that Access addressed in C-series revisions through improved internal components and better PSU design.[15][13][16] In 2005, the Virus TI Polar was introduced as a compact 37-key model in the new TI series. Firmware progression continued with OS updates for the TI models, which refined effects processing to include enhanced distortion algorithms and per-part reverb/delay for multi-timbral setups, bridging the gap to deeper DAW integration.[5][17]Models and Variants
Original Series (A, B, C)
The original Access Virus series, comprising the A, B, and C models, marked the inception of the synthesizer line with a focus on virtual analog synthesis in compact desktop formats. Released between 1997 and 2002, these iterations progressively enhanced polyphony, memory capacity, and user interface elements while maintaining a shared core sound engine based on subtractive synthesis with phase distortion and FM capabilities.[18][19][15] Each model introduced hardware refinements, such as improved circuit stability and expanded I/O options, catering to studio producers seeking aggressive, analog-emulating tones. The Virus A, launched in 1997, was exclusively a desktop module without an integrated keyboard, featuring a basic 2x16-character LCD display for navigation. It offered 12-voice polyphony and 256 user patches alongside 128 multi setups, emphasizing immediate hands-on control via dedicated knobs for oscillators, filters, and envelopes. Physical dimensions measured approximately 440 x 135 x 37 mm, with a weight of 2.5 kg, making it highly portable for rack or desktop setups.[18][20] In 2000, the Virus B addressed early stability issues through an updated printed circuit board (PCB) design, doubling polyphony to 24 voices in single mode and expanding memory to 256 RAM patches (two banks of 128) plus additional ROM banks and 128 multi setups. A larger backlit display improved visibility, and the model introduced rackmount compatibility alongside the original desktop form, with an optional 61-key keyboard variant (Virus KB) for performers. Dimensions were 470 x 185 x 75 mm, weighing 2.85 kg net.[19][21] The Virus C, released in 2002, further elevated capabilities with 32-voice polyphony (reduced to 24 voices or fewer depending on mode and oscillator usage, such as in multi-part configurations or vocoder operation) and increased storage of 256 user patches, 768 ROM patches, and 128 multi patches. It featured enhanced I/O including S/PDIF digital connectivity and a distinctive zinc-gray chassis with wooden side panels and 69 status LEDs for intuitive editing; the optional 37-key keyboard version, known as the Indigo, adopted a blue-accented design. Available in desktop, keyboard, and rack (Virus Rack XL) form factors, it measured 470 x 185 x 75 mm and weighed 2.85 kg.[15][22][23]| Model | Polyphony | Memory | Form Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virus A (1997) | 12 voices | 256 user patches, 128 multis | Desktop only |
| Virus B (2000) | 24 voices (single mode) | 256 RAM patches, ROM banks, 128 multis | Desktop, rackmount, keyboard (61-key) |
| Virus C (2002) | 32 voices (mode-dependent, reduced in multi or with Osc 3) | 256 user patches, 768 ROM patches, 128 multis | Desktop, keyboard (37-key Indigo), rack |