Access Music Virus kc

My synth has version 6.5 software, the most updated version. I bought mine used on eBay and the presets are not all the factory ones, but they are varied and mostly great sounding. There are also a lot of free patches to download from the web and on the Access website. Like the desktop version, this wickedly deep keyboard sports the identical layout of lights, knobs and buttons with the addition of a mod and pitch wheel. The action on the keyboard is excellent and smooth.

As much as I truly love this synth, it is not the easiest to use and learn right out of the box because each module has a dedicated edit button and certain super-cool functions like the modulation matrix and vocoder take some effort to comprehend. Once you get comfortable with multiple edit buttons and have some time to explore it, the layout becomes a lot easier and faster to use. It's actually a great design.

I didn't get the software with the keyboard, but I wish I had a patch editor for storage and editing multis. I don't miss it for patch creation though - I love playing with the knobs!

I think this keyboard has 32-voices, and I have never had a problem with notes being cut off. The effects are probably the best that have ever been included on a synthesizer - especially the signature phaser. It is a big part of the great sound of the Virus and the synth has a whole section of controls dedicated to them.

This board has so many features that it's impossible to list them all here. The best ones are the modulation matrix, 3 oscillators plus noise and ring mod, two filters including a modeled Moog filter, surround outputs, and stereo inputs for processing external sounds. The MIDI and Sys Ex implementation is excellent and the synth will automatically sense incoming MIDI clock and sync to it immediately.

Missing in action are a digital I/O and external patch storage to memory cards. Also, I do wish there were a few more buttons included that they left out - like some additional arpeggiator controls, more customizable live controllers and dedicated patch select buttons - but no keyboard has everything, and this one has much more than most.

This is where this synthesizer shines. The sounds are generally amazing with tons of motion and great stereo placement. It does an excellent job of soft etherial sounds and evolving pads as well as overdriven leads and aggressive stabs. The keyboard has a great feel and the aftertouch makes it very expressive and organic.

Drums are not really a part of this keyboard's repertoire although it can make great synthy drum and percussion sounds, and for bass, it has some great, phat sounds that use the Moog filter. But this is also where you can tell that this is a virtual analog instead of the real thing. AB'd against the real thing (Oberheim, Moog), it falls short of greatness. It doesn't mean that the basses aren't usable, only that they lack that signature analog thickness.

It is definitely an electronic instrument and I would not want to depend on it for replicating acoustic sounds - for that reason I would not recommend it to someone looking for an all-in-one gigging keyboard. (Unless you are totally into electronica) I would, however, highly recommend this keyboard to anyone who needs the best true synthesizer they can find. I expect this board to be a classic, if it isn't already.

I have not had any problems with this keyboard, but there are a couple of knobs that are excessively wobbly and will need to be re-soldered at some point in the future. Overall it feels like a solid build, but not unusually so. I have read other about problems, and I am thankful that mine has held up well so far.

Can't comment much on this since I've never had to use them. Their website is helpful and has product documentation as well as free patches and operating system downloads.

If this keyboard were stolen, I'd definitely either a) hire Dawg to track the bastard down and recover my treasure or b) buy another KC since this was the last in a long series. I own a lot of other gear and this board scratches an itch that no other keyboard can touch. I bought this looking for the VA "sound" and compared it to the Novation and Nord gear and also the Roland V-Synth which is so cool, but sounds like a toy. I also thought about the Andromeda, but I already have one real analog beast with my OB-8. Each of the keyboards I looked at were worthy of ownership, but the Virus offered the most features and widest variety of great sounds that I liked and didn't think I'd get tired of - the Nord didn't have any inputs and fewer oscillators and the Novation didn't have the edgy vibe. The surround outputs also were a big plus.

I have nine other keyboard synthesizers and this one is the one I Iove playing the most. The sounds are incredibly musical and they never cease to stimulate new ideas for songs and riffs. If you're looking for the best synth money can buy, buy this monster VA classic. You'll never regret it.

It's not a hard machine to understand. If you know your synthesis basics it VERY easy to use, i mean this is my 1st hardware synth and it took me around a week to understand the machine from A to Y, not Z, the vocoder still being a mystery for me. It's exactly why i did not gave a 10 score.

32 voices of polyphony, 4 oscillators, ring mod, 3 LFOs and a matrix mod panel (which is totaly wicked!) 2 filters, disto, reverb, delay, flanger, chorus and vocoder, what more can i ask? Oh yeah! auto-sync to midi clock and pressure sensitive

I have only one thing to say: WOW! Rich, thick, powerfull, mean sound. The filters and oscillators are really well emulated. The only thing that sounds better than this guy is a real analog synth. The FX module is amazing, i process a lot of external sound into it.

That's the BAD part here. Very unreliable: the keyboard gives me free games: it just stop working once in a while and when it does, the machine says ``Virus C`` rather than ``Virus KC`` as the OS loads. Don't be fooled by it's sturdy look, it's very poorly built

Those arrogant cocky bastards...it is virtualy impossible to obtain spare/replacement parts in Canada. Also you need a password to obtain documentation on the web site. I feel like taking a trip to Germany in order to get it fixed.

I would probably get a TI if I'd loose my KC. I love its sound and it interface but not reliable. I think the equivalent would be the Nord lead 3. Hyper-saw oscillator woulc have been a good featurebut you can find it in the TI Virus. Overall it's a very good machine. I love it

Really excellant synth and easy to handle after about a week of familiarisation. Yes there are some menues, but most of the parameters you'll ever need (or want to use) are accesiblle from the knobs. Not a 10 out of 10 but a definite 9.7 out of 10 for me...

Build quality is superb. This board is totally rock solid and I mean totally. Reasurringly heavy, quality knobs and buttons. Wicket LCD display and the nicest key action of any synth - semi weighted. Great midi implementation, six analog outs, headphone socket, inputs...it has it all.

In a nutshell, superb. Real personality and presence from a VA. Yes the ION is more realistic (for analog emulation), but there is no denying the Virus has a very identifiable tone. Sure to become a classic - already amongst dance/electronic producers. Possibly the nicest VA synth ever made.

The Virus KC is capable of sounds covering any genre. Totally synthetic - no real instrument emulations.

Never had any problems with mine. From what I hear and see, seems to be very reliable and robust. Id recommend this synth to anyone whos uneasy about investing similar money in old gear. The unit should age well and mechanically speaking...outperform most other synths.

Probably the best in the business. Prompt, friendly, personal and knowledgable. True professionals.

Definitely worth what I paid and more. Doubles as a great external sound mangler for other synths, drums and voices. Never get bored with this synth. The one and only VA I own and it'll probably stay that way. Just check out the other reviews and mp3 demo's on the net. Have you ever heard a synth sound like this? No, theres only one Virus.

Check out MP3's (Copy and paste link into your browser) @

www.access-music.de (loads of unique sounding sound bytes)

http://music.download.com/digitalscreams/3600-8363_32-100523664.html?tag=listing_song_artist

http://www.aliens-project.de/t_200405_access_virus.html

http://www.herten-music.com/audio/download.htm?ID=18 (100% Virus C song)

Check out the 'Unnoficial Access Virus user forum' here >>> http://www.sunesha.nu/virusforum/index.php

I use the newest OS 6.5
I don't recommend this Synth for newbies. And I don't recommend this synth for people with tired fingers, because your gona press buttons till you fall down on the floor and scream in pain. There are too many hidden menus. On the KC it's plenty of room for moore knobs and buttons. A supernova is alot! more easy to use!! So if menus bothers you, buy a Novation. On the otherhand, the PC editor is a big pluss, but you need a big screen with big a resolution, 1600x1200 to not get tired fingers!!

The presets are very good. Many Prodigy like sounds and Ambient like sounds. Shows what the synth is good for.

The manual is moore like, what can be done, instead of how to do. The manual is a big mistake. There should be several examples in the manual on how to create a patch. But it isn't.

Twisting the knobs is like running with a book on your head.
*steady...steady... NOOOO!* I mean it's too many parameters on one knob!

Why is the panel on the left side??? Why can't it be in the middle??
Buy the desktop model with a masterkeyboard so that you can get the panel in front of you.

32 Voices is not a limit for me. At this point.
16 Part multi is moore than enaugh. ;)
Great filter(s)!!
The delay is OK, I'm satisfied, chorus and reverb are ok as well.
But the effects is not Available for moore than 7 parts in a multi setup. You can't expand this thing, moore knobs and buttons would do the trick!

4 oscillators, 3 LFO's, Massive ModMatrix bakes good cookies for your studio sound library!! :D

This thing really looks great!

This instrument is poor on realistic emulation, and that's good. Go ELECTRONIC PEOPLE!!

I use this Synth for Trance of any kind, make it PSyco Trance or what you call it!! :D

The effects is nothing to complain about! Very good indeed!
With this keeboard,you could play for hours, the best kayboard i've ever used! It will make you play!

It's too easy to make organs!

Sometimes it hangs, and specially that computer software. I'm not impressed!

USB is more optimal than MIDI

It's easy to loose the patch by get your finger on the wrong place. It's too tight between the buttons and the knobs. Playing and knobing can make it go slower.

You never loose data! (Like the most other synths)

Oh yes, this is not the best thing with Access. I sendt them a mail, because my VIRUS was delivered With a GERMAN MANUAL! I tried to download the Manual from the web, and the PDF file demanded a password to print it out! I asked them to send me an English manual, but no can do. Arrogant Bastards!!! My local store imported one from Sweden.

A plus is the os updates, the Q&A, all the forums.

I hope I never loose it! Because it's too expensive to loose. But I would buy a Nord Lead 3 with a K-Station instead really. It's better to have many synths, than one big. It's much easier to get different sounds that way.

I wish it had NO MENUS, a more explaining Manual, the knob/button panel at the center of the keyboard, effects on all 16 parts, USB connector.

Buy the Desktop model honestly if you really want a Virus.
If you ask me, buy a used Nova, Nordlead 2x, Access Virus A

Easy to use. Menues are there for those who want to dig deep. Simple analog sounds can be made with the same ease as old analogs. If however, u are wanting to make realistic harpsicords etc....then u will need to go into the menues and invert envelopes and whatever. But lets face it....digital/analog 'sounds' is where its at. If I want piano or harpsicord i'd use samples.

Bloody feature packed OMG. The on-board effects are amzing and a real + point for me. Lack of simultaneous reverb/delay....might be an issue for some. GET A LIFE!

Superb key action on the KC. I control my Prophet One form the Virus. The Virus definitely has the nicest non weighted synth action of any instrument. I can say that with absolute certaintly. Just makes u wanna spend hours on it. Great modulation possibilies and 64 digital waveforms.....just excellant!

'Classic' virus sound is attributed to awesome digital filters and 'phaser' onbaord effect. THe Virus can cover ALL synth ground in my opinion. It is a real workhorse. Etheral pads which are creamy and warm, fat/distorted basses and leads and the most amazing ambient collages since the Korg Wavestation. Some people say the oscilaotrs sound weak......well this is not really true. When you stick your synth sounds in a mix then....the you suddenly realise the full girth of the Virus. Users of the Virus will know what im talking about. This synth sounds pretty dark and amospheric. Its actually quite hard to make brite (e.g. Nord) type sounds. Its domain is darkness and there it should stay. Thats its usp. The only other synth that springs to mind that has this dark characteristic is old Sequential gear. The Virus however is not quite in the same league as all out analog rawness...no digital synth is.

Really the bottom line is this. The Virus can make almost any synth sound u care to mention. And it does it very, very well. With the addition of the new Moog filter emulation, esp the 1-pole......god the rawness of sound.....Ive never heard from a digitla synth before. Seriously good.

The only issue I have is this, RELIABILITY. Everything in this world is unreliable to a certain extent.....its weird but true. Why cant people make products 100% reliable? Does it come down to craftmanship? Money? I just dont know....but there are several things to look out for on the Virus, esp the KC version.

1) KEYS - you may find one or two keys start making an annoying clicking noise and feel weird. Its a bit off putting....and raises a ? mark over the longjevity of that particualr key. Are spare parts going to be made available??

2) As with all new synths.....the knobs may feels great at first....but some may rapidly deteriorate into wobbly, crusty feeling knobs. I had this on 2 of the Virus' Ive owned.

3) General OS weirdness. For example....leave ur Virus on for 4 hours and watch that arpegiator reach 50 million BPM's. U may experience the odd occasion of note grabbing aswell. I reccommend a reset/reinitialise every 4-5 hours of intensive studio use.

Apart from that...ive experienced no other problems.

Overall, Access is the best in the industry. I dont say that lightly.

If you have the money spare and you need one synth that can cover alot of ground to a very pleasing/satisfying/sophisticated level then the Virus should be your first choice.

Hello. Im using the latest operating system (6.5) the one with the 'analogue' filters. The presets are impressive (for the first week or so, I was like WOW!). Gives you a good idea to what kinda of sounds are possible and what the tone of the Virus actually is. Every parameter that you use day-to-day has dedicated knowbs and buttons. Overall its very easy to use. The manual is comprehensive/detailed...but i find manuals boring haha!

Probably the most feature packed hardware synth ever made. Endless sonic possibilities. Famous 'phaser' effect used on most post 1997 electronic material. Additional onboard effects are equally as good. Fully midified (but I hate midi and dont use it). Expansion is via software upgrades (most bugs have been long since eliminated - the design team are making f*&^ing awesome filter emulations now). The Virus filter sounds awesome (lets remember here folks...this is a digital synth...and digital filters can sometimes sound real shite ala JP8000 style) but I think the moog filter sounds unbelievably good for an emulation.

Its the most satisfying VA synth I own. I use it for leads, pads and fx. Its a superb sounding dance/ambient synth. However, I would really love to see Access design a true analog polysynth (for us musicians who have money). The Andromeda A6 compliments the JP-8 and Prophet 5 very nicely. They are all equals in my mind. THe VIrus KC (In terms of sound) is not quite up there....but wins on sheer versatility. For all of you who think the Virus sounds great, I salut you!

The only true negative comment I have about this synth is its goddamn reliability....or lack of. By todays standards, the build quality is excellant (physical construction).....but there seems to be a bit of an issue with some of the components (i.e. LED's, circuit board, memory). Obviously cheap, mass produced digital components probably dont undergo the level of testing that analog components do...but it would be nice if a #1400 synth could be free from these little niggles. There is nothing majorly wrong with this synth.....but it is possible that you will experience some kind of issue (whether it be software related or hardware). I cant put it into context with other new synths.....

Do not let that put you off though. Ive had 5 replacements of the Virus KC....and I still love it. There is no other synth that sounds like it. It has a similar strength of character to that of the JP8 and P5. The Virus tone is equally recognisable. Ive decided to not score this category....b'cos I Really dont know what to put. I'd say around 8.

Any problems are addressed easily and they are very helpful/professional. There is a cool Virus forumn for users. If you have any comments or questions...they are a really friendly bunch in there >> http://www.sunesha.nu/virusforum/index.php

Well, I believe the hype is justly deserved. It is a feature packed, sexy looking, well built, superb sounding VA synth. In my opinion it is the most analogue sounding digital synth out there. If you cant afford a true analogue/dont want to take the risk investing in something 20 yrs old....then the Virus is hands down...the 2nd best option. To me, the likes of Andromeda A6, JP-8 and P5 sounds 'better' but for sensible money, the Virus has more bang for buck.

would give this a 10 if it weren't for the manual.
just tuning in sounds with the knobs is easy as always, but if you have to go deeper and use the manual, you're on your own.
half the stuff in the manual doesn't match what's actually in the board.
i had to find my way around it by feel - keep going thru the menus till you start to memorize it.
the programming tutorial manual is a nice read, tho.

best synth keybed i've ever played.
the sounds that grab you seem to rely heavily on the arps and effects - but damn!- they're good.
board supports release velocity which ia a favorite feature of mine and was a deciding factor in my purchase.
polyphony is fine for a VA.

i've been using synths for about 20 years, and this synth sounds about the best i've ever heard.
as stated, this thing is great to play, velocity response is right on, aftertouch takes the right amount of pressure and it's very easy to dial in release velocity in the mod matrix to get some truly expressive playing.

had to return the first one because one key wouldn't trigger notes within a middle-area velocity range.
i was extremely disappointed, but got a replacement and am keeping my fingers crossed - so far so good, but it's only been a few weeks on my 2nd one.

never dealt with them directly, but they've sent me notices when updates come out.
lots of sounds on their site, programming tutorial, os updates, etc.

if anyone tries to take this synth, i'll rip their face off and leave it for the wolves.
it's worth every cent i paid. i really, really like everything about this synth.
i've got quite a bit of other gear, but this is by far my favorite.
no, i'm not still on a 'honeymoon' with it.
i've owned enough other gear to know what i want.
i looked for specific features and specific sound and the access virus c keyboard is where i found it.

Virus indigo redback, 3 units

Software version 5.0
5.0
5.0
First two upgraded to 6.0 and the last one to 6.5

Presets really do show off what this beast can do. But it's not about the presets now is it?

I have to rate this poorly and will explain later.

Very flexible modulation matrix...i really miss it. :(

Oh the sounds...Beautiful, extreme, pounding, clarity...i could go on. The virus has to be the most expressive synth I've had the pleasure of owning.

Ah. Now here is where this little monster fell short of perfect for me.
I have been through three, yes three redback units in under 3 months!! I returned the first unit to turnkey because the synth action keyboard was making a terrible noise on a few keys. If you've ever had to open up a keyboard then you'll know what that sprung assembly looks like. It's essentially metal sprung metal plates in kontact with the keys. Now this keyboard sounded like a few keys had damaged or kinked sprung metal plates underneath. It may seem like a minor complaint but for #1350 I expect this keyboard to be BUILT WELL!

The second indigo redback i aquired II was happy to find didn't have this problem. When the new OS became available to download i eagerly d/l and installed. This seemed not to be a good idea. After that the poor keyboard failed to respond. I followed the instructions to the letter...what happend!?

Ok redback number three and turnkey are getting a little pissed of seeing my face, and i'm pissed at having to return but anyway i get my virus home set it up...It works...phew! The bloody keys are making that same metal kinking sound :( sigh. I cant be bothered to return it now I'm just gonna have to live with it. I upgrade to the lateset OS 6.5 and it's all good Moog filters here we go!! All is perfect for a few days but then one evening i switch it on and the keyboard doesnt respond? I can trigger sounds from another keyboard ok, i look for the local on/off switch and ...it's not there, in fact it's missing from the menu entirely!!?? Sounddiver (OEM) can't switch it to local on. The keyboard doesn't work. Next day it still doesnt work so I take it back to turnkey they switch it on...guess bloody what works...great!! NOT! The guy there tells me he has a virus KC that every now and then goes a bit screwy but he puts up with it. I however cannot put up with these kinds of quirks in OS or engineering.

The online service has yet to really shine but I believe they will get it going

I love this synth and miss it greatly but it just wasn't to be I think. I still read about it annd wish i didn't witness these problems and that I still had the unit. I had big plans for it in my setup. I think though that I must be very unlucky (if you can believe the term) I wouldn't put anybody off buying one but I would want to let people know what I've experienced. I still think Access are producing the best VA's on the market and mabye next time I'll have a chance to give thier product the marks I feel it deserves.

Every major parameter has dedicated knob/button. Light menue work for 'extra' special sounds. I actually think the overall layout and response of this synth is very good.

OS updates - Latest version is 6.5 I think. The Virus KC now has a very good moog filter emulation......which makes for awesome bass/leads/pads. Menue system has been streamlined as much as possible....I cant see how they can improve it....its very good.

*High-quality, semi-weighted, velocity and aftertouch capable, 61-keys

*Master-keyboard functions

*Internal Power Supply

*Pitch bend, modwheel and two jacks for switch/expression pedals

*Real Wood side panels

*Dimensions: 975 x 351 x 112 mm

*Weight: 13kg, 16.5 kg w. packaging

----------------------------------------------------------------------

*32 knobs
*35 buttons
*69 LEDs

----------------------------------------------------------------------

COMPLETE ENGINE OF VIRUS C:

*32-voice polyphony and 16-part multitimbral capability
1024 programs [256 User / 768 ROM / 128 Multi]

----------------------------------------------------------------------

32-voice polyphony with 16-part multitimbral capability
1024 programs (256 User / 768 ROM / 128 Multi)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

*Undo/Redo/Random features to defeat ?oops? and "writer's block"

*4 oscillators per voice. 3 main plus one sub [when all oscillators are in use, polyphony may decrease, but not by more than 6 voices.]

*Pure Tuning adaptive tuning (based on Hermode Tuning)

*Sawtooth, variable pulse, sine, triangle + 62 additional spectral waves

*FM [Frequency modulation] with or without external Input signals

----------------------------------------------------------------------

*2 filters selectable as lowpass, highpass, bandpass or bandreject

*4 filter configurations (serial/ parallel) for up to 6 poles [36 dB]
Alternative Mini Moog Style resonating Filter with 1,2,3 or 4 poles.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

*3 LFOs with 68 LFO shapes

*Loop or Envelope LFO modes with midi clock sync

*2 ADSTR envelopes [T=Time]

----------------------------------------------------------------------

*16 independent arpeggiators with numerous arpeggiator patterns and real time parameter access/modulation including swing & note length.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

98 simultaneous DSP effects:

*Reverb [w. pre-delay sync to MIDI-clock]
*3-Band EQ per program/part [low/hi shelf + parametric mid]
*Retro Phaser [6-stage stereo phaser with 24 filter-poles
*Multiple independent distortion/saturation/Lo-fi FX per voice, including multiple distortion/shaper characteristics and variable gain.
*Chorus/Flanger with rate sync to midi tempo
*Simple or "Groove" Delay [preset polyrhythmic patterns]
*32-band advanced vocoder
*Ring Modulator
*Analog Boost for true vintage tonal characteristics

----------------------------------------------------------------------

*2 Soft Knobs, individually assignable per program

*Internal master clock that drives all arpeggiators, LFOs and delay times; automatic sync to external midi clock

*Advanced Modulation Matrix with 6 source and 9 destination slots.

*Complete control via MIDI (CC/Polypressure/Sysex) with "Adaptive Control Smoothing" for ultra soft parameter changes and no zippering.

*MIDI Tempo sync capabilities for virtually every time-based parameter

*Full 24-bit processing; 24 bit D/A, 18 bit A/D

*6 individual high quality outputs

*2 audio inputs to process your signals through synth filters, envelopes, FX, vocoder, FM, ring modulator, and more

*Flexible "auxiliary" model of internal audio routing for processing/reprocessing internal/external signals through the synth engine and and effects of other voices

*True Surround sound capabilities

*Free SoundDiver Virus editor/librarian for Windows? and MacOS?

*Easy operating system updates via MIDI

I can't top that!

Definitely one of my favourite sounding VA's.....very smooth and warm. It does not have the digital hardness that most VA's suffer from.

This synth REALLY excels at ambient sounds, synth strings, pads and dark electronica. Great onboard effects are part of the virus 'sound'

Hmmm....well Ive had a few problems. But I now have one which is totally fine. Common problems can include: Bad keys, lose knob, ram failure.

All new synths suffer from potential problems.......its just the luck of the draw :)

*The Virus is totally software driven. Sometimes when you make a OS upgrade...the Virus will act a bit weird for a bit i.e. notes cutting out. These issues tend to sort themselves out...hmmm.. weird!

Very helpful....and are VERY conscious of good customer relations.

Email responses are quick. However, should you need to send your Virus back...you may have to wait longer than the 2-3 week turnaround (In my case 6 weeks).

The Virus is a great synth; nicely built, professional instrument. There have been a few occasions when I wanted to sell my VKC......but the reality is....despite some of the Virus' shortcommings.....there isn't, in my mind, any real alternative on the market. When I bought the Virus, I wanted the VERY best......

Its easy to recommend this synth....but I guess alot of people wont be able to afford it (I saved up for 18 months). If you are in the market for only ONE synth....then you should seriously look into the Virus......

My current setup includes -

Virus KC
Korg Monopoly
DX7
TR909

Virus plays a very important roll in my music.

OS 6.5 (Build 351). This is the latest operating system and now includes an incredibly authentic minimoog emulated filter. Not only do u have the classic Virus filters....u now get the very best moog emulation aswell. I feel that this enhances the overall Virus sound excellantly.

The very best momey can buy. The latest OS 6.5 update is awesome. You now have 4 new filter types modelled on the minimoog.

Well I love the Virus sound and as far as VA synths go its the warmest/fattest on the market. The Virus is incredibly versatile....truly amazing polysynth. Use the Virus in conjunction with a decent analog mono and your in business. I really feel that the Virus excels at ambient sounds, pads and leads.

100% mint, 100% working, 100% FUN!!!!

The Virus has the best key action of anysynth and has the best build quality by far.

Excellant website. Fast response to emails and great OS updates. Access are the market leaders.

Totally reccommended. Very difficult to fault this synth.