Access Music Virus

It has a good quality when it worked. All of the controls are on the surface but most soft synths have surpassed this by now. I would prefer to buy a power book and a suite on Native Instruments software synths and a high quality midi controller.

It had a decent feature set but does not really compare to a software synth. The fact that my instrument is now no longer working I wish I would have purchased a software synth.

Sounded great when it worked. It is now un-repairable and there is no support from Access.

It is now un-repairable and there is no support from Access. It lasted a few years. Was in the shop (the North American authorized repair shop) for just under a year. The repair bill was approx. 500 US dollars and I receieved back a bunch of parts I did not need and a broken synth. Wish I would have bought a software synth a laptop and a midi controller for the same amount. At least two of the three would still work. I still have a Juno 106 in the basement from the 80's and it works like a charm. These products are supposed to last beyond a couple of years.

Horrible. This is the single worst consumer experience that I have ever had, bar none. The authorized repair shop was horrible I would have to call them once a month to get status and they would always have nothing for me. Until I finally pulled the plug and received a bill for 400-. Wow.

I will never purchase an Access product again. I have had great experiences with Fender, Roland, Native Instruments, Emagic/Apple, Fatar and Digidesign in the past. This is the first sour experience I have had with gear.

Using OS 2.8. Presets are decent enough, but obviously should only be used as a starting point. I have not had any problems in editing patches. This was my first hardware synth, after graduating from a fully software setup. I don't know of any patch editor, but you don't need. Everything either has it's own dedicated knob on the front panel, or is in one of two menus. I didn't have any trouble in making my own sounds at the start, and I reference the manual only occasionally... which is very well written by the way. I also had a Korg Microkorg. The Virus is a dream to operate in comparison and I've since sold the microkorg, because it was such a nightmare to edit.

Plenty enough Polyphony and good multi timbrality.
The built in effects are basic but good. I don't ever use Chorus, but the delay I always use. Just one type of delay. but I love it... especially when I play around with the rate and the depth... has a lovely detuning/uptuning effect to the delayed sounds. The distortion is OK, if just a little tame. The LFO's are great. I always use the main two, and sometimes the hidden third LFO. There's also a ring modulator which is cool. Not bothered that there is no reverb... reverb has its time and place, but on the virus lines I don't need it. No on-board sequencer. The arpeggiator kicks ass though. For an example of the virus and arpeggiator in action, have a listen to this track. Go here: http://www.funquedroppings.com/funque008.html , and listen to "A Minor Rift". The main synth is the virus, with an arpeggiator on it. In a nutshell, the fluid and dynamic warmth of the synth is what makes it my favourite piece of kit.

The sounds are absolutely excellent. I use the virus as the main lead, or bass or both in nearly all my tracks. It often gets slated as being too trancey, but really, whoever said that didn't spend enough time with it. My one gripe with the sound is that occasionally it can lack some bottom end. Especially on a high filter setting. For this reason, I sometimes need to add a sub to thicken out a screaming filtered lead.

Very reliable. Only problem I've had with it is if I scroll for a patch while turning the volume knob up or down. It crashes the whole thing, and I need to switch it off and on again. Apart from that, it's built like a tank and has been brought out for many gigs.

Haven't had to deal with them, yet.

If this was lost or stolen I would definitely buy one again. I've got my eye on the new TI as well, but at the moment they are prohibitively expensive. Considering I got this one for ?400 for what was probably touching ?2000 when it came out first, I'm very happy indeed. I love the fact that this synth has such a defined sound. Plus it's so easy to program, and it really "makes" a track very easily. It's my favourite synth of the few hardware and software based ones I've used. I'd be lost without it.

I've only just got this synth recently (second hand)

Virus A - OS 2.8

The presets are ok, nothing spectacular but the usual selection of pads, basses, etc.

Patch editing is a bit of a pain, half the parameters are hidden within the hidden edit menus. Selecting then requires you to know which menu (edit or control) and which direction it is from your current menu location.

I haven't found a patch editor program yet.

I don't have a manual.

12 note poly.
There is no keyboard (desktop/rack version).
No expansion capabilities.

Can recieve and send MIDI for all the knobs I believe (which might be cool).

There is a third, hidden LFO deep in the menus.

There is no onboard sequencer, although there is an arpegiator - it would have been nice if this could be edited or at least switched on/off from a dedicated control.

There is a delay setting, I think this is per voice in multitimbral, this can be synced to the MIDI clock.

The sounds are neither realistic or analogue sounding - the problem seems to be the filters, there's lots of choice and settings but the resonance at high levels just makes it sound very thin and not self-oscillating (like in a real analogue instrument) and has that awful digital filter sound quality to it.

The envelope, although others have said is fast I disagree. The kind of music I write has very fast note pulses (fast attack and release) at high tempos and it just doesn't seem to like it.

The effects on board are delay and chorus. The delay is quite nice, although you can't set seperate left/right delay times.

I tend to use velocity to control certain features - although the virus cannot route this to cutoff (which I usually use) it can control the filter envelope (per filter) and also a host of other things simultaniously (including amplitude if you were so inclined =) )

The unit itself has a very robust construction, the buttons have a nice solid clunky feel to them too.

I downloaded the OS update from the website - it was fairly painless to install. There are also extra sound banks available on the website.

If it were lost or stolen? Hmmm - I'd probably not go and get another, sure it's fine - it does quite a few 'virtual analogue' sounds. If you needed a workhorse to fill a few slots in your studio (pad sounds, the odd lead, etc.) but can't afford the old, unreliable analogue stuff then it's probably a good synth but even my 202 kicks it's rear in terms of bass, filters, envelope, controls, etc.

The presets were more or less useless to me, but it's when you do your own patches the magic is unleashed. More on the sounds later.

At first I thought all the menus were a pain in the butt, but now that I've got to learn the menu structure and how to quickly get to the parameter I seek for I don't think it's a problem anymore. The menus are very laid-out and user friendly when you've got to know them (it takes no more than a day at most).

The manual is a good when you look for a certain parameter, but I don't think it's very beginner-friendly. Maybe I'm wrong, I haven't used it that much since I've had alot of synths before.

2 oscillators + suboscillator, 2 filters (+saturation), 2x ADSTR envelope generators, 2 LFOs (very flexible ones!) and a bunch of effects. Pretty darn impressive...

Polyphony = 12 voices. Pretty good for monotimbral uses, but probably not for multitimbral (I haven't used it as a multitimbral machine yet). I usually try a synth's polyphony by playing Jean-Michel Jarre - Souvenir of China and if voice-stealing appear then the polyphony is weak. The Virus passed the test :D

The built-in effects are unison, chorus, delay & analog boost. They all sound super nice, but I'd like a few more. I know that's why they made the later models.

Expansions? Not that I know of. If you want a better one, just get one of the later Virus models.

...and I've got to mention the arpeggiator: IT'S AMAZING! There's like 40 different patterns in there and they really spice up your sounds! It's really flexible and it sounds very good!

There are very few synths which both are flexible and sound good. This synth is one of those. The oscillators may sound very smooth or very harsh, it can be soft and it can be hard etc. The parts of the synth which surprised me the most were the envelope generators. They are very snappy and punchy at low attack and decay rates (perfect for punchy basses), but they also capable of being soft and smooth at high rates (perfect for strings and pads) = very flexible!

Since it's so flexible and sounds so good (almost analog-ish at times), it may fit in most electronic genres. It's built like a dance/trance machine and there's no doubt it fulfils it's purpose, but I use it for basses and leads in electro and synthpop and it does a great job!

As mentioned before, the effects are outstanding. Top notch. I sometimes add a Korg MDE-X when I need additional effects.

The case itself is made of sturdy metal and it seems to be very dependable. It would probably survive a few drops leaving nothing but a few dents, but I wouldn't try (I like mine too much). I've never had any problems with digital instruments and I probably won't with this one either.

I would definately gig with it! I couldn't afford a backup and wouldn't get one if I could. This is one reliable machine (looks cool too =D ).

Haven't dealt with them and I probably won't.

If mine were stolen, I'd definately get a new one (or get my old one back). It's worth every penny. If you're in to electronic music, get one if you haven't already. I love the sounds, the look of it and the user-inferface. It feels good to have it in my studio and I smile every time I see it. I've had a bunch of other synths before, but now my studio's almost completely software. But the Virus can do alot of things my computer can't, that's one of the reasons I got one in the first place. Then when I got to dig deeper in to its capabilities I found that it was a masterpiece!

Most of my old gear (which I have sold now) were just in the way when I made music since my computer could do the same job or even better, but this machine is beyond that and it stimulates my creativity. I think the most important thing about a synth is how it makes you feel and the Virus make me happy and satisfied.

You have two options now: 1) Get one, or, 2) GET ONE!

=D

If you are fammiliar with subtractive synthesis, then the Access should prove to be a very intuitive and pleasing instrument. I have recently upgraded from 1.4 to 2.8 (i think), with ease! I downloaded the new OS from access for free. The presets are great but they do not reveal the feriocity contained within, after initializing the banks and twisting some knobs, you will discover its true potential. The manuel is very complete and precise, no confusion what so ever. If your a beginer, you'll be thankful for the tips included. Editing patches is easy, as sounds from your mind are easily created in the Virus. After learning its functions, you will form a psychic connection with your Virus!

Not sure about exact specs, I'm sure others have covered this. So far it has shown me no limitations, it does what I expect it to do. The midi capability is great! I have never used a synth that could be controlled with 16 seperate tracks, the Virus has simplified my life. Every parameter can be automated quite smoothly. There is no sequencer, the virus would be all you need if it had one. I use a Yamaha QY70 sequencer which works great! With it, I am in full controll of my Virus. I'd reccomend the QY to anyone who needs an all around midi sequencer that can run on batteries. The effects are not cheesy or thin or crapy by any standards, the delay, arpegiators, ringmod, vocoder, are all great and add alot to the overall feel of your sound.

It's sounds are the best that I have heard from a synthesizer, granted I have never laid hands on a Moog Voyager, or a Korg Jupiter. I have however, used a microKORG,Juno 60,Reason 2.0,and rebirth. The Virus can do what any of these synths did for me and it can do it better. I am able to create many sounds that I have in my mind quite easily, and am equally able to create sounds never before heard by my ears! I swear you wont be dissapointed!

The Access is the definition of fine craftsmenship, it's like a 57 chevy with the mind of a genius.

Access has released new OS' after discontinuing their products, enough said.

If it were lost or stolen I'd hunt them down like the black mamba! it is such a personal piece of gear to me. my mind is in that machine. I dont hate anything about it, I love its ease. I wish it had a plug that could sync with my brain waves. It definately helps me make music, I was in a slump till I found my Virus.

if you are used to midi gear you will figure it out...if you just wanna plug in a keyboard and play...tweak on dude. i'll give it a 9...its not simple like a boss effects pedal...but its not a korg n364 either...(complicated and wierd)

its got everything you need (virus A) effects are nice...global delay...full midi etc. "B" is better.."C" even better...indigo rules...but if you can get an original VIRUS...you wont be dissapointed.

sound..ahhh the sounds...i have a bunch of gear..korg n364..roland D2..a superbass 303 clone...a roland jp8080...nothing has even come close to the instantly pro sounds that this sweet beast makes...so sexy my girlfriend is jealous!

well it has done some weird thing...sometimes after saving a patch it produces no sound and other weird things..but probably its just a matter of me not knowing exactly what im doing....power adaptor is loose and wiggly...electrical tapes will hold it tight. apparently its built strong.

good maunal. so far so good. you can get upgrades...access made OS upgrades years after it was discontinued!! sweet. im using 2.52 right now...but you can get 2.8

amazing sounds...one of the best sounding synths ever. get one now!!!

I think this synth is damn easy to use provided that u know a little about substractive synthesis. All you have to do is to tweak all the knobs until you get the right sound ! Of course every functions are not accessible directly (there are too many!), but its easy to reach them in the menu.
I have never needed to look at the manual.

It has nearly everything you need ! 3 LFO, 2 Adsr, 2OSC, 1 Subosc, 1n oise source, 1 Ringmodulator, Delay+chorus, Matrix mods bla bla.......
I would have liked to get one or two more slot in the matrix mod (there are only 3 available).

I think Virus can do awesome thing !!! With the first OS version the bass were not very good, but this has been corrected. The osc are perhaps a little tiner than on a Nordlead. On the other hand its way more flexible. Yes you can do some nice Bass sound as well as some deep pad. It can also sound very agressive thanks to the adsr that have a very short attack.
I think the Fm mod sounds extremly good on that synth. Used with the ringmod, it enables you to make a lot of weird sound.
I definitly loves the sound of that synth!

Hmmm. I got mine on second hand market. I have never had any problems!
So yes I guess i can rely on it !

The customer supports of access is AWESOME! They made new OS version after the virus was discontinued! It very easy to reach access through email. Some of access worker are also on the mailing-list. They really listen to the user opinion.

I really loves that synth!!!! You can get so beautiful sounds! Its not only the sound, but also the fact that editing sound is very very intuitive. I definitly loves patching this synth. Its my main synth and its probably the best thing i have ever bought. It has a lot of possibility, and its very good for experimental music !

Software version: 2.52.
The presets are pretty useful, though I find I usually tweek at least one of the
parameters to get something more interesting out of it.
Editing is simple as can be. The whole front of the unit is covered with knobs which
control more or less all of the functions you want to edit. All you do is dial in the sound you want
and hit "store". If you want to get more in depth and throw in effects and stuff, then you have to edit those
through the LCD display, but even that is very simple.
Can't comment on the manual, I bought this thing used and didn't get a manual with it.

The polyphony is great. I have some other virtual analog synths and after using them all,
over time I've found that the Virus has quickly become one of my favorites. I find it's the first synth I will
turn to quite often.
The thing is capable of just about anything as far as MIDI goes. It has MIDI control fuctions, an arpeggiator,
pressure sensitivity, everything I need at least.

The sounds on the Virus are excellent. Very thick and expressive. Some of the presets
take some tweeking to make them interesting, but that doesn't take long.
The onboard effects work very well and sound great. The chorus is nice and thick and smooth.

I've had it for over a year and never had one single problem with it.
I never worry about it at all.

The Virus has gotten me through some period of being stuck many times.
I'll be working on a track and I just can't seem to dial in a sound I hear in my head
on my other synths, then I crank up the Virus and usually within just a few minutes, I've got the sound I want
and my song is that much closer to being done.

the virus looks like a beast, but it's surprisingly easy to use! i am currently using the 2.52 operating system, and according to access, there will be one more update to the OS. the presets sound EXCELLENT. i have never heard a synth with better presets (for dance music). editing patches is a breeze, all you do is turn knobs...press "store," and press "store" again and your through. more complex editing can be "access"-ed with two buttons and again...it's so easy! the manual is great. you have to download the addendum for 2.0 operating systems and above, but the manual really gives novices a great understanding of synthesis!

the polyphony is 12 voices on my OS. rumor has it that the new OS will have 16. there are built in delays, choruses, noice generators, vocoders and ring modulators. expansion is also easy...just go to the access website, download OS s.52 and load it into the virus via midi. the virus is so easy to use, and so tweakable...

the virus sounds...BEAUTIFUL! there is hardly a better synth for producing electronica. the virus is great for producing trance, breakbeat, house, dance, and other subgenres of electronica. i was immediately inspired to write three new tunes right after i got the virus...and the inspiration keeps coming! the virus is velocity sensitive (if your controller is), and it responds to aftertouch as well (again, if your controller does).

so far no prolems in reliability...i've owned it for a few months, but the previous owner had it for almost two years with no problems in a smoke FILLED studio.

great support from access. if you e-mail these guys...they get back to you in a day or less...and in english no less!

if this virus was stolen...i'd be depressed for a few months, and then i would buy it again, and again, and again. i have been producing music for years now and i also own a yamaha cs2x, a yamaha dx7, and a roland jp8000. the virus beats them all...no problem. if you are a producer...the ideas will flow once you own a virus. it's the best investment i've made since my cs2x. if you want to hear what a virus sounds like...go to: http://www.mp3.com/hypnotik to download my free trance. listen to "metaphase," or "gravitate," where i use the virus for everything except drums!

this machine has THEE BEST, im stressing this again, THEEEEEEE BEST operators maual i have EVER read, it is so easy to read, nothing technical unless you read deeper into it, but it gives you PLAIN ENGLISH explanation of all functions, then it elaborates into technical stuff. once you read the manual, this machine is EXTREMELY easy to use. It took me ONE FREAKING WEEK to figure out how to run everything, which is VERY fast for someone like me.

2 independent lfo's do all the sound morphing AUTOMATICALLY, once you figure out how to set them to where you want them, an excellent feature for tweaking the living crap out of all 16 parts at once!
AND IT SOUNDS EXTREMELY PROFESSIONAL. nothing cheesey about this synth AT ALL>

VERY CRISP LIQUIDY SOUNDS. you can assign up to four functions to one midi controller, whether its on a different machine, or right on you keboards mod wheel. you can also assign each independently, whereever you want, very easily.

toughest box in existence, VERY SOLID KNOBS AND BUTTONS.

Im sure it is excellent, access is a responsible, trustworthy company.

I LOVE THIS MACHINE MORE THAN MY MOTHER!!!!

YOU WILL TOO, NO DOUBT

blows the nord lead, and novation away, in my opinion.