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Average Price: $596

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$700+

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Description

Dive into the world of electronic music creation with the Access Virus A, a tabletop synthesizer that has become a staple in the DJ gear category. Recognized for its distinctive sound and versatility, this synthesizer offers a fulfilling experience for both beginners and seasoned musicians. The Virus A is renowned for its powerful sound engine, which provides access to a wide array of lush pads, aggressive leads, and intricate modulations, all housed within an intuitive interface.

What sets the Virus A apart is its robust virtual analog synthesis capabilities, which allow for complex sound design that is both rich and dynamic. With an impressive suite of oscillators, filters, and effects, this synthesizer opens up endless possibilities for creating unique sonic textures. Its seamless integration with MIDI controllers and other gear makes it an excellent choice for live performances and studio setups alike.

The Access Virus A is equipped with a user-friendly interface that facilitates easy tweaking and sound manipulation, encouraging exploration and creativity. Whether you're looking to create ambient soundscapes or high-energy electronic tracks, the Virus A delivers with precision and depth.

Key Features:

  • Virtual analog sound engine for versatile sound design
  • Multiple oscillators and filters for complex sound creation
  • Extensive modulation capabilities
  • Integrated effects including reverb, delay, and distortion
  • MIDI compatibility for seamless integration
  • Suitable for live performances and studio use
  • Intuitive user interface for easy navigation and control

Product specs

Brand Access
Model Virus A Desktop Digital Synthesizer
Finish Black / Red
Year 2000s
Categories Desktop Synths, Digital Synthesizers
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output
Polyphony 12 Voices

FAQs

What type of synthesis does the Access Virus A use?

The Access Virus A is a virtual analog synthesizer, which means it uses digital processing to emulate the sound and behavior of classic analog synthesizers.

How many voices of polyphony does the Access Virus A offer?

The Access Virus A provides 12 voices of polyphony, allowing you to play multiple notes simultaneously for complex and layered sounds.

What are the main connectivity options for the Access Virus A?

The Access Virus A features MIDI input and output, enabling integration with other MIDI-compatible devices and DAWs for versatile control and sequencing.

Is the Access Virus A suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Access Virus A is well-suited for live performances due to its robust build, intuitive interface, and ability to produce a wide range of sounds that can be easily tweaked in real-time.

Can the Access Virus A be used for creating electronic music genres?

Absolutely, the Access Virus A is highly regarded for its capability to produce a variety of sounds ideal for electronic music genres, including techno, trance, and ambient, thanks to its powerful sound engine and modulation options.

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional build quality, firm and smooth potentiometers

  • 16 multitimbral parts offer vast composition flexibility

  • 12-voice polyphony enriches sound layering

  • Versatile with 3 stereo outputs for complex setups

  • Unique character with crunchy 12bit converters

  • Excellent for analogue emulation; sounds better than many VSTis

  • Quick, intuitive sound design with ample control options

  • Built-in effects, vocoder, and external input expand creative possibilities

  • Factory presets are impressively usable

  • Can create monophonic monsters in unison mode

CONS

  • Only 12 voices may limit polyphonic capabilities

  • Two oscillators might be insufficient for some users

  • Workflow involves menu diving, despite numerous controls

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Access Virus A.

Features and functionality

  • Virus synthesizers offer deep arpeggiator options, which can also be used to trigger external synths like the Juno 106.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Virus TI's new features make it a significant upgrade over the Virus C, particularly in sound design capabilities.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Heat issues can lead to failure in Virus TI and TI2 models, often due to power supply and DSP overload.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Access Virus is revered for its multitimbrality and polyphony, making it popular in live performances across various genres.

    Source

User experience

  • The Virus user guide is praised as a comprehensive book on synth programming, offering valuable insights beyond typical manuals.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Total integration with DAWs like Cubase is a standout feature of the Virus TI2, enhancing its studio application.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 15 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jimiuno

Awesome

virtual Analogue module that can emulate all of the classics, semi modular internal routing, 2 oscillators, bult in effects, multi outs, vocoder, external input. This is my weapon of choice for any analogue sounds as it sounds much better and more distinctive than any vsti.

Sound design is quick an intuitive although there are several menus inside the hood even though this has a serious amount of knobs and buttons.

michael_barakat

Highly Versatile and gigable - cheap too.

No, it's not truly analogue, but it sounds really spectacular. Lots of filtering, modulation and effects options. The most versatile synth for the money. Build quality is excellent - potentiometers are firm and smooth. Lots of knobs for easy on the fly augmentation of sounds. The factory presets are quite usable. It's a two oscillator synth, which might not be enough beef for some people, but I rarely use a three oscillator sound accept for leads. Oh right... if that's a problem try it in unison mode and stack 3 or four layers on top of one another... boom you've got monophonic monster. The only downside is it's only got 16 voices. So, if you're planning on using it for more than a couple of polyphonic instruments you may have some problems.

O

The beast that started it all.

I just can't get enough of the Virus and it's workflow, the 12bits convertors are a +1 for a crunchy sound ;) 24+ yo instrument and still can get killer sounds out of it.

shok
shok

1509

Prototype model of the A

One of the first people to have one. Experimental Beta software onboard.

alpha

My first virus. A classic.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Eric Chevalier uses Access Virus A

Eric Chevalier

Composer

...
Verified via Raymanpc

Eric Chevalier's gear list circa 2003:

Mixing Consoles: - Sony DMX-R100 - Yamaha 01V Monitors: - Genelec 1031.A - Genelec 1030.A Samplers: - Akai s6000 (x2) - Akai CD3000XL - Roland S760 (x4) - Roland SP 700 Synthesizers: - Roland JD800 - Roland JD990 - Roland MKS80 + PG - Roland MKS70 + PG (x2) - Roland XV3080 - Roland D550 - Roland A80 - E-MU Proteus 2000 - Yamaha TX802 - Kurzweil MicroPiano - Korg M1R EX - Korg Wavestation AD - Korg Triton - Alesis DM5 (drum machine) - Access Virus A - Access Virus C - The theremin - Nord Lead Computer (& Plugins): - PowerMac G4/733 - PowerBook Titanium - Monitors Plasma (x2) - Pro Tools Mix Plus (software) - Logic Audio Platinum (+ eMagic plugins) - Spectrasonics Athmosphere - Spectrasonics Stylus - Mac Five - DD 80 Go + 120 Go + 160 Go LaCie - DD 40 Go Ice - Synchro: "Time Machine" C Lab - Unitor MK2 (x3) Effects: - Lexicon 480L - PCM80 / LPX15 - Yamaha SPX90 / D1500 (x2) - Tube Tech Compressor LCA 2B - EQ Moog - TC Electronics M5000 - TC Electronic Finalizer 96K - DAT Panasonic SV-3800 - DAT Sony PCM R500

See how NIVIRO uses Access Virus A

NIVIRO

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Spatial Moon Studios | My ultimate 2025 studio tour" posted by NIVIRO on YouTube, the Access Virus A synthesizer is shown in the synth rack at 8:27.

See how Faders uses Access Virus A

Faders

...
Verified via Photo

The Faders studio, Virus synth on the left.

See how Derango uses Access Virus A

Derango

Music Producer

...
Verified via Archive

In an interview from 2005, Ola from Derango states: "Now years later and with a better computer, a nice soundcard, a pair of monitors, a nord modular and the Virus A, Our sound production has been taken to a higher level, and is still evolving"

Album Usage

The Access Virus A has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Access Virus A, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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2
Roland JP-8080 Synthesizer Module
Roland JP-8080 Synthesizer Module Synthesizers & Sound Modules
2

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