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Description

Dive into a world of endless sonic possibilities with the Access Virus B, a powerhouse in the realm of tabletop synthesizers. Known for its versatile sound engine, the Virus B seamlessly blends analog warmth with digital precision, making it a go-to choice for DJs and producers looking to elevate their soundscapes. Whether you're crafting lush pads, gritty bass lines, or intricate leads, this synth is equipped to handle it all.

The Virus B stands out with its 24-voice polyphony, allowing you to layer sounds without compromising on richness or depth. Its intuitive interface encourages creativity, with easily accessible knobs and controls that put sound design right at your fingertips. The robust modulation matrix offers unparalleled flexibility, letting you shape tones to your heart's content. With an array of built-in effects, including reverb, delay, and chorus, you can effortlessly add depth and texture to your tracks.

Designed for both live performances and studio sessions, the Access Virus B provides a reliable and dynamic tool for any musician's arsenal. Its compatibility with various MIDI setups ensures seamless integration, making it an ideal choice for those who demand both innovation and reliability from their gear.

Key Features:

  • 24-voice polyphony for complex layering
  • Intuitive interface with hands-on controls
  • Extensive modulation matrix for versatile sound shaping
  • Built-in effects: reverb, delay, chorus, and more
  • Seamless MIDI integration for versatile performance setups

Product specs

Brand Access
Model Virus B Desktop Digital Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 2000s
Categories Desktop Synths, Digital Synthesizers
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony 24 Voices

FAQs

Is the Access Virus B synthesizer polyphonic?

Yes, the Access Virus B is a polyphonic synthesizer with 24 voices, allowing for complex and layered sound design.

What type of synthesis does the Access Virus B use?

The Access Virus B utilizes digital synthesis to produce a wide range of sounds, offering flexibility for various musical styles and applications.

How does the Access Virus B integrate with other MIDI equipment?

The Access Virus B features MIDI Input, Output, and Through, making it easy to integrate with other MIDI-compatible gear for expanded control and performance options.

What are the standout features of the Access Virus B's sound engine?

The Access Virus B's sound engine is known for its rich, versatile sound palette, capable of creating everything from lush pads to aggressive leads, making it a favorite among electronic musicians.

Is the Access Virus B suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Access Virus B is well-suited for live performances, thanks to its robust build, intuitive interface, and extensive sound-shaping capabilities.

TausendAugen

TausendAugen

Access Virus B - Sounddemo Bank H: 0-127

Video thumbnail for Access Virus B - Sounddemo Bank H: 0-127 by TausendAugen

Access Virus B - Sounddemo Bank H: 0-127

TausendAugen

TausendAugen

Video thumbnail for Access Virus B Sound Demo by Pure Ambient Drone

Access Virus B Sound Demo

Pure Ambient Drone

Pure Ambient Drone

Video thumbnail for Access Virus B Demo Part 1 by Panu M Savolainen

Access Virus B Demo Part 1

Panu M Savolainen

Panu M Savolainen

Video thumbnail for Access Virus B -  Factory Demo Song - 1999 - OS4.02 by CZ synth

Access Virus B - Factory Demo Song - 1999 - OS4.02

CZ synth

CZ synth

Video thumbnail for Access Virus B Demo Part 2 by Panu M Savolainen

Access Virus B Demo Part 2

Panu M Savolainen

Panu M Savolainen

Reviews

PROS

  • 24 voices and Multi-Timbral, offering extensive usability

  • Exceptional filters enhance sound quality

  • Minimal menu diving; most controls accessible via knobs

  • Wide selection of waveforms for oscillators and LFOs

  • Analog modeling provides a distinctive Virus sound

  • Versatile, capable of producing a broad range of sounds

  • Dual filters add significant expression to patches

  • Can replicate sounds of many other synths due to its architecture

CONS

  • Voltage regulation issues due to faulty capacitors

  • Original power supply is crucial for optimal performance

  • Audio upgrade recommended for enhancing signal-to-noise ratio

  • Some find its character too focused on trance and supersaw leads

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Virus B offers knob-per-function control for basic sound design, but deeper functions require extensive menu navigation, which can be cumbersome during live performances.

    Source
  • The Virus B's multi-mode allows layering two to four patches, enhancing sound design complexity without additional equipment.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users find the Virus B suitable for creating sound design templates beforehand to minimize menu diving during live improvisational performances.

    Source
  • Owners suggest using a MIDI controller like the BCR-2000 to overcome the menu-heavy interface for live control of parameters.

    Source
  • Virus B can effectively recreate trance leads using presets from the C, as confirmed by owners, despite some differences in sound quality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Virus B is contrasted with the Elektron Digitone, highlighting its simpler operation without the complexities of sequencing and FM synthesis.

    Source
  • The Virus B is contrasted with the Alesis Ion, which offers a more visually intuitive interface for those who dislike menu diving.

    Source
  • The Virus C offers supersaw-like trance leads, not found in the Virus B, which lacks Hypersaw and wavetable synthesis, appealing to those focused on these sound types.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Virus B sound is available as a DSP 56300 emulation, which can be controlled via MIDI, offering an alternative to the hardware.

    Source
  • Compatibility with modern systems can be limited due to the Virus B's age, impacting firmware updates and integration.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some users argue that modern softsynths can rival or surpass the Virus B’s sound for EDM, suggesting the emulation as a cost-effective option.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The Virus B includes an INIT patch in every slot not occupied by factory presets, simplifying the process of starting sound design from a clean slate.

    Source
  • Older models like the Virus B may require battery replacements over time, but with proper care, they can remain fully operational.

    Source

User experience

  • Users have noted the Virus B's menus are context-specific, showing only relevant parameters when editing, which eases navigation compared to endless scrolling systems.

    Source
  • The visual aesthetic of the Virus KB, with its distinctive red accents and wood finish, significantly enhances user inspiration and enjoyment.

    Source

Build quality

  • The keybed on the Virus KB is praised for its quality, although there are variations in keybed versions across different production runs, affecting consistency.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 30 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
digitl

versatile polysynth

For virtual analog modeling, I like this the best. Better than the Ultranova and Blofeld. The dual filters add incredible expression to patches. Can be programmed to replicate many other synths because the architecture (3 oscillator) is so flexible. Decent FM capabilities, too.

Here is a track made only with the Virus B

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQv5KYiLWf0

Roles:
Genres:
mikefiction

Good for trance pads and super duper saw leads

I sold it and don't regret it. It did have it's uses, and sometimes I wish I had it again, then I remember the trance pads and supersaw leads and why I didn't love it. Maybe it would be good if I wiped out the entire patch memory and started from scratch. The effects were great.

If I were a trance producer I would love it.

sounds_past_midnight

Sick VA Synth

sick sick sick! versatile and that wood panel tho.

From Gear Setup
richiesantana

Classic

Great poly tons of great sounds very flexible va synth

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Hans Zimmer uses Access Virus B

Hans Zimmer

Composer, Music Producer

Hans Zimmer, Lisa Gerrard & Klaus Badelt

...
Verified via Soundonsound

According to this article, Hans Zimmer utilizes an Access Virus B in his studio.

See how Headhunterz uses Access Virus B

Headhunterz

Music Producer, DJ

Project One

...
Verified via Tumblr

The Access Virus B Synth can be spotted mounted in a rack in Headhunterz' studio.

See how The Crystal Method uses Access Virus B

The Crystal Method

Music Producer

The Crystal Method & Bubba Sparxxx

...
Verified via Twitter

An Access Virus B is seen in the "Bomb Shelter" in this photo The Crystal Method tweeted.

See how Klaus Schulze uses Access Virus B

Klaus Schulze

Guitarist, Bassist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Klaus-schulze

Klaus Schulze is listed as using the Access Virus B Synthesizer on his official instruments page.

See how Michael Woods uses Access Virus B

Michael Woods

Music Producer

America

...
Verified via Twitter

"This is a hardware synth which was made in 1999 with a 24 note polyphony and amazing oscillators, from 2 to 3 per voice. I use this mainly for the creation of lead sounds and occasionally for atmospheric pad sounds. This synth is essential because it never really creates the same sound twice so you are always creating something new."

See how 12th Planet uses Access Virus B

12th Planet

Music Producer

Evol Intent & Infiltrata

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:38, 12th Planet says he owns a Access Virus B Synthesizer. "It's from the days when I was producing Drum and Bass."

See how Basement Jaxx uses Access Virus B

Basement Jaxx

Music Producer

...
Verified via MusicRadar

In the MusicRadar article, photos show Basement Jaxx's Simon Ratcliffe using the Access Virus B Synthesizer, highlighting its role in their music production.

See how Harry Gregson-Williams uses Access Virus B

Harry Gregson-Williams

Composer, Music Producer

Kind Heaven Orchestra

...
Verified via YouTube

Seen around 12:32, rackmounted near the bottom of his equipment rack.

See how Skee Mask uses Access Virus B

Skee Mask

Music Producer

...
Verified via Inverted Audio

"Sometimes I record something from the Virus or my old JP-8000, but I always add samples digitally using Ableton"

It is seen that it is the Virus B in his Electronic Beats TV Interview at 0:38.

See how Tipper uses Access Virus B

Tipper

Music Producer

...
Verified via Reckorder

In an interview with Reckorder, Tipper mentioned that the Access Virus B Synthesizer is one of his most frequently used synthesizers.

See how Scooter uses Access Virus B

Scooter

Music Producer

Dance United

...
Verified via Photo

Scooter is shown using the Access Virus B Synthesizer in a photo posted on their official Facebook page.

See how Kevin Moore uses Access Virus B

Kevin Moore

Keyboardist, Composer

Dream Theater

...
Verified via Photo

Kevin Moore is seen using an Access Virus B Synthesizer, placed on top of his Kurzweil SP76, during his OSI 2003 recording sessions. This is evidenced by a photo from The Mooreatorium website.

Album Usage

The Access Virus B 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 B, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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