Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,791

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1501+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unlock new sonic realms with the Access Virus TI Keyboard Synthesizer, a powerhouse that has been captivating musicians since the late '90s. This synthesizer is a dream for both studio magicians and live performers, delivering versatility and intuitive control. With its 61 non-weighted keys, the Virus TI offers an expansive playground for your creative ideas, while its user-friendly interface ensures seamless editing during performances. Dive into a world of sound with its four oscillators, providing rich textures and dynamic soundscapes.

The Virus TI is not just about quantity but quality too. It boasts three filters and three LFOs, giving you a broad palette to sculpt your sound exactly as you envision. The onboard effects are abundant, featuring 192 parallel effects including reverb, delay, and much more, to add depth and dimension to your music. Each patch comes with a 32-step user-programmable arpeggiator pattern, allowing for intricate rhythmic sequences that will elevate your compositions.

Whether you're crafting ambient soundscapes or driving dance beats, the Virus TI is a versatile tool that will take your music to the next level. Its robust design and powerful features make it a staple in any musician's arsenal, providing endless possibilities to explore and create.

Key Features:

  • 61 non-weighted keys for versatile playability
  • Four oscillators for rich and dynamic sound creation
  • Three LFOs and three filters for detailed sound sculpting
  • 192 onboard effects including reverb, delay, chorus, and more
  • 32-step user-programmable arpeggiator for complex sequencing
  • Extensive patch storage for your custom sounds

Product specs

Brand Access
Model Virus TI 61-Key Digital Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 2000s
Made In Germany
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Keys 61 Keys
Polyphony 110 Voices

FAQs

What synthesis methods does the Access Virus TI Keyboard Synthesizer use?

The Access Virus TI synthesizer utilizes various synthesis techniques, including subtractive synthesis, wavetable synthesis, phase distortion (PD), and frequency modulation (FM) synthesis, providing a versatile range of sound design possibilities.

Is the Access Virus TI Keyboard Synthesizer polyphonic?

Yes, the Access Virus TI offers polyphony with up to 110 voices, allowing for complex and layered sound creation suitable for both studio and live performance settings.

How many keys does the Access Virus TI Keyboard Synthesizer have, and what is the key action type?

The Access Virus TI features a 61-key keyboard with full-size keys and synth action, providing a responsive and expressive playing experience.

Can the Access Virus TI Keyboard Synthesizer be integrated with a DAW?

Yes, the Access Virus TI can connect to a DAW with sample-accurate timing and delay-compensated integration, making it a powerful tool for both production and live performance.

What are the MIDI connectivity options available on the Access Virus TI Keyboard Synthesizer?

The Access Virus TI offers comprehensive MIDI connectivity, including MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through, facilitating seamless integration with other MIDI-compatible gear.

Reviews

PROS

  • Ideal for starting and finishing tracks, highly useful in production

  • Offers unparalleled complexity and possibilities for sound exploration

  • Extensive library of both free and commercial soundsets enhances versatility

  • Considered a standard in electronic music production

  • Superior analogue modeling sound quality, second only to Moog hardware synths

CONS

  • Lacks the DSP power of newer models for advanced effects

  • Complexity may deter some users

  • Known to have quirks and bugs, including tuning issues in some patches

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • The UDO Super 6 and Waldorf Iridium are suggested alternatives at a similar price point, offering modern features and support.

    Source
  • The Virus C and B are noted to have a slightly darker sound, potentially due to differences in their digital-to-audio converters, but this could also be subjective bias.

    Source
  • The Waldorf Iridium offers similar digital synthesis but lacks the Virus's unique sound, prompting some to retain their Virus despite owning both.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users integrating the TI2 with gear like the Octatrack find its unique sound and capabilities to complement complex setups effectively.

    Source
  • Despite its age, the Virus TI2 is favored for creating wide stereo-spread unison textures and complex soundscapes.

    Source
  • The Virus TI2 is often used as a standalone synth due to its unique sound and control surface, despite the availability of software emulations.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Virus TI2's resale value in Australia consistently exceeds $2000 AUD, making it a financially safer choice compared to older models like the B or C.

    Source
  • Despite its discontinued status, the TI2 retains high resale value due to its distinctive capabilities and build quality, though some users find it overpriced at $2000+.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Contrary to some beliefs, the TI emulator doesn't require original hardware to run; acquiring the ROM is the primary challenge.

    Source
  • The Virus TI2's software integration is considered abandonware, with no recent updates for modern systems, causing potential compatibility issues, especially on Mac.

    Source
  • The TI software works well on Windows 11, but users report issues with newer MacOS versions unless using third-party plugins like Mystery Island.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that despite theoretical polyphony, practical use in multimbral mode typically involves sequencing 3-4 sounds simultaneously.

    Source
  • Owners report the Virus TI2's sound can dominate mixes due to its distinct, overpowering tonal character.

    Source
  • Some owners report glitches in multitimbral mode, advising against using more than four parts simultaneously to avoid artifacts like pops and clicks.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The TI2's wavetable and hypersaw oscillator modes significantly expand its sonic palette, enhancing its capabilities beyond marketing claims.

    Source
  • The third oscillator is considered limited compared to other features, impacting its potential for complex synthesis.

    Source
  • The TI2's 16-part multitimbrality is appealing but complex layering may reduce effective polyphony due to DSP limitations, affecting performance with intensive patches.

    Source
  • The sequencer is limited to built-in rhythms, restricting versatility in creating custom sequences.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Virus TI2 is praised for its robust construction with a high-quality Fatar keybed, which is noted as one of the best non-weighted keybeds by users.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Access Virus TI

soundonsound.com

The Access Virus TI Keyboard Synthesizer impresses with its Total Integration feature, merging hardware durability with software flexibility. Its dual-DSP engine delivers robust sound quality and expansive polyphony, while new additions like the Hypersaw and Wavetable oscillators enhance its sonic palette. The improved LCD and control layout simplify navigation, making it user-friendly. However, the TI's latency issues when routing audio via USB and incomplete features like non-real-time off-line bouncing and Remote mode present drawbacks. Despite these, the TI is lauded for its sound quality and integration capabilities, making it a worthwhile investment for serious musicians.

positive

Access Virus TI Classic Synth Review – ‘One Of The Greatest Synths Of All Time’ – Synthtopia

synthtopia.com

The Access Virus TI synthesizer is hailed as a classic for its pioneering digital synthesis capabilities, boasting 80-voice polyphony and 16-part multi-timbrality. However, the lack of support from Access over the years has been a significant letdown for many users, leaving some to rely on third-party solutions or emulations. While its robust build and expansive sound design options are praised, potential buyers should weigh these against the outdated software and nonexistent customer support. Despite these issues, it remains a beloved tool for those who appreciate its unique sound and capabilities.

Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 13 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
djlithium

My "goto" synth for sound pallet diversity.

While not a Ti2, and lacking much of the DSP power for the fancy effects and all that, my Ti Keyboard is the place I find myself in front of when starting on a new track and typically finish with and have done so since getting it in 2015. I love it. I want another one, possibly a Ti2 Darkstar or Ti2 Keyboard or rack mount unit, even though ViPER is now a thing. It has its quirks but when you understand why it does weird things in production use, and can learn to avoid certain bad habits, it really is the most amazing synth made over the last 20 years.

trashsmash

Total.

Many people maybe hates its complexity. I love its possibilities. A synth you cannot explore totally in one single life, you'd need two, at least. That's why owners are keeping it during the years. Whoever is selling a Virus maybe has no time to approach it, what a pity... You can do almost everything with a Virus in the VA domain. So many free and commercial soundset around, you cannot avoid the Virus in electronic productions.. A standard, IMHO.

baardiv

My dream synth!

Except from the Moog hardware synths, this is one of the best sounding analogue modelling machines around, in my book!

cfeijao

Poderoso VA alemão

Máquina muito poderosa, mas eventualmente apresenta bugs que atrapalham o uso, como uma desafinação em alguns patches.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Hans Zimmer uses Access Virus TI Keyboard Synthesizer

Hans Zimmer

Composer, Music Producer

Hans Zimmer & Klaus Badelt

...
Verified via Twitter

Hans performed live tonight on Stephen Colbert's show using a black/wood-grain Virus TI keyboard, as seen in this Twitter photo.

See how Travis Barker uses Access Virus TI Keyboard Synthesizer

Travis Barker

Drummer, Music Producer

Blink-182

...
Verified via YouTube

At 8:34 in this video from Architectural Digest, Travis Barker gives a tour of his home studio, where a Virus TI synth is visible on the coffee table.

See how Gary Numan uses Access Virus TI Keyboard Synthesizer

Gary Numan

Singer, Guitarist

Tubeway Army

...
Verified via Photo

In an interview on bbc radio 6 Gary mentioned this as his desert island synth.

See how cEvin Key uses Access Virus TI Keyboard Synthesizer

cEvin Key

Drummer, Keyboardist

Skinny Puppy

...
Verified via Photo

Two keyboard racks inside Subconscious Studios (cEvin's studio).

See how Sean Tyas uses Access Virus TI Keyboard Synthesizer

Sean Tyas

Music Producer

64 Bit

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "Sean Tyas In The Studio With Future Music Part 1" by MusicRadar Tech, Sean Tyas is seen using the Access Virus TI Keyboard Synthesizer.

See how Giuseppe Ottaviani uses Access Virus TI Keyboard Synthesizer

Giuseppe Ottaviani

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

Bottom left of eight synthesizers mounted on A-frame stands lining the back wall of his studio.

See how Shpongle (Simon Posford) uses Access Virus TI Keyboard Synthesizer

Shpongle (Simon Posford)

DJ

Shpongle

...
Verified via YouTube

Access Virus Ti keyboard seen throughout the video.

See how Peter Murphy uses Access Virus TI Keyboard Synthesizer

Peter Murphy

Singer

Bauhaus

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Murphy can be seen playing an Access Virus TI.

See how Matt Lange uses Access Virus TI Keyboard Synthesizer

Matt Lange

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram

On Instagram, Matt Lange shares a post featuring the Access Virus TI Keyboard Synthesizer, suggesting it's part of his setup.

See how Sabrina Carpenter uses Access Virus TI Keyboard Synthesizer

Sabrina Carpenter

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Sabrina Carpenter confirmed her use of the Access Virus TI Keyboard Synthesizer by posting a photo featuring the instrument on her official Facebook page.

K

Ken "Hiwatt" Marshall

Music Producer

Skinny Puppy

...
Verified via YouTube

Ken "Hiwatt" Marshal provides a tour of his current studio via his YouTube channel. The Virus is prominent in every video.

See how Blush Response uses Access Virus TI Keyboard Synthesizer

Blush Response

Music Producer

...
Verified via 15questions

"My first proper setup was out of my college dorm room. I had an Access Virus TI, Waldorf Microwave XTk, Waldorf Pulse, Korg MS20, and Dave Smith Evolver. I did my first releases with this setup - a lot of synths had come into my life before then - juno 106, microkorg, nord lead 2x, to name a few, but those 5 were the constant ones. At the time I wanted the most and varied synth power. I always try to make sure there is no overlap in functionality between my various pieces. Nowadays my setup consists of a giant eurorack modular (8 rows @104 hp, ever growing and changing), Waldorf Micro Q Keyboard, Kawai K5000s, Elektron Octatrack, Analog RYTM, and Digitakt, and a revolving door of other little things that come in and out. All of this recorded into Ableton Live, though lately I’ve been experimenting with Bitwig Studio as well. I really like Bitwig’s built in modulation capabilities."

Album Usage

The Access Virus TI Keyboard Synthesizer 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 TI Keyboard Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
keyhead

keyhead

Gear IQ 126

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