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Average Price: $1,813
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$500
$1501+
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Description
The Access Virus TI Polar synthesizer is a paradigm-shifting instrument that seamlessly bridges the gap between analog warmth and digital precision. At the heart of this powerhouse is the Dual-DSP Core, delivering unmatched performance with ultra-low latency, ensuring that every note you play is as crisp and responsive as your creativity demands. Featuring a WaveTable Oscillator, this synth opens a new world of sonic possibilities, perfect for crafting intricate soundscapes or punchy, rhythmic sequences.
Designed for both studio and stage, the Virus TI Polar is not just an instrument but a complete music creation system. Its Total Integration technology allows it to function as a flawless VST/AU plugin, offering a seamless two-way audio and MIDI connection with your DAW. This means you'll experience sample-accurate timing and delay-compensated audio, elevating your music production workflow to new heights.
The Virus TI Polar is equipped with 37 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch, making it a tactile delight for performers who demand expressiveness in their music. Its onboard arsenal includes a programmable arpeggiator, dual multi-mode filters, and an array of 129 parallel effects, from lush reverb and delay to phasers and ring modulators. Moreover, the Remote Mode transforms this synth into a universal MIDI controller, giving you hands-on control over virtually any MIDI-capable device or software.
Whether you're delving into lush pads or gritty bass lines, the Virus TI Polar's expansive modulation capabilities and extensive memory ensure you have everything you need at your fingertips.
Key Features:
- Dual-DSP Core for high performance with low latency
- WaveTable Oscillator for a diverse sonic palette
- Total Integration with VST/AU plugin functionality
- 37 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch
- Programmable arpeggiator and dual multi-mode filters
- 129 parallel effects including reverb, delay, and more
- Remote Mode for MIDI control of external devices
- Extensive memory: 512 RAM and 2048 ROM patches, fully rewritable
Product specs
| Brand | Access |
| Model | Virus TI Polar 37-Key Digital Synthesizer |
| Finish | White |
| Year | 2000s |
| 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 | 37 Keys |
| Polyphony | 110 Voices |
FAQs
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How many voices of polyphony does the Access Virus TI Polar support?
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The Access Virus TI Polar supports up to 110 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex and layered sound design.
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Does the Access Virus TI Polar offer both analog and digital sound capabilities?
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The Access Virus TI Polar is a digital synthesizer, known for its powerful virtual analog sound engine and digital wavetable oscillators.
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How does the Access Virus TI Polar integrate with a DAW for music production?
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The Access Virus TI Polar features sample-accurate timing and delay-compensated connection, making it highly compatible with DAWs for seamless music production.
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What type of keyboard action does the Access Virus TI Polar have?
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The Access Virus TI Polar has a synth action keyboard, providing a responsive and smooth playing experience ideal for synthesizer performance.
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Can the Access Virus TI Polar be used as an effects unit?
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Yes, the Access Virus TI Polar can function as an effects unit, offering a range of built-in effects to enhance your sound design and live performances.
Videos
tritonrecordings
Synth Stuff Ep. 47 - Access Virus TI Polar
Reviews
PROS
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Timeless sounds unmatched by other synths
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Intuitive use with a clear, punchy sound output
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Total integration with DAW via USB for direct audio transmission
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Deep programming with thousands of patches available
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Multi Mode allows stacking sounds for complex output
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Reliable across a range of music styles and performances
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Mentioned and used by notable artists like Fedde Le Grand, Hardwell
CONS
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Lack of updated drivers for current Windows or OS X operating systems
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Some units have issues with keys not working
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Reported USB bugs affecting performance
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Access Virus TI Polar.
Features and functionality
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The Virus TI2 Polar can perform wavetable and granular synthesis, requiring a laptop for detailed mapping due to the small screen.
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Creating custom arpeggiators is possible by connecting the Virus TI Polar to a computer, allowing unique patterns to be saved and used without further PC connection.
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Software and compatibility
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Owners experience frustration with USB "Total Integration," but modern alternatives like Aura Plugins offer improved functionality and USB audio on newer Mac OS versions.
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User experience
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The keyboard on the Virus TI2 Polar is highly praised for its feel, adding a musical touch that some users find lacking in other synths.
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Users enjoy the ability to quickly plug in the USB to create or modify arpeggiators, then disconnect and continue using custom settings in standalone mode.
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Use cases and applications
Other
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Some users report issues with jitter when sending rapid arp sequences, particularly with longer amp releases, suggesting possible unit-specific faults.
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Comparisons
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Despite using popular plugins like Serum, some owners still prefer the distinctive sound quality of the Virus TI Polar.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 7 Reviews and 23 Ratings
185
So deep you can make new sounds for ever
I have had this synth for approaching ten years now and it finds new locations within my set up as I changes styles and approaches to writing and performing. Very deep programming that you can take as far as you want or get inspired by the thousands of patches designed by some masterful sound designers. It is well worth checking out.
At the moment I am using the Octatrack midi sequencer to control the Polar in my live performances. These two instruments alone are a very powerful combination.
199
worth every penny: an incredible synth investment
what can i say. nothing that hasn't already been said. get one. worth every penny. this synth is so freaking good i'd pay more money for it. 3k is almost a bargain. thats how freakin good it is. :p
64
Sleek and sinister
Nothing else needs to be added that hasn't already been said about this beauty.
Artist usage
Add artistDuring an interview with legendary engineer Warren Huart, this synthesizer was positively identified at 44min 15secs by the artist's studio engineer as the Access Virus TI. The specific version is the TI1 Polar White with keyboard.
At 1:20 in this video, it can be clearly seen that 12th Planet has an Access Virus TI Polar synth
Ben Adams, keyboard tech for Depeche Mode during their 2013 Delta Machine Tour, talks about some of the keyboards and synths used by the band live on stage. Starting at 0:21, he talks about Andy Fletcher’s Access Virus TI Polar: “So here we are on stage left, Andrew Fletcher’s position. He has two controller keyboards that are linked to my racks there, but most importantly… you have the Virus Indigo. The smaller version, the Ti. Used quite predominantly throughout the show. Most importantly, we generate the baseline for Just Can’t Get Enough which is pretty important!”
Logic acts as his MIDI host for the three keyboard controllers (CME Pro 7, Novation ReMote SL25, and a Virus TI Polar, which is the only sound source) and a variety of plug-ins, both built-in ones and others such as Stylus-RMX; Arturia's MiniMoog; RMIV drums; Slayer2 guitars; UltraFocus; Camelspace gating effect and T-racks mastering.
In an Instagram post, Coone is shown using the Access Virus TI Polar synthesizer.
During Madonna's Confessions Tour, she uses the Access Virus TI Polar synthesizer, as seen in the YouTube video by M Videos2.
Seen in this picture of Laurie Anderson's home studio is an Access Virus TI Polar. Photo taken by Derek Peck in Laurie Anderson studio circa 2010.
https://www.anothermag.com/art-photography/331/laurie-anderson
In this picture of his studio, you can see an Access Virus TI Polar on the left side of the screen
Album Usage
The Access Virus TI Polar 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 Polar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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