Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,334
High-end/Boutique
$249
$700+
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High-end
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Description
The Access Virus TI2 Desktop Synthesizer is a compact yet mighty powerhouse in the world of music production. With its dual DSP-powered engine design, this tabletop synthesizer packs a punch, offering an impressive polyphony voicing range of 20 to 90 voices. This petite leviathan, 25% more potent than its predecessor, offers a staggering 192 onboard effects and 32-step arpeggiation, opening a universe of sound creation possibilities. Endorsed by acclaimed artists such as Radiohead, Timbaland, and Danny Elfman, the TI2 Desktop is your compact key to unlocking unprecedented creative potential.
Key Features:
- Dual DSP-powered engine design
- Polyphony voicing range of 20 to 90 voices
- 25% more calculating power than its predecessor
- 192 onboard effects
- 32-step arpeggiation
- Endorsed by renowned artists including Radiohead, Timbaland and Danny Elfman
Product specs
| Brand | Access |
| Model | Virus TI2 Desktop Digital Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | Germany |
| Categories | Desktop Synths, Digital Synthesizers |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through |
| Polyphony | 90 Voices |
FAQs
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Is the Access Virus TI2 Desktop polyphonic or monophonic?
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The Access Virus TI2 Desktop is polyphonic, offering up to 90 voices, which allows for rich, complex sound layering and performance capabilities.
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What type of connectivity options does the Access Virus TI2 Desktop offer?
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The Access Virus TI2 Desktop features MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through, providing versatile connectivity for integrating with other MIDI-compatible gear.
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How does the Access Virus TI2 Desktop handle sound modulation?
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The Access Virus TI2 Desktop includes a robust modulation matrix, allowing users to create dynamic and evolving sounds by routing various modulation sources to different parameters.
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What are the standout features of the Access Virus TI2 Desktop's sound engine?
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The Access Virus TI2 Desktop boasts three oscillators, dual filters, a comprehensive effects section, and an arpeggiator, making it a versatile tool for sound design and performance.
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Is the Access Virus TI2 Desktop suitable for live performance?
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Yes, the Access Virus TI2 Desktop is well-suited for live performance, offering high polyphony, multi-timbral capabilities, and robust effects processing for dynamic sound manipulation on stage.
Videos
Andertons Synths, Keys and Tech
The Access Virus TI2 - Awesome Sound Engine with Tonnes of Presets!
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile sound range from hip-hop to techno
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Sound design capabilities, suitable for modern music styles
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Clear, uncompromised sound quality that fits well in mixes
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Pleasing filter characteristics
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Legacy hardware with a loyal community support
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Acts as a controller and audio interface
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Offers a tactile alternative to software synths
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Features like hypersaw, wavetable synthesis, and multi-mode (up to 80 poly)
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Can operate as a standalone hardware synth without needing computer integration
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Unique Virus sound library beneficial for learning sound design
CONS
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Steep learning curve for beginners
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Limited or no manufacturer support for Total Integration on newer macOS versions
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Requires third-party plugins for some functionality due to dropped support
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Known issues with software and hardware sync, including malfunctions and latency
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High cost compared to some alternatives
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Access Virus TI2 Desktop.
Features and functionality
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The Virus TI2 excels in creating complex waveforms with its LFO routing options and the ability to run filters in parallel or series.
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The Virus TI2's third oscillator is noted to be limited, a common trait in many digital synths from the 2000s.
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The Virus TI2 is noted for its 16-part multi-timbral capability and polyphony, making it versatile for various sound design applications.
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The Virus TI2 offers diverse oscillator types, from VA waves to wavetables, and includes a dual-filter system with a saturation engine.
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User experience
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Owners mention the Virus TI2 can overpower productions due to its distinct, specific sound.
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A user noted jitter issues when using a 16th-note arp at 138 bpm, suggesting potential unit-specific faults with note timing.
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Some users prefer the sound character of older Virus models (like the B) for its less smooth, more psychedelic tone compared to the TI2.
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Comparisons
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Argon8's wave modifiers lack modulation or intensity dialing, limiting its potential to compete with the Virus TI2.
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The Waldorf Iridium is considered a close match to the Virus TI2 for its Spectrum morphing capability, despite being pricey.
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The Virus TI2's Hypersaw is likened to the Roland JP8000/8080's Supersaw, though opinions vary on which has a superior sound.
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The TI2 is frequently compared to other synths like the Korg Modwave and ASM Hydrasynth, offering more versatility but at a higher price point.
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Software and compatibility
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Windows support for the Virus TI2 may also be lagging, as Access has not updated the TI software in years, affecting TI capabilities.
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An iPad app called "Touch for Virus" provides comprehensive parameter editing, enhancing the user experience significantly.
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The Virus VST is incompatible with newer MacOS versions, but Aura Plugins offers an alternative VST with full functionality, including USB audio routing.
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Use cases and applications
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The Virus TI2 is particularly praised for its effectiveness in standalone setups, providing a more tactile and expressive musical experience.
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Although ideal for pro-level EDM production, it's also praised for creating psychedelic sounds, especially with the B version's real-time LFO controls.
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Setup and maintenance
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Direct USB connection to a laptop is recommended over USB hubs to ensure stable integration with software like Ableton.
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Build quality
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Users report the small screen can be cumbersome for navigation, making it challenging for detailed adjustments without software assistance.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 15 Reviews and 93 Ratings
257
Still a legend
I've had my TI2 for nearly a decade, and even after 10 years, it still continues to surprise me with what it can do. Can pull off vintage sounds and modern edgy ones, without breaking a sweat. I use it in every song, and it is 100% my desert island synth, if I had to choose one. I don't use it for everything, but I do use it in everything. The HyperSaws sound awesome, the wavetables are super cool, and it has maybe the deepest mod capabilities of any synth I have ever used. Even the Blofeld and Mininova, who also have deep mod capabilities, don't go as far as the TI2. I love this thing and use it all the time.
124
Beast!
Even if this synth is already 10 years old, it has aged gracefully and continues to be a powerhouse amongst hardware synths. The sonic palette is incredibly varied whilst retaining a characteristic quality of its unique Virus sound. Awesome alternative to soft synths for when you want instant tactile control and with its 16 channel multi-mode it is a great CPU saver too.
152
Huge Big Flag from all Studio lvl PRO.
Virus Ti2 Desktop is massive combo exernal synth, include all controller and audio card.
That´s Virus Ti :)
393
Great synth !
My best recommendation to all those who wants to have in one piece of hardware most of their ideas :)
108
Best Synth for trance producers
If you are a trance producer, this is essencial...If you have the knowledge you can make nice sounds for trance in plugins, but just from the synthesis student point of view, the virus sounds library have great classic trance sounds, and you can learn a lot about sound design just *reverse engineering the presets.
*looking in the synth how it was made
251
amazing and warm sound / probably the best in the world / tweaking capability is pretty big
amazing and warm analog sound. probably the best synth in the world. tweaking capability is pretty big. software and hardware sync is terrible. stuck and crush way above average and its well known for its sickness and malfunctions latency.
is it worth the money and pain - yes. 8/10
295
EDM... couldn't be without of it.
Living legend. It has hypersaw and many more, even wavetable synthesis too. You can make huge leads, bad ass basses, dubstep growls. Unlimited creativity with multi mode (80 poly) up to 16 patches at the same time with sharing poly voices. Just amazing, I love it....
Artist usage
Add artist
When asked about producing equipment, Hardwell says "I’ve got a Virus TI as hardware synth." It can be seen on his desk in pictures of his studio.
DJ Ron: I've got one more techy question for you, it's simple, what's your favorite keyboard to use? Armin van Buuren: I'm a big fan of the Access Virus.
In a studio image found via Google, R3hab's Access Virus TI2 Desktop Synthesizer is visible on the left side of the desk.
"I use the TI2—the new one. Personally I think the sound isn’t as complex and fat as the older Virus C. It’s a little bit thinner, so for some tracks I prefer the Virus C. In the studio it doesn’t matter as much because I’m used to working with MIDI and layering things, and that synthesizer [the TI2] is just very easy to use. It’s a brilliant setup, the Virus TI2, but the sound is definitely different. I’ve had it now for about eight months and it’s brilliant—it has a lot of presets that you can really build on."
"Massive is the go-to but also Albino, predator, gladiator, I have a Virus TI2 now which is badass"
Album Usage
The Access Virus TI2 Desktop 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 TI2 Desktop, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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