Access Virus
The Access Virus is a series of virtual analog synthesizers developed and manufactured by the German company Access Music GmbH, first introduced in 1997 as a groundbreaking instrument in electronic music production.[1] Renowned for its rich, aggressive sound palette and hands-on control, the series combines digital signal processing with analog modeling to emulate classic subtractive synthesis while offering modern features like extensive modulation options, multimode filters, and built-in effects.[2] Over the years, it has evolved through multiple models, including the original Virus A, Virus B, Virus C, Virus TI (2005), and Virus TI2 (2009), each iteration increasing polyphony, processing power, and integration capabilities such as USB audio interfacing for direct DAW connectivity.[3] The Virus synthesizers have become a staple in studios worldwide, shaping genres like techno, trance, and film scoring through their versatile wavetable oscillators, hypersaw waveforms, and intuitive interface with dedicated knobs for real-time sound sculpting.[1] Models vary from compact desktops like the TI Snow to full keyboards such as the 61-key TI2 Keyboard, all sharing a core engine capable of up to 110 voices of polyphony, depending on model and patch complexity, and over 3,000 factory presets.[4][5] Their significance is underscored by adoption from influential artists including Depeche Mode, Hans Zimmer, and Dr. Dre, who have utilized the Virus for its punchy leads, atmospheric pads, and rhythmic sequences in landmark recordings.[1] Despite the discontinuation of production in 2024, the Access Virus remains highly sought after in the second-hand market for its enduring sound quality and reliability, often cited as a benchmark for virtual analog synthesis that influenced subsequent digital instruments.[6] Access Music continues to support the series with software updates, ensuring compatibility with contemporary music production workflows.[7]History and Development
Origins and Initial Release
Access Music GmbH was founded in 1997 in Germany by electrical engineer Christoph Kemper, who had been developing audio algorithms and digital models since the mid-1990s.[8][9][10] Kemper and his team were motivated to enter synthesizer design amid the late 1990s resurgence of interest in analog-style sounds, aiming to produce a virtual analog instrument that digitally replicated the warmth and character of classic analog synthesizers while leveraging advancing DSP technology for greater flexibility and polyphony. This approach was inspired by early virtual analog successes like the Clavia Nord Lead, addressing a growing demand among electronic music producers for affordable, digitally efficient emulations of vintage timbres.[9][10] The Virus A debuted in late 1997 as a compact desktop module, featuring 12-voice polyphony and shipping with operating system version 1.0, which supported updates via MIDI SysEx. Priced at around $1,000 USD, it targeted studio producers seeking a versatile sound module without the bulk of a keyboard.[11][2] Upon release, the Virus A received acclaim for its bold, aggressive analog-emulating tones, particularly its superb multimode filters that excelled in generating resonant, dancefloor-ready arpeggios and pads suited to genres like techno and trance. Early reviewers highlighted its punchy, immediate sound as a standout in the virtual analog category, quickly establishing it as a staple for electronic music production.[11][9]Evolution and Updates
The Access Virus series saw significant iterative improvements starting in 2000 with the introduction of the Virus B, which doubled the polyphony from the original Virus A's 12 voices to 24 voices per patch, introduced a third oscillator per voice for richer timbres, while also expanding the effects section to include phaser capabilities and increasing the number of simultaneous effects. This hardware revision also featured an upgraded display for better patch navigation and larger RAM for user patches, allowing for 256 editable sounds compared to the A's 128. These changes were accompanied by OS 4.0, released in late 2000, which enhanced waveform options with additional spectral shapes and improved the arpeggiator's resolution for more complex patterns.[12][13][14] In 2002, the Virus C series replaced the B lineup with a complete hardware redesign, including a new black finish for durability and expanded keybed options in the Indigo 2 variant, which offered a semi-weighted 37-note keyboard for enhanced playability over the B's velocity-sensitive but less refined action. The accompanying OS 5.0 (build 209) introduced 24-voice polyphony, expanded the modulation matrix to six sources and nine destinations, enabling more dynamic sound design without requiring major circuit overhauls. Early Virus A and B models were prone to reliability issues, particularly power supply failures due to faulty capacitors that caused intermittent shutdowns or glitching, problems that Access addressed in C-series revisions through improved internal components and better PSU design.[15][13][16] In 2005, the Virus TI Polar was introduced as a compact 37-key model in the new TI series. Firmware progression continued with OS updates for the TI models, which refined effects processing to include enhanced distortion algorithms and per-part reverb/delay for multi-timbral setups, bridging the gap to deeper DAW integration.[5][17]Models and Variants
Original Series (A, B, C)
The original Access Virus series, comprising the A, B, and C models, marked the inception of the synthesizer line with a focus on virtual analog synthesis in compact desktop formats. Released between 1997 and 2002, these iterations progressively enhanced polyphony, memory capacity, and user interface elements while maintaining a shared core sound engine based on subtractive synthesis with phase distortion and FM capabilities.[18][19][15] Each model introduced hardware refinements, such as improved circuit stability and expanded I/O options, catering to studio producers seeking aggressive, analog-emulating tones. The Virus A, launched in 1997, was exclusively a desktop module without an integrated keyboard, featuring a basic 2x16-character LCD display for navigation. It offered 12-voice polyphony and 256 user patches alongside 128 multi setups, emphasizing immediate hands-on control via dedicated knobs for oscillators, filters, and envelopes. Physical dimensions measured approximately 440 x 135 x 37 mm, with a weight of 2.5 kg, making it highly portable for rack or desktop setups.[18][20] In 2000, the Virus B addressed early stability issues through an updated printed circuit board (PCB) design, doubling polyphony to 24 voices in single mode and expanding memory to 256 RAM patches (two banks of 128) plus additional ROM banks and 128 multi setups. A larger backlit display improved visibility, and the model introduced rackmount compatibility alongside the original desktop form, with an optional 61-key keyboard variant (Virus KB) for performers. Dimensions were 470 x 185 x 75 mm, weighing 2.85 kg net.[19][21] The Virus C, released in 2002, further elevated capabilities with 32-voice polyphony (reduced to 24 voices or fewer depending on mode and oscillator usage, such as in multi-part configurations or vocoder operation) and increased storage of 256 user patches, 768 ROM patches, and 128 multi patches. It featured enhanced I/O including S/PDIF digital connectivity and a distinctive zinc-gray chassis with wooden side panels and 69 status LEDs for intuitive editing; the optional 37-key keyboard version, known as the Indigo, adopted a blue-accented design. Available in desktop, keyboard, and rack (Virus Rack XL) form factors, it measured 470 x 185 x 75 mm and weighed 2.85 kg.[15][22][23]| Model | Polyphony | Memory | Form Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virus A (1997) | 12 voices | 256 user patches, 128 multis | Desktop only |
| Virus B (2000) | 24 voices (single mode) | 256 RAM patches, ROM banks, 128 multis | Desktop, rackmount, keyboard (61-key) |
| Virus C (2002) | 32 voices (mode-dependent, reduced in multi or with Osc 3) | 256 user patches, 768 ROM patches, 128 multis | Desktop, keyboard (37-key Indigo), rack |