Access Virus TI2 Polar (2009–2024)

Name: Access Virus TI2 Polar
Brand: Access Virus

Limited edition 37-key virtual analog synth with expanded DSP, multitimbral architecture, and DAW integration.

Overview

The Access Virus TI2 Polar is a 37-key multi-timbral virtual analog synthesizer made by Access Music GmbH as part of the Virus TI2 series, launched in 2009 and discontinued in 2024. It features a quality synth-action Fatar keybed with velocity and monophonic aftertouch, plus dedicated pitch and modulation wheels. The TI2 revision delivers 25% more processing power than the original TI, enabling over 80 stereo voices of polyphony under average load and enhanced effects performance. It supports 16 multitimbral parts and integrates directly into DAWs via USB using the proprietary "Total Integration" technology, with sample-accurate timing and delay compensation. The Polar edition is distinguished by its limited "White Out" gun metal finish, aluminum and wooden side panels, walnut strip beneath the keyboard, and white LEDs including an illuminated Access logo on the rear panel.

Specifications

Keyboard	37-note, velocity and monophonic aftertouch, synth-action (Fatar), pitch and modulation wheels
Polyphony	Over 80 stereo voices under average load
Multitimbral Parts	16
Oscillators	3 main + 1 sub oscillator per voice; virtual analog (saw, pulse, sine, triangle, 63 spectral), Hypersaw (up to 9 sawtooths), wavetable (100 multi-index), graintable, formant
Filters	2 fully independent resonant filters per voice (lowpass, highpass, bandpass, bandstop), series/parallel routing, Moog-style cascade, grain/comb/formant types; 17 total filter types
Modulation	3 LFOs (68 waveforms), 2 ADSTR envelopes, modulation matrix (6 slots, 1 source → 3 targets each)
Effects	32 effects processors: reverb, delay, chorus, phaser, ring mod, distortion, 3-band EQ, Analog Boost, vocoder, frequency shifter, tape delay; independent delay and reverb per multitimbral slot
Arpeggiator	Programmable, 32 steps per patch
Memory	1024 RAM patches, 3328 ROM sounds (rewritable), 16 embedded multi patches + 112 conventional multi slots
Outputs	6 balanced analog (+4 dB), 1 headphone, S/PDIF digital, surround sound support
Inputs	2 analog (24-bit A/D), S/PDIF digital (44.1/48kHz)
USB	1 port, USB 2.0 compatible, carries MIDI and 3 stereo audio streams
MIDI	In, Out, Thru
Pedal Inputs	2 (hold, control)
Controls	32 knobs, 43 buttons, 73 LEDs, white LEDs and illuminated logo
Dimensions	11.2 cm H × 56.5 cm W × 33.5 cm D (4.4" × 22.3" × 13.2")
Weight	8.4 kg (18.5 lbs)

Design

The Virus TI2 Polar features a metal chassis with wooden end panels and a lighter, completely redesigned housing compared to the original TI. It runs OS3 firmware, which adds Frequency Shifter, Tape Delay, new distortions, and the "Character" control for vintage analog emulation. Synthesis includes subtractive, phase distortion, FM, and wavetable methods. The hardware includes studio-grade 192 kHz D/A converters, knob quantize, adaptive control smoothing, and a new multi mode with embedded patches, remote mode, and audio slicer FX.

Context

The Virus TI2 series succeeded the original Virus TI (2005) and includes the stripped-down desktop Virus TI Snow. It is part of the broader Access Virus line, following models like the Virus B. The TI2 offers faster DSP, more polyphony, improved effects, and a refined enclosure over its predecessor.

Market

Originally priced at $2,499.00, the Virus TI2 Polar is discontinued and no longer available new. It is highly rated for sound quality and versatility, used by artists including Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, Radiohead, and Hans Zimmer, and noted for a "dark and ominous" sonic character.