Access Virus Indigo2 Redback
A limited-run virtual analog synthesizer with a black body and red LCD and LEDs, part of the Virus line.
Overview
The Access Virus Indigo2 Redback is a variant of the Access Virus Indigo2, built by the German maker Access Music. It is a virtual analog synth known for real-time parameter control and an aggressive sound. The Redback has a black body with a red LCD panel and red LEDs, which sets it apart from the standard Indigo2. Its knob layout is nearly identical to the Virus TI, so most of the sound shaping happens by hand. The Virus line began in 1997 with the original Virus, which used DSP chips to model analog oscillator behavior, filter saturation, and imperfections. Access went on to release the Virus A, B, C, and TI series. The Virus became central to late 1990s and early 2000s electronic music, especially trance, progressive house, drum and bass, and psytrance. Producers like Ferry Corsten, Armin van Buuren, and BT adopted the Virus A early on. The Redback's sound is described as transformative - "turning any music into the color of indigo" - in contrast to the more adaptive tone of the TI.
Design
The difference from the normal Indigo2 is that the body is black, and the LCD panel and LEDs are red. The knob layout is almost the same as the Virus TI, which allows intuitive, performance-oriented control.
Context
The Access Virus line was first produced in 1997 by Access Music, founded that year in Dortmund, Germany, by Christoph Kemper. The line includes the Virus A, B, C, TI, and Indigo series. The Virus Indigo2 Redback is a specialized variant of the Indigo2 within that lineage. The Virus architecture has hypersaw oscillators with massive unison stacks, built-in effects, and a deep modulation matrix. The sounds were thick and aggressive, with buzzing leads and wide supersaws.
Market
The Redback is limited to 150 units worldwide, and rumors suggest only about 30 were imported to Japan. It was considered considerably expensive at the time of release, and was described as a "treasure for a lifetime." Some past units have appeared with issues including unstable operation, scratches, and a damaged rear phone output.
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Service Manuals, Schematics & Catalogs
- Catalog (1919) — archive.org