Access Virus Rack (2000–2002)
Rackmount virtual analog synthesizer with spectral wavetables and 16-voice polyphony, released as a budget-friendly version of the Virus B.
Overview
The Access Virus Rack is a 1U rackmount synthesizer produced from 2000 to 2002 by Access, founded in Dortmund, Germany by Christoph Kemper. It features the same core synthesis engine as the Virus A and delivers the classic Virus sound despite a simplified structure. Designed for affordability, it offers 16-voice polyphony and 16-part multitimbral operation, making it suitable for producers in trance, progressive house, drum and bass, and psytrance. The synth combines virtual analog modeling with short PCM waveforms using Harmonic Spectral Waveshapes and a physical-modeling DSP core. It supports real-time editing via 5 knobs and 12 buttons organized in functional rows (OSC, FILT, ENV). An arpeggiator with internal tempo sync (63–190 BPM) or external MIDI clock control includes six modes: up, down, up/down, random, "as played," and "chords."
Specifications
| Polyphony | 16 voices |
| Oscillators per voice | 2 oscillators + 1 suboscillator + 1 noise source |
| Filters | 2 x digital (-12 dB each) |
| Filter types | LPF, HPF, BPF, Bandstop |
| Filter poles | 2-pole, 4-pole, 6-pole |
| Filter combinations | SER 4, SER 6, PAR 4, SPLIT |
| Envelopes | 2 EGs (EG1 AMP: 4 segments + 1 time; EG2 filter: 4 segments + 1 time) |
| LFO | 3 modulators with sin, tri, saw, sqr, S&H, sample & glide waveforms |
| Modulation Matrix | 3 internal routings |
| Effects | 34 effects: master (delay, reverb), chorus, analogue boost, 32-band vocoder |
| Equalizer | Parametric |
| Arpeggiator | Yes, 6 modes: up, down, up/down, random, "as played," "chords" |
| Sync | Arpeggiator, delay, LFO syncable internally (63–190 BPM) or via MIDI clock |
| Multitimbral | 16 parts |
| Preset Patches | 768 |
| User Patches | 256 |
| User Performances | 128 |
| Memory (latest OS) | 1024 patch slots |
| Resolution | 24 Bit |
| Converters | 18 bits |
| Synthesis Method | Digital Subtractive Synthesis, Frequency Modulation (FM) |
| MIDI Interface | MIDI in/out/thru |
| Audio Outputs | 2 main outs + 2 AUX outs (1/4" TS, non-balanced) |
| Audio Inputs | L + R (1/4" TS, non-balanced) |
| Front panel connectors | Audio in: 1/4", Phones Out: 1/4" |
| Display | LCD, LED, backlit, 16 x 2 lines |
| Controls | 5 knobs, 16 LEDs, 12 buttons |
| Rack Size | 19", 1U |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 470(W) x 185(D) x 75(H) mm |
| Weight | 2.5 kg |
| PSU | 12 VDC, 1A (+ polarity) |
| Battery | 3V CR-2032 |
| Case/body | Metal, black |
Design
The Virus Rack uses a steel case and features a DSP-based virtual analog architecture with dual oscillators, a suboscillator, and a noise source offering white, pink, or highpass colors. Oscillators provide sine, triangle, square, variable pulse width, and 64 PCM waveshapes, with hypersaw mode available. Filters are modeled on classic analog topologies and include resonance and saturation for tube-like distortion. The modulation system supports 3 internal routings or virtual patchcords, with definable knobs and adaptive parameter smoothing. The layout uses functional rows (OSC, FILT, ENV) to assign the 5 encoder knobs. It operates in Single or Multi mode and is controllable via SysEx messages.
Context
The Virus Rack is a cut-down version of the Virus B, evolved from the Virus A with reduced polyphony and one fewer digital oscillator, positioned as a budget-friendly alternative during a period when analog synths were rising in price and digital workstations were perceived as sterile. It sits between the Virus A and B in features and shares the same sound engine as the original Virus. The Virus Rack XL corresponds to the Virus C model.
Market
The original street price was $400.00. Current market prices include $619 (Virus Rack XL) and $1,300 (Virus Classic Rack "Lady in Red"). A 2011 used price was 200 Euros (approx. $250 USD). The trend price is around 300€. Common issues include jumpy rotary encoders and dimming or fluttering screen backlights, though both are replaceable. The latest OS version is 2.1.
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Service Manuals, Schematics & Catalogs
- Catalog (1919) — archive.org