Access Virus TI 2 (2009)
Desktop synthesizer with expanded processing power and updated software integration, released as the final model in the Virus TI series.
Overview
The Access Virus TI 2 is a desktop digital synthesizer released in 2009 by Access Music, the final model in the Virus TI series. It features 25% more calculating power than its predecessor and includes a redesigned housing and front panel. The synthesizer supports 16 multitimbral parts and offers more than 7,000 free presets via the Virus website. It was designed for tight integration with computer-based production, featuring USB audio and MIDI support for direct DAW use.
Specifications
| Release Year | 2009 |
| Product Type | Desktop synthesizer |
| Oscillators | 3 oscillators with classic, HyperSaw, wavetable, granular, and formant models |
| Filters | Dual multimode filters (Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, Band Stop) with analog-mode MiniMoog emulations and filter saturation stage |
| Audio Interface | 1 stereo input, 3 stereo outputs, S/PDIF I/O |
| D/A Conversion | 192 KHz |
| Effects | Reverb, delays (including tape delay emulation), 6 chorus FX (rotary speaker emulation), 6-stage phaser, frequency shifter (Ring Mod, Freq Shift, Vowel Filter, Comb Filter), 25 distortions/saturators, 3-band EQ, 9 'Character' processors (speaker cabinet emulation) |
| Modulation | Up to 6 control sources modulating up to 3 destinations each |
| Arpeggiator | 32-pattern arpeggiator |
| Plugin Support | Virus Control plugin (AU/VST/RTAS) with side chain input for selected hosts |
| USB Buffer | Maximum 512-sample buffer supported by Virus Control |
| Power | 12V DC power supply |
| Physical | Rack mountable; rear I/O panel can be angled to face into rack |
Design
The Virus TI 2 uses DSP chips to model analog oscillator behavior, filter saturation, and imperfections, with a digital synth topology. It features three user-assignable 'Value' knobs below the LCD and a bright white LED in the Access logo that lights when a parameter returns to its default state. The unit has a redesigned housing and front panel compared to its predecessor, with 25% more calculating power. The OS3 software update added Tape Delay, Frequency Shifter, new distortion algorithms, and the "Character" feature for tone shaping, with algorithms modeled after 1970s stomp boxes.
Context
The Virus TI 2 is the final model in the Virus TI series, which succeeded earlier models including the Virus A, B, C, Polar, Snow, and Darkstar. The series was noted for being ahead of its time, bringing tight USB audio and MIDI integration into DAW workflows. Access Music, founded in 1997 in Dortmund, Germany by Christoph Kemper, positioned the Virus as a flagship virtual analog synth. The original Virus became a gold standard in electronic music production, widely used in trance, progressive house, drum and bass, and psytrance.
Market
One buyer paid £1000 for an 11-month-old unit, though the company had gone into administration and been resurrected, leaving the unit without warranty. A global reset switch failure was reported on one unit. The product is no longer available.
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Service Manuals, Schematics & Catalogs
- Catalog (1919) — archive.org