Access Virus TI Keyboard (2005–2009)
61-key virtual analog synthesizer with dual-DSP architecture, USB audio/MIDI integration, and VSTI plugin for DAW use
Overview
The Access Virus TI Keyboard is a 61-note virtual analog synthesizer released in October 2005 by Access Music of Dortmund, Germany. It features digital subtractive, wavetable, FM, and voice formant synthesis powered by dual-DSP Motorola 56k family processors. The synth includes a VSTI plugin for seamless integration with digital audio workstations, enabling hybrid hardware-software workflows. It has velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch, mod and pitch wheels, and a 128x32-pixel monochrome LCD for interface navigation. The Virus TI Keyboard supports up to 80 voices of polyphony and 16-part multitimbrality, with 3 oscillators and 1 sub-oscillator per voice.
Specifications
| Keyboard | 61-note keyboard with velocity response, aftertouch, mod and pitch wheels |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0 port for computer connectivity |
| USB Audio Quality | 24-bit/48kHz |
| Effects | Distortion, chorus, delay and reverb effects |
| Modulation Matrix | 6 Slots (6 sources, each routable to 3 destinations) |
| Polyphony | Up to 80 voices under average conditions |
| Multi Timbral Capacity | 16-part |
| Oscillators per voice | 3 |
| Sub-Oscillators per voice | 1 |
| Display type | Monochrome LCD, 128x32 pixels |
| Audio out Analogue | 6 x 1/4" (6.35mm) |
| Audio out Headphones | 1 x 1/4" (6.35mm) preamplified |
| Audio out Digital | 1 x coaxial (S/PDIF) |
| Audio in Analog | 2 x 1/4" |
| Audio in Digital | 1 x coaxial (S/PDIF) |
| DAC | 24-bit, 192kHz |
| ADC | 18-bit, 192kHz |
| Voltage | 100–230(250)V, 50–60Hz |
Design
The Virus TI Keyboard features a black metal case with mahogany-style wooden side panels and an illuminated Access logo on the rear. It uses DSP chips to model analog oscillator behavior, filter saturation, and imperfections, with hypersaw oscillators capable of up to 9 sawtooth waves per oscillator and 72 wavetables plus sine wave in the wavetable oscillator. The architecture includes high-pass, low-pass, band-pass, and band-reject filters, along with 192 built-in FX units and a scalable USB link for DAW integration.
Context
The Virus TI Keyboard succeeded the Virus A, B, and C models and was part of a three-model TI series, replacing the Virus KC. It introduced "Total Integration" (TI), enabling direct USB audio and MIDI communication with DAWs, marking a shift toward computer-integrated hardware synthesis. The Virus series became known for aggressive, thick analog modeling sounds used in trance, drum and bass, progressive house, and psytrance, with artists like Ferry Corsten, Armin van Buuren, and BT using earlier models.
Market
Current market prices for functioning units range from $1,400 to $2,500 USD. A non-functional unit was listed for £100, with repair quotes from Access Music ranging from €100 to €600. Common issues include failure to produce sound or communicate via USB despite functional controls, note dropouts when running complex patches over USB, and intermittent VSTI plugin recognition requiring reconnection or reset.
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Service Manuals, Schematics & Catalogs
- Catalog (1919) — archive.org