Access Virus TI Polar (2005)
37-key virtual analog synth with Total Integration USB connectivity and multitimbral performance features
Overview
The Access Virus TI Polar is a 37-key polyphonic, multitimbral hardware synthesizer made by Access Music in 2005. It is part of the Virus TI series, designed for live performance and studio integration, combining virtual analog synthesis with advanced digital capabilities. Based on the same sound engine as the Virus TI Desktop, the Polar adds a semi-weighted keyboard and a sleek, compact design with a white front panel, aluminum and wood siding, and white LEDs. It supports 16-part multitimbral operation and features a large OLED display for easy navigation.
Specifications
| Polyphony | Between 25 to 110 voices, depending on the complexity of the patch |
| Multitimbral | 16 part |
| Oscillators | 3 oscillators with one sub oscillator per voice |
| Oscillator waveforms/types | Traditional VA, Wavetable, Graintable, HyperSaw, and Formant |
| LFO | 3 LFOs with 68 waveforms |
| Filter | 2 multi-mode filters (lowpass, highpass, bandpass, bandstop) with optional saturation module and Analog Filter modeled after Moog cascade filter with 6 to 24 dB/oct slopes |
| Envelope | 2 ADSTR envelopes |
| Effects | 129 parallel effects: delay, reverb, distortion/lo-fi algorithms, phaser, chorus/flanger, character control, ring modulator/shifter, EQ, vocoder |
| Arpeggiator | 32 steps with global control for swing/shuffle and note lengths |
| Keyboard | 37-key semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and aftertouch |
| Memory | 1024 RAM and 3328 ROM sounds |
| Control | MIDI In/Out/Thru and USB |
| Display | Large, easy-to-read OLED display |
| Audio Outputs | 6 analog outputs arranged as 3 stereo pairs |
| Audio Inputs | 2 analog audio inputs for external signal processing |
| Digital Output | S/PDIF digital output |
| Headphone output | Headphone output |
| Pedal inputs | 2 pedal inputs |
| Audio streams via USB | Up to 4 stereo audio streams |
| Audio function | Can function as a computer's soundcard |
| Modulation matrix | Flexible modulation matrix with numerous sources and destinations |
Design
The Virus TI Polar features a sleek, compact design with a white front panel, aluminum and wood siding, and white LEDs. It uses a DSP-based architecture with virtual analog subtractive synthesis and dual DSP power. The synth includes three oscillator modes: Classic, HyperSaw, and WaveTable, and supports synthesis techniques including VA, Subtractive, PD, FM, and Wavetable. It has a Unison detune feature and a flexible modulation matrix. The Total Integration (TI) technology enables a single USB connection for all MIDI and audio data, allowing the synth to integrate directly with DAWs like Ableton Live, Cubase, Logic, Pro Tools, and FL Studio. The included VirusControl software acts as a VST/AU plugin, offering editor, librarian, and control surface functions.
Context
The Access Virus TI Polar was released in November 2005 as part of the Virus TI series, alongside the 61-key Virus TI Keyboard. It was designed for producers seeking "fat, warm sounds" without the cost of vintage analog synths, positioning itself against rising analog prices and "sterile" digital workstations. It is part of the Access Virus product line that began in 1997 in Dortmund, Germany, founded by Christoph Kemper. The TI series brought more DSP power, higher polyphony, and tighter DAW integration than earlier models. In 2009, the TI2 Polar was released with 25% faster DSP, increased polyphony up to 110 voices, more effects, and a redesigned housing. A limited edition Dark Star model features a black finish and red glowing Access logo.
Market
Tact switches can fail, pots may bend, and side panel finishes may wear over time. The VirusControl software is not compatible with the latest macOS versions but works on Windows 10/11. Repair parts are available from vendors like Syntaur.
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Service Manuals, Schematics & Catalogs
- Catalog (1919) — archive.org