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 belongs to the Virus TI series and was built for live performance and studio integration. It combines virtual analog synthesis with digital features. It uses the same sound engine as the Virus TI Desktop, but adds a semi-weighted keyboard and a compact body with a white front panel, aluminum and wood siding, and white LEDs. It runs 16 parts multitimbral and has a large OLED display for 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 Polar uses a DSP-based architecture with virtual analog subtractive synthesis and dual DSP power. It has three oscillator modes: Classic, HyperSaw, and WaveTable. It supports VA, Subtractive, PD, FM, and Wavetable synthesis. There's a Unison detune feature and a flexible modulation matrix. Total Integration (TI) puts all the MIDI and audio data over a single USB connection, so the synth plugs straight into DAWs like Ableton Live, Cubase, Logic, Pro Tools, and FL Studio. The included VirusControl software runs as a VST/AU plugin and handles editor, librarian, and control surface duties.

Context

Access released the Virus TI Polar in November 2005 as part of the Virus TI series, alongside the 61-key Virus TI Keyboard. It was aimed at producers who wanted "fat, warm sounds" without paying for vintage analog synths, and it was positioned against rising analog prices and "sterile" digital workstations. The Access Virus line 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 arrived with 25% faster DSP, polyphony increased up to 110 voices, more effects, and a redesigned housing. A limited edition Dark Star model has a black finish and a 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.