The new Virus TI line 


Is this the unit that will make me consider buying a new HW synth? 

I have a Virus from Access and I love it. When I'm doing an impromptu gig or session, I'll grab that roadcase first and then grab my laptop. However, I was pretty sure that it was the last hardware synth that I was going to buy. My Macintosh Powerbook has gone from being the last part of my production line to the first part, the last part and almost all the parts in between. My studio in the basement will go unused for long periods of time while I sit on my couch composing. I won't get rid of my hardware because I don't like the idea that my software is tied to a single OS on a single machine. Long after Native Instruments is only supporting OS XXX on G9 processors, I'll still be able to plug my Virus into a mixer and get work done. I've also been waiting for the HW makers to get their heads out of their butts and realize that most people are not only recording with their computers, but gigging with them too. I want a device that will work well with my computer but will still work when USB is a historical footnote.

The X-Station from Novation was the first unit to show that the HW makers were wising up. I'm hoping to track one down locally soon to check out and maybe write a review of. It's currently near the top of my gear lust pile.

During AES last month, Access decided to raise the bar a notch with the release of their Virus TI line. I wasn't there to see it, but it looks excellent. A super awesome synth with USB AND SP/DIF output. You can use it as a stand alone, you can use it as an audio and MIDI interface for your computer and most cool, you can use it as a VST plug-in for your DAW. You can use it as a control surface for your software too. It'd be perfect if it didn't cost more than a computer to buy it, but for this kind of power I guess you have to pay. I'm still worried that the march of time and technological development will make it's integration with the computer useless, but at least it will still be an awesome synth in its own right long after you tape over the USB port.

When will the good folks at Clavia wise up? I mean, c'mon, the Nord defines computer integration between a synth and a computer, but you still need audio inputs to hear it? That is so dopey. On a side note, it was my Nord that made me distrustful of the whole computer/HW synth integration in the first place. Clavia never got around to making an official OSX version of their editor for the Nord, leaving those of us on macs in the dust.

On a second side note, where the hell can you find synths from the independent makers to try anymore? The Guitar Centers of the world have made it impossible to track down the non-major equipment makers gear. You have to buy sight unseen and this is some pretty expensive stuff! In Seattle we have a couple small shops that carry the more esoteric equipment, but they don't have the full lines. So, if I can track down either the Novation or Access boards I'll let you know what I think. In the meantime I gotta wait for them to show up in the mags to get some idea if they are worth my meager music gear dollars. 

Posted: Wed - November 10, 2004 at 04:42 PM          

© , Unit Circle Media