1. Name of the product and current version: Access Virus TI2 Keyboard
2. When you bought the product: End of 2008
3. Why you bought it: I bought it because I really needed a new synth after buying the disgracful Roland V-Synth GT so I came up to the DV Birmingham store to see what they had. The guy in the shop reccomended me this and I've never been more pleased with any purchase.
4. How much did it cost: About £1600
5. Installation / Setup: It is very easy to set up, has 3 stereo outs for different uses, an input so you can proccess things even more through it etc. You can also connect it via USB to the computer and it works as a
VST in your DAW
the only problem I had with installing it etc is that the Virus will update its OS via the computer occasionally so you've got to make sure you've always got the right software version & OS version, nothing difficult though. the installation is nothing out of the ordinary and the update is automatic.
6. What do you like about it?: I love the way it is 'totally intergratable' with a PC or Mac, and can be used as a
VST etc as well as hardware stadalone. Aparently in the newest update it is possible to side-chain audio through it directly from the computer rather than using the audio input, unfortunatly my Cubase 4.5 doesn't support that feature at the moment as it would be ace. The sound quality is unbelievably good, I never thought I would hear any synth make a sound that can make 'fatter' sounds than NI massive without being proccessed, but this just rips it. You can get nearly any sound out of it. The panel is very easy to use although half the space is wasted due to them making a desktop module of it. All the filters etc are very powerful which is great as well. Never been happier with any buy.
7. What don’t you like about it? The price! Though it is more than worth the money.
8. Any improvements: Keep the updates coming. More versatile LFO patterns, though there is many varied ones to choose from, you can't draw them. Though I don't really think it needs them.
9. Comparison to similar products: I had the Roland V-Synth GT before this, and the sound with that was generally very flat & bland, though it emulated real instuments a bit better than this. The Virus also has a 'fatter' sound than NI Massive (those of you who have used Massive should know what i mean!
) The only thing it needs it the versatile LFO patterns that Massive has.
10.Would you buy it again: Yes, definatly.
11.Licence:
a. Transfers allowed? No idea what this means.
b. How many, per (PC or MAC) It's hardware, so probably just one? Still don't get this question
12. Format (PC or MAC): The
VST is both I think.
13.Copy Protection: It's hardware
14. Pros and cons summary: Pros - It is an amaing synth with a very big, and wide variety of sound. It is totally intergratable with a PC or Mac (I think it is with Mac anyway)
Cons - The price is high!
15. Rating: 9.5/10 - the only let down for me really was the price.
I would recommend this synth to anyone into electronic music if they can get the money. It is a
must buy!