Access Virus TI Snow Virtual Analog Desktop Synth

No longer available at zZounds
Let it Snow! This tiny VA synth has the same sound engine as its big brothers. Tweak 6,000 patches, or build your own from scratch with its simple interface.

The Access Virus TI Snow offers one of the greatest-sounding virtual-analog synthesizers available in a compact, desk-friendly form factor. In fact, the Virus TI Snow is the most affordable hardware-based Access Virus synthesizer on the market today, with the same sound engine as its bigger brothers. If you're looking for fatty Access Virus sounds, but can't afford the flagship models -- let it Snow!

Virtual Analog Synthesis: Big Sounds in a Small Package

If you've heard the rich sonic possibilities the TI Snow has to offer, you may be surprised to learn that the unit weighs less than five pounds and takes up less desk space than a sheet of paper. That's because the TI Snow achieves its virtual analog sounds via all-digital DSP (digital signal processors). Its architecture is modular in the sense that it can simulate endless combinations of signal paths, modeling a variety of different oscillation and filter types. Because it's virtual-analog, the TI Snow's polyphony varies depending on which patch you're using, how complicated its waveform is, what filters and mods are active, etc. The TI Snow even offers a modulation matrix which simulates complex wiring schemes which were previously only available with massive analog cabinets.

TI Means Total Integration

TI means total integration, and total integration means the TI Snow immerses itself seamlessly with your current studio recording environment. Just connect the TI Snow to your computer via the provided USB cable, and read more it will appear as a virtual instrument within your DAW. Doing so expands the user interface, granting the user new, intuitive ways of sculpting their waves. User settings will be saved when you exit the program so your virtual synth will be just how you left it the next time you load it as a virtual instrument.

Easy-to-Use Interface, With or Without a Computer

If you don't work with a DAW, don't worry. Just connect the TI Snow to your favorite MIDI controller or sequencer, and use it like you would any other synthesizer. The intuitive interface lets you get to over 1,000 sounds in four clicks or less, with easy editing and parameter tweaking. Includes virtual analog, wavetable, and granular oscillators, Mini Moog cascade emulation, and over 6,000 free sound patches.

Analog, MIDI and USB I/O

With a generous selection of analog, MIDI, and USB I/O, the Access Virus TI Snow fits nicely into your existing rig. Because it's all digital, a Virus VA synth can interface seamlessly with a DAW environment, so it's the ideal "analog" synthesizer for the studio-based music producer. And because the Snow is so light and compact, it's a solid choice for traveling artists too -- just add a MIDI controller keyboard, and you've got a sweet synth rig to go.

Features:

- DSP-powered virtual analog desktop synthesizer
- 10 to 50 note polyphony depending on patch
- 1024 preset patches, 512 of which are user-assignable
- 64 Multi-Mode slots for combing patches
- More than 6,000 additional patches available as a free download
- Includes Virus Control Center software for backing up settings and swapping patches
- Oscillator modes: virtual analog, wavetable, hypersaw, graintable, and format table
- 192 onboard effects including reverb, delay, chorus, phaser, frequency shifter, ring modulator, distortion, EQ, and more
- Two independent multi-mode filters
- Filter modes: high pass, low pass, band pass, band stop, and an analog filter modeled after the Moog MiniMoog cascade filter
- 32-step user-programmable arpeggiator pattern for each patch
- Program your own arpeggio or select from 64 preset patterns
- Modulation Matrix with six slots, each featuring one source and three destinations for simulating complex wiring schemes
- Automatically syncs tempo with incoming audio signals
- Tempo Tap button for inputting your own tempo
- Adaptive control smoothing for jitter-free modulations
- Studio-grade 24-bit, 192 kHz digital/analog converters
- Seamlessly integrates with a DAW setup using a single USB cord
- Compatible as VST, AU, and RTAS virtual instrument plug-in
- Mono and stereo 1/4 inch in
- Mono and stereo 1/4 inch out
- MIDI in and out
- USB port
- Includes anti-theft key lock slot
- Compact and weighs 3.3 pounds
- Sturdy metal chassis
- Powered via included power supply
- USB cable and Quick Start manual also included

Since '97, Access has been turning heads with their Virus line of virtual-analog synthesizers. Combining the best of analog and digital mediums, Access Virus synthesizers use DSP to simulate the complex circuits used in vintage analog synthesizers. Tap into the power of a sweet Virus synth the affordable way -- with the Virus TI Snow.
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For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: +49-2361-970-9777
Web: https://www.virus.info/contact

Access Virus TI Snow Desktop Synth

The Access Virus TI Snow Synthesizer Module delivers the same sound engine as its big brothers in a compact size. The intuitive design makes selecting and editing more than 6000 patches from well-known sound designers a breeze. The Virus TI Snow also lets you experience the best of both the hardware and the software worlds by incorporating the award winning Total Integration technology to seamlessly link the Snow with your sequencer. You get all this at a price unheard of for a synth of this quality -- it's like getting a sports car for the price of a scooter.

Oscillators

Three main oscillators and one sub oscillator per voice. A main oscillator can comprise of various oscillator types including the classic virtual analog oscillators (saw, variable pulse, sine, triangle, 62 spectral waves with several FM modes) and hypersaw (a multi saw-tooth oscillator with up to 9 stacked oscillators, 9 sub oscillators and sync oscillator at the same time). Wavetable oscillators with 100 multi-index wavetables, feature variable resolution and optional pulse-width modulation. Graintable oscillators apply granular synthesis techniques for independent control of pitch and formants to warp a waveform beyond recognition. Formant oscillators sound like running a signal through a massive, modulatable filterband with hundreds of resonant bands being morphed by the wavetable index.

Filters

Two fully independent filters (lowpass, highpass, bandpass, bandstop) with an optional saturation module located in between both filter blocks. The saturation module can add one of several distortions and lo-fi effects or an additional low/high-pass filter. Optional self-resonating Moog cascade filter with circuit overloads simulation and 1-4 poles.

Modulation

Two-dimensional modulation matrix with six slots (1 source and 3 modulation targets each). Every feasible parameter can be modulated in real time. Three LFOs with additional hardwired destinations along with one user-definable slot. Two lightning-fast, multi-stage envelopes (ADSTR) - LFOs can be used as ramp generators as well.

Effects

The FX section has independent delay and reverb per patch (even in multi mode), along with multiple distortion/lo-fi algorithms, phaser, chorus/flanger, analog boost, ring modulator, 3-band EQ plus a global vocoder. There is no difference between single and multi modes - patches sound exactly the same.

Arpeggiator

Each patch contains it's own arpeggiator pattern featuring 32 programmable steps (length and velocity can be adjusted per step) along with a global control for swing/shuffle timing and one for note lengths. Pretty much every parameter including the pattern itself, the amount of octaves and many more can be controlled using the modulation matrix. In addition, there are 64 preset patterns as a starting point.

I/O

2 outputs (at +4dB), backed by 192 Khz/24-bit D/A converters, with optional soft-limiting. Two inputs with 24-bit A/D. MIDI in and out. USB is used for MIDI and audio transmission (adding 3 additional stereo audio outputs) AND WORKS AT 12 Mb/s.

Surround Sound Output
Every part can be panned dynamically between two stereo outputs for quadraphonic effects.

Enclosure
Winter-white finish, white LED display, wood rail beneath the front panel.

Hardware Controls
6 knobs, 21 buttons, 18 LEDs.

Polyphony
Between 10 to 50 voices, depending on the complexity of the patch.

Multi Mode
Multi programs can have fully independent embedded singles, without the links to single banks required by most synths. This provides freedom from breaking other programs.

Memory
512 RAM and 512 ROM patches, 64 embedded multi patches, 4 part in multi mode.

Smooth Parameter Changes

Adaptive control smoothing provides parameter changes with no zippering artifacts. With knob quantize, a clock ratio is selected and parameter changes are updated at specified intervals only. The result is sample-and-hold parameter movements, evocative of step sequencer sounds.

Total Integration

Total Integration is Access' proprietary technology, which seamlessly links any Virus TI model and a computer to create a unified system consisting of a powerful hardware synth and a virtual instrument plugin, which not only controls the Virus TI but also receives audio from it, in order to allow post-processing right inside your computer. This way you get the best of both worlds: Your Virus TI will calculate all the voices and effects and therefore makes the CPU of your computer available for other tasks. Since it is driven by the Virus Control plugin, the timing (unlike normal MIDI and USB-MIDI timing) will be sample-accurate, and all sound data will be saved within the song or project. Virus Control also offers sophisticated editing capabilities, along with an easy-to-use librarian page to keep track of all your Virus TI patches. The Virus TI's analogue input and outputs can double as an audio interface, the MIDI sockets can double as a MIDI interface.

Total Integration is certified for the following hosts: Apple Logic, Steinberg Cubase, Ableton Live, Digidesign Pro Tools, Cakewalk Sonar, ImageLine FL Studio.

OS4

OS4 for the entire Virus TI line of synthesizers brings 6 more distortion flavors to the table, modeled on vintage guitar distortion pedals. Every one of these classic pedals is famous for its distinctive character and has been exploited by some of the greatest guitar heroes of all time. The virtual stomp boxes feature carefully modeled distortion curves and tonal characteristics and include tone controls where appropriate.

- Mint Overdrive:The sound of this one just screams tubes - a very special kind of overdrive which results in a wonderful smokey tone. Good for achieving a subtle distortion effect whilst still retaining headroom for dynamics.
- Curry Overdrive:A more extreme distortion, like in the original, this does not feature a Tone control.
- Saffron Overdrive:The orange one. A very harsh distortion, popular with the grunge movement.
- Onion Overdrive:A big distortion effect famous for its fuzzy character.
- Pepper Overdrive:A clear, powerful distortion thats perfect for making leads cut right through the mix. Tone control to soften sound with a lowpass filter.
- Chili Overdrive:A classic "fuzzbox" overdrive. No tone control, just in-your-face fuzz.

Vowel Filter
This effect is a simple and effective way to vocalize any sound similar to the way a talk box or vocoder would do.

Comb Filter
The comb filter creates everything from subtle, pitched overtones to extreme time-warped deconstruction of any given patch.

Arpeggiator To Matrix

OS4 for the Virus TI series introduces a powerful feature that allows you use the arpeggiator pattern to modulate any of the parameters available to the modulation matrix. You can use this to create dynamic, rhythmical patterns within a sound, similar to what you can achieve with a step sequencer.

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (23 ratings)
Submitted November 4, 2013 by Maikel Hoyos in Kernersville , NC

"A very Happy customer here!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
i recently purchased the Access Virus Ti Snow. It was a warehouse release $100 cheaper than the new one. It turned out it was defective. I ended up buying a brand new unit which is now working right. I have to say this guys at zZounds are really nice and they will work with the customer to satisfy their need. Also, no, is not that simple to get it to work right the first time, but Access Support will work with you and help you. One star down on the WOW factor because of the issues I had at first. Overall, if you are into producing electronic music, this will certainly add to your enjoyment and quality. Yes, there are many Soft Synths Plugins that deliver amazing sound, but a Virus is a Virus!!!!

Musical Background:

Music Production for 6 years.

Musical Style:

Uplifting Trance Music
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