All user reviews for the Access Music Virus B

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UTILIZATION

The grip is very fast as long as one knows the synthesis. The manual is clearly written with a touch of humor .... For editing sounds / effects is quite simple given the extensive functions.

SOUNDS

To adapt the sound to his music, it is preferable edit and save sounds.
The factory sounds cover a wide range of different styles, we like it or not, matter of taste. The expression is there, after, it's always depending on the settings that are made to the sources and destinations (lfo's, filters, etc. ...).
In terms of realism, if you want acoustic sounds and realistic, this machine is not for you. The effects are well made with respect to the age of the machine (early 2000s)
I like his bass, his leads, his pads and sounds a little (or very) crossed ...

OVERALL OPINION

I acquired there in three days, but I already used to program the model in the studio for electro. I programmed a lot of synth (Nord Lead, Andromeda, Korg, Roland, etc ...) to make me an idea. I like the sound of access, (and keyboard). Even for a synth that has over 10 years, programming well, we see that he has not aged a bit, still valid (unlike expanders based PCM sound).
This choice I would do without hesitation.

I can not remember but detailed characteristics:
3 + oscillator subosc
1024 patches
Two resonant filters can be combined at will.
3 LFO, coupled with a huge matrix (also including the modulation / pitch bend / aftertouch / velocity and
other DC sources, and everything you dream in output, ie all).
Arpeggiator
Effects: chorus / reverb / delay distortion / bass boost ... Impeccable.
...
MIDI sync automatically (switchable)
I have never missed or multitimbral polyphony.
Access to the site, there are always new patch banks
(And what banks) and updates are free and required (new features).

3 MIDI ports, classical.
In contrast, 4 audio outputs (and the ability to exploit surround effects!), And 2 inputs
audio, because the beast is an amazing vocoder.

UTILIZATION

Programming not too complex, provided that we know at least the structure of a synthetic
analog.
Manuel very well done, complete with real guides on the site of Access. It is even more
the service of creativity but after-sales!
Editing sounds is facilitated by delivery of a SoundDiver editor format.

Warning: like any true analog, you have to go slowly with the knobs, a micro-
variation can result in sudden changes in tone. In short, it's serious and not plugin (mdr).

SOUNDS

That's the strength. What a sound!
We do all kind of music is a synth that of the respondent.
New Age, Techno, Electronica, SFX ... Anything is possible. I use the same
to make sound design!
With FM synthesis, we even interesting simulations of Rhodes
Mellotron, Clavinet, ...

In short, the kind of device that connects and on which we pass whole evenings
alone play. Make certain sounds totally addicted!

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 1 year, no problems of reliability, it must be said that the buttons and appearance
of the device are very reassuring (wooden sides!).

I tried the main competitors at Novation, Waldorf, Nord Lead, etc ...
The North and Waldorf are very good, but perhaps less versatile.

I bought it used, an excellent deal because prices are rhédibitoires nine,
and France, they are imported into dropper (for UM Distrib). Too bad, because the
Access synths deserve to be far more "profile".

Note the excellent support of Access Music, a model of its kind ...

Analog modeling
16 multitimbral parts!
6 audio outputs
2 audio inputs
midi in / out / thru
32 pots
3 + 1 sub occilateurs
3 LFO assignable to an amount of different parameters
FM / waveform / etc ...
many effects
arpeggiator
etc ...

trs trs really full!

UTILIZATION

Many can be knob ACCS directly to the main parameters, good point, cepeda it will go through many sub-menus for the accsa full of all parameters while editing a sound.
there are 2 pots "define" or one can determine'm even the parameters on which they will act each pure sound.
it is a fairly complex machine that is not obvious to take over the first time, but you get done fast enough.
manual in English rather well.

SOUNDS

The sound is HUGE! I love this synth can really becaufe out ultra aggressive sound, great bass, great sheets, lead cutting, FX, he can do everything ... and done well trs.
I also like the grain "modern". the filters are excellent ... it sounds the thunder!
it's a synth that is trs east electro / techno / trance / etc...mais there is really versatile.
Virus used to have a "C" for many months, I immediately silent tonn by the similarity between the two machines. it really levels the "kif-kif" no real difference as it sounds "big" and found the same "grain", even the general structure of menus is identical ... the only difference between these two synthetic s is that the virus "C" has more paramtres the "B".

the 3 + occilateurs the sub can really CRER trs trs of its large, add a ca in "unison" (16) and you blow your speakers. It can be a real Dilma becaufe is tempted to magnify the sound, and this may eventually become difficult to mix trs ...
the effects are real quality and all possdent many parameters: the reverb is good but sounds a little metal if it EXAGRES, the delay is OK, the beautiful phaser, chorus trs well. there are several types of distortions (light, medium, hard, digital, correct, bitreducer, ratereducer, HIPASS ... etc) that I find really excellent! there is also the "Analog Boost" that simulates the "punch" of bass synths analog ... in short, all these effects can really get a wide range of sounds and that's cool!
The LFO section is fucking great too. 3 lfo's are assigned to a multitude of parameters and allow CRER sounds alive and complex. there are of course all the synchonization hologe noon.
the arpegiatteur is really excellent, modes up / down / chord / random etc ..., 4 octaves, controlling the duration of notes (notelenght) and features 64 different rhythm patterns + parameter "Swing" that can give groove to the rhythm ... what s'ammuser.

OVERALL OPINION

It is a rather complex synth nessecite really immerse themselves in (if you're new at this) in order to make the most. I think it relement shame to have such a machine and only use the presets. you would spend a lot of cot.
I test Novation (as, KS5 ..) alesis (ion), korg (MS2000) Clavia (Nordlead3), Emu (audacity) waldorf (mq) roland, etc., etc ... are the Virus for me the best analog modeling synthsa (it's 100% subjective question gots ...) I love their sounds, their "potato", and possibilities virtually endless. and I think that despite what one can say about the price high enough price that they are ultimately a better "qualitpossibilits / price" that such NORD LEAD ...

I will not repeat what has been said about the features. All it takes is that it's ultra svoir complete.

UTILIZATION

Little we know just the use of synths, there is no problem. Everything is well organized, there is a maximum of knobs to the touch and most importantly, the manual is super well done. Even a novice can quickly unravel if he follows the instructions. As for editing sounds, menus are simple even if it takes a few days before taking his bearings. As against the vocoder is a real mess if we have no credible basis. Least for this one although I personally feel that it's going to fun to take my head ...

SOUNDS

The sound is the highlight of this synth. This is known as a big beast. It can get crazy low, although trash, groundwater, air leads super aggressive ... A very good versatility in bulk. Obviously it's not too much to imagine the trouble out of realistic acoustic instrument sounds with it. For patches against the organ are really well made, I have a friend who thought he heard his own Farfisa!
Otherwise the effect section is far from being ridiculous and there are ways to have fun a good time with.

OVERALL OPINION

I bought the B Virus Used (750 €) about two weeks ago but I use from time to time an Indigo (not mine) for a year. A priori, no reason to be disappointed with this machine, it's really good stuff. I've tried before and the Indigo frankly I was very surprised at the similarity between the two models. Apart from the keyboard in addition to the redback, I have not seen any differences. So excellent machine. A buy eyes closed if you want a good analog modeling synth and sound deadly. I have not the slightest regret, quite the contrary.

Added the 31/10, even if the machine is very reliable, the least problem, the repair will be complicated and very (trop. ..) expensive. The virus must indeed be repaired in Germany, in Access, which means absolutely to repair and prevent you from finding another way. If your cousin Kevin found plucking a knob with a wrench was a great idea, Access refuses to send any spare parts and require references from the synth, even though you can repair yourself. With the price of return (at your expense, of course) and that of repair, thus count in the € 100 (or more) for a problem that seems minor. Access thank you ...

° Opinion on

I just erecevoir the Beast, spent 8 hours on it.
Complete, especially with the PC / mac.

UTILIZATION

Config quite simple if one takes the time to read the manual to include two or three orders not "natural"

Edition as simple bcp parameters available on the panel. Also the manual is very well done, with even a dash of humor that lightens the content rather pointed ...

SOUNDS

OK, the sound it is there ... This is my first "big" analog synth (modeling) after AI1 and micro korg. The sound is really richer, more alive and sponsor! We really feel like an instrument before, it makes you want to play. I think this synth is complete and therefore knows no limits.

However, the presets (like tjs) its really disappointing!

OVERALL OPINION

So only qq hours of use ... Strong point: it seems solid, the knobs are nice and clear.
The buttons themselves are ugly but effective. Buy 800 euros.
It's really good stuff, powerful and strong ...
A buy eyes closed!

For specifications, refer to data
builder

.................................................. ............................................

(But guys, the characteristics are huge !!!!)
I put 9 because I wish that some functions accessible on the front .... but I know I'm quibbling.

UTILIZATION

- Yes, the general configuration is fairly simple, the internal navigation is quick and easy.
A button to search for "family" edition
Then a button to change the "subfamily" editing
A button to change the value of publishing.

And so as we n'avigue in groups of family very quickly, it goes straight to stumble!

YES-editing sounds is easy all the routing is now front and tells us little by diode if it is engaged or not.
Regarding the effects, it yau EFFECTS button that sends us into the block and after impact, there's more snap!

Yes, the manual is quite clear, quite detailed what the guys who wrote this manual
had to make Literary study can be one that loses the purpose of the manual.
(= "Well come into the world of incredible access, you get into the air in analog synthesis .....)

SOUNDS

Yes, the sounds are quite to my style of music (electro / teak then you can imagine ...)

No-they are not réalistent, but not the butts (although the bass is terrible), but what's electro sounds!

YES-effects are good, suitable to ... all depends what you do (but a big distortion on a low fat .. well I think its the fact!)

-I prefer the sounds: the big sounds, ground poles, sounds that go on coui ***
-The sounds that I prefer the less: the sound a little kitsch, sounds dry-pouaite pouaite (two or three cost filter, LFO and CSOs and the off again!)

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 4 months

- I like most is: The sounds sick and how natural the sound to tarnish and modify sounds.

- I knew the principles of the synthesizer via the plugs (in use) and had already listened to friends their synth (waldorf, nova ...)
But this is my first B virus external synthesizer.

I find it a bit expensive (is not given to every budget) but I think it can be to get out of the € 800 I Vallent released in the effort.

I do not regret buying this at all but I conquer other territories so ...
Basically: NOTICE TO ALL WHO WANT AMMATEURS GROS SONS WELL CRAD AND POWERFUL!
Perfect for drum / bass and teckno of all kinds.

This board has everything I need to create sounds. Plenty of oscillators and filters, and ~35 physical knobs. Love the individual outputs.

Price paid

$1500

UTILIZATION

OK you need to spend a lot of time with the baby to design sounds from scratch. The menus are a bit hard to access via the small LCD screen. Get yourself the SoundDiver-Virus librarian software, it makes things much easier. Theres a standalone version (if you dont have sound diver).

I travelled a lot with my Virus and it never broke. One day though, one of the internal chips was damaged; I panicked, because I bought the virus in a different country and wasnt sure if my warranty was still working... Well, Access told me to go to this one local music store, and the guys there replaced the chip for free, and while I was waiting! THAT's what I call customer support.

SOUNDS

Gorgeous! I am not a dance music guy and I was a bit scared to have a trance-only machine in my hands; I was wrong. The sound is excellent, and I don't feel stuck in a genre (though the factory soundset is mostly dance oriented). Lush pads and basses that make my house shakes.

OVERALL OPINION

I love this synth but I would like: no menu to "explore".

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: mano 1 ( 3-, 2002)

Everything you need, Good effects and superb filters mark this out above the rest for me

Price paid

£769.99

UTILIZATION

Manual is very good, OS is easy to use and quick to become accustomed to (OS 4.5)

Not hard it long tho, it survived a long journey and my eager fumblings. It definatly feels as secure and robust as a brick. With looks to match. I think you have to do it in purpose to damage it

SOUNDS

Omfg, my face is bleeding, this is the best for dnb

OVERALL OPINION

Dark sounds, Deep sounds, Powerfull sounds, easy and fun to use looks like a chunk of metal covered in knobs and buttons, this wasnt designed by artists, but it wasnt enginered and built by artists either.

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: Unknown ( 4-, 2002)

Fully loaded. More than I even imagined.

Price paid

$2300 CAN

UTILIZATION

Manual is decent. It's gotten easier to use with the OS updates. Pretty steep learning curve at first though. Just experiment lots!

Not going to break any time soon. I'm sure I could take it to gigs, but I love it too much to take a risk.

SOUNDS

Hard, mean, dark dirty, warm, clean... need I go on? If you can think it, you can do it. Sound quality is top notch. Effects have improved with the free OS upgrades. They left something to be desired at first, but they're quite good now.

OVERALL OPINION

I love this machine. Probably the only external synth I'm going to hang on to over softsynths down the road...

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: Unknown ( 8-, 2002)

Access is great with os updates, often adding major things. im satisfied

Price paid

$1,500

UTILIZATION

Its a breeze.i dont understand how it seems some people have a hard time at mastering its interface. this was my first hardware synthesizer and i had no trouble.

I have the KB model and it seems pretty tough. wooden sides can be dented.

SOUNDS

Wonderful thick sound. great phat bass and warm pads. its wonderful for trance and dance.

OVERALL OPINION

I love the thing! warm phat sound. too bad its so pricy.

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: Unknown ( 1-, 2003)

This is where the strength of the virus shows itself. This is a beast with about 1 million features, including more saturation/distortion options than I even knew existed. Coupled with a decent mod matrix and 3 LFOs plus FM, if you tame this beast as a sound designer you have an awesome amount of power at your fingertips.

Paid: approx 600$ used

UTILIZATION

Interface is annoying. They should have made this a 6 rack space like the jp-8080, to contain a bigger LCD and more knobs so you won't have to menu dive so much. With the virus you will always be menu-diving trust me! It seems like they sacrificed function for the sake of form, especially since the 2002 software update where they crammed even more stuff into the virus that wasnt designed for the new features (which equals more menu diving). But hey, Im just nagging right? If you have owned synths before or are decently intelligent then you will get it in notime, but this doesnt change the fact that it is annoying.

SOUNDS

Most everyone knows the "virus sound". Basically, very heavy on the low end, not so much on the high end (I have to EQ the high end A LOT on the virus). The virus has a sort of crunchy, grainy, VA sound that is very distinctive to me now. Overall, the sound is deep, distorted, "digital", and archtypical agressive VA sound, which can be very good when you want that particular sound, or bad if you are trying to get something out of the virus to be "analog".

OVERALL OPINION

I really like this synth, but I wouldn't say that I LOVE it. It has its uses. When I need an aggro VA type sound or a distorted sound I turn to the Virus. Its a very good hardware but I would sell it if something did what it does better.

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: I_watch_stars ( 5-, 2006)