How software is used is more likely decided by those who license it out, which means Access was more than likely charging TC Electronics per-instance.

Not at all. The point was that the definition of an instrument is blurry. A Virus is simply an integrated midi controller with knobs, DSP and software. You can achieve same with your computer.

So what's the difference? You could say that externally running cables between the controller and DSP make it no longer an instrument, and I might even agree with you. However coming up with something logical to present in your arguments might be a little out of character for you :)

No in fact it was an ironic comment (with the :D) I don't think you missed the point in presenting other kind of "instruments"; more like you went to a parallel road than the other user that said that people use the Virus to play music instead of producing music (and people that do both) because it's still meant to be a performer's instrument designed to be a musical instrument rather than a series of glasses filled with different amounts of water :)

I didn't say that, but the fact that it's an "instrument" is access's selling point. They design the thing to be used in or out of the studio, with or without a computer.

I don't perform myself so it doesn't apply to me but even though a lot of performers are going full on software route anyway if access did decide to do the software and controller thing it would lose it's appeal fast I reckon, not only the fact there's better more universal midi controllers out there for controlling software but the fact that you have to use it with a computer, wouldn't go down too well with people just looking for a keyboard to play ;)

yep, i'm currently working on a new project where my Virus TI Polar is very much at the centre of my live performance rig

Personally I hope they focus on improving the approach they have now. I like the TI for the fact that when I'm working at home I can offload the processing from the PC rather than have everything in the box..yet I can still unplug the USB and go play a gig or jam with someone and leave the comp at home. I'd like to see more features, more reliability, and more power. Leave the rest of it alone.

Nicely said

I'm curious about the same thing, specifically when a new version might be released, because I'm thinking about buying a Polar.

2005 = TI1, 2008 = Snow, March 2009 = TI2. OS4.5 coming up...

I think Musikmesse is early April. As long as a new one doesn't come out then, I wouldn't mind buying now...

I wouldn't like to see it go native anyway tbh, you'd have every warez kiddie with an internet connection abusing it after it's cracked a week after launch.

Hay guize listn 2 dis tuun i made wid mazzive!11