You can only have a single plug-in for each Virus but it controls all of its tracks (4 for the Snow, 16 for the other models). So basically you open it up, redirect up to 16 MIDI tracks to its input and each one of those MIDI tracks will control 1 part of the Virus.
That said, using Total Integration will give you up to 3 stereo outputs via USB, so you won't be able to have separate external FX on every part unless you bounce them down separately. You will also have to take into account the fact that since all generation is done in the hardware it will not really behave like your other plug-ins. You'll have to use it in a compliant DAW with plug-in delay compensation (for the time it takes the audio to go through the USB into your DAW) and you may face slowdowns of the DSPs if you overload them with complex sounds which could lead to pops/clicks/voice stealing and other artifacts. Now in my experience i can get up to 8-10 sounds at once out of it (with a bit of realism in sound using, i.e. not using 10 very complex sounds all of which have very fast modulations)
It is a very good synth with lots of options, so I'd say it is suitable for most everything you want to do with it as long as you know its strengths and limitations and do want to work with it.
For the latency issue, it somewhat depends on your computer. Fast cpu and good soundcard supporting low latency ASIO drivers will give you a very little latency for playing, just like other software instruments - this requires a good setup following the guide that comes with the Virus software, so your mileage may vary. Just don't let the majority of internet comments turn you down, because according to most of them the Virus is an unstable, unusable piece of expensive junk you should just not buy. Of course, all the happy users don't go on the internet and make people who can't afford one all enraged saying "omg my virus works great and it's the best piece of equipment ever!!!11!".
Syntax:
- Buy it from a store which will accept you to return it if it doesn't work with your setup
- Read the manual a lot, it's not the clearest but it can help
- Use forums correctly, this one and the official one
- Steer clear of both fanboys and haters
- Love your Virus and it'll love you back.
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