Virus TI2 pricing....

[LivePsy]

Was it 5 years since the TI was annouced, or delivered? Either way, it is a long time and I'm inclined to think that the Virus has gone about as far as it can go. What was the successor to the V-Synth? 2 of 'em in a GT and nothing startlingly different. The only thing that could be a next step for Access might be a G2 Nord modular type idea, has which merit but it has already been done. Production and development at Nord for the NM has apparently stopped with a lot of discouraged posters.

Some of the constraints on expanding the Virus is that the knob interface already cannot keep up with the parameters. So we're constantly jumping between a single knob twiddle and digging into the menus. A next step for Access should dispense with so much knobbage and perhaps free the architecture to be virtually patched, including audio frequency modulation routings.

Cheers,
B

[Joey]

Originally Posted by LivePsy

Was it 5 years since the TI was annouced, or delivered? Either way, it is a long time and I'm inclined to think that the Virus has gone about as far as it can go. What was the successor to the V-Synth? 2 of 'em in a GT and nothing startlingly different. The only thing that could be a next step for Access might be a G2 Nord modular type idea, has which merit but it has already been done. Production and development at Nord for the NM has apparently stopped with a lot of discouraged posters.

Some of the constraints on expanding the Virus is that the knob interface already cannot keep up with the parameters. So we're constantly jumping between a single knob twiddle and digging into the menus. A next step for Access should dispense with so much knobbage and perhaps free the architecture to be virtually patched, including audio frequency modulation routings.

Cheers,
B

There is A LOT that can be added to the virus...

more deep FM implementation

comb filters

more envelopes

more filter emulations

etc...

there is a lot of unexplored territory for the virus

[LivePsy]

Yes, those could be added but I don't think that does much for the branding of the Virus. The Virus is very successful, which is becoming uncommon in the hardware synth world. How many of the extra TI features not already in the Virus C are being used heavily? Not much I suspect. A flood of small extra features confuses the identity of the product and makes the interface more complex while Access already have a magic formula.

B

[Timo]

Originally Posted by LivePsy

How many of the extra TI features not already in the Virus C are being used heavily? Not much I suspect.

I don't know Psy, all the new oscillators from the TI mk1 are sure getting a workout.

And there's Atomizer that is being caned although, personally, I tend to think of the atomizer as being something separate to the Virus. Almost a foreign entity.

Unlike Atomizer, I think all the things Joey mentioned would be a natural extension to the Virus sound and architecture, adding more usability and depth to it. For example the Moog emulated filters of the Virus C are a mainstay, why not add to them, or add greater flexibility in the LFOs and envelopes, or add FM as a new oscillator type. These things certainly wouldn't damage what the Virus is. They'd enhance it, and carry it further.

That's one of the reasons I'm just surprised the TI|2 hardware hasn't taken a step forward. I thought Access had a prime opportunity not to rehash the same hardware interface, and add something like a step sequencer (like the Radias for example) to the user interface with 16 buttons/knobs or similar - just something to differentiate it from former Viruses yet enhance it at the same time.

If anyone wanted a simpler Virus then by all means they could grab a Virus B or C.

My 2¢.

[LivePsy]

Hi Timo. I won't disagree with you . Whatever our views are, its a luxury to be discussing this (like we own Access or something) rather than moaning about an unsupported product with unfixed bugs. I can understand if Access leave the TI2 as it is. However, a totally new product with modular flexibility and many choices of osc and filters would have a place alongside the TI and I wouldn't feel cheated for having a TI now and seeing such a behemoth announced in a year or two.

My feeling is that hardware synths are not the place to explore radical new synth technologies and boutique emulations. The production cycle is too long and the physical delivery adds costs which require the manufacturer to make a synth guaranteed to be popular. The original Virus was exactly that even though we didn't know it until we fell in love with it. But good ideas which don't get mass appeal are just another business loss. Software (with optional specialised hardware to plug into your USB port) is where the open ended versatility and experimental stuff can best succeed.

If the TI can turn into Reaktor with an OS update, I'm so there already. If not, I am still completely happy with it.

Cheers,
B

[Talos]

In my opinion, the only mistake Access made with the TI 2 is in the naming of it.
The "2" implies it is a new version with new features, but Mk1 owners have all the same features through OS updates.

If it had been called Virus TI Stage, or something that implied "TI Final version for live use", I think it would have been received much better.

[Joey]

Originally Posted by LivePsy

Hi Timo. I won't disagree with you . Whatever our views are, its a luxury to be discussing this (like we own Access or something) rather than moaning about an unsupported product with unfixed bugs. I can understand if Access leave the TI2 as it is. However, a totally new product with modular flexibility and many choices of osc and filters would have a place alongside the TI and I wouldn't feel cheated for having a TI now and seeing such a behemoth announced in a year or two.

My feeling is that hardware synths are not the place to explore radical new synth technologies and boutique emulations. The production cycle is too long and the physical delivery adds costs which require the manufacturer to make a synth guaranteed to be popular. The original Virus was exactly that even though we didn't know it until we fell in love with it. But good ideas which don't get mass appeal are just another business loss. Software (with optional specialised hardware to plug into your USB port) is where the open ended versatility and experimental stuff can best succeed.

If the TI can turn into Reaktor with an OS update, I'm so there already. If not, I am still completely happy with it.

Cheers,
B

See I think thats where we differ... I don't want a computer and I don't want reaktor, I want a great sounding instrument.

I agree with you that we should be happy with the Ti the way it is... I definitely am happy with it.

When I talk about new features I mean for future access models... the way I see things the virus name has gone pretty far, I wouldnt be surprised if the next thing access rolled out had a different name or concept altogether

If they want to add them to the Virus Ti then fuck yes, but I am content with it this way too.

As for the TI features going unused... I don't use viruscontrol really at all, but I make it a point to use the newer TI stuff that brings its full potential out

the hypersaw stuff and wavetables offer way too much variety to bother with analog emulation, I have my analog synths for analog sounds... I use the virus for sounds other gear cant even come close to

[LivePsy]

Originally Posted by Joey

See I think thats where we differ... I don't want a computer and I don't want reaktor, I want a great sounding instrument.

Actually, I don't want a computer either! But I see that is the direction to go if you want 10 filter models and 20 oscillilator models and serious modulation of anything to anything. If a Virus had those capabilities and you only wanted to use the hardware knobs, that's an extremely complex thing to manage in a 3 line display. Personally I would want a computer editor but leave the performing to the Virus standalone - yes good old MIDI!

B