Concerns on Access Virus support?

The Lounge Other Gear
1

I’m interested in getting a virus TI2. Have been for years and finally looking like I can spend that kind of money on a synth.

With Access’ discontinuation all together and no support for the synth in the future, how concerned should I be buying one? I know no one can tell the future, but what are some things I could come across that would be a real pain in the ass? Is this even a valid concern?

Because it’s digital and mostly software it seems much more of a black box compared to a discontinued analog synth. What’s everyone’s thoughts?

2

Owned the TI snow since about 2008, its been on almost daily, and ive never had a problem. I did worry though…until i installed OSTirius by the usual suspects, which emulates the Virus identically, now all those sounds are available in my DAW…so i worry less

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3

I’ve got a well used TI desktop. Other than a couple of wobbly pots it’s still rock solid. Go for it!

4

Same experience like @Adam9 here - my Virus TI 2 is in the studio more than a decade. Never had an issue (knocking on wood). Firmware is 5.x and reliable. Keys, buttons, knobs, and display are in fine condition. Okay - used in studio only … :wink:

If you can get it in good or even new condition - you shouldn’t regret it :smiley:

5

Oh dear, I guess I will be the person to say a few negative things.

  1. The “TI” USB stuff no longer works on macOS. This is fairly common knowledge, but is worth remembering.
  2. I have a problem with the MIDI timing of my TI2. It does not respond well to MIDI notes and sounds a bit rhythmically “drunk”. This seems to be a problem that others have as well.
  3. My TI2 keyboard is the most fussy synth I have, audio cabling-wise. I have to use balanced connections with it or it will introduce noise on its outputs. Not unheard of for any synth of course, but the TI2 is the only item in my studio that is fussy like this.

It’s still great, but I would recommend approaching with caution, as with any “vintage” synth purchase.

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6

If you aren’t afraid of using DAWs you could grab OsTIris for free and use it with a midicontroller.

7

I had a Virus TI Polar. I absolutely loved it and it was a joy to use.

If I had the opportunity to get it today, I wouldn’t spend that kind of money with no prospect of service or support.

I think it’s good that you’re being thoughtful about it.

8

OSTirus is a wonder and is brilliant if you have a fast processor, but technically you’re really meant to own the hardware to be able to use the firmware image / ROM.

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