Access has announced its new range of VIRUS TI (Total Integration) hardware synths, complete with a VIRUSControl VST and AU compatible plug-in for Windows XP and Mac OS X (10.3 or higher) that effectively turns the Virus TI into a soft synth.

- Screenshot of VIRUSControl

New synth features include greatly increased polyphony, 2 new oscillator types, a per-patch programmable arpeggiator, 16x2 delay/reverb fx, embedded singles in multi mode, and more. The new TI products link to your computer (via USB) with VIRUSControl, a companion software product which ports the hardware synth into a host sequencer for use as a sample-accurate VST/AU instrument, simultaneously offering 2-way audio and MIDI connectivity, control surface functionality, editor and librarian functions, and more. The VIRUS hardware appears as a multi-channel VST/AU soft-synth with up to 4 sub-mixes (or 2 stereo), all with with sample-accurate timing and a delay-compensated audio/MIDI connection.

A new Remote Mode allows the VIRUS hardware to become a control surface for any MIDI-capable device or software, mapping each of the 33 knobs to a specific MIDI message. TI ships with a selection of templates and includes 32-user memories for custom controller maps.

TI employs studio-grade converters with 192 Khz/24-bit D/A. These are paired with +4 dB balanced inputs and outputs and a switchable soft limiting algorithm, and accompanied by S/PDIF digital stereo output and input as well. The onboard USB port is compatible with USB 2 specifications and works with USB and Hi-Speed USB devices and peripherals. For easy access to all these new jacks, the entire I/O panel of the TI desktop model can be rotated 90 degrees so the interface is on the rear panel. The 4U Rack mounting kit is also included with the desktop model.

With 24-bit 192KHz balanced analog, S/PDIF I/O and MIDI in and out ports, the new VIRUS is suited for use as the main audio and MIDI I/O center for your entire rig.

The VIRUS TI Line is comprised of three different models which all share the same technology inside for identical soft specifications. Products are expected to ship in December 2004.

1. VIRUS TI Desktop (EUR 1,800 inc. 16% VAT)
   • Table Top Synthesizer.
   • White graphic display.
   • Mahogany-style wooden side panels.
2. VIRUS TI Keyboard (EUR 2,350 inc. 16% VAT)
   • 61 Keys, Velocity and Aftertouch.
   • Two Pedal Input.
   • White graphic display.
   • Illuminated logo at the back.
   • Mahogany-style wooden side panels.
3. VIRUS TI Polar - EUR 2,350 (inc. 16% VAT)
   • 37 Keys, Velocity and Aftertouch.
   • Two Pedal Input.
   • White LEDs.
   • Illuminated logo at the back.
   • Aluminium side panels.