Wow the virus really isn't that special after all.

[Robmobius]

Discussions like this can be so confusing. The type of music made by everyone in the thread has a HUGE impact on the context.

I'd agree... I'm just not feeling anything about Jar not using a Virus or even if he hates them. I'm not really bothered by that.

I guess I'm making the point that anyone can easily bring up a soundbyte (using Jar Jar in this case). However, then it can be easily negated by the plethora of users on the Access site.

[Numanoid]

Discussions like this can be so confusing. The type of music made by everyone in the thread has a HUGE impact on the context.

I'd agree... I'm just not feeling anything about Jar not using a Virus or even if he hates them. I'm not really bothered by that.

Indeed, my Jarre posting was a digression at best

But I don't think xcentric refers to that, I'm reading that post as he means that the right tool is needed for the right job. Meaning that Virus isn't perfect for all kind of music, straight out of the box, it's probably best for Trance/Electronic Music.

It wouldn't be the type of synth you pick up to play in a rock band first and foremost.

[Robmobius]

Discussions like this can be so confusing. The type of music made by everyone in the thread has a HUGE impact on the context.

I'd agree... I'm just not feeling anything about Jar not using a Virus or even if he hates them. I'm not really bothered by that.

Indeed, my Jarre posting was a digression at best

But I don't think xcentric refers to that, I'm reading that post as he means that the right tool is needed for the right job. Meaning that Virus isn't perfect for all kind of music, straight out of the box, it's probably best for Trance/Electronic Music.

It wouldn't be the type of synth you pick up to play in a rock band first and foremost.

I'd agree with you. I just wasn't really sure of the context you were using. But I get it now.

Yeah, it's good for that type of sound (and Industrial of course!). But it's not a syth for everything or everyone. I'm still hoping that someone will build one some day.

[chk071]

Don't restrict it to that though. Loads of ambient artists use a Virus too, and i've also seen a couple of rock keyboarders using one as well. I'd rather say, like any synth with similar capabilities, it's pretty much a general purpose synth.

[cryophonik]

I'd rather say, like any synth with similar capabilities, it's pretty much a general purpose synth.

Totally agree. It still seems to have that reputation as a "trance synth", but it's actually an incredibly versatile workhorse synth IMO.

[xamido]

Anyway, I think any discussion about Virus should also compare it with another hardware VA synth. I think it's common knowledge that newer softsynth is better sounding, but what about other hardware VA?

I read one post about King Korg sounding better than Virus, which I respectfully disagree. I borrowed my friends KK and I just don't like it. The new system one, on the other hand, have better osc and filter. But it came with shitty 4 voice limitation and the built in FX are not that good.

I used to own a Blofeld and that thing have its own sound, which I cannot find in another synth.

For me, the problem with Virus is that it's pretty neutral sounding. The VA oscillator is really bland (hypersaw and wavetable is pretty good though), the filter is boring (that's why they add those ladder filter which at least sounds acceptable), and the envelope is not snappy enough for me.

[Robmobius]

I used to own a Blofeld and that thing have its own sound, which I cannot find in another synth.

I had a Blofeld also. The Virus blows it away imo.

Don't restrict it to that though. Loads of ambient artists use a Virus too, and i've also seen a couple of rock keyboarders using one as well. I'd rather say, like any synth with similar capabilities, it's pretty much a general purpose synth.

[/quote]

Yeah... It can sound warm or digital and can do a lot of different sounds (with the wavetables, etc.). You can do some amazing stuff.

I guess I'm thinking Vs something like a Prophet. Either way, I love the Virus's sound.

[Numanoid]

So why isn't the OP liking it?

[chk071]

So why isn't the OP liking it?

That's the one million dollar question.

[nineofkings]

A tip about snappy envelopes: I don't own a virus, but on similar synths you can vary the exponentiality by multiplying an envelope by itself. So env2 modulating env2 decay can make some really snappy plucks, for example.

[xamido]

I had a Blofeld also. The Virus blows it away imo.

Yes, but I mean that Blofeld have that cold digital sound. For me, I can only get bland to warm sound with Virus, but never cold digital. Not better, but different.

In the end, I sold my Blofeld since I cannot handle that matrix editing anymore.

Nord lead also have that 'different' character, which I hate so much.

[Numanoid]

So why isn't the OP liking it?

That's the one million dollar question.

Maybe he expected more for his money?

It's an expensive piece of plastic and metal: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/VirusTISnow

[Numanoid]

it's actually an incredibly versatile workhorse synth IMO.

Access release free EDM expansion patch set for it, doesn't make me think less that they gear it mostly towards electronic musicians
http://www.virus.info/edm2015

[Robmobius]

cannot handle that matrix editing anymore.

Amen brother... That totally killed my Blowfeld Experience. But Nave on the other hand is class!

[cryophonik]

So why isn't the OP liking it?

He said the sound is underwhelming, no "magic", etc. We all have different opinions on these sorts of things, so it's not surprising to see that response. But, I've also noticed that a lot of people who are underwhelmed with the Virus at first because the initial impression doesn't knock their socks off, really warm up to it after using it for a while. In some cases, I've seen people (mostly on gearslutz) mention that they've bought and sold a Virus several times before really discovering how much they liked it. But, everybody's mileage varies.