Access Virus c in 2024 ?

[Lbdunequest]

I'm really looking for a hardware synths with knobs as I'm learning more about synthesis all the time, but thanks a lot

If you are coming from plugins you might be disappointed with hands on experience because there is no knob and sliders recall.

Ive had hardware synths and the best thing i think is to have komplete kontrol mk3 and use plugins mapped to it for hands on control.

[Lectropunk aka influx808]

Deadly thanks

[cryophonik]

KVR Member in the Hardware forum: hey guys, I’m thinking about this hardware synth
KVR: have you tried software?
KVR Member in the Hardware forum: Yeah, but I’m looking for hardware
KVR: but, did you know that software has some advantages?
KVR Member in the Hardware forum: yes, of course I’m aware of software, but I’m asking about hardware in the Hardware forum
KVR: ……….but, have you tried software?

[Uncle E]

I'm really looking for a hardware synths with knobs as I'm learning more about synthesis all the time, but thanks a lot

Nord, System-1, or JP-8000 would be easier to learn on but there's definitely nothing wrong with the Virus C. I still have a Virus A, it's a great synth.

[seafire]

KVR Member in the Hardware forum: hey guys, I’m thinking about this hardware synth
KVR: have you tried software?
KVR Member in the Hardware forum: Yeah, but I’m looking for hardware
KVR: but, did you know that software has some advantages?
KVR Member in the Hardware forum: yes, of course I’m aware of software, but I’m asking about hardware in the Hardware forum
KVR: ……….but, have you tried software?

To be fair, I mentioned the software equivalent as an option regarding the sound, before he mentioned he wanted he wanted a hands on experience. Try before you buy kinda thing.

[zerocrossing]

I'm really looking for a hardware synths with knobs as I'm learning more about synthesis all the time, but thanks a lot

Buy a C then. Great synth. The TI is a bit better IMO, but I had a C for a long time and I really liked it. Nothing special sonically, not compared to modern plugins, but still a great synthesizer.

[DrGonzo]

I'm really looking for a hardware synths with knobs as I'm learning more about synthesis all the time, but thanks a lot

Buy a C then. Great synth. The TI is a bit better IMO, but I had a C for a long time and I really liked it. Nothing special sonically, not compared to modern plugins, but still a great synthesizer.

I owned all of the since the model B and although the TI is fantastic with all its distortion models etc, the C is the one that I remember most fondly.

[Lectropunk aka influx808]

Great thanks bud

[Lbdunequest]

I'm really looking for a hardware synths with knobs as I'm learning more about synthesis all the time, but thanks a lot

TBH i dont think Virus line is great in general to learn synthesis as it doesnt have a very "organised" layout. In fact for example Virus Ti vst editor has more well thought out layout then its hardware box. Something like Peak by Novation would be better for that matter (also an incredibly capable hardware synthesizer).

[Lectropunk aka influx808]

Thanks

[DrGonzo]

Something like Peak by Novation would be better for that matter (also an incredibly capable hardware synthesizer).

I would agree. The Peak is a better instrument to learn synthesis with. But the Virus has an much much much much wider scope of sounds.

[Lbdunequest]

Something like Peak by Novation would be better for that matter (also an incredibly capable hardware synthesizer).

I would agree. The Peak is a better instrument to learn synthesis with. But the Virus has an much much much much wider scope of sounds.

True, tho to be honest i think best tool to learn synthesis is actually Serum because of visualisations that shows how sound travels, how sound is being cutoff and modulated. I had a student, Serum was a big help for him to understand the sound. But back then Vital wasnt available, which is also amazing learning tool and free.

[zerocrossing]

I'm really looking for a hardware synths with knobs as I'm learning more about synthesis all the time, but thanks a lot

Buy a C then. Great synth. The TI is a bit better IMO, but I had a C for a long time and I really liked it. Nothing special sonically, not compared to modern plugins, but still a great synthesizer.

I owned all of the since the model B and although the TI is fantastic with all its distortion models etc, the C is the one that I remember most fondly.

The C was the centerpiece of my synth collection for a while, but in preparation for a move to a tiny place, I went ITB and got rid of all my hardware. I didn’t miss it much. Years later I bought a Snow, and I found it to be lackluster compared to Dune 2 and other plugins of the time and sold it off after a few months. Now anyone can have a C for free via that open source emulator project. I downloaded that and the Microwave plugin, and spent a few minutes with them and went back to my software and modern hardware. I don’t really have any nostalgia for that old VA and I prefer plugins like Dune, Icarus, Spire, Hive, etc for that type of sound, and keep my hardware space for analog and hybrid synthesizers that don’t quite have a software equivalent.

I think if I was going to get a modern VA, I’d probably pick the Korg Modwave over the Virus. Maybe one of the Modals. I had a Hydrasynth Deluxe for a bit, but it also couldn’t hold its own compared to modern software. The truth is, modern software is sonically very hard to beat when it comes to VA/Wavetable synthesizers.

[discogsaddict]

Virus B and C are both really nice. However looking on ebay at current prices i dont think i would recommend them if you just want something hands on. Especially since they still have quite a bit of menu diving.

There was a time when software couldnt match the sound and these synths could be found for less than 500 GBP. No longer the case though.

Now we have such good software and controllers, perfect emulations\DSP emulators of the virus even. I honestly couldnt recommend paying current prices. Plus OP sounds like he is not used to the workflow of connecting midi cables, dealing with midi latency or other issues. Routing audio in and having to record.

My advice would be stick with quality software and a good controller. If you want to play with a hands on hardware synth at least first try out one of the Behringer analogs. Of course i do not know what genres or sounds he is wanting but learning on something like a Pro One or Minimoog clone would be easier. And i do think theyre timeless classics no matter the genre they'll always be useful

[chk071]

Virus B and C are both really nice. However looking on ebay at current prices i dont think i would recommend them if you just want something hands on. Especially since they still have quite a bit of menu diving.

There was a time when software couldnt match the sound and these synths could be found for less than 500 GBP. No longer the case though.

I still have to hear the VSTi which sounds as musical as the Virus, but, I think that the advantages of in the box way outweigh the maybe 10% more musicality of the instrument.

That's probably also why so many producers replaced their Virus with Sylenth1, back 15 or so years ago.

Also, now that the Virus TI isn't being produced anymore (yes, it's official, Kemper said that they aren't produced anymore for a few months now), I suspect the used prices to go even higher, and, that's a bit ridiculous for these old machines, which don't go younger either, and surely develop the one or the other problem sooner or later.