Access Virus C Virtual Analogue Hardware Synthesizer: Review

Access has hit the nail on the head for the third time in a row, now making the third synthesizer in their Virus collection the Virus C picks up where the other Access Virus Synthesizers left off. Now holding a slew of new features and functions the new Access Virus C delivers high quality professional sound editing for under $2000 if you go with the table top version. Access has stopped making the cheapest version of the Virus series which was the 2 hole rack mount version but they still make the table top , full and mini keyboard versions.

New features on the Virus C are noticeable to any former Virus user before they even touch this machine with the new red editing window. The C also unleashes a brand new effects knob section so you don't have to manually scroll down the menu options to access each individual effects, they are all on front board accessible knobs which is great for live performance. S second new feature added to the effects section is the ability to have different reverb and delay settings for all 16 instruments in the Virus C! This is a huge step up from the 2 possible delay/reverb banks possible in the last Virus B.

Effects are not the only section touched by Access in the development of the Virus C, some of the best additions are in the filter section. Access took their already decent filter and took it to an all new level with the creation of the C. Filter banks enable you the ability to add new "atmosphere" to your filter section, each mode highly effects a sounds outcome and are all very powerful and diverse. These filters are all easily accessible live and can be changed and manipulated on the fly.Access even added a filter mode called "Moog" which replicates the classic Moog synthesizer sounds.

Access went over all their preset sounds and made them better with the new filter section and more detailed effects which enable you to start creating music right away with the Virus C even if you don't know anything about sound creation or manipulation with a Virtual Analogue synthesizer. Samples of the Access Virus C presets can be found at the Access website along with some filter bank samples.

Access has also added a lot of new features that make the Virus very easy to use with a PC recording program or any software synthesizer program. Now holding a USB port with software already installed the new Virus C is as easy to setup on your computer as a plug and play USB device. Another strong addition to the C is having the option to turn off local modes on your control knobs and send them out via midi messages, what does this mean? This gives you the ability to control software synthesizer programs, knob and sliders all by the front control panel of the Access Virus C.

Any electronic musician trying to get the sounds of Dub, Drum and Bass, Hard Electronic, Industrial, Trance or almost any other electronic style this is your machine. Access has released a tabletop, mini keyboard and full keyboard version of the Virus C and range from the price of $1,995 for the tabletop to $2,255 for the full keyboard version.