The Access Virus is a powerful German-made virtual analogue synthesizer module that quickly became a favorite among electronic music producers after its 1997 release. With its distinctive red finish and wooden end panels, this compact tabletop instrument combines traditional hands-on control with advanced digital features. Its elegant design includes 32 smooth knobs, 27 positive switches, 52 bright yellow LEDs, and a clear 2-line x 16-character backlit display.

The Virus uses physical modeling to digitally recreate analog sounds with German precision. Its sound generation capabilities extend beyond traditional VA synths thanks to 64 digitally-stored waveforms alongside the standard sawtooth and variable square waves. This hybrid approach allows the Virus to produce everything from authentic analogue-style basses and leads to distinctive PPG-like tones. Its incredibly punchy and clean sound can deliver everything from sub-woofer blowing basses to overdriven TB-303-style lead lines and convincing analog drum and percussion sounds.

What truly sets the Virus apart is its exceptional filter section. With two multimode filters that can be configured in series, parallel, or split arrangements, plus six different saturation types, the Virus delivers an incredibly rich sonic palette. The filters are widely regarded as among the most realistic-sounding digital implementations available.

Despite its compact size (18.5" x 7" x 2.5"), the Virus packs remarkable power with 12-note polyphony and 16-part multitimbrality. Its flexible routing options include six audio outputs, stereo inputs, and internal busses that allow for complex signal processing chains. This makes it particularly suitable for electronic music production, especially dance and electronic genres where its resonant filters and arpeggiator capabilities shine.

The original Virus (later known as Virus A) was followed by several upgraded models: the Virus B (1999), Virus KB (keyboard version), Indigo (roadster version), Rack (rack-mountable version), and the advanced C series in 2002. Top electronic artists including Astral Projection, BT, Überzone, The Crystal Method, Cosmosis, and Nine Inch Nails have all incorporated Virus synthesizers into their productions.

Technical Specifications

Sound Generation

• 2 main oscillators with multiple waveforms
• Sawtooth and variable square waves with PWM
• 64 additional digitally-stored waveforms
• Sub-oscillator (octave below Oscillator 1)
• Noise generator
• Oscillator sync capability
• FM (Frequency Modulation) for Oscillator 2
• Twin Mode (uses two voices per note with detune and phase options)

Filters

• Two multimode filters
• Filter 1: 12dB (2-pole) or 24dB (4-pole) slopes
• Filter 2: 12dB (2-pole) fixed
• Filter modes: low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, band-reject
• Resonance control for both filters
• Six saturation types: Light, Soft, Middle, Hard, Digital, Shaper
• Four filter routing configurations: series, parallel, split, and linked

Modulation

• 3 LFOs with multiple waveforms
• LFO waveforms: triangle, sawtooth, square, S&H, S&G (Sample & Glide)
• Sine wave available via MIDI control
• LFOs can operate in polyphonic or monophonic modes
• LFOs can sync to MIDI clock
• Key Follow and Key Trigger options
• LFO1 destinations: oscillator pitch, pulse width, resonance, filter gain
• LFO2 destinations: waveshape, FM amount, filter cutoff, pan
• LFO3 destinations: oscillator pitch and pulse width

Envelopes

• 2 envelope generators (Filter and Amplifier)
• ADSTR structure (Time parameter affects sustain phase)
• Punch parameter for percussive sounds
• Envelope polarity control

Effects

• Built-in Delay effect with sync to clock option
• Chorus processor with depth, rate, delay and feedback controls
• Flanger effect
• Vocoder
• Modulating waveforms for effects: sine, triangle, sawtooth, square, S&H, S&G

Memory

• 256 user single patches (Banks A & B)
• 128 Multi (multitimbral) locations

Performance

• 12-note polyphony
• 16-part multitimbrality
• Arpeggiator with up, down, up & down, and as-played modes
• 1-4 octave range for arpeggiator
• Dedicated clock generator for LFOs, arpeggiator and delay
• Three knob modes: Jump, Snap, and Relative

Connections

• 6 audio outputs (3 stereo pairs)
• 2 audio inputs (stereo)
• MIDI In and Out (no Thru)
• External 12V power adapter connection

MIDI Implementation

• Comprehensive MIDI control
• All panel controls send/receive MIDI Control Change messages
• Hidden parameters accessible via Polyphonic Pressure commands
• SysEx implementation for patch storage and OS updates

Additional Features

• Modulation matrix with 3 assignable controllers and up to 6 destinations
• Extensive velocity modulation options
• External signal processing capabilities (Dynamic and Static modes)
• Internal buss routing system (Aux 1 and Aux 2)
• OS upgradable via MIDI

Physical

• Dimensions: 18.5" x 7" x 2.5" (tabletop format)
• Optional rack adaptor kit available
• 32 knobs, 27 switches
• 52 yellow LEDs
• 2-line x 16-character backlit LCD display
• Wooden end panels