The Access Virus Indigo 2 is a virtual analog synthesizer released by Access Music in 2003. It is the 3-oct keyboard version of the Virus C, which is a significant upgrade from its predecessor. This compact 37-key synthesizer maintains the sleek, metallic design and distinctive blue LED aesthetic of the original Indigo while delivering substantial improvements in functionality and sound capabilities.

Part of Access's standardized Virus C product range (alongside the Virus KC/ Keyboard C, Virus C desktop, and Virus Rack XL), the Indigo 2 offers the complete Virus C engine experience in a space-efficient format. The most notable enhancement is the addition of aftertouch sensitivity to the keyboard, dramatically improving expressiveness despite the keyboard's relatively lightweight feel.

The control panel has been thoughtfully redesigned with additional buttons and LEDs, providing more immediate access to Oscillator 3 parameters and effects settings. The expanded modulation matrix now offers six source and nine destination slots (up from three and six respectively), allowing for more complex sound design possibilities.

Another significant upgrade is the inclusion of independent three-band EQs for each of the 16 multitimbral parts, enhancing sound-shaping capabilities. The Indigo 2 comes with 512 ROM sounds out of the box, expandable to 1024 patches via a downloadable OS upgrade.

While some limitations remain - such as the single reverb/delay section shared across all parts and the absence of filter self-oscillation - the Indigo 2 excels as a pressure-sensitive monosynth, MIDI expander, and live performance tool for arpeggiated sounds and effects.

Technical Specifications:

• Synthesis Engine: Virus C (OS revision 5)

• Keyboard: 37 keys with velocity and aftertouch sensitivity

• Polyphony: 32 voices

• Multitimbrality: 16 parts

• Memory:

  • 512 ROM sounds out of the box
  • Expandable to 1024 patches (banks A-H) via OS upgrade
  • User sound storage capacity not specified

• Oscillators:

  • 3 oscillators per voice
  • Oscillator 3 with dedicated front panel controls

• Modulation System:

  • 32 modulation sources
  • 97 modulation destinations
  • 6 source slots and 9 destination slots in the modulation matrix

• Effects:

  • Individual chorus/phaser/overdrive for each part
  • Individual three-band EQ for each of the 16 parts:
    • Low-shelf: Up to ±16dB boost/cut, lowest frequency 32.57Hz
    • Mid-band: 19.69Hz to 24kHz range, Q of 0.28 to 15.41, ±16dB gain
    • High-shelf: Specifications not detailed in the article
  • Single reverb/delay section shared across all parts
  • Total of 98 simultaneous effects according to manufacturer

• Arpeggiator: Featured with On/Off button (detailed parameters not specified)

• Control Interface:

  • 32 knobs
  • 35 buttons
  • 69 LEDs
  • Modulation and pitch-bend wheels (side-mounted)

• Connectivity:

  • MIDI In/Out/Thru
  • 3 stereo output pairs (6 outputs total)
  • Stereo input
  • Hold pedal input
  • Assignable pedal input (default: volume)

• Additional Features:

  • Compatible with Mac/PC Sound Diver editor software
  • OS upgradeable via MIDI SysEx

• Physical: Sleek metallic design with blue LED illumination

This compact yet powerful synthesizer offers the full capabilities of the Virus C engine in a space-efficient format, making it ideal for studio producers seeking a feature-rich sound source or live performers needing an expressive instrument for lead sounds and arpeggiated sequences.