The Virus TI Desktop is a powerful synthesizer in a compact desktop format featuring an all-metal enclosure with an elegant wooden strip on the front panel. Designed for hands-on control, it offers numerous knobs and buttons that provide direct access to critical sound-shaping parameters—perfect for musicians who prefer tactile control over menu navigation. The dual DSP system delivers exceptional processing power, capable of generating between 20-90 simultaneous voices depending on patch complexity. With 512 RAM patches and 3328 ROM sounds, plus dedicated multi-mode slots, this unit provides virtually limitless sound design potential. The studio-grade 192 kHz D/A converters with +4dB balanced outputs ensure pristine audio quality, while S/PDIF digital I/O allows integration with professional studio environments. For rack mounting, an optional kit allows the entire I/O board to be rotated 90 degrees for convenient rear-panel access.

Technical Specifications

Sound Engine

Oscillators

• Various oscillator models including Virtual Analog, Wavetable, HyperSaw, Grain- and Formant Table types
• HyperSaw multi-sawtooth oscillator with 1-9 parallel oscillators (controllable in real-time)
• Wavetable oscillators with variable interpolation between waves (smooth to stepped)
• Graintable oscillators using granular sampling techniques for extended sound design
• Formant-based oscillators with up to 256 resonant bandpass filter poles
• PureSemitones technology for tuning oscillator semitone knob to pure intervals

Filters

• 2 independent multi-mode filters (HPF, LPF, BPF, BS)
• Analog Filter modeled after the Moog MiniMoog™ cascade filter
• 6-24 dB Slope and self-oscillation capability

Effects

• Up to 192 parallel effects in total
• Reverb and delay (independent per part in multi mode)
• Chorus, phaser, frequency shifter, ring modulator
• Distortion, 3-band EQ and Character processors
• Atomizer beat slicer for real-time audio manipulation

Modulation System

• Modulation Matrix with 6 slots each featuring 1 source and 3 destinations
• 3 LFOs with 68 waveforms to choose from
• 2 fast ADSTR envelopes
• Knob quantize for creating stepped controller movements (syncs to Virus clock or MIDI clock)
• Adaptive control smoothing for jitter-free modulations on all important parameters

Arpeggiator

• 32-step user-programmable arpeggiator pattern for every patch
• 64 arpeggiator presets available as starting points

Memory

• 512 RAM patches, 26 banks of 128 ROM patches (3328 total)
• 16 Multi Mode slots with embedded patches (112 referring Multi Mode slots)

Hardware Specifications

Processing Power

• Dual DSP system which dynamically allocates resources
• 20-90 voices depending on patch complexity

Display

• 128x32 pixel display showing graphics and up to 4 rows of text
• 3 edit knobs underneath the display for parameter adjustment
• 3 programmable and nameable soft knobs for every individual patch

Inputs/Outputs

• 6 balanced outputs with +4 dB level and soft limiting algorithm
• Studio grade 192 kHz D/A converters
• S/PDIF digital I/O (not available on Snow)
• 2x24 bit inputs (with 4 different input sensitivities)
• Dedicated headphone output
• USB port for audio, MIDI and data connection (USB 2.0 compatible, 12 Mbit/sec)

Special Features

• Tempo recognition of incoming audio signals (lock within 1-3 bars)
• Tap tempo button with SyncXtreme algorithm
• Illuminated Access Logo on Keyboard and Polar models
• Section Locking technology for sound design
• Total Integration with DAWs via Virus Control software

Physical Specifications

• Height: 8 cm (3.2 inches)
• Width: 47 cm (18.5 inches)
• Depth: 18.8 cm (7.4 inches)
• Weight: 3.4 kg (7.4 pounds)

Optional Rack Mounting Kit

• Height: 6.2 cm (2.4 inches)
• Width: 48.6 cm (19.3 inches)
• Depth: 20 cm (7.88 inches)
• Weight: 1.0 kg (2.2 pounds)

Software Integration

Virus Control Plugin

• VST/AU/RTAS compatible virtual instrument plug-in
• Creates audio link between host sequencer and Virus hardware
• Sample accurate and delay compensated timing
• Total recall functionality for project management
• Comprehensive patch editor with browser functionality

Compatible Sequencers

• Macintosh:

  • Apple Logic 9 or higher (Logic Pro X recommended)
  • Steinberg Cubase 5 or higher (Cubase 7+ recommended)
  • Pro Tools 7.3 M-Powered, LE or TDM or higher (Pro Tools 12+ not supported)
  • Ableton Live 7 or higher (Live 9 recommended)

• Windows:

  • Steinberg Cubase SX/SL 4 or higher (Cubase 7+ recommended)
  • Pro Tools 8 M-Powered, LE or TDM or higher (Pro Tools 11+ not supported)
  • Cakewalk Sonar Producer X
  • Ableton Live 8 or higher (Live 9 recommended)

Power Requirements

• Line voltage: 100-240V AC
• Frequency: 50Hz to 60Hz, single phase
• Maximum consumption: 30W