The Access Virus TI Snow is an ultra-compact, affordable modelled analogue synthesizer that brings Access's renowned Total Integration (TI) technology to a more accessible price point. Released in 2008, this sleek, off-white module represents the most affordable entry into the legendary Virus family. With a footprint no larger than a magazine, this incredibly portable synthesizer is designed for musicians on the move while still delivering the signature Virus sound.

Despite its smaller form factor and lower price compared to its siblings (the TI Desktop, Polar, DarkStar and Keyboard), the Snow retains the same powerful synth engine that has made the Virus name synonymous with sophisticated, versatile sound. While it utilizes the identical sound architecture as its larger siblings, the Snow operates at approximately 50% of their voice count, which still provides ample polyphony for most applications.

Design and Build

The TI Snow features an attractive, compact design measuring 28 x 15 x 5cm and weighing approximately 1.5kg. Its sturdy metal chassis is finished in an appealing off-white, grey, and brown color scheme that complements Apple hardware aesthetics. The front panel includes 21 momentary touch buttons, 6 conventional potentiometers, 18 white LEDs, and a 128 x 32 pixel LCD covered by a stylish perspex-like panel. A distinctive wood-effect front-edge panel strip completes the look.

The unit comes standard with an AC power adapter (required at all times, even when connected via USB), a USB cable, a multilingual Quickstart manual, and a Logstoff M4 Messenger shoulder bag large enough to accommodate the Snow and its accessories.

Sound Engine

At its core, the Snow shares the identical synth architecture as the more expensive TI models, delivering the same legendary Virus sound that spans from warm, weighty bass to delicate, expressive pads. The synth excels across multiple genres, particularly in dance music, while offering the versatility to handle ambient textures, experimental sounds, and nearly anything that doesn't require acoustic instrument emulation.

The architecture includes:

• Three oscillators with eight operation modes (Classic, Hypersaw, Wavetable, Wave PWM, Grain Simple, Grain Complex, Formant Simple, and Formant Complex)
• Two multi-mode filters including a Moog emulation with variable cutoff steepness
• Saturation module for various distortion types at the voice level
• Three LFOs and two envelope generators
• Flexible modulation matrix for complex sound design
• Comprehensive effects section with independent reverb, delay, phaser, distortion, chorus, and EQ per part

Total Integration (TI)

The Snow's standout feature is its Total Integration system, which provides seamless incorporation into DAW environments via USB. This technology allows the Snow to function like a virtual instrument plugin while being powered by dedicated hardware DSP. The Virus Control plugin provides an intuitive, extended user interface for sound editing while maintaining tight MIDI timing and full integration with DAW mixing.

Key TI features include:

• Audio and MIDI transmission over a single USB connection
• Comprehensive visual parameter editing through the Virus Control plugin
• Real-time parameter automation within the DAW
• Total recall of settings when opening saved projects
• No CPU load on the host computer for synth processing
• Ability to function as a basic USB audio/MIDI interface

Connectivity

• Power adapter inlet
• USB B-type socket for Total Integration
• Two 1/4" audio inputs with software-controlled variable sensitivity
• Two 1/4" +4dB audio outputs (with right channel functioning as mono output when used alone)
• Headphone output via the left channel output
• MIDI In and Out on 5-pin DIN ports
• Security anchor slot

Operation Modes

• Single Mode: Access to one patch at a time via a single MIDI channel
• Multi Mode: Up to four-part multi-timbral operation with independent MIDI channels
• Sequencer Mode: Tightly integrated operation with a DAW via Virus Control
• Atomizer Mode: Real-time audio loop manipulation and beat-slicing tool for live performance

Technical Specifications

Limitations

Despite its impressive capabilities, the Snow has some limitations compared to more expensive Virus TI models:

• Four-part multitimbral operation (versus 16 parts in other TI models)
• Reduced polyphony with complex patches
• Fewer physical controls for hands-on editing
• Requires external power even when connected via USB
• Fewer audio and MIDI connections