Virus TI 1 / 2 / Snow / Polar / What's The Difference?!

rbercovi · 9th June 2009

This is the BIG QUESTION that's probably boggling everyones minds and I'm looking to buy one just don't know the difference between any of these...

I work with the Virus TI 1 model and I know it's amazing but what's the difference between the first model and now the new second model (Virus TI 2) aside from prices and 25% more control bla bla bla?

I want to actually know what's better, has anyone ever played with both and KNOWS the difference? are the FX really much better? Delays reverbs etc... ?

Also:
What's the difference between the Virus TI and Snow Edition?

What's the difference between the Virus TI and Polar Edition?

Basically my goal is to save money and I want to know whether or not to get a Virus TI 1 or 2 or if the other two synths do the same work, unless they're more limited...

Any help will help!

cheers

chrisrnps · 9th June 2009

Access Virus Differences

The "snow" is limited in both interface (small 'desktop' version with fewer knobs) and polyphony / DSP. Starting with TI they had 2 DSP chips instead of one - except for the "snow", which still had one.

The "Polar" just looks different - it's white.

TI2 has additional polyphony / DSP power / effects / a couple more front-panel controls compared to TI, but isn't different enough to merit the new vs. used price difference, IMHO, if you're trying to save money.

Aside from the "hypersaw" and wavetable oscs on the newest models, additional suboscillator starting with "B" OS4, the "Moog emulation filter" added starting with the "C", more modulation sources and destinations added on later models, and some of the additional effects on the newer models, you can get the same basic 'voice' out of any of the Virus models all the way back to the "A" or "Classic".

So it really depends on whether the additional features make enough of a difference for what you're doing to merit the difference between $500 and under, used, or over $2000 new.

If you already have a "TI" I can't imagine it would be worth the outlay to replace it with a "TI2". The additional features with each "new" version are incremental, while the money you'd spend if you were to keep "trading in" each time they come out with this year's "Virus __" would perhaps better be spent just getting an additional synth altogether, if you're looking to broaden your palette of synth 'flavors'.

rbercovi · 9th June 2009

ahh thanks for the info

also no i dont have my own virus ti, i work with one in a studio and want to buy my own now, its an amazing synth so im just wondering which one is worth getting more, the TI 1 or 2 edition if i currently dont own any synth at all...

and is it true that the TI 2 model will update its software in the future will make it more powerful?

chrisrnps · 9th June 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbercovi

is it true that the TI 2 model will update its software in the future will make it more powerful?

It's true that its O.S. software can be updated. That doesn't mean that there's any guarantee that Access will come out with an O.S. update for it.

With pretty much any gear, synths or otherwise, it's a good idea to buy stuff that you're happy with "as-is" today, not based on features you hope something may have someday.

toasteh · 9th June 2009

Its funny they added more processing power, when the original Virus TI is already more than powerful enough for its capabilities. I must say I agree with the fact that if you were to spend money continuosly upgrading your synth to the 'next version' youd lose an insane amount of money only to discover a few new 'sounds' for your tracks. Ive had the pleasure to compare the TI vs TI2, and I cant say the added futures blew me away.

shreddoggie · 8th October 2011

I have been asking myself the same question because I really need a virus to add to my synth voices --- the one thing I have discovered is the vowel filter which I am actually quite interested in with regard to the talking bass sound heard a lot in dumbstep lately - I believe this is new in the TI2 in which case I m kinda committed to that price tag should I decide to go there. anyone know about this vowel filter and how long its been around?

complex · 3rd December 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by toasteh

Its funny they added more processing power, when the original Virus TI is already more than powerful enough for its capabilities. I must say I agree with the fact that if you were to spend money continuosly upgrading your synth to the 'next version' youd lose an insane amount of money only to discover a few new 'sounds' for your tracks. Ive had the pleasure to compare the TI vs TI2, and I cant say the added futures blew me away.

no its not i can barley get about 5 tracks out of my TI1 before i get stuff cutting out

KennaOkoye · 30th March 2012

Can you load all of TI 2 patches into TI 2??? is there sound quality differences? thnx!

9th June 2009	#1
rbercovi Gear interested Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 2 Thread Starter	Virus TI 1 / 2 / Snow / Polar / What's The Difference?! This is the BIG QUESTION that's probably boggling everyones minds and I'm looking to buy one just don't know the difference between any of these... I work with the Virus TI 1 model and I know it's amazing but what's the difference between the first model and now the new second model (Virus TI 2) aside from prices and 25% more control bla bla bla? I want to actually know what's better, has anyone ever played with both and KNOWS the difference? are the FX really much better? Delays reverbs etc... ? Also: What's the difference between the Virus TI and Snow Edition? What's the difference between the Virus TI and Polar Edition? Basically my goal is to save money and I want to know whether or not to get a Virus TI 1 or 2 or if the other two synths do the same work, unless they're more limited... Any help will help! cheers

9th June 2009	#5
toasteh Gear addict Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 386	Its funny they added more processing power, when the original Virus TI is already more than powerful enough for its capabilities. I must say I agree with the fact that if you were to spend money continuosly upgrading your synth to the 'next version' youd lose an insane amount of money only to discover a few new 'sounds' for your tracks. Ive had the pleasure to compare the TI vs TI2, and I cant say the added futures blew me away. __________________ Less is more

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9th June 2009	#2
chrisrnps Lives for gear Joined: Feb 2004 Location: Seattle Posts: 976	Access Virus Differences The "snow" is limited in both interface (small 'desktop' version with fewer knobs) and polyphony / DSP. Starting with TI they had 2 DSP chips instead of one - except for the "snow", which still had one. The "Polar" just looks different - it's white. TI2 has additional polyphony / DSP power / effects / a couple more front-panel controls compared to TI, but isn't different enough to merit the new vs. used price difference, IMHO, if you're trying to save money. Aside from the "hypersaw" and wavetable oscs on the newest models, additional suboscillator starting with "B" OS4, the "Moog emulation filter" added starting with the "C", more modulation sources and destinations added on later models, and some of the additional effects on the newer models, you can get the same basic 'voice' out of any of the Virus models all the way back to the "A" or "Classic". So it really depends on whether the additional features make enough of a difference for what you're doing to merit the difference between $500 and under, used, or over $2000 new. If you already have a "TI" I can't imagine it would be worth the outlay to replace it with a "TI2". The additional features with each "new" version are incremental, while the money you'd spend if you were to keep "trading in" each time they come out with this year's "Virus __" would perhaps better be spent just getting an additional synth altogether, if you're looking to broaden your palette of synth 'flavors'.

9th June 2009	#3
rbercovi Gear interested Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 2 Thread Starter	ahh thanks for the info also no i dont have my own virus ti, i work with one in a studio and want to buy my own now, its an amazing synth so im just wondering which one is worth getting more, the TI 1 or 2 edition if i currently dont own any synth at all... and is it true that the TI 2 model will update its software in the future will make it more powerful?

8th October 2011	#6
shreddoggie Gear interested Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 22	I have been asking myself the same question because I really need a virus to add to my synth voices --- the one thing I have discovered is the vowel filter which I am actually quite interested in with regard to the talking bass sound heard a lot in dumbstep lately - I believe this is new in the TI2 in which case I m kinda committed to that price tag should I decide to go there. anyone know about this vowel filter and how long its been around?

30th March 2012	#8
KennaOkoye Gear maniac Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 251 1 Review written	Can you load all of TI 2 patches into TI 2??? is there sound quality differences? thnx!