VIRUS powercore at NAMM 2004

[r3dnaX]

"A Multi DSP License can be obtained on top of the Base Package which allows the Virus to be instanced on all PowerCore DSPs simultaneously. With one PowerCore PCI, you?ll get 64 voices and 16 instances - with 4 PowerCores you?ll enjoy a 256 voice, 64 instances Virtual analog monster!"
nice ! :D

[nrgy]

8O

a virus softsynth? or just extra dsp for the hardware?
would it be possible to use different delaysettings on each channel too? 8)

[saba]

Its just a virus that runs on a different set of DSP's. Much like the indigo TDM, but for PowerCore SHARC DSP's.
________
Michaella (http://www.girlcamfriend.com/cam/Michaella/)

[r3dnaX]

Would it be possible to use different delaysettings on each channel too? 8)

Now that really would be sweet ! :D

[r3dnaX]

OMG - just checked out this TC Powercore thingy at TC Electronics website.

Looks really cool. But ......

Current Prices (at DV)

PCI version = ?549.99 8O
Firewire version = ?1,049.99 8O 8O 8O

So to have 4 versions of Virus running on 4 firewires doesn't even bear thinking about :roll:

Pro studios need only apply !

[WorkHard]

I dont understand, Is this like a Virus A, or a Virus B-C

Im thinking B-C because of the 3 oscillators.

[Panopticon]

Well, I don't know about this. I mean, I'm sure it works well and sounds great. BUT why couldn't they just release it in a VSTi, AU, and RTAS? Those Powercore cards are great if you don't have enough processing power; but most people have plenty of processing power for audio production these days.....20 tracks and 35 effects only lights up my CPU to 8 or 9%. I would totally buy a native Virus plugin; but I'm not spending a grand on a proprietary card that's necessary to run it...

[Tomer=Trance]

let me guss you have a g5 :D
that kind of amount will light 450 % in my p4 LOL :lol:

anyway its an indigo 1 and i dont think anyone will spend 3500 dollars on 4 cards i dont even think you have enough slots in your computer for that :D or is like like dsp expantion?
anyway i would go for digidesign insted about the same money and you get a whole audio and prossesing work station
in the same amount of money you can get a digi001 with like 25 dsps 8O

[tk]

8O

a virus softsynth? or just extra dsp for the hardware?
would it be possible to use different delaysettings on each channel too? 8)

The actual synth engine runs on the powercore DSPs. You don't need a hardware virus for it. You are able to use one delay setting per DSP.

Its just a virus that runs on a different set of DSP's. Much like the indigo TDM, but for PowerCore SHARC DSP's.

Just like the TDM system, the PowerCore uses Motorola DSPs. The virus can not be ported to Sharc DSPs (Creamware DSP cards).


http://www.access-music.de/products.php4?product=viruspowercore

http://www.access-music.de/comparisonchart.php4

http://www.tcelectronic.com/Virus

http://www.tcelectronic.com/PowerCoreFireWire

tk

[Tomer=Trance]

will there be a creamware version soon?

[tk]

no.

[ben crosland]

Well, I don't know about this. I mean, I'm sure it works well and sounds great. BUT why couldn't they just release it in a VSTi, AU, and RTAS?

Well, for one thing the Virus code is written in DSP Assembler. As I understand it, this would not be so easy to port to a format that would run on a CPU.

I would totally buy a native Virus plugin;

That's great, but how many would just wait for the warez version? :wink:

but I'm not spending a grand on a proprietary card that's necessary to run it...

Don't then! Remember though, you don't just get the card when you buy the PowerCore - you also get some very high quality mastering plugins bundled with it.

BTW: The Virus PowerCore is identical in sound and features to the Virus B series - the only difference is the 16 voice polyphony.

[Panopticon]

Well, I don't know about this. I mean, I'm sure it works well and sounds great. BUT why couldn't they just release it in a VSTi, AU, and RTAS?

Well, for one thing the Virus code is written in DSP Assembler. As I understand it, this would not be so easy to port to a format that would run on a CPU.

I would totally buy a native Virus plugin;

That's great, but how many would just wait for the warez version? :wink:

but I'm not spending a grand on a proprietary card that's necessary to run it...

Don't then! Remember though, you don't just get the card when you buy the PowerCore - you also get some very high quality mastering plugins bundled with it.

BTW: The Virus PowerCore is identical in sound and features to the Virus B series - the only difference is the 16 voice polyphony.


First off, I don't buy the argument that the code is too tricky to write for half a second. All of the other manufacturers making software versions are doing just fine. If Access wanted to, they could do it to.

As for the whole warez thing...that's something that all the software manufacturers are dealing with in their own way. Yep, only 1/3 of the customers pay. Welcome to the software industry. And just because this runs on Powercore doesn't mean there won't be cracked versions of it, anyway...they'll still be out there...you'll just need a Powercore to run the crack. The premise that proprietary hardware defeats piracy is ridiculous: I can tell you as a PROFESSIONAL musician that more than the majority of commercial studios I've been to use cracked TDM plugs ALL THE TIME...yeah, they have the hardware....but they still didn't pay the 3rd party vendors for their software. Makes no difference.

If Access had chosen to release a native plug, approximately 1/3 of prospective users would buy it, the other 2/3 would get the crack. BUT the audience to whom they would be selling grossly overwhelms the number of Powercore users who might choose to buy the plugin (still...versus the number of Powercore users who will wait for a crack).

There's NO WAY IN HELL I'm going to pay a thousand dollars for Powercore, even if it comes with great plug-ins. Modern computers are more than capable of handling these processing duties. Christ...for the cost of Powercore, you could nearly buy a computer advanced enough that outboard DSP processing becomes redundant. And you know what else are great plug-ins? WAVES! At $800 for the gold bundle, they tear apart their respective offerings from TC.

I'm sorry, but from the consumer side of things, there is not one good reason for Access to take this route. Also, from the consumer side, there is not one good reason to buy a Powercore (i.e.- investing the same money in an advanced computer makes much more sense).

[ben crosland]

It need not cost $1000 dollars for a PowerCore card. In fact it costs more like $500 for the PowerCore Element package.

You may assume that it would be easy for Access to port the code across to a different system, but you are forgetting that they are in fact a small company in terms of manpower, and whilst I'm sure it would indeed be *possible*, that doesn't mean that it would be *feasible*.

I was demonstrating the Virus PowerCore for Access at the NAMM show, and judging by the response I was getting, I can tell you for certain - this is going to be very popular. There are loads of existing PowerCore users who are going to buy this as soon as it comes out, loads of people who are going to buy a PowerCore just so they can get the Virus plug, and even existing Virus owners who see that owning a PowerCore Virus system could be very useful as well.

Access is already a successful hardware synthesizer manufacturer - by releasing the Virus PowerCore, they will be expanding their user base further. I don't see a problem myself.

[TommyS]

Will access ever consider a move into the mainstream audio plugins for pc/mac ?

:D

[saba]

Will access ever consider a move into the mainstream audio plugins for pc/mac ?

:D

With all due respect, I'd prefer they didn't.
________
Coach handbags (http://icoachhandbags.com/)

[Juho L]

With all due respect, I'd prefer they didn't.

Yes. It would be waste of time and efforts to start making VSTi's. It's better that Access concentrates on only one thing (Virus and Virus' DSP card ports) instead of doing everything from industrial autoclaves to VSTi's and for a small company like Access all the piracy would just make the whole project unprofitable.

[marc]

]
Well, for one thing the Virus code is written in DSP Assembler. As I understand it, this would not be so easy to port to a format that would run on a CPU.

First off, I don't buy the argument that the code is too tricky to write for half a second. All of the other manufacturers making software versions are doing just fine. If Access wanted to, they could do it to.


i'm always amazed by the knowlege people like you have. you have no access to the code, no access to information ben has but you know that what he says must be wrong.

in difference to probably all VST/RTAS etc. plug-ins, the Virus has been programmed in hand written, optimised assembler. and believe it or not, the only way why somebody would go though this unpleasant experience this is to gain speed. that's why there is more voices and effects on one DSP than any other company i'm aware of can do.

]
That's great, but how many would just wait for the warez version? :wink:

As for the whole warez thing...that's something that all the software manufacturers are dealing with in their own way. Yep, only 1/3 of the customers pay. Welcome to the software industry. And just because this runs on Powercore doesn't mean there won't be cracked versions of it, anyway...they'll still be out there...you'll just need a Powercore to run the crack.
.

you're right, just because this runs on powercore it doesn't mean that i can't be cracked. it's just much saver than any other authorisation scheme we know.

that's what i personally don't get:

assuming you would have a hardware virus, if i would be you i would welcome a company protecting my investment. do you really believe that you could sell your second hand virus b for a couple of hundred bugs with a VST crack out there?

apologies in advance for being "selfish". yes, we like Access to be a healthy and 100% privately held company and we certainly will do everything in our power to continue being like this.

marc

[Tomer=Trance]

including buying 4 maybe 5 viruses each :mrgreen:

[marc]

including buying 4 maybe 5 viruses each :mrgreen:

exactly. now we're talking 8)

[Sunesha]

People that can afford a powercore is more likely to afford to buy the powercore virus. Thats my experince. Because if you put out the money for a powercore. I think it less privacy with powercore users. Because when a new powercore driver comes out you have to stay on old driver, then your cracked powercore plug maybe does'nt work. Cracked software maybe will work but dont belive that the crackers always crack the latest version. I spoke with alot of clients that trys out a cracked version before they buy and give me phonecall and wondering how the latest versions are working. But is hard for me to tell how the cracked version is working. V-stack is a good example. I had a client that wondered if the retail version had working midichannels. This was due to that there was no cracked version with working with midichannels this made the software complety useless. Just a annother day at MI7 ;)

I hope never vst-plugin will come because this lower the value of a access virus. I am just ego-centred. I dont my old hardware virus should be worth nothing because some kids and grown kids download it.I understand that people really want have this synth. But as all things. Good things costs.

I think powercore with powercore virus is great. You get nice plugins also.

One other thing, I am sorry that I dont have the time to spend in this forum.

[picato]

I've just read an interview with the boss of Novation in the swedish magazine called "Studio". I know everyone is reading this one :D Anyway he talked a lot about the future of the synth industry, and the importance of "knowing the market". He actually admitted that Access certainly got the best VA synth on the market today, but if the market suddenly turns they are into big trouble. 10 years ago softsynths were useless, but today it's a big and strongly growing market. If waldorf, clavia and all the other release VST softsynths, Access will just have two optins. Follow, or disappear... Sad but true :roll:

[Tomer=Trance]

no one of the big va companies will release a va because they will not get any money .
the audio warez indestury is huge today
there is a need for a solution first...

[ben crosland]

He actually admitted that Access certainly got the best VA synth on the market today, but if the market suddenly turns they are into big trouble. 10 years ago softsynths were useless, but today it's a big and strongly growing market. If waldorf, clavia and all the other release VST softsynths, Access will just have two optins. Follow, or disappear... Sad but true :roll:

Whatever happens to the market, I don't think 'disappearing' will be an option. :wink:

Personally, I don't think the big VA names will make the same mistake Novation have by releasing a VST version of their hardware synths. I think it far more likely that intead they follow Access in developing plugs that are hardware dependent, ie for PowerCore and similar products. I wouldn't be at all surprised if Waldorf make plugs that only run on Terratec cards for instance. I also wouldn't be surprised if Novation end up making plugs that use their remote control hardware as a dongle..

[Panopticon]

First, I should say that I have never used the TDM version of the Virus. So I don't have experience there. (Also, of course, I haven't used the Powercore version). But I've used (and OWN) the C desktop, Kb, and Rack Classic (don't ask why I have so many, I just like them).

In earlier posts, I expressed my distaste for the fact that the Powercore is on a proprietary system. I guess the main reason behind this is that I've been very pleased with the Access products I own; and while I would really enjoy tinkering with the new Powercore version, the fact is that I just don't need the Powercore card at all, and so there's no motive for me to try the software plug-in. In all honesty, I hope that it sounds great; and I hope it sounds identical to the Virus B, which is what it should sound like if I understood Ben correctly.

I use a combination of hardware/software in the studio; and I own plenty of each. I usually tend to stay away from soft-synths; with the exception of Absynth, which I believe to have a very unique sound and interface (BUT oh my god, you'd think they could write a stable version for once). I've always been really impressed by the entire Virus series; and so if it were affordable for me to purchase the software version, I would do it; but since I really don't need the Powercore, I can't justify the investment for a product that I already own so many versions of :)

I guess I haven't really arrived at a point yet; and this one probably doesn't folllow from what I've been saying. But the Novation example was an important one for me: particularly the new Basstation soft-synth. In one of the current magazines, I think it's computer music, this new soft synth is tested; and the tester was comprehensive enough to play the same sequences through both the soft an hardware versions of the Basstation. I was utterly surprised when there was a clear, audible difference between the two. The hardware version was identifiably brighter, fatter, and more robust (even though the audio examples were intended to show the similarities between the two). I A-B'ed the examples several times, and even had my friend who knows nothing about music or synths have a listen. We both agreed that the hardware sounded better. I really hope that the software version of the Virus sounds the same as the hardware version; and I'm looking forward to some opportunity to verify this, because I've always liked Access as a company and thought their products were superior to their competitors.


Sorry to have rambled seemingly mindless drivel for so long...... :)

pan

[ben crosland]

The thing to remember Panopticon, is that *all* of the Virus series is really a collection of softsynths. The sound engine is just DSP code after all. The reason you heard such a difference between the hard and soft versions of the Basstation, is that the original is analogue circuitry. Obviously Novation haven't managed to recreate the sound of this as faithfully as they'd hoped :wink:

Trust me when I say: Virus PowerCore *is* the Virus.

[Tomer=Trance]

from what i understoond ben the bass station is not analog...
its also a digital analog emulation

[ben crosland]

from what i understoond ben the bass station is not analog...
its also a digital analog emulation

No, the original Basstation was analogue. The VSTi version is the digital emulation.

[Tomer=Trance]

of course the software is digital hehe
but the hardware synth is digital aswell i think
oh looking at the novation site it is analog
vco and vcf

[Panopticon]

*smacks head*....

oh yeah, that would make a difference.

[hatembr]

from what i understoond ben the bass station is not analog...
its also a digital analog emulation

No, the original Basstation was analogue. The VSTi version is the digital emulation.

8O
i own a bass station and i also thought it was analog emulation! hmmm

[hatembr]

if one day hardware would disappear and be replaced by hardware dependent plug ins, i don't think this would be a good solution and that nobody would be pleased with. Imagine you get a soundcard X, u'll have to stick to the products that run only on that one, and i don't think there will be different VAs from different companies that depend on the same card, competition rules!

[saba]

Hardware will never go out of fashion, there is too much demand from the industry for it. Besides, keyboarders will want their keys!
________
Herbalaire Review (http://herbalairevaporizer.com/)

[Juho L]

Besides, keyboarders will want their keys!

Indeed and not to forget hardware UI!

[Sunesha]

There is a factor that people forget about computerbased instruments.. Will your software synth that you love work in 3 years?

With new os, new hosts and so on. Computers are moving fast.

But I can sit in 10 years in future with my virus and use it still because it runs on it is own.

A software synth must cope with OS and mostly a hostsofware.

People must just have new things all the time. I think it is nice to spend time with the stuff I bought. I still hate that my scanner doesnt work with xp.. Software is nessary evilness :)

[Tomer=Trance]

well thats not a minor issue
thats not whats going to stop companies from releasing quality synths
a keyboard as a dongle will be the smart idea

[Royal Tee]

"A Multi DSP License can be obtained on top of the Base Package which allows the Virus to be instanced on all PowerCore DSPs simultaneously.

Did anyone notice that you have to pay more for a "DSP license" to use it to it's full potential.
WTF is that?
Every VST that I use can be used as many times as your CPU can handle.
I see the fate of this coming real soon.
Especially with alot of users just using an old PC for their VST's.
It makes no Sense :roll:

[Tomer=Trance]

if you wont pay extra money the vst will eat all your cpu prossesing power :wink:
i think its shit just a way to make people pay again for something they already payed for but hell
if they would have built a hw virus with that kind of polyphonic power they would have charge 2500-3000 euro for sure :oops:

[Blank]

Ok just imagine for one sec that software synths took over and hardware was no longer being built...everything was being made on computer...the question i have is:

Well u have seen ppl scavaging for vintage gear...now about about a decade would ppl be scavaging for old computers because they sound grittier :lol:

peace
Blank

[ben crosland]

No, you're thinking from the wrong direction - if there wasn't the base license then the Virus PowerCore would cost the same as the full license. The base license idea is a way of giving PowerCore users 'access' to the Virus without having to spend the kind of money it costs to get the TDM version for instance. FWIW I think it makes sense.

[marc]

"A Multi DSP License can be obtained on top of the Base Package which allows the Virus to be instanced on all PowerCore DSPs simultaneously.

Did anyone notice that you have to pay more for a "DSP license" to use it to it's full potential.
WTF is that?
Every VST that I use can be used as many times as your CPU can handle.
I see the fate of this coming real soon.
Especially with alot of users just using an old PC for their VST's.
It makes no Sense :roll:

i can see where you're coming from. but you need to take a look at it from a different angle:

access is a company out for feeding their employees and make some money to grow. i guess that's kind of understandable.

the licensing scheme allows us to offer people a smaler version without restricting the feature set (which has been done a lot in the past). sure, this is kind of new to the plug-in world but we believe it's a really fair way of letting people choose and therefore scale their system to their needs.

>Especially with alot of users just using an old PC for their VST's.
>It makes no Sense :roll:

check out the powercore (http://http://www.tcelectronic.com/PowerCore). this is a DSP afterburner for you computer, it actually takes the load _off_ your computer)


marc

[Tomer=Trance]

so they give users on a low budget a chance to get the basic virus
i agree the price is reasonable

[Royal Tee]

"A Multi DSP License can be obtained on top of the Base Package which allows the Virus to be instanced on all PowerCore DSPs simultaneously.

Especially with alot of users just using an old PC for their VST's.
It makes no Sense :roll:

i can see where you're coming from. but you need to take a look at it from a different angle:

access is a company out for feeding their employees and make some money to grow. i guess that's kind of understandable.

the licensing scheme allows us to offer people a smaler version without restricting the feature set (which has been done a lot in the past). sure, this is kind of new to the plug-in world but we believe it's a really fair way of letting people choose and therefore scale their system to their needs.

>Especially with alot of users just using an old PC for their VST's.
>It makes no Sense :roll:
check out the powercore (http://http://www.tcelectronic.com/PowerCore). this is a DSP afterburner for you computer, it actually takes the load _off_ your computer)
marc

Marc, I'm pretty familiar with the unit so I Know what is and exactly what it does. :wink:
My point is that people would rather use their old PC as a VST/DSP Machine and save a few bux as opposed buying a "DSP Afterburner" :roll: for $1300,
Then having to Buy more Plug-ins for $300 bux a pop,
Then having to buy a More Expensive License to Use the Plug-in that you already paid for to It's full potential.
IOW.
I'd Rather use a VST System Link or any one of the New Music Networking Devices on my Old PC and use it just for VST's.

so they give users on a low budget a chance to get the basic virus
i agree the price is reasonable

That's If you Consider Spending $1300 for the Unit then another $XXX for the Virus then More $$$ if you want the full license
Reasonable 8O

[ben crosland]

My point is that people would rather use their old PC as a VST/DSP Machine and save a few bux as opposed buying a "DSP Afterburner" :roll: for $1300,
Then having to Buy more Plug-ins for $300 bux a pop,
Then having to buy a More Expensive License to Use the Plug-in that you already paid for to It's full potential.

I don't think that your suggestion is so obvious a solution as to apply to everyone - I would certainly prefer not to use 2 PCs.

You are also forgetting an important point - a lot of people already own the PowerCore! For these people, the price of the Virus plugin makes a lot of sense. Whether or not people will buy the PowerCore purely to get the Virus remains to be seen.

As for your perspective on the license system - I take it you're a 'glass is half empty' kind of guy, huh? :wink:

[Royal Tee]

As for your perspective on the license system - I take it you're a 'glass is half empty' kind of guy, huh? :wink:

What F*#@* Glass !!!! Jerked again! :x Aaaarggghhh!

If they already own it Then Hells Yeah, Go for it!! Stupid not to.
After Re-Doing my Studio (Below) and spending lotsa $$$ on it, I just like to weigh out my Options. I actually Considered the Powercore until I researched and came to the conclusiion that it was a Stomach-less money eater. Now Where's My Damn Water!! :wink:
>> Click Here for my Studio Specs << (http://home.nyc.rr.com/royaltee/Studio.htm)
http://home.nyc.rr.com/royaltee/Side%201.JPGhttp://home.nyc.rr.com/royaltee/Front%201-2.JPG

[ben crosland]

Nice studio!

As for the PowerCore, I think that the addition of the Virus will give it a lot more credibility, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if it encourages other manufacturers to develop for it. FWIW I'm *very* impressed with the plugs that are bundled with the PowerCore.

[Timo]

Nice studio RT. :) Do you get much use out of your MC303?

.
Now, back on topic... When are we going to have another outbreak? (Virus D) !! :D

[Tomer=Trance]

i would rather see a Virus M (for Modular)

[Timo]

Dya reckon they'll release owt at Frankfurt? Dunno how long I can hold off waiting for their next synth! Might buy me a Virus B in the meantime. :)

[Royal Tee]

Nice studio RT. :) Do you get much use out of your MC303?.
Thanx, Funny you should ask.
I'm waiting for My "C" to get here so I can connect em both. The 303 has been neglected since re-building the Royal Palace.

Now, back on topic... When are we going to have another outbreak? (Virus D) !! :D
I was hoping to hear of a new Virus with a USB/Firewire port, a Smart Media card slot and an ADAT/Toslink out so you can go 8 channels in digitally to the PC but I think that's to much to ask. :roll:

Actually, They should release a normal updated Virus and Call it the Virus-D then add all the Digital features and call it the Virus-Digital. If they Built one and Sold it for $2000-$2700 I'd get one in a heartbeat.

I think alot of manufacturers should be more conscious and adapt/create/configure their products to todays technoligies. :wink:

[replicant]

8O Well first post on this forum but there are some statements in this thread I don't understand :?

PowerCore Element costs $499
Virus PowerCore costs $399

So for the price of $898 you're be able to pickup not only a Virus but also some really nice plugins for your DAW, the ClassicVerb alone is worth that (at least to my ears) :wink:


I was hoping to hear of a new Virus with a USB/Firewire port, a Smart Media card slot and an ADAT/Toslink out so you can go 8 channels in digitally to the PC but I think that's to much to ask. :roll:

Actually, They should release a normal updated Virus and Call it the Virus-D then add all the Digital features and call it the Virus-Digital. If they Built one and Sold it for $2000-$2700 I'd get one in a heartbeat.


You are able to get an all digital Virus with firewire for less than $2000-$2700, just get yourself a PowerCore Firewire and the Virus PowerCore plug-in and wait for what the cost of the full license will be, and you're set :wink: (albeit you'll have to use a controller for the knobs :) )

Just my .02 cents...

[Tomer=Trance]

PowerCore Element costs $499
whats that?
a version with less dsp parts?

[replicant]

PowerCore Element costs $499
whats that?
a version with less dsp parts?

It's a PowerCore PCI minus the master X3

Comparison chart just uploaded at TC's site ;)
http://www.tcelectronic.com/Default.asp?Id=2881

[Royal Tee]

PowerCore Element costs $499
whats that?
a version with less dsp parts?

It's a PowerCore PCI minus the master X3

Comparison chart just uploaded at TC's site ;)
http://www.tcelectronic.com/Default.asp?Id=2881

and Before anyone asks "What's a Master X3 ?"
Here's a Master X3: (http://www.tcelectronic.com/MasterX3)

http://www.tcelectronic.com/media/MasterX3.jpg

What does it do?

It's basically a Finalizer
Here are it's features.
3-Band processing with adjustable crossovers
Expander
Compressor
Limiter
Dithering (uncorrelated)
Look-Ahead feature of up to 10 msAdjustable Digital Ceiling with accuracy of up to 0.05 dB
Hi-Res Metering with selectable Hold ModesConsecutive Clippings counter2 per DSP in 48 kHz

Asa I said Before I like the PowerCore and It's functionality but I still believe it's a Money Eater.

[Tomer=Trance]

i think you can do without it
im thinking about selling my virus and geting a powercore elements
the price is realy cheap

[mikaels]

Just be advised,,

the powercore element has less on-board memory and slower chips than the firewire poco. Therefore, my guess is that upcoming plugs might not support the powercore element. Please correct me if I'm wrong on this..

Just replaced one of my virus c's with a firewire poco with the virus on it. Can't wait 'til I get it! Hopefully I can get a price for the multi-dsp license soon..
:D

[Tomer=Trance]

the powercore firewire is 2000+ $
and that too pricey for me
with the price of the elements and the virus togther i wont have to add money to buy it after i will sell my rack
the elements has the same ram amount and prossesor power and amount
i still got to find out some more stuff about it befor making my move

[mikaels]

Hi Tomer,

Funny, in the US, the poco firewire is $1499.. and you are wrong about the processor speeds and ram. True, they both carry 4 motorola DSP's and a Power PC processor, but the amount of memory for each processor is 4 times bigger on the firewire version. In addition, the motorola chips run at 150mhz as compared to 100 mhz for the powercore PCI. Plus, the Power PC runs at 266 mhz in comparison to 200 mhz. Check out the comparison chart at www.tcelectronic.com.

However, the element goes for around $499 so it's really a bargain if you will only use it to run the virus on! And since (from what I've heard) the powercore firewire has approx. twice the processing power as the element, it is three times more expensive so the powercore element is more value for your money.

For me, however, PCI-slots are rare since I am running a Creamware Powerpulsar and a Pulsar II soundcard that already occupy two slots.. therefore I chose the firewire version.

I chose the powercore virus in favor of the virus c for it's excellent patch management system. It is also easier to swap between projects if the amount of hardware synths is reduced to a minimum. I only run software apart from the virus, JV 2080, MS2000r and a triton..

Good luck,
Micke

[Tomer=Trance]

well yeah i know there is big difference between the amount of prossesing power on the firewire and the pci cards
in my post i meant the there is not different between the elements and the other pci card with the 3x is the same...
accualy im thinking of geting a pulser2 second hand in the future and at the same time replace it with my corrent sound card (audiophile) and get a very nice powerful dsp platform and a good sound card at the same time.
anyway thanx for the help got to look for the suplyer and find out the exact price here.

[keano]

I am buying another powercore soon so I can have 4 more virus plugins running

I don't understand what you mean. I have a Virus KB and am thining about going Powercore path and selling my KB so I don't have to deal with outboard issues and rembering patches etc.

Ok so the Virus PC comes with 16 voices. Does that mean polyphony?
somebody here mentinoed that if you use a big string or pad patch you could use all your voices? That blows! I am also confused by the whole muliti DSP thing?

What would I need to use the Virus Powercore on 4 different Cubase SX2 tracks playing different patches (sounds) with FX). And not worrying about using that patch that uses all my voices.

also does anyone know of any latency issues and how many arp patterns it comes with?
thanks

[Tomer=Trance]

the card has 4 dsp parts
each part allows you to run a 16 poly 4 midi parts virus plug in
but it limits you using only 1 dsp part at a time if i understood correcntly and the multi dsp licence allows you to use all 4 dsp parts to open
4 virus plug ins=16X4 polyphony and 4X4 midi parts

[keano]

Ahhh I see I think. So with the normal version I can have 4 midi tracks of the virus plugin. BUT only 16 voices for all. so if I use a patch that uses 8 voices on Midi track 1, I am left with only 8 voices for the other 3 tracks.
That right?

If you had the Multi License I could have 16 midi tracks. 64 voices.
So if midi tracks 1 used alone 16 voices I still would have 48 for the others tracks right?

Does anyone know cost of Multi Lisence?

[ten]

its 16 voices per instance (4 outputs) even with the multidsp license you cannot span voices so it would simply be 4 instances of 16 poly each with 4 outputs each :)

multi will be out in late aug/sept for 299 euros (?200ish)

ten

[Tomer=Trance]

[quote="keano"]Ahhh I see I think. So with the normal version I can have 4 midi tracks of the virus plugin. BUT only 16 voices for all. so if I use a patch that uses 8 voices on Midi track 1, I am left with only 8 voices for the other 3 tracks.
That right?

exacly like in the hardware virus
nothing has changed... the same thing only that you can run it as vsti