Quote:
Originally Posted by AndrewM
Yes, one might not think this... but mixing 'outside of the box' (meaning your computer) is one way to really achieve a pro level sound. Sure the Virus is just software just like all the other VSTs out there, BUT it's running on it's own dedicated DSP system! When you have a simple VST running in your host that is running of your system DSP it DOES impact sound quality on a few different levels. This is the same reason people like UAD systems and other outboard gear. Ask any pro level audio engineer, pro mixer, or mastering technician and they will tell you the same thing.
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The issue is that for the music to be in a format where anyone can actually hear your work, it will ultimately end up on someone's iPod or mobile phone, broadcast off satellite radio, etc., and by that time the difference in fidelity you might hear between hardware and software is gone. There is nothing about a CPU that puts sound at a sonic disadvantage over a DSP, what matters is whats between the signal and your ear. So if you go hardware board > amp > ear you're surely going to hear a difference than if for example you're comparing to VST > crummy build in audio card > headphone jacks. But run the audio signal of a GOOD VST (they are not all created equal) through an equally capable path, and do a blind study (others have done this in the past and proven this already, just to save us the trouble).
In an article I recently read, a representative from Moog conceded that the lines between hardware and software have now converged to the point where it does not matter much in a final mastered track, but proceeded to talk about the real value of true analog hardware is inspiration in the studio (which I fully understand).
Quote:
Originally Posted by AndrewM
Point being... Virus and other hardware synthesizers digital or analogue are
not going anywhere, and certainly ARE in fashion!
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This I completely agree with. Synths are instruments with unique characteristics that don't really go out of style. One might say that when the characteristics are software implemented, it's not even a "true" instrument anymore because the algorithms that give it the character we here could in theory evolve/morph with simple patches (but for purposes of patch compability, they don't much).
Look at how many people would love to get their hands on a mint Jupiter 8 or similar. What I do see happening is that Access will either need to get their act together and put a quality focus on the host integration aspect of the Virus, or there will simply be no compelling reason to pay such a premium for one for most music producers with modern high-end CPUs and high end plugins. We will just start to see these devices like Aturia Origin or OpenLabs Neko start to merge the advantages of softsynths with hardware.