Virus TI2 pricing....

[Talos]

In my opinion, the only mistake Access made with the TI 2 is in the naming of it.
The "2" implies it is a new version with new features, but Mk1 owners have all the same features through OS updates.

If it had been called Virus TI Stage, or something that implied "TI Final version for live use", I think it would have been received much better.

[Joey]

Originally Posted by LivePsy

Hi Timo. I won't disagree with you . Whatever our views are, its a luxury to be discussing this (like we own Access or something) rather than moaning about an unsupported product with unfixed bugs. I can understand if Access leave the TI2 as it is. However, a totally new product with modular flexibility and many choices of osc and filters would have a place alongside the TI and I wouldn't feel cheated for having a TI now and seeing such a behemoth announced in a year or two.

My feeling is that hardware synths are not the place to explore radical new synth technologies and boutique emulations. The production cycle is too long and the physical delivery adds costs which require the manufacturer to make a synth guaranteed to be popular. The original Virus was exactly that even though we didn't know it until we fell in love with it. But good ideas which don't get mass appeal are just another business loss. Software (with optional specialised hardware to plug into your USB port) is where the open ended versatility and experimental stuff can best succeed.

If the TI can turn into Reaktor with an OS update, I'm so there already. If not, I am still completely happy with it.

Cheers,
B

See I think thats where we differ... I don't want a computer and I don't want reaktor, I want a great sounding instrument.

I agree with you that we should be happy with the Ti the way it is... I definitely am happy with it.

When I talk about new features I mean for future access models... the way I see things the virus name has gone pretty far, I wouldnt be surprised if the next thing access rolled out had a different name or concept altogether

If they want to add them to the Virus Ti then fuck yes, but I am content with it this way too.

As for the TI features going unused... I don't use viruscontrol really at all, but I make it a point to use the newer TI stuff that brings its full potential out

the hypersaw stuff and wavetables offer way too much variety to bother with analog emulation, I have my analog synths for analog sounds... I use the virus for sounds other gear cant even come close to

[LivePsy]

Originally Posted by Joey

See I think thats where we differ... I don't want a computer and I don't want reaktor, I want a great sounding instrument.

Actually, I don't want a computer either! But I see that is the direction to go if you want 10 filter models and 20 oscillilator models and serious modulation of anything to anything. If a Virus had those capabilities and you only wanted to use the hardware knobs, that's an extremely complex thing to manage in a 3 line display. Personally I would want a computer editor but leave the performing to the Virus standalone - yes good old MIDI!

B

[Joey]

Originally Posted by LivePsy

Actually, I don't want a computer either! But I see that is the direction to go if you want 10 filter models and 20 oscillilator models and serious modulation of anything to anything. If a Virus had those capabilities and you only wanted to use the hardware knobs, that's an extremely complex thing to manage in a 3 line display. Personally I would want a computer editor but leave the performing to the Virus standalone - yes good old MIDI!

B

all I really want are comb filters

and maybe a third envelope

[emdebee]

I know it's been said before but all I want is reliable timing with the arps and envelopes using Virus Control... I can't believe that this is still an issue - hrmmm

It's doing my head in!

[marc]

Originally Posted by emdebee

I know it's been said before but all I want is reliable timing with the arps and envelopes using Virus Control... I can't believe that this is still an issue - hrmmm

It's doing my head in!

i don't think there is any type of timing problem as long as the rest of your system is okay. can you be a little bit more specific?

marc

[markorbit]

Originally Posted by Timo

but there is negligable difference between TI and TI2, and for a £700 difference in price it's pure daylight robbery.

Maybe Access could not have given the original TI owners the new functions of the TI2. Would that be more acceptable?

I think Access were more than fair with this decision and let's not beat them with it!

[Talos]

Originally Posted by markorbit

Maybe Access could not have given the original TI owners the new functions of the TI2. Would that be more acceptable?

I think Access were more than fair with this decision and let's not beat them with it!

I agree totally, I think Access strategy works really well for them and us the customers.

Every year since release the TI has had significant and useful features added, this has made what I thought was an expensive item more and more reasonable value.

I just hope the original TI doesn't get left behind at some point because TI2 users demand unique features.

[Cantankerous]

Originally Posted by Talos

I agree totally, I think Access strategy works really well for them and us the customers.

Every year since release the TI has had significant and useful features added, this has made what I thought was an expensive item more and more reasonable value.

I just hope the original TI doesn't get left behind at some point because TI2 users demand unique features.

I fully agree with this. I know Marc said the Ti wasn't going anywhere, and that they were planning on releasing OS versions for both variants 'as long as technically possible'. I highly doubt a mere 25% more processing power of the Ti2 will allow for exclusive features not found on the original Ti. If that happens, it will be merely to separate the Ti from the Ti2 once and for all. I really hope this doesn't happen. It will only take one release of such an update to have many of us already feeling left behind.

I also agree that Access has hands down the BEST customer service around. I never got my Ti till last June, but even since then there have been many, many great additions and improvements to the Ti. In a mere 8 months I have gained so much that I never thought I would have. I can only imagine how much people have gained who first got their synth since it was released nearly 2.5 years ago.

I think other companies should take a good hard look at how Access works to keep its customers happy. Novation for instance is now charging $30 for a 'pro' upgrade to their Automap software. I emailed about this and they said it was to cover development costs. Sounds like a cash grab to me. Do you not thing it cost Access hundreds upon hundreds of hours to research and develop all they have added to the Ti range of synths? They allowed us all to benefit from this without dipping further into our pockets for even a single penny. Shame on you Novation. I for one will not pay for an update I feel I should have considering I already payed good money for your hardware.

[emdebee]

Originally Posted by marc

i don't think there is any type of timing problem as long as the rest of your system is okay. can you be a little bit more specific?

marc

Hi Marc... I sent a Logic 8 project to Access shortly after my purchase which exhibited notes being cut off at random and issues with the Arps not being triggered correctly - ie. the Arp pattern not starting at the beginning as it should. The TI was not even close to being DSP stressed. From memory, the main issues were when only 2 patches were playing, in contrast to 6-7 patches playing at the same time with no problems whatsoever. This issue was replicated by Access, but surprisingly at different measures within the same project! The issues with the random cutting off of notes was fixed with a firmware/software update (I think it was 2.7.3), but the original project that I sent to them STILL has issues with the ARP accuracy to this day.

I can assure you that my system is fine... and I have the same issues on 2 seperate installed systems, both of them now running OS X 10.5.6, Logic Pro 8.0.2, 17" MacBook Pro - Core2Duo 2.33GHz - 3 GB RAM (TI Firewire Chipset), RME FF800. I don't have any issues with anything else at all on my DAW's...

It's got me buggered, and it's been an issue ever since the purchase of my TI Keyboard.