help! anyone here own a Virus TI?

The Moog Forum Moog Music General Topics Forum
1

I know this really isn’t the place, but I’ve received absolutely no help on the Access forums, so I’ve come to my Moog brethren searching for knowledge from members wiser than I.

Ok, here’s the issue, I recently purchased a barely-used Virus TI2 from a reliable producer who’d only used it to record 4 tracks. The synth showed up in immaculate condition, in the original box, even a transferable warranty. After playing with the synth for several hours I encountered a stuck note that hung on until I hit the panic button. The next day, while using the Virus keyboard to control my Slim Phatty, I got a stuck note on the Phatty, then while using it to control my Nord Electro rack, I got a stuck note on the organ. Then, the most unusual glitch of all. So, I’m sitting at my desk eating a snack, my rig is on, but nothing is running, no sound. All of a sudden the Virus just starts droning all by itself (not hooked up to a computer or anything).

Here’s the other thing, this is the second Virus I’ve owned in the last two months, and I returned the first one (a used TI1) because of similar issues (plus a few others).

Are these synths just over-hyped pieces of junk? I noticed on their forum that lots of users have similar problems, and Access is doing nothing to solve them. It’s a shame, because I’ve gotten some incredible sounds out of it, and the fatar keyboard is a dream.

Or, am I just having terrible luck with this particular synth? Because I’ve noticed lots of people having problems on here, but I own three Moog synths and 7 'foogers, and I’ve had basically no problems at all (especially if you factor out user-error, ha).

Should I just get rid of the damn thing?

(before anyone asks, I’m running the latest OS. ha)

2

I would say make use of the warranty and return the thing before it runs out. Warranties are fickle creatures, best taken advantage of before it’s too late.

3

I’ve been using a Polar TI for several years with no problems. Have several friends who have always had reliable service too.
They seem to be well built instruments but I guess there is always the possibility of getting a problem no matter what synth you buy.

4

I’ve had my TI since last summer. I have had the occasional hanging note that I had to “panic” off, but those events have been very rare (but puzzling). I do not have enough technical sophistication to speculate on why this occurs. I literally love my Virus and I think it is a wonderful buddy for my Voyager; they complement each other very well. The Virus can easily dominate a track even when you don’t want it to, but the Voyager has the strength of character to stand toe to toe with it and they end up making beautiful music together.

5

Former Polar TI user here, current Virus C user. Had similar problems (and sync problems with the arpeggiator) using my old Polar TI in Logic Pro 8.
Much happier after I got rid of the damn thing, replaced it with a Virus C desktop (450€!) and bought a Slim Phatty and a x0xb0x with the extra cash.

6

I’ve owned a Virus KB, which was fine as a standalone, but buggy when interfaced with almost anything. Currently using a Waldorf Blofeld KB in it’s place, which is different, but every bit as good, and as deep a digital synth as you’ll find anywhere. The Blofeld has less “hands-on” control, but the UI is so well laid out, it’s simple to dig in deep and create anything the Virus is capable of. Also a great playmate to my Little Phatty and MEK.

7

I had a Virus Indigo for a few months, not my thing but Access was very supportive on the technical front…mine had wobbly pots and I asked for the Alps part number so I could order new ones…they sent me new ones free of charge. Did I mention that this was after the synth was already ~10 years old?

If you’re having issues, Access are who you want to talk to.