Digidesign and Access Announce Virus Synth TDM Plug-In

September 28, 1999 -- Digidesign and Access Music GmbH have announced co-development of the Access Virus TDM plug-in for Pro Tools|24 MIX-based systems that is virtually identical in sound and core functionality to the Virus family of hardware synthesizers. The Virus synthesizer offers digital modeling of classic analog synth textures, as well as entirely new sounds. The Virus plug-in delivers full access to program settings and audio routing, as well as total automation and processing control, within the Pro Tools TDM mixing environment. Multiple Virus synth plug-ins can operate at the same time on the system, allowing multiple 16-voice multi-timbral synthesizers to be created (up to 5 on a basic Pro Tools|24 MIXplus system for a total of 80 Virus voices). Pro Tools|24 MIX users will enjoy the comprehensive benefits of the Virus synth without sacrificing Pro Tools' operational performance, because the Virus TDM plug-in draws from the DSP resources of the Pro Tools|24 MIX Core/Farm cards.

"The user experience between the hardware and TDM software version of the Virus synth is almost identical, (and the sound engine is identical), because the Virus hardware and our MIX Core/Farm cards use the same DSP architecture. But you have even more freedom when it comes to I/O routing, and, having an on-screen interface for all those 'hidden' controls, that makes a big difference when editing and programming," says Dave Lebolt, Digidesign's director, product strategy. "We're excited to be working with Digidesign on this unique new plug-in. It allows the power and innovations unique to our hardware synthesizer products to be easily integrated directly into the universe of Pro Tools. Musicians, sound designers and producers will be finding new and exciting ways to use the Virus," says Christoph Kemper, president of Access Music, and co-inventor of the Virus Synthesizer.

The Access Virus TDM plug-in will be available in early '00 at an MSRP of $795 (U.S.) through Digidesign dealers worldwide.

For more information on the Virus, visit the Access Music web site at www.access-music.de.