An overview of Ambient music production tools, options, and examples of a bunch of Ambient Access Virus sounds. 00:00 talking about 'ambient' music 9:14 listening to ambient Virus sounds
Excellent analysis of the ambient sound world and the Virus as well! The key is to learn your gear inside and out, whatever it may be, so that it becomes second nature… allowing for an uninterrupted flow of ideas as they come in the moment. The true beauty of synthesizers… infinite possibilities ॐ
Hey------didn't see your comment before for some reason......Yes, the more familiar you are, the more the gear becomes an extension of you.....I do ambient synth jams with 2 friends every week. So good to be able to just flow with it, sculpting what you want to hear without thinking......Awesome to have to you watch and comment...I L O V E your awesome ambient tracks!
So happy you mentioned solar fields. He's one of my all time favs, also alongside Aes Dana and Miktek, those guys are soundscape masters. Thanks for such a nice thoughtful video on the virus.
I didn't know how long to make the list, as there are so many excellent Ambient projects out there. I'm learning about new ones every week, and am always impressed with the innovation and lush sonic world's their creating. Very exciting times, so easy to get access to new artists and for them to distribute their music.... Thank you very much for watching commenting...
Will, you’re a great ambassador of the Virus. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm about these synths and shedding light on how much more potential there is for us to tap into with them.
Hey Thanks Bo! I really feel confident when I speak about these synths....not about my abilities & insights, so much as about their seemingly endless potential...........Glad you're enjoying them......
I agree with everything you said at the beginning. Virus may sound a bit "thin" sometimes but it all depends on how you program it and use it. Default sawtooth on virus is just a thin buzzing sound compared to my minilogue or subsequent, but it is the greatest sounding piece of gear I currently have. And can't agree more on the ambient music definition. Great vid!
Thanks for the comment. The Virus line is awesome, but it's not an analog synth, so there will always be trade offs.........Another great thing the Virus has, is programmable eq, as well as 'analog emulation', so it is really easy to fatten up the sound, if that's desired. Something like the Minilogue is really an amazing piece of gear, especially for the money. Thanks for watching.
I really like Brian Enos Apollo album. I also like the Psybient genre like Carbon Based Life Forms, Solar Fields. Sooo many psybient artists. RU-vid made me discover the Psybient genre. Sooo many good playlist. At work, I'd play it in the background. There was one year in 2015 where I played mostly Eno, music for airports, thurs afternoon, discreet music.
Thanks for commenting and watching. I remember those great old things......esp. Thursday Afternoon.... I almost mentioned CBL in the video as well, if you haven't seen it, you'll like this: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-SD6hsVJQtiY.html
@@willswitchcraft thanks man I'm watching it now. I'm a big fan of CBL's Hydrophonic Garden and World of sleepers album a lot. They're like 20 year old albums but good sequencing and sounds.
@@willswitchcraft I'm watching it, are some on mushrooms? Or l.s? Lol. I think that guy blowing kisses is lol. I wonder if there's a connection of Psybient fans into the whole psychedelic culture
I totally agree......love those albums.........There's so much great ambient stuff out there, and with the internet, it's so easy to find it......sometimes, the internet makes my life awesome!!!!
@@willswitchcraft in 2014 I was soooo into Psybient and I wanted to do that. Got myself Alchemy vst with Himalaya pads, light and dark tone pack, ambient movements pack. I think ppl who have Omnisphere, they can do it. I have my TI2 and it is perfect for ambient.
Thanks v much....We're actually surrounded by wildfires, so the smoke is quite intense. That's life in the times of climate change.......Thanks for checking in.
Wow, that last sound you did with the effect textures was amazing, would love to know more about that patch. Thanks for another great video, as a new Virus owner Ive been getting some good info from your videos.
Check back....I'm working on a new video that I think you'll appreciate right now....(can't remember what that last patch was, or where I got it, sorry)
Thank you Will, I appreciate so much your considerations here. I agree, gears are not everything (with vst a bunch of money can buy more than the necessary stuff), ideas and imagination, or one may call it inspiration, is the key, the only thing one cannot miss.
Just a quick question please. I recently acquired a virus rack xl. Is it capable of similar sounds or is the increased power from having a second dsp like that in the TI really central to creating such richness and depth? Hope that makes sense, and thank you.
As I understand it - the rack is capable of all the same sounds, but lacks knobs, etc. for programming, and I'm not certain of how many voices/sounds it can reproduce simultaneously.......I'm sure you're find other videos about that........You should be able to play any Virus sound, from any Virus Library, and have it sound really similar - however there may be SUBTLE elements of the sound (like the stomp boxes, and some effect settings) which are only available in the newer units......Good luck....
Yes, almost anything can work, it's all about being excited by a piece of gear, and having a workflow, or programming ease that you prefer. Thanks for your comments. I never really know if it's worth putting the time in (and I just have an iPhone camera right now), but it's nice to get some positive feedback....
thanks for the comment. Yeah, I have many shipibo pieces. They're really wonderful, and I love the way some of the thread reacts to UV light - probably not what they were thinking when they chose that thread, but a wonderful surprise........
Agreed completely again! The music I create is primarily ambient and ambient-adjacent, and the Virus works _very_ well for this. You've a new subscriber 🙂
I'm watching this again. I have the TI2 Darkstar and I'm still using it. Next tune I do, I'll finally utilize 16 part multi as I would a sound module. I usually use 2 tracks or sample a tone from the virus. I did that for years. Im excited to use it as a sound module. Drums included. It has some punch kicks similar to the 909. I've been using the Aura editor to easily check out the presets and tweak.
The Kawai K5000 additive/pcm synth isn't a bad choice for ambient music either. Its a pad monster, great for alien leads and has a good community that supports it, make and archive patches for it etc. It often reminds me of Jarre too, he used an additive synth, the RMI Hamoniser (1975). Yeah the K5000 is now about 25 years old, but I guess so is the Access Virus A.
Well said. It's easy to forget that it's not about the gear, it's about the musician. But I still like gear 😀 I bought a 2nd -hand Virus a few years ago after reading and watching the reviews. Awesome! I had wanted to gig with it but it was built like a Panzer and weighed a ton! So didn't get very far into it before selling it 😢 I'm now just looking at synths without a display so the Virus and Waldorf's are out - Along with most other synths 😀 although I do have a Super 6 👍
Thanks for watching and commenting. As far as the weight - there is always the little Snow Virus. Light and portable, all the same sounds. And as far as synths without a display - I use my Deluge a lot. I've done some videos on it which you can watch here.....I get really frustrated with the lack of information when using it. ...one of the reasons I sold my Hydrasynth, was that I had a really hard time reading the small text on the screen.........Curious why you're looking at synths without screens.......All the best to you.....
@@willswitchcraft Well, I have a degenerative macular problem and cannot read LCDs. In fact I can't read the lettering on normal synths but I do my best to memorise the functions. I wish I had a better memory 😀 That is absolutely the main reason, I guess, but I also appreciate the benefits of one-knob-per-function which was exemplified in the Roland 100m system which I had back in the day. So many stunning synths today which I cannot use... 😢
I figured it might be an issue like that. My eyesight isn't what it used to be, thus my issues with small text in screens, etc.. My best buddy still has his Roland System 100. I have been into synths since the late 80's, and I can relate to the desire to have a knob per function, like my MiniMoog, MemoryMoog, and other assorted gear. It was possible to almost work with one's eyes closed.......That said, there have been so many improvements - starting with simple things like being able to save programs, not to mention the extensive programming abilities, effects, etc........I guess life is full of compromises, .......as we all learn with age ;0)
@@willswitchcraft Yep, you do need pretty good eyesight to read some displays, especially at an angle. I have a Roland System 8 and the display is so dull I can barely see it at all 😱 However, it does have lots of hands-on controls 😀 But also, I've never been a fan of menu-diving - ok when creating sounds but not ok on the fly. I also have an aquaintance with an original 100m. Said he's never had any problems with it which is good going for an analogue instrument around 50 years old. Given my limitations, though, new gear options are limited. Helps with the G.A.S. 😀
Anything that helps with the G.A.S. can't be all bad.......I guess we can always revert be becoming pianists - forget about synthesis and all it's awesomeness, and endeavour to be more like Nils Frahm......
Nice !! The Virus is certainly the most versatile synth. Very good for ambient music. Plugging an analog mono into the inputs / effects for arps at the same time works well. Although finding the right one to cut through the virus sounds took me a lot of attempts over the years. Tried Moogs, Prophet, Dreadboxes, A vermona, a Peak ... none seemed to really fit. Eventually tried a cheap Bass station 2 ... perfect :)
Interesting......strange sometimes when we find unexpected gear that 'plays well with others'......I've only used the audio inputs once, so I don't really have any experience to draw on......I've had a shipload of gear over the years, and some of it was amazing, but I still find that the Virus always inspires me and delivers in a million ways......thanks for watching and commenting.
I currently have the hydrasynth and GASing for a virus. Since you own(ed) both, what are your thoughts on virus vs hydrasynth? I use synth for mostly ambient pads, thick bass, interesting rhythmic grooves, and hard hitting leads.
I thought the Hydra was an amazing sounding synth, and it has some great features. Frankly, for the price, it really kicks ass. That said, when I got my Virus, I was really blown away with the variety of sounds it produced and it's features. Here are a few things to consider, the Virus has hundreds - probably thousands of sounds available online, many for free. This immediate library is an immense asset for getting to work recording. Secondly, I attend a weekly synth jam in my (remote) area. I find that I can come up with original sounds of many types, that either cut through, or fit in nicely (with the other synths) using my Virus - better than the Hydra. At the end of the day, they're both excellent choices. I'd say, if you can - find a Virus you can borrow or rent for a month - which synth is best for you is something I can't really predict......Hope that helps
I feel a good portable recorder like a Zoom, Sony, Tascam, Olympus etc can greatly enhance sound design, ambient music etc. Especially when hosted by a granular synth, wavetable synth or just a decent sampler. Sampling the real world out in the field and bringing it back to the studio can allow for such manipulation that adds that otherwise intangible element not able to provided by synths alone. I love making a nature sound (frogs, birds, creeks etc) into something barely recognisable that still has that ambient/otherworldly connection to something that is a bit, or a lot alien, but that people can still recognise on some real world level. Especially fascinating is using a Lom Electroslutch or other piezo magnetic mic to record anything with an electrical signal. Picking up that EMF interference makes for some intense contrast to the natural side of things. Take it round the city, on a train, through your own studio...you get some good contrasts. Still all for synths though!!!!
I agree fully.....to the point that, not only do I regularly make 'field recordings' when out in the world (I live in a forest), but I also have a regular gig, playing at a local "Gong Temple', doing Soundbaths......I play insects, birds, waves, thunder, whales, etc., ,,,,,all types of nature sounds, triggering them 'live', from my sampler.....
I’d love to know why you didn’t keep the Hydra. I have been in love with my virus ti for the last 8 years and am looking at a synth that’s a modern equivalent with multiple filters and great fx. The Hydra deluxe looks just right, I’m surprised you didn’t keep it.
Hey, just saw your comment now. The Hydra sounds amazing, but there are some really frustrating things about it - you can check out my videos which detail the Pros and Cons, but the way all the sound cuts out when saving was the most problematic for me....
As a fan of zorch and Howard scarr who was involved in the virus development I have always wanted a virus and I have just raised enough to buy one , just unsure of the age of the hardware and lack of updates, really torn as like you unsure whether to pull trigger or get something just out like iridium decision decisions
Yes, not easy decisions these days. In my mind, the Iridium looks excellent, however you could likely pick up a used Virus for half the price, which you could quite easily sell (probably for what you paid) if you change your mind down the road. That said, the lack of support is a very substantial concern....thanks for watching and commenting.....
Personally, I'd wait a while. I really like the sound of the Iridium and have several Waldorf synths. But the Iridium is still as buggy as hell and I know of two people who've had to have theirs replaced as it suddenly failed, after just a few weeks. Once they fix these quality problems and update the firmware, I'll be in there, but not in its current form. Waldorf, if you're reading this, please sort out the Iridium !
I'm with you. I owned and sold a MWXT, and a Blofeld. I loved the sounds, features and most things about them, but I had repeated problems with their Rotary Encoders. I was assured that the Iridium uses completely different ones, however I'm still gun shy when it comes to Waldorf products. Good bad really, because they are awesome in so many ways. I'd never take one on the Big Stage, just not reliable enough.........
@@willswitchcraft I had a Blofeld and the thing was a major disappointment, buggy software, crashes, note drops and two encoders died on me. Took it back, saved some more cash and got a Virus Snow.
Word! I Loved my Blo, the sound was killer, but it was such a disappointment....I really think the Snow looks brilliant choice. I actually recommended one to someone asking for Synth advise yesterday........Thanks for tuning in...
Thanks for commenting......I'm actually just thinking of uploading a new Virus video. I had G.A.S. so bad when the Iridium was released. It seems so awesome, but honestly, a year later........I agree with one of the videos I saw "Why I'm selling my Iridium" or something like that. It sounds sensational, but frankly, all the owners seem to come up with the same small handful of sounds. The Virus is incredibly versatile (and thus, my upcoming video), whereas the Iridium seems like a One Trick Pony.......(albeit a very awesome sounding single trick)
This synth is beyond cool! This is so inspiring. I need to get my hands on one. Thanks for this demo (and your great intro). I had never even heard of the Access Virus before. I noticed that you mentioned that "...the Virus has hundreds - probably thousands of sounds available online, many for free." Do you recommend any sites in particular? I'm also curious as to which model is this? I noticed that there are different models like A, B, TI2. Which one are you using here? (sorry if you already mentioned it, I haven't watched through the entire video yet).
Thanks for watching. If you look on my channel, there's a whole bunch of videos on all the Virus thing. Here's the best overview: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9oLvhyPKiW0.html It's very in depth and informative, but doesn't have any sound examples. I also have quite a few videos which showcase the various sounds, effects, etc. The virus model I have is the Ti, the first version. It seems to me that, if you go to the Access Virus website, and sign up in their users forum, there are quite a few sound banks available there......and there are literally thousands and thousands of sounds out there, in every imaginable genre, so dig deep......
I am very close to acquiring a Virus Acces TI 2 Key, for a reasonable price. but I'm afraid to make a mistake and spend the money on something that my other Synths, Modx, Minilogue Xd, Massive, Sylenth, etc. can do. So I'd appreciate your opinion. What interests me most about Virus is its Hypersaw and its thickness, also not relying so much on plugins, but I am concerned that mac can not make good use of its software to be obsolete, I have seen some HC Virus, but I am concerned that they also discontinue it. Thanx!!!
I've owned a Ti2 Desktop since release and it's the only synth i can't do without. Sylenth or any other synth hasn't come close to a Virus for me - They're one of the most individual/characterfull synths i own, so there's nothing out there that'd even scratch the surface of what a virus does soundscape wise. Then with a Virus you get a stellar effects section, the virus has audio inputs which allow you to pipe anything you want through it's effect chain. Virus effects are just beautiful. I used to have the Ti2 keys but i took it back to the shop 4 days later and got the desktop Ti2 instead. The keys feel awesome, but i decided to thin down my setup. As for the apple mac, i gave up on those horrible things a decade ago.
the Mac editor, I don't use that anymore because it's not supported anymore by my Mac. buttt!!! The new editor is called Mystery Islands and I think it's better as I like the interface better. It is 40 bucks but it's worth it as I have the TI2. I program the matrix section fast in the editor.
It does matter, of course, and it's very personal. This video is really an oversimplification of the basic premise that it's about the way you process sounds, as much as the sounds themselves.....
