Free Sound Design Resources Access Virus Samples And Emulations

The Access Virus synthesizer series has long been favored by electronic music producers for its distinctive sound capabilities, particularly in genres like industrial, drum & bass, and cinematic music production. For producers seeking to incorporate these sounds without purchasing the hardware or official sample packs, several free resources are available. This article examines the legitimate free sample packs, emulations, and community resources related to Access Virus synthesizers that producers can utilize in their music production workflows.

Free Sample Packs from Diminished Audio

Diminished Audio offers a free sample pack specifically designed for producers working with Access Virus TI sounds. This "FREE INFEKTION SAMPLES" collection consists of raw Access Virus TI samples that provide ample material for processing and sound design. The samples are particularly well-suited for Neurofunk and Drum & Bass production, though they may prove valuable to any producer seeking high-quality synthesizer samples.

To obtain this sample pack, interested individuals must provide their name and email address to Diminished Audio. Upon submission, a download link is immediately sent to the provided email address. The company describes this as a limited edition Mikro Pak, suggesting availability may be restricted to a specific timeframe or quantity. The samples are delivered in a format that allows for extensive processing and manipulation, making them versatile for various production styles and techniques.

DSP56300 Emulation Blog: Free Virus C Emulation

For producers seeking an authentic recreation of the Access Virus C sound without the hardware expense, the DSP56300 Emulation Blog offers a free alternative. This emulation project provides perhaps the purest form of DSP56300 processor emulation available, which is the same technology that powered the original Access Virus C synthesizer.

The Access Virus C, first introduced in the early 2000s, has become increasingly sought-after in recent years, often more than when it was initially released. The synthesizer gained particular popularity among musicians creating industrial or dystopian soundscapes, with notable users including Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, who incorporated it in film scoring, television shows, and video game projects.

While hardware Access Virus units can occasionally be found for sale at prices under £1000, they are often not in optimal physical condition. The DSP56300 Emulation Blog provides a viable alternative for producers seeking the authentic Virus C sound without the physical hardware limitations. This emulation project is the result of reverse-engineering efforts by a team dedicated to preserving the sound characteristics of classic synths from the 1990s onwards, including other notable models like the Nord Lead 3, Novation Supernova, and Waldorf Q.

Community-Sourced Virus Samples and Presets

Several community-driven initiatives have made comprehensive Access Virus sound libraries available to producers. One notable project involves the complete Access Virus sound set, which spans 5GB and is organized into 8 distinct packs. Each pack was originally distributed as a single .wav file, requiring additional processing to extract individual samples.

A community member undertook the substantial task of downloading and slicing these files into individual samples, making them more accessible for producers who need discrete components rather than continuous audio files. The processed samples are available at 48kHz/24bit resolution, which provides a higher fidelity than the 16-bit format supported by some older applications. These sliced samples have been shared through torrent links, with specific packs available for download through The Pirate Bay.

The community also discusses the legal and ethical considerations surrounding the distribution of synthesizer presets. While the Access Virus itself is a commercial product, the distribution of preset banks exists in a gray area. Forum participants note that presets may not be subject to copyright restrictions, as applying such restrictions would potentially require every artist to pay for every sound they use when creating music. However, this remains a topic of discussion within the production community, with some forum members expressing willingness to comply with forum rules regarding intellectual property.

Free Virus TI Patches and Presets

Several resources offer free patches and presets specifically designed for the Access Virus TI series. These sound banks provide producers with ready-to-use sounds that can be incorporated into various production styles without extensive sound design work.

One notable free resource offers 128 custom patches suitable for a wide range of genres including ambient, chillout, downtempo, electronica, trap, rock, cinematic, and other production styles. These patches represent a starting point for producers who want to explore the sonic capabilities of the Virus TI without investing in commercial sound libraries.

Additionally, while many resources offer commercial soundsets for purchase, some free options are available that demonstrate the versatility of the Virus TI platform. These free patches often showcase the synthesizer's capabilities in specific genres or production styles, providing inspiration and usable sounds for producers working with limited budgets.

Commercial Sound Libraries and Extensions

Beyond free resources, a commercial ecosystem exists around Access Virus sound design. Companies like Nutty Traxx offer specialized soundsets that focus on specific aspects of the Virus's sonic capabilities. For example, their "Dark Cinematic Soundset" provides 100 presets specifically designed for horror film composing, ambient music, and video game soundtracks. These commercial libraries often represent more focused and extensively developed sound palettes than what might be available through free resources.

Producers seeking to expand their Virus TI sound libraries can explore these commercial options, which typically offer more specialized and professionally crafted sounds. However, the free resources discussed in this article provide substantial starting points for producers who want to explore the Virus's capabilities without financial investment.

Conclusion

For producers interested in incorporating Access Virus sounds into their music production workflows, several legitimate free resources are available. Diminished Audio offers free raw Virus TI samples ideal for electronic music production, while the DSP56300 Emulation Blog provides a free alternative to the hardware Virus C synthesizer. Community initiatives have made comprehensive sound libraries accessible, though producers should consider the ethical implications of using distributed presets. Additionally, free patches and presets are available for the Virus TI series, offering ready-to-use sounds across various genres. While commercial sound libraries provide more specialized options, the free resources discussed offer substantial value for producers exploring the distinctive sound of the Access Virus synthesizers.

Sources

1. Diminished Audio Free Samples
2. DSP56300 Emulation Blog
3. Renoise Forum Community Samples
4. Preset Patch Free Resources