Virus TI 2 was once out of reach yet its tone kept pulling me in. Today it sits in my Bass Fun Studio and shapes my retro inspired productions with bass pads and plucks that feel alive.
Below I share hands on notes from daily work in Cubase along with comparisons to modern plugins and a simple path to make classic 80s synth parts that translate on radio.
- Long term experience with Access Virus and TI 2 highlights
- Analog like warmth deep reverb and expressive plucks
- Live studio workflow in Cubase without over editing
- USB versus analog capture through RME converters
- Full studio session video from Bass Fun Studio
Overview
For years the Virus TI 2 was my dream instrument. It used to be hard to get and costly yet the sound kept inspiring me. When I finally brought it into my new Bass Fun Studio that goal turned into daily work where retro synth parts come together fast.
1. My long journey with Access Virus
Across more than two decades I returned to the Virus family many times. The TI 2 remains a central tool because it balances character clarity and speed. In my recent studio session I show layered bass and gentle plucks inside an electronic 80s disco arrangement.
2. From the red rack to the latest TI 2
I started on the classic red rack and paired it with Yamaha CS6R Roland XV3080 and Waldorf Micro Q while producing eurodance and club music. Later I moved through the TI rack and keyboard editions and finally settled on the TI 2 that you can hear in my current work.
3. Analog warmth and reverb depth
Pads feel lush and three dimensional. Filters respond smoothly and the internal reverb adds width without washing out the midrange. Many producers value that space and I hear the same advantage when the part sits in a mix.
4. Studio integration and workflow
My daily setup includes a rare PowerCore card so I can run multiple Virus plugin instances for editing while recording the final takes as audio. After tests I prefer analog capture into RME converters which gives a more natural tone and better glue with drums and vocals.
5. Why hardware still matters in 80s workflow
I use high end VST instruments like Omnisphere and Stylus yet I often record parts by hand straight to audio. Small timing moves add feel and help create synth 80s melody lines and short synth riff hits that cut through a pop mix.
Want to see the wider context of my production approach. Read about my full beat production process at Bass Fun Studio. For quick navigation across recent posts visit the Bass Fun blog home page.
Here we are during work on new original pop 80s and radio pop productions. Angelika dropped by and we spent a good creative time. She tested the Virus TI 2 and liked its long rich pads and tight bass lines. The room has acoustic treatment that supports arranging beats mixing and preparing complete songs for radio and television.
Watch the studio session
Shorts: AKAI MPCX in 80s synthwave pop production
The AKAI MPCX was a long-time dream of mine. I use it mainly for creating drum sections, playing pads to record fills and transitions, and building complete rhythm foundations with kick, snare, toms, and hi-hats. Its workflow is intuitive, the sound quality is beautiful, and it pairs perfectly with the bass and synth parts from the Virus TI 2. Together, they form the musical backbone for many of my new songs.
Try an 80s synthwave pop beat
80s synthwave pop beat on Bass Fun store
Let us stay connected
For more original Italo Disco and electronic music production videos from my studio visit my YouTube channel Bass Fun Music or subscribe here.
