Novation Nova vs Access VirusB

  • Thread starter Thread starter Sargeant
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Sargeant

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Hey Everyone...

I'm extremely interested in getting into the production/composition side of making trance music. From your experience, what are the relative pros/cons with these two machines (The Novation Nova and the Access Virus B). I've heard a lot of great things about each, but I can't get a very good feel from just trying the presets in the stores. As always, I truly appreciate your input...Thanks!!!

-Oh, I also am interested in using this unit as my sole sound source (along with a computer based sequencer probably), so is the 12 voice polyphony of the Nova likely to be a problem?

--One last thing. How difficult will it be to create music without a keyboard controller? For that matter, I haven't played the piano much since I was a kid...will it take long to get the hang of creating music with this sort of unit? Is this an area where the Roland Grooveboxes have an advantage?

Thanks again!!!

[Edited by Sargeant on 03-17-2001 at 04:48 AM]
 
Why are you considering a Nova? A Supernova is far, far better and not too much more expensive.
The Virus b and the Supernova I & II are powerfull tools. Hmmm. ICQ just came in...
I'll have more later. :)

[Edited by Dj Chriss on 03-17-2001 at 06:58 AM]
 
My two cents...

Q:
-Oh, I also am interested in using this unit as my sole sound source (along with a computer based sequencer probably), so is the 12 voice polyphony of the Nova likely to be a problem?

A:
It could be, depending on how much MIDI information you're sending to it -- especially if it's going to be your sole sound source.

The VIRUS B has a new O.S [O.S. 4] which has MORE voices and has 24 notes of POLYPHONY.




Q:
--One last thing. How difficult will it be to create music without a keyboard controller?

VERY difficult.




Q:
For that matter, I haven't played the piano much since I was a kid...will it take long to get the hang of creating music with this sort of unit? Is this an area where the Roland Grooveboxes have an advantage?

A:
Yes, this is an area where the ROLAND GROOVEBOXES have an advantage -- cause it's got TONS of PRESETS. That's why so many people call it "TECHNO IN A BOX." It's READY MADE :)

IMHO, every new piece of gear requires some quality time -- and a long learning curve. So if you're already using a sequencer on your computer -- and you're enjoying that -- you'll still need a controller with awesome sound-presets and sounds that YOU CAN CREATE... The GROVEBOXES are all sampled sounds.

My vote would go towards the VIRUS KB or VIRUS INDIGO, cause it 24 note polyphony, 16 track/channel multitimberal, and new EASYER to use O.S, REAL digital analog modeling, plus the key's its self are there to play.

Good luck. Happy hunting.
 
I second that.
You could also get hte Supernova II either with a cheap MIDI-keyboard or simply the keyboard version.
It's more powerfull than the Virus, but it cost a little extra.

If you really want to choose only between the Nova and the Virus, I'd say the Virus!
12 voices is very limited in my oppinion. If you use a pad-sound with alot of release and attack and you change chords, we're already talking about 6 voices.
 
Excellent...you guys come through again! From what you've said, I am definitely leaning towards the Virus B or Indigo. Is there a huge difference between the Indigo and the Virus kb? (besides the number of keys?) I love what the Supernova II has to offer, but it's just too far out of my price range right now. Oh, as it will obviously be necessary to reaquiant myself with the piano, do you guys recommend any software programs that teach you to play the piano? Okay, as always, I am truly appreciative of your input...Thanks!
 
I'm afraid my dad taught me, so I don't know of any programs.
 
Q: Is there a huge difference between the Indigo and the Virus kb?

A: Yes & No. It is the exact same keyboard. BUT, the INDIGO does not have "aftertouch" on the keys. Which is something I can live with. I'm still going to get the Indigo. The INDIGO and the VIRUS KB are the exact same price, too.

As for program tutorials on "how to play the piano" a few years back I bought a video series on "how to play the Keyboard." It worked fairly well for me.

I also tried a CD ROM [can't find it right now -- or remember the name] but it REALLY sucked. The videos worked a lot better.

Okay. Good luck with the VIRUS! Have fun :)
 
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