If you're wondering how this works under the hood, here's a diagram showing how the "External Instrument" devices are interacting with the Virus TI plug-in:

Of course if you want to bounce each Virus synth channel as a separate audio track you can: simply repeat step 5 for all MIDI tracks, selecting the appropriate input in the I/O section. Note that you'll need to arm all tracks (Windows users: CTRL + click the "Arm" button) before recording.

Caveats
There are a couple caveats to keep in mind when working with the Virus TI in Live. Firstly, all automation must be placed on the master MIDI track (the MIDI track hosting the TI VST plug-in). This can be a bit confusing at times since the MIDI notes are contained in the individual MIDI tracks. Of course you can always use clip envelopes to automate MIDI parameters, but I prefer to use automation since it's visible in the Arrangement view.

Secondly, the Virus synchronization may be a bit sloppy for the first few bars. Access suggests adding a few extra bars of lead time when bouncing. (In fact, I've found that even with a lead-in I sometimes need to restart the recording process a couple times because of quirks with timing).

Finally, note that the Virus has a few different options regarding audio I/O. I typically use the "3 outputs/no input" option to maximize the number of available outputs, although this does come at the expense of USB bandwidth.

Adam McLellan, AKA Snug, is a DJ and producer based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Since a young age he's been fascinated by the intersection of art and technology. When he's not producing or performing he's sharing his knowledge and ideas through teaching, writing for his personal blog (snugsound.com)

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