Cardinal is a virtual modular synthesizer based on the Rack engine, with an emphasis on dependable operation inside digital audio workstations. It brings an integrated collection of modules and utilities together, avoiding the need to obtain individual modules from an external library.
Users create patches by placing modules in a virtual rack and connecting them with patch cables. The result can be an instrument, an audio effect, a sequenced musical system or a more unusual signal-processing experiment.
Its main distinction from VCV Rack is the self-contained design. Cardinal does not load modules from the official Rack library, and its audio-plugin variants are intended to fit into host-controlled workflows.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Integrated modular environment with bundled synthesizer, sequencing and processing modules.
- Self-contained module collection without external Rack library access.
- Main, Synth and FX variants tailored to different host requirements.
- Main variant with eight audio inputs and outputs and ten CV inputs and outputs where supported.
- Synth variant presenting an instrument with stereo output.
- FX variant accepting and processing stereo input.
- MIDI input and output across plugin variants.
- Built-in utilities for host transport information and parameter automation.
- Audio-to-CV pitch conversion and internal plugin-hosting utilities.
- Standalone use and audio plugin formats including LV2 and VST3.
- Cross-platform support – runs on Linux, FreeBSD, macOS, and Windows.
Website: github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal
Support:
Developer: Filipe Coelho and contributors
License: GNU General Public License v3.0
Cardinal is written in C++. Learn C++ with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
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Read our verdict in the software roundup.
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