VCV Rack is a virtual Eurorack environment in which musicians create instruments by connecting individual sound-generation and processing modules. It brings the flexibility of a hardware modular synthesizer to a desktop workspace, without requiring a physical collection of modules and patch cables.
Each module performs a particular role, such as producing oscillations, shaping envelopes, filtering audio or generating control signals. Users arrange these modules visually and connect their inputs and outputs to design instruments, sequencers and experimental effects.
The open-source Rack Free edition runs as a standalone application. Integration directly into a digital audio workstation as a VST, CLAP or Audio Unit plugin belongs to the separately licensed commercial Rack Pro edition.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Visual patch cables linking audio, control-voltage and gate signals.
- Oscillators, filters, amplifiers, envelopes, mixers and other fundamental modules.
- Module browser with search, favourites and collection management.
- Polyphonic cables and flexible signal routing.
- Clock generators, sequencers and modulation for rhythmic or evolving patches.
- MIDI and audio connections to external hardware and software.
- Ability to save, restore and share complete modular patches.
- Large module library including third-party designs with varying licences.
- Customisable module arrangements and selection tools.
- Standalone Rack Free edition; DAW plugin operation is reserved for Rack Pro.
- Cross-platform support – runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Website: vcvrack.com
Support:
Developer: Andrew Belt and VCV contributors
License: GNU General Public License v3.0
VCV Rack 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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