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VCV Rack
Tennessee, USA
What it is
VCV Rack is a virtual modular platform based on Eurorack synthesizers, available for Linux, macOS, and Windows. It supports learning, live performance, algorithmic and generative composition, and multi-track recording. The platform has 30+ built-in modules, 170+ official modules, and 2000+ modules in the VCV Library. Hardware connections include multi-interface audio or CV input and output, plus polyphonic MIDI input and output. Rack Free is standalone, open-source, and includes free modules and community support. Rack Pro adds VST2, VST3, Audio Unit, and CLAP support, professional support, and integration with listed DAWs including Ableton Live, Cubase, FL Studio, Logic Pro, and Reaper. Pro also supports offline rendering through a DAW and up to 16 audio input/output channels, MIDI input/output, and parameter automation. VCV Host can host VST plugins inside Rack and control their parameters with CV; it is purchased separately. Rack requires 1 GB memory and 1 GB disk space, and dedicated Nvidia or AMD graphics are recommended. Rack Pro costs $149 once.
For and against
For
- Free, open-source standalone version available
- Works on Linux, macOS, and Windows
- VCV Library has 2000+ modules
- Supports audio or CV and polyphonic MIDI hardware connections
- Pro adds DAW plugin formats and offline rendering
Against
- Rack Pro costs $149 once
- VCV Host is purchased separately
- Dedicated Nvidia or AMD graphics are recommended
The verdict
VCV Rack offers a free standalone modular platform and a paid Pro option with additional plugin and DAW capabilities. Users considering Pro should note that VCV Host is a separate purchase.
Who it suits
VCV Rack suits people learning modular synthesis, performing in real time, composing algorithmically, or recording multiple tracks. Rack Pro may suit users seeking DAW integration and plugin-format support.
Plans and prices
Rack 2 Free
standalone · free modules · open-source · community support
Read 30 Sep 2026 · vcvrack.com
Rack 2 Pro
VST2/VST3/Audio Unit/CLAP · standalone · free and Pro modules · professional support
Read 30 Sep 2026 · vcvrack.com
On the record
- Company history
- VCV was founded by Andrew Belt in 2016 and is based in Tennessee, USA.vcvrack.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- DAW integration
- Rack Pro supports VST2, VST3, Audio Unit, and CLAP plugins and is tested with Ableton Live, Cubase, FL Studio, Reason, Bitwig, Reaper, Mixbus, Studio One, Cakewalk, Logic Pro, and GarageBand.vcvrack.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Hardware integration
- VCV Rack provides multi-interface audio or CV input/output and polyphonic MIDI input/output for hardware control.vcvrack.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Module ecosystem
- The product includes 30+ built-in modules, 170+ official modules, and 2000+ modules in the VCV Library.vcvrack.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Offline rendering
- Rack Pro can render audio offline faster than real time through a DAW’s render, bounce, bake, mixdown, or export feature.vcvrack.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Open source
- VCV says VCV Rack will always remain free and open-source, with a simple open plugin API.vcvrack.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Plugin limits
- Rack Pro supports up to 16 audio input/output channels, MIDI input/output, and parameter automation.vcvrack.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Privacy disclosure
- VCV says it may reveal a purchaser’s email address to a third party when the purchaser buys a third-party plugin.vcvrack.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Product
- VCV Rack is a virtual modular platform based on Eurorack synthesizers.vcvrack.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Security
- VCV says personal information is kept behind secured networks, sensitive information is encrypted with SSL, and transactions are processed by a gateway provider rather than stored on its servers.vcvrack.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Support
- Rack Free includes community support, while Rack Pro includes professional support.vcvrack.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- System requirements
- Rack requires Windows 7+, macOS 10.9+, or Linux, 1 GB memory, and 1 GB disk space; dedicated Nvidia or AMD graphics are recommended.vcvrack.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Uses
- VCV Rack supports learning, real-time performance, algorithmic and generative composition, and multi-track recording.vcvrack.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- VST hosting
- VCV Host lets users host VST plugins inside Rack and control their parameters with CV, and it is purchased separately.vcvrack.com · read 30 Sep 2026
