VCV Rack
VCV Rack is a virtual modular platform based on Eurorack synthesizers, available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
What VCV Rack is
VCV Rack is a virtual modular platform based on Eurorack synthesizers, available for Linux, macOS, and Windows. It supports learning, real-time 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/output and polyphonic MIDI input/output. Rack Free is a standalone, open-source option with 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. It supports offline audio 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.
Good
- Available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
- Includes 2000+ modules in the VCV Library.
- Supports hardware audio, CV, and polyphonic MIDI.
- Free version is standalone and open-source.
- Pro supports several DAW plugin formats.
Watch out
- Rack Pro costs $149 once.
- VCV Host is purchased separately.
- Dedicated Nvidia or AMD graphics are recommended.
- Rack requires 1 GB memory and disk space.
Who it suits
It suits people learning modular synthesis, performing in real time, composing algorithmically or generatively, or recording multiple tracks. Rack Pro may suit DAW users who need plugin formats and offline rendering; VCV Host is a separate purchase for hosting VST plugins inside Rack.
Verdict
VCV Rack offers a free standalone modular platform with a large module library and hardware I/O. Rack Pro adds plugin and DAW features for $149 once, while VCV Host costs separately.
Plans and prices
From VCV Rack's own pricing page, checked 30 Sep 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Rack 2 Free | Free | standalone · free modules · open-source · community support |
| Rack 2 Pro | $149, paid once | VST2/VST3/Audio Unit/CLAP · standalone · free and Pro modules · professional support · $149; for as low as $19/month |
The facts
Each one read from VCV Rack's own pages, with the date it was checked.
The company
- Company history
- VCV was founded by Andrew Belt in 2016 and is based in Tennessee, USA.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Founded
- 2016checked 28 Sep 2026
- Headquarters
- Tennessee, USAchecked 28 Sep 2026
What it does
- 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.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Hardware integration
- VCV Rack provides multi-interface audio or CV input/output and polyphonic MIDI input/output for hardware control.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Module ecosystem
- The product includes 30+ built-in modules, 170+ official modules, and 2000+ modules in the VCV Library.checked 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.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Open source
- VCV says VCV Rack will always remain free and open-source, with a simple open plugin API.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Plugin limits
- Rack Pro supports up to 16 audio input/output channels, MIDI input/output, and parameter automation.checked 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.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Product
- VCV Rack is a virtual modular platform based on Eurorack synthesizers.checked 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.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Support
- Rack Free includes community support, while Rack Pro includes professional support.checked 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.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Uses
- VCV Rack supports learning, real-time performance, algorithmic and generative composition, and multi-track recording.checked 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.checked 30 Sep 2026
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