VCV Rack

B tier on Software SynthesizersScore 7.1 · #6 of 32

Android app: Not listed
Free plan: Yes
Runs on: Linux, Mac, Windows

vcvrack.com

Summary

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.

Who it is for

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.

What is 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.

What to know first

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.

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.

VCV Rack plans and pricing

All plans

Rack 2 Free Free standalone · free modules · open-source · community support vcvrack.com · 30 Sept 2026

Rack 2 Pro $149 once $149; for as low as $19/month VST2/VST3/Audio Unit/CLAP · standalone · free and Pro modules · professional support vcvrack.com · 30 Sept 2026

Compared on software synthesizers

Free plan: Yesvcvrack.com
Paid from: 149 one-timevcvrack.com
Synthesis engine: modularvcvrack.com
Plugin formats: VST2, VST3, Audio Unit, CLAPvcvrack.com
Standalone app: Yesvcvrack.com

Facts

Product: VCV Rack is a virtual modular platform based on Eurorack synthesizers.vcvrack.com · 30 Sept 2026
Uses: VCV Rack supports learning, real-time performance, algorithmic and generative composition, and multi-track recording.vcvrack.com · 30 Sept 2026
Module ecosystem: The product includes 30+ built-in modules, 170+ official modules, and 2000+ modules in the VCV Library.vcvrack.com · 30 Sept 2026
Hardware integration: VCV Rack provides multi-interface audio or CV input/output and polyphonic MIDI input/output for hardware control.vcvrack.com · 30 Sept 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 · 30 Sept 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 · 30 Sept 2026
Plugin limits: Rack Pro supports up to 16 audio input/output channels, MIDI input/output, and parameter automation.vcvrack.com · 30 Sept 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 · 30 Sept 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 · 30 Sept 2026
Support: Rack Free includes community support, while Rack Pro includes professional support.vcvrack.com · 30 Sept 2026
Open source: VCV says VCV Rack will always remain free and open-source, with a simple open plugin API.vcvrack.com · 30 Sept 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 · 30 Sept 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 · 30 Sept 2026
Company history: VCV was founded by Andrew Belt in 2016 and is based in Tennessee, USA.vcvrack.com · 30 Sept 2026