The best free tools for working with modular synthesis and music

Patching for the people – there’s no reason cost or access has to keep you from the powers and fun of modular synthesis and music making. VCV Rack’s launch this month got lots of attention, but there are other options, too. Here the latest, best picks.

VCV Rack 2 arrives – standalone is still free, $99 intro gets plug-ins with VST right away – details

The anticipated VCV Rack 2 is here and out of beta. What will it support? What does the release mean for compatibility with modules? What will it cost if you opt for the ‘Pro’ version? All the details here – but yeah, you can finally run VCV Rack inside your DAW.

Peter Kirn - November 30, 2021

VCV Rack 2 teaser gives us reasons to be excited about Rack again

After a long silence, VCV reveals some of what’s coming in VCV Rack 2, the new edition of the free and open source platform. Thought you were just waiting on a VST plug-in? Think again: check out “dark room” mode and some significant usability features.

Peter Kirn - September 14, 2021

You can now patch in Pd inside VCV Rack – modular modular free free

Peter Kirn - July 23, 2020

What are all the synths hiding in Mutable’s modules (and their free VCV ports?)

Peter Kirn - October 2, 2019

VCV Rack hits 1.0; why you need this free modular now

Peter Kirn - June 19, 2019

How to make a multitrack recording in VCV Rack modular, free

Peter Kirn - March 6, 2019

VCV Rack nears 1.0, new features, as software modular matures

Peter Kirn - February 18, 2019

You can now add VST support to VCV Rack, the virtual modular

Peter Kirn - November 27, 2018

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