New VCV Software Modular for Mac/PC/Linux Is Free

A new software modular system has just been spotted. Its called VCV and is part of the VCVrack system. It runs on Windows (64bit), Mac OS X and Linux (64-bit). Whats more, its free.

Our friends over at BBoy Tech Report got a look at it at this weekend's Knobcon

Comprising of a virtual modular rack system with over twenty modules, built in open source some based on selected Mutable Instruments modules, it give you the opportunity to build complex patches, hook them up to MIDI devices and save. Its not a completely alien concept, Softube Modular and NI Blocks being other examples of the idea. But what makes VCV different, is that it appears to be completely free and built as an open source project. Indeed with the Mutable Instruments modules, they are also open source, hence them being available in the system.

Registration is required to download the free modules (all done from within the UI). We downloaded a copy to tinker with here  (OS X 10.12.6) and can confirm that it does appear to work as advertised, even though its still only version 0.3.0. With a reasonable selection of modules, its possible to create some complex sounds - though perhaps the only real missing elements are different flavours of filters. There being just the one for now - the Fundamental VCF

However, some brief tests confirm that it is possible to create audio rate mod routings between the modules.

Its not clear what the commercial model is for this is (if any), but at zero cost, its got to be worth a try right?

Currently its standalone, but in a few weeks, they are planning to create a VST/AU plug-in bridge for the  system.

More Information

• VCVrack.com

VCVRack Social

• Introducing VCV+ 09-Sep-24
• Free VCV Rack Sounds and Tutorials 03-Jan-24
• VCV Rack Updated 01-Dec-21
• Load VST Plug-ins In VCV Rack 27-Nov-18
• Synthfest 2018: Interview With A VCV Rack Developer 08-Oct-18