Last Updated on October 10, 2024 by IDS Team
VCV rack is a powerful eurorack modular synthesiser that is open source and contains a downloadable library of hundreds of creative, user generated plugins.
We take a look at it in its most basic form in our article here, but for this article, we’re going to take you further and provide a snapshot of the kind of modules you can get with this platform and why they make it so worth downloading.
VCV Rack Best Modules: Which Ones We Chose and WHY
There are literally hundreds of modules in the VCV rack library so which to choose? Overall, we decided to focus on some of the front page ones and also split our choices between free and premium modules.
These picks are also designed to give you a sense of what makes VCV rack stand out from the rest. The fact that modules are user generated on a small scale basis means that creators and developers can take risks with their design in ways large synth companies can’t. It also means that developers can put more time and effort into individual modules and the results are often deliciously off the beaten track. This makes it really easy to inject some new inspiration into your sound design, so without further ado:
Best Unique Module: WaveSyn Modular Strange
The Strange from WaveSyn Modular is exactly as its name describes. Billed as a chaotic sample and hold generator, it makes this list because of the comparative rarity of S and H. Plus, there is the fact that such a weird, warped version is available goes a long way to widening the scope of sounds available for fans of this kind of module. It stands out for us as it’s the kind of thing you could only get on a platform like VCV rack where the chaotic creativity allows small developers to shine.
Best All Rounder: CV Funk Strings
With a sequencer and quantiser, this is a guitar based sound generator that includes features like a whammy bar for classic funk based sounds.
Yes, at first the concept might seem a bit basic, but this is super adaptable and goes well with the rest of the funk influenced modules by this manufacturer. It’s also usable for many genres without and stands out amongst some of the modules as it’s more of a crowd pleaser, less experimental, and not as warped or gritty as other modules in the library.
Best For Indie and Alternative: All Sanguine Modules Gear
These are a series of emulations of pre-existing gear designed to be textural and put their own unique spin on it. They are really high quality and work together as a set, meaning that you have a pre existing launchpad if you’re new to the world of modular.
They are a bit darker and grittier and best if you want to warp and explore sound more, especially if you’re working in anything outside of mainstream synthpop or dreampop – think adding some gritty texture to an alt rock track, or spicing up some 80s revival.
Basic VCV Rack Rundown: What You Need To Know
Before we reveal our top module from the VCV Rack library, let’s first tak a quick look at where VCV rack fits in the wider world of modular synthesis and virtual instruments, as well as what you might need to get started…
VCV Rack Eurorack Compatibility
VCV rack is a eurorack synth emulator, but what about the rest of its compatibility?
To run VCV Rack Pro, you can use Cubase, FL Studio, Reason, Bitwig, Reaper, Mixbus, Studio One, Cakewalk, Logic Pro, and GarageBand, and Ableton Live.
Alternatively to run the free version as a standalone plugin you will need a third party host such as Gig Performers.
VCV Rack Pricing and Availability
VCV rack is available as two versions in a freemium model – rack 2 free and rack 2 pro. The free version is a standalone downloadable plugin whilst the pro version comes as VST, VST3, AU and CLAP format plugins, requiring Windows 7 and up, MacOS 10.9 and up, or Linux Ubuntu 16 and up.
| Free | Pro |
| Standalone | VST, VST3, AU and CLAP |
| Requiring 1GB memory and 1GB disk space | Works with Cubase, FL Studio, Reason, Bitwig, Reaper, Mixbus, Studio One, Cakewalk, Logic Pro, and GarageBand, and Ableton Live |
| Free modules only | Free and pro modules |
| No support | Professional support |
| Free | 149 USD, or Rack 2 Pro + VCV Drums + VCV Sound Stage bundle at 189 USD |
VCV Rack Compared
In our introductory article on VCV rack we compare it to the surge XT synth. There are some important similarities and differences but for producers beyond an exploratory or beginner level two more similar competitors are creamware and reaktor blocks, so we took a brief look at both.
VCV Rack VS Reaktor
Reaktor is the modular synthesis platform from Native Instruments, so of course, you would expect nothing less than the best quality. However, many musicians find themselves considering vcv rack vs reaktor. There are a few differences, so here’s what we found:
- VCV rack is a bit more community oriented. Goes without saying that simply because it is a bit more popular, the community behind VCv rack is second to none.
- VCV rack tends to go off the beaten track more maybe due to it being separate from a large company and not following any standard, VCV rack seems to be a simple goldmine for throwing up creative modules
- Reaktor is more technical and better for sculpting sound VCV rack modules vary depending on the developer and software is pretty basic and intuitive. Meanwhile Neural DSP have given Reaktor a bit more scope for looking deeper into the qualities of sound you are trying to develop. This is a bit more technically as opposed to creatively reinted which can be worth it if you’re finicky about sound or want something more than a bit of new inspiration
- VCV rack provides better inspiration on the flipside, we personally find the kinds of modules VCV rack users create are just better at springboarding you towards a new idea or finished track. Maybe it’s the nature of the platform and community, but they seem more conducive to making you think outside the box.
VCV Rack VS Creamware
Compared to Reaktor, Creamware, specifically the Creamware SCOPE DSP platform, may not seem like an obvious competitor. Creamware is a company based in Germany that has been going for over 20 years and been used in everything up to Hans Zimmer film scopes, so it’s got some serious credits. However, it’s less popular in the English speaking world, and not as well known.
The interface itself isn’t sleek and glossy like the VCV Rack or Reaktor, but don’t be put off. However, because this is old, old software, you might have to do a bit of digging, research, and legwork to get it to work on whatever your current setup may be. That’s why we’re mentioning it here as more of a necessary nod to a powerful bit of synthesis history – but its high quality sound (and it does have a reputation for this) may come second to the ease and variety of VCV rack depending on how you lean.
The Winner: Best VCV Rack Module Overall – Path Set Glass Shard
So, back to the modules…
If you are looking for inspiration, look no further. While it might not be the most classic or all encompassing module in the library, we had to include the Glass Shard from Path Set. This is a node based sequencer, meaning it operates around nodes or musical events and mixes and matches these to make creative new patterns.
However, what really earns it its spot as one of the best modules in the library is firstly – it’s free – and secondly, it is programmed to give you a new configuration each week. If you want to get into more of a habit for deep learning and pushing yourself creatively, this is the module for you. And in the environment of VCV rack that enhances creative learning, this module is one we think pairs really well with just about any others in the library – as well as other VSTs and instruments that might take your fancy.
Final Thoughts
The VCV rack library – even if you only look at free plugins – is labyrinthine and exciting. Using the software and registering sometimes feels a bit more like joining a secret club than simply operating a eurorack synth, there seems to be a personal developers’ touch behind the modules when you view them and the regular module updates which are also posted on the community forums keep things lively and exciting.
There almost feels like there is more innovation here than in some professional synth manufacturers. The great strength of VCV Rack is that because it is operating at a grassroots, community oriented level, developers can afford to take the creative risks with their modules that a large synth manufacturer simply can’t. The result is a treasure trove library full of quirky modules that are bound to inspire you or at least get you to think about synthesis a little differently….
Enjoyed this article? We look at a similar synth, the Surge XT, in our article here. And, if you love software and plugins, we have a whole software section here as well as more on modular synthesis here including this gem from Erica Synths, which allows you to build your own modular synth!
