You can now use the VCV Rack open-source modular synthesizer as a VST plugin in your favorite digital audio workstation thanks to this unofficial port by KVR user bsp804.
VCV Rack is an open-source modular virtual synthesizer which was introduced in September last year. It is an amazing virtual modular synthesizer with a growing library of custom modules, thanks to the fact that it is open source. Unfortunately, it only operates as a standalone application and can’t be used as an instrument plugin inside a DAW. Although it is possible to connect VCV Rack as a virtual effect thanks to the recently released VCV Bridge, it still can’t be used as a regular VST instrument. Until now, that is!
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Thanks to an unofficial port that is currently being developed by KVR Audio forum member bsp804, users can now load and use VCV Rack in their DAW of choice just like any other virtual instrument. It is important to note, though, that this port is not in any way associated with VCV Rack’s author. It is an unofficial third-party port which is still a work in progress.
For what it’s worth, I tested it in MuLab and Studio One without any issues. The provided DLL file loads like any other VST plugin and shows the VCV Rack user interface inside the DAW. The functionality is completely the same as in the free version. As a bonus, the plugin is conveniently bundled with a bunch of custom VCV Rack modules which are available for free download. You don’t have to install any additional modules or extensions since everything is already included in the download pack. Neat! However, the VST port does not support plugins, meaning that you cannot use any third-party or closed source add-ons.
The port is only compatible with 64-bit VST plugin hosts on Windows at the moment. Follow the forum thread at KVR Audio for more info about the project and grab the latest version of the software from the GitHub page linked below.
Before you go, a friendly warning – if you’ve never used VCV Rack before, do consider lowering the volume of your speakers while learning the ins and outs of the software. You’ll need to make quite a few virtual cable connections before you finally get some sounds out of the plugin, so make sure that your monitor level is low to avoid any nasty noise bursts and potential damage.
The VST Plugin port of VCV Rack (unofficial) is available for free download via GitHub (48.1 MB download size, RAR archive, 64-bit VST plugin format for Windows).
