Since its 2017 launch, VCV Rack has helped newbies step into modular synthesis, presenting a free, open-source software that simulates Eurorack on your desktop. VCV Rack has now been updated to version 1.0, which adds powerful features such as 16-voice polyphony, MIDI mapping and more.

Important to note is that the software retains its intuitive module-patching feature, letting you add and connect both free and purchased modules creatively. What’s neat about v1.0, however, is support for polyphony of up to 16 voices, giving you the ability to produce thicker textures.


VCV Rack now also boasts MIDI Output, a feature that lets you control MIDI hardware with new Rack modules like CV-Gate, CV-MIDI and CV-CC. Also fresh in the MIDI department is mapping, which, as its name suggests, gives you control over virtual knobs, buttons and sliders from your external MIDI controller.

In addition to the above upgrades, Rack v1.0 comes with module browser, a useful search function that lets you source for desired modules more quickly. VCV Rack 1.0 also runs on an engine that has support for multiple CPU threads, letting you run more modules than were previously possible.

VCV Rack is free on Mac, Windows and Linux. Download the software here, and view the full list of v1.0 features here.