RAPID vs VCV Rack
RAPID
parawave-audio.com
VCV Rack
vcvrack.comSide by side
| Figure | RAPID | VCV Rack |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Software Synthesizers | 8.0 (#12) | 7.9 (#14) |
| Headquarters | Werdohl, Germany | Tennessee, USA |
| Product | RAPID is a modern polyphonic hybrid synthesizer with a layer engine for shaping sounds. | VCV Rack is a virtual modular platform based on Eurorack synthesizers. |
| Support | The maker accepts support enquiries about accounts, orders, products, bugs, and feature suggestions through its contact page. | Rack Free includes community support, while Rack Pro includes professional support. |
Plans
In their own words
VCV Rack
VCV Rack is a virtual modular platform modeled on Eurorack synthesizers, available as a standalone app for Linux, macOS, and Windows. It supports learning, live performance, algorithmic and generative composition, and multitrack recording. Its ecosystem includes 30+ built-in modules, 170+ official modules, and 2000+ modules in the VCV Library. For hardware connections, it offers audio or CV input and output across multiple interfaces, plus polyphonic MIDI input and output. Rack Pro adds VST2, VST3, Audio Unit, and CLAP support, with integration tested against listed DAWs including Ableton Live, Cubase, Reaper, Logic Pro, and others. It can render audio offline through a DAW and supports up to 16 audio input/output channels, MIDI, and parameter automation. Rack Free is open-source with community support; Pro includes professional support and costs $149, paid once. VCV Host can load VST plugins into Rack and control their parameters with CV, but is purchased separately. Rack requires 1 GB memory and disk space; dedicated Nvidia or AMD graphics are recommended.