SynthMaster 3 vs VCV Rack
SynthMaster 3
kv331audio.com
VCV Rack
vcvrack.comSide by side
| Figure | SynthMaster 3 | VCV Rack |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 9 | 2 |
| Spec score · Software Synthesizers | 8.6 (#5) | 7.9 (#14) |
| Founded | 2004 | 2016 |
| Product | SynthMaster 3 is a modular software synthesizer available as a plug-in. | VCV Rack is a virtual modular platform based on Eurorack synthesizers. |
| Support | The maker directs users with product support issues to its contact form. | Rack Free includes community support, while Rack Pro includes professional support. |
| System requirements | The stated baseline is a 2.0 GHz Intel SSE3 CPU, 2 GB RAM, Windows 7 or newer, macOS 10.9 or newer and Pro Tools 11 or newer for AAX. | Rack requires Windows 7+, macOS 10.9+, or Linux, 1 GB memory, and 1 GB disk space; dedicated Nvidia or AMD graphics are recommended. |
Plans
SynthMaster 3
- SynthMaster 3$99, paid once
- SynthMaster 3 Free BetaFree
- SynthMaster 3 upgrade from SynthMaster 2$29, paid once
- Upgrade from SynthMaster 2$29, paid once
- SynthMaster 3 upgrade from SynthMaster 3 Player$49, paid once
- SynthMaster 3 upgrade from SynthMaster One$49, paid once
- Upgrade from SynthMaster 3 Player$49, paid once
- Upgrade from SynthMaster One$49, paid once
- Everything Bundle$249, paid once
In their own words
SynthMaster 3
SynthMaster 3 is a modular software synthesizer available as a standalone app and plug-in for macOS and Windows. It offers VAnalog, additive, vector, wavetable, granular, phase modulation, phase distortion, frequency modulation, pulse width modulation, ring modulation, physical modeling, and SFZ sample playback. Each instance can contain up to 16 layers, with each layer holding up to 16 modules and 32 modulation sources. The software includes waveform, wavetable, and multi-sample editors; multi-samples can be imported from WAV or AIFF files and exported in SFZ format. Each layer has a MIDI output channel for routing arpeggiator or sequencer output to different DAW tracks. Plug-in formats are VST2, VST3, AudioUnits, and AAX. The product includes 3150 factory presets. SynthMaster 3 costs $99, paid once and includes 6 free expansions. A free player and demo are also available. The demo stops after 30 minutes, adds noise every minute, and disables WAV wavetable and SFZ multi-sample export.
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.