VCV RACK 2 PRO - A Hard Look at the Eurorack Software Emulator

My take on this very compelling hardware eurorack emulator, VCV RACK 2 PRO.
Are you using VCV RACK? If so, how has it made it into your workflow? What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comment section below and we can discuss!

[@lubob444]

Just want to say I love the slower pacing of your videos and the minimal use of music. A refreshing change and much calmer than most videos on here.

[@gorkulus]

Switching to using VCV rack as my primary tool has opened up a whole new world for me. Being able to modulate anything and everything with the same or related modulation sources has brought life, depth, and coherence to my music in a way that nothing before did. I get to a level of complexity with that pretty quickly that would be prohibitively expensive in hardware, and being able to save, copy/paste, iterate, etc feels integral to the process. I love the idea of a more focused hardware based workflow but I definitely feel like if/when I explore that I will miss the power, complexity, and freedom of software modular

[@TheJimNicholson]

As a software engineer, I work with computers all day long; the disconnect you feel is what I get when I'm doing virtually any hands-on work away from a screen; it can take several days away from my home office to get over that. It's all a matter of perspective. I will say this: VCV Rack has been a great learning tool for modular synthesis, and synthesis in general. After working with it for a week, I understand a lot more about how the various hardware synths I've owned over the years work. And being able to pack it up and take it with me has been a big plus.

[@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE]

Great insights!

[@truthbydesign5146]

I’m excited that softube modular is now M1 Native. Since it’s far more focused and limited, there’s less option paralysis - especially for those of us who’re new(ish) to modular .. Also, subjectively, it sounds better to my ears than competing products. The only drawback has been that it’s such a CPU hog - but that’s far less of an issue on my M1 Pro MBP, running native.

[@dedicatedspuddler7641]

I've been using VCV Rack for over 4 years. I also have both synths and Eurorack modules. I find VCV to be extrememly flexible and fun. It can be controlled by midi controllers and keyboards, or to/from your synths and eurorack. Now it also can operate as a VST in your DAW (Pro version). With all that, is it the same as IRL hardware? Of course not. It is it's own thing, and should be judged accordingly. It is free to try, and even the Pro version is very affordable compared to buying most eurorack modules.

[@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE]

Thanks for the comment! Sound advice!

[@JeffHopkinsMusic]

Eurorack itself has been a blessing to bring back the joy of music to me when it had long since gone stale. VCV rack while useful, was no more inspiring for me as Reason (which I do love)

[@exxon47_]

One of the most important parts of VCV RACK FREE for me is that it is free, to be clear the free version has no limit put on it further than you have to use it as a separate program as apposed to a plugin. I cant afford a modular system and that is a barrier for a lot of people.

[@atom6_]

I think the "thin" argument is valid, there is no "unstable" energy flowing through the transistors. Then again, there are plenty of digital modules in the eurorack world that are very close in VCV. I think from a modular perspective, nothing beats physically twisting knobs. Not everyone has the financial freedom to shell out 1000's of dollars to just get some mutable instruments or intruo modules, now you can have them for free, running the same software/algorithms as the hardware versions. This is a win-win. Sidenote, the modules from Magus Instrumentalis (paid bundle though) sound really fantastic and warm, their vactrol emulations are top notch. I think VCV has a perfect place that can be integrated whenever/where ever needed without sounding out of place and it is a great learning platform.

[@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE]

Well put! Thanks for sharing!

[@colindavis2113]

Yeah I’ve seen videos of side by side comparisons of hardware vs software modules and they were just about identical. Now that could change after playing a modular rack in person of you have that ability. Maybe I’m somewhat lucky enough for my ears to not be as trained as others lol great video by the way man. I’m subbed!

[@nicolaistolwijk]

i love how you speak and edited this video, its fucking amazing to watch

[@MattJoyce01]

I'm not a musician, but I play about with VCV, take it away on holidays to explore and generally use it as one of my many hobbies and interetsts. your perspective was super interesting, I had not ever considered the effort to physically patch something, and I change, copy, duplicate so much in a vcv patch, moreso in v2 where you can save parts of patches. I expect you hearing is way more discerning than mine, so the short coming in that area don't bother me. I like you slower paced delivery of your analysis, and thoughtful comments. Also, nice keyboard. Mech is life.

[@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE]

Thank you for your thoughts!

[@TubelabCom]

I am a retired electrical engineer, and my first synth was a PAIA 2720 kit modular back in 1970. I have a good understanding of the process of making sound with electronics, but being retired, have a limited budget. The PAIA, ARP and KORG stuff from the 70's and 80's are long gone and my only "relic" is a JV1000 that my daughter left behind when she moved out. I have ventured down the Eurorack rabbit hole and have outgrown my DIY case three times. VCV rack allows me to test ideas without spending any money, and for that purpose it is an excellent tool. Really complex patches can suck up a lot of CPU, so the old 4th gen core i7 machine went back to code writing duties for DIY synth modules, and VCV rack now resides in my main music computer. I find that complex patches (trying to write a complete song on VCV Rack 2 PRO) can send the CPU usage near the 100% mark even with a Ryzen 9-5900X chip and a GTX1660 video card. The sound quality can take a noticeable hit when the CPU gets up over 70%. Dropping the audio rate to 48 / 16 and the video from 4K to 1080 helps a bit.

[@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE]

wow! Thank you so much for your insights. I suspected that VCV Rack under load could cause clock issues and thus degradation in tone. Digital audio is tiny slices arriving at the right times so if the CPU is overloaded, that's gotta be horrific. I also suspect since every VCV rack developer does their own thing, some are way CPU "hoggy" than others, creating all sorts of issues as patches get complex. This could make a case for a UAD style DSP 'boxes" for VCV rack, lol :)

[@CrucialFlowResearch]

44.1 khz should be sufficient for music

[@pawnotdaw4559]

I'm lucky enough to have free time while working night shifts and use vcv on my laptop. Its great to experiment and i often bounce audio and play it in my car for the drive home. It's very useful but it's definitely not fun compared to my eurorack. Anyhoo nice videos

[@ssadams]

I just started with VCV rack and I am finding it very interesting to use. I love exploring new modules to see what I can do with them. I can’t even afford a euro rack case let alone any modules lol. I really enjoyed your video.

[@carlos_martinezzz]

After working all day on the computer my eyes, back and hands want to stay away from it. Also building a modular system and thinking of the modules that will work the best together is part of the fun. The other part is the aesthetic, a beautiful instrument is inspiring and fills the void in my soul as a collector/musician. Nice video as always, would like to see your analog audio hardware in detail one day!

[@seth.graham]

It's a great gateway to eurorack, for people that want to try it out without committing a pile of money. The real world module market is big enough that someone trying to get up to speed is quickly going to get lost. But VCV has enough hardware clones that's it's pretty easy to get a feel for what's worth money at the start and what to save for future purchases. One clear advantage to VCV is weird experimental modules that would never get made in the real world. Sources that emulate vintage chips are in there too, being able to modulate that classic NES console sound is a fun treat.

[@CatFish107]

Agreed! I even saw a module in the library that was a full-blown NES emulator. It has gate inputs for all the controller buttons, power, and reset, as well as cv control over emulation speed. Audio out jacks, and a little display on the module. You load ROM files in the right click menu. Amazing stuff.

[@CatFish107]

I have found vcv amazing as a beginner. So many free modules, and opportunities to learn by trying. A midi controller with knobs and faders is a huge enhancement to the experience. I agree about the sometimes thin sound, but fortunately there are plenty of modules available for free to colour up the sound. Just takes some extra sound design work. Patching up weird modulation and overly complex nonsense is a meditative process on its own, in my experience. But then again, this is all for my own enjoyment, and any resulting recording is incidental. VCV isn't replacing hardware for me, it's replacing videogames.

[@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE]

well said! LOL

[@androidfarmer8863]

Kinda still a videogame, no? ;)

[@CatFish107]

@androidfarmer8863 true, just no loss state. And only self defined goals. Very similar. And only counts if Mario Paint counts as a videogame too.

[@androidfarmer8863]

@@CatFish107 like a city builder in sandbox mode…

[@luisrojas2893]

I use it too since im learning about modularsynthesizer n patching. I think its a good way to prepare before you buy the hardware.

[@avsystem3142]

I'm still assembling my first Eurorack setup. For a newbie rig it will be pretty massive at 480 HP. The modules are a mixture of new and used. I was able to get some high end used modules, e.g., a Strymon Starlab and a Rossum Electro-Music Morpheus Stereo Morphing Z-Plane Filter, at quite a bit less than retail. For me it won't be a question of software vs. hardware. I plan on integrating the modular rig with my DAW, including software modular plugins such as Native Instruments Blocks and Voltage Modular. In addition to an Arturia Keylab that can interface natively with the modular via CV I've also added MIDI to CV modules, both DIN and USB, so other controllers and the PC can speak with the modular. The setup is somewhat unusual (as far as I can tell) in that I am using rackmount Eurorack chassis (6x3Ux84HP including P/S) installed in standard NEMA equipment racks (2x10U). That has some particular quirks. I'm documenting the build with photos and plan on making a KZbin video on the project to discuss some of the aspects of such a setup. Presently I'm just mounting the modules as they arrive. The real challenge will be to rearrange them in some logical manner once they are all in hand. My first two tracks, with a brief description of the setups using a few of the modules, are freely available at: Audius.co/synoptic

[@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE]

Awesome! Please sharing the link whenever! Looking forward to your progress! Yeah, it doesn't have to be software vs hardware and in reality we're all going back and forth on it.

[@markbooth]

Totally with you on the “blah” and disconnectedness when working with software. There’s something different when working with hardware and my thought process is totally different and more to the point. VCV rack has been great for teaching my dad how to get interested in what I do, but I struggle to connect with it. Works great to demo a potential new module and even wire it in through ES9 but me and VCV just don’t get on. I’m an 80s child!

[@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE]

Is that the general sentiment around VCV? I'm feel a bit isolated so I don't know how people actually feel about VCV rack. I tried to give it an honest go and it's cool but it's got its issues as I've laid them out. Is that the word on the street?

[@CatFish107]

Some notable differences are that you won't get a change in tuning over time in vcv, so zero drift, and no natural detune. If you want a bit of drift or wobble, you have to apply it yourself. I can use multiple delay modules for free in vcv, but at some relatively small number of them, computer will say no more, not processing anything. In hardware, as many delays as I can afford to put in my rack will work. The real deal doesn't decide to stop functioning because I've fed 6 other delays into it. My bank account does though. Don't have to consider power demands, bus space, rack space, the use of multiples, viltage droop and the need for a buffered mult. Just don't need to think about that in vcv.

[@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE]

Well said. I find that the drifting and slight off tuning is what makes analog interesting to the ear. With digital devices, you have to overtly introduce it, which can totally work. Actually, this is one of the reasons I think Turntables are so much more "interesting" to the ear than digital. The tiniest natural variance is what keeps the ear perked. With digital playback, unless it's done in a musical way, by introducing analog circuitry, you do NOT want timing or clock variance because it would sound unnatural and harsh. Anyway, thank you for sharing your perspective!

[@ChristianBoragine]

i started with vcv rack a couple of years ago, never looked back. The only downside for me is the process of linking my midi controllers to the vcv patch.

[@codex7047]

nice video :)

[@dangala6915]

The second you mentioned sound quality was a dealbreaker for me. But that night mode looks real pretty.

[@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE]

Well to be fair I think you can get the sound you want out of the vcv rack. To me vcv rack is less forgiving so it takes more work? But yeah just something about a pure “sine wave” coming out of vcv rack (out of uad Apollo no less) versus say my hardware plaits (also digital mind you) the hardware plaits just sound more pleasant. Also, my wrist hurts from the mouse clicking, which is not a small issue. :) thanks for stopping by

[@rampageExtremeGamer]

I mostly use VCV for clock and sequencing through an ES-3. It's a big part of my process. You can set up midi controllers for hands-on too.

[@andewprod]

Hey! I have somewhat of a love hate relationship with VCV. When i first got interested in modular this was a huge source of inspiration but also for learning how modular works and more inportantly, which modules to get for the real thing. Also, for travelling It is perfect! (I travel a lot). But when i then got into hardware modular I really saw why so many people crave analog / hardware. Its just not comparable, you kindof create a connection to your hardware that is really hard to replicate in the vcv. For instance, i have a certain number of envelopes in my case. I know each and every one and which purpuses its good for. F ex, i have the clone of the system 100m envelopes which just sound so round and smooth! I have other envelopes like the ataxia module, where you know the envelopes are indeed digital but very flexible, they find its place in the system. Once im out of envelopes i cant just add another one out of the blue, i need to get creative and, say, use a slew as an envelope, or a saw LFO. You dont have that with vcv, the modules just fullfill their purpose and you mostly leave It there. You dont really get that connection and satisfaction when exploring a certain module because you have 30 other modules that do the same job and you can add as many as your computer can handle. Talking about that. Vcv crashes a lot on me. I used It on 3 different computers but still, It crashes so much! When i realised that that just kills my workflow and creativity I stopped using vcv, sadly. Some people have a hybrid setup, like omri cohen but thats a very specific workflow that requieres you to use the mouse in the end. If thats for you depends on you ofc. I could talk hours about that topic but ill leave It there. In short: good for beginners / testing the waters / getting some modular sounds. Lacks personality, crashes a lot, is not satisfying, lots of clicking and reading tiny texts. Greets.

[@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE]

I didn’t even think about the crashing issue. That would be awful! Much appreciate insights for sure! Well summarized too!

[@andyread5363]

I have a smallish skiff which includes Expert Sleepers ES3 which has 8 inputs from my audio interface. I then use VST modular plugins for mostly adding modulation, sequencing etc. Analogue oscillators, vca, vcf controlled by digital moderators. The only addition is a Turing machine. Means I save money and dont end up with a massive rig.

[@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE]

That sounds slick! Thanks for sharing!

[@treschlet]

Personally, I don't care if something sounds "authentic" so much as if it sounds interesting. Now, I think analog does sound interesting, so putting in the work to emulate an analog circuit often helps a software instrument sound more interesting, because it's a more dynamic "emergent" algorithm. But... it doesn't have to sound perfectly, exactly the same. As long as it's awesome and engaging, then heck yeah!

[@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE]

I hear ya. My concern would be if the product is marketed in software emulation as “x” but it doesn’t sound anything like it. Now this is a hard thing because this can be subjective along with a host of comparison challenges that can be time consuming, including just having the hardware version to compare it too, especially if it’s expensive or difficult to get a hold of.

[@OlafFinkbeiner]

agree on computer fatigue! And real analogue saturation is key for me (elektron-analog heat) when working with any VST, not sure if i can even hear the difference but i feel it...

[@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE]

I have to add color otherwise it doesn’t feel like it’s my own! Thanks for your thoughts!!

[@localhost4460]

I think "hardware" takes all the design effort and though that goes into "software"... + 1 year extra effort and refinement. I think hardware is a better filter of excellence ultimately.

[@Rockky67]

I now have a hybrid setup, I think that's a good compromise if you don't ever plan to gig. Originally I just had VCV Rack and I too wasn't overly impressed with the simulated analogue oscillator sounds even though the digital ones were awesome - e.g. the emulated MI Rings - but there is a lot of 'piping' that does not need to be analogue at all such as things that generate random sequences of stepped note voltages or logic gates so I built a eurorack setup with a couple of Expert Sleepers modules and I can now move CV and audio between VCV Rack and my hardware. My rack hardware is mainly pure analogue modules like VCOs, VCFs, VCAs to get the full fat sound and slop and I can use VCV (or the DAW it sits in) to supply effects or handle things like sidechaining that are a major ball-ache to pull off in pure hardware. Turing machines, heaps of randomness from out there sequencers, crazy logic, can get all that from VCV. If I want hands on control of the VCV Rack based elements then I can map them to MIDI controllers. Nothing's perfect, but this approach seems to be a good one for me to get a great variety of modules to play with without selling body parts to pay for them.

[@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE]

Great in depth insight! Love hearing this and the passion! Thanks for writing in!

[@7177YT]

Lots of disparaging comments about vcv. I think it's obviously a close cousin to modular but it's it's own thing aesthetics and workflow wise. I'm a recovering vcv addict (and boy it is addictive) who went into hardware to get away from the computer. (: watch Omri Cohens work if you want to know how versatile and superb sounding patches one may achieve on the system.

[@InFamousProductions]

great review. just curious how does it integrate with a DAW like Logic Pro

[@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE]

Thanks for stopping by! This video is getting a bit dated but I believe you can just instantiate VCV rack as a VST instrument? I think it's a paid upgrade tier though?

[@screenslaveuk5308]

@@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE Yes the VST version is a paid version, but you can export MIDI from the free version of VCV Rack to your DAW easily enough - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWOzZIeCoMygi80

[@Matthewsavant]

I’ve never seen anyone refer to VCV rack as a possible gimmick, literally everyone loves it

[@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE]

Thanks for the feedback! Don't get me wrong, I like VCV Rack and I've used it to workout some patch ideas. But it doesn't feel or sound quite like the hardware Eurorack, especially the tactile interaction that's missing from VCV Rack. The "gimmicky" aspect of VCV Rack, in my humble opinion, mostly comes from visually copying the hardware UI of modules, which often is an agonizing result of physical and component compromises. Software doesn't have those limitations, so why copy it? Again, both great products and I adore VCV Rack. But I sense a bit of an opportunistic market grab, much like so many software plugins with graphics that look like the hardware version, but in reality they don't really sound anything alike.

[@chitlun]

Can we take a moment to appreciate that VCV Rack is free, with over 1000 free modules, many of which are ports from hardware. The only cost is the VST version or the paid modules… Of course it’s not going to sound as good as hardware and you can’t beat being hands on with a piece of kit but the average person getting into this shit for the first time doesn’t have the money to splash out on a modular set up. Also, hardware is an absolute minefield and you have to take into consideration all the disparity between different voltage standards etc… None of this is a worry in VCV but some form of midi controller is essential for performance with it! I’ve personally never had any issues with it sounding thin and I use it alongside a couple of Moogs.

[@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE]

That’s a fair assessment. Appreciate the feedback!

[@cryptout]

Yes VCV is great to try before buy modules, learning new things and also for quick sound design. But it never inspires me on the same level as my Eurorack does.

[@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE]

Yes. While I LOVE VCV RACK, it's more like a plugin. So it's good for just learning how synths work in general. But they are totally different products. Just because it looks like in on a computer screen doesn't make it the same. It's an illusion. I'll also be clear in saying that VCV Rack vs the Hardware Module, one is NOT better than the other. It's just different with pros and cons. So ultimately, in order to get that specific experience, you have to try those respective products and make up your own mind. :)

[@binarysun_]

I am a hardware guy myself. Or least I have been a hardware guy for like 30 years. I have always vowed for hardware and against software. But I am not so sure anymore lately. I have a huge modular rack that has thousands of $$$ worth of modules inside and I am still looking at modules all the time that I really want to use but I really don't like to shell out hundreds or thousands of bucks just to use them maybe once. I have loads of hardware synths at home some not even produced anymore and worth thousands but I hardly use them anymore except for a very few. Nowadays emulations are good enough to sound awesome and let's be honest nobody cares if the music you are making was produced using a piece of vintage gear or and old rusty bucket found on a dump. So using special hardware is something that only we musicians value. Which is worth a lot of course because it drives our passion for the topic. For myself I have seen a decline in me using real hardware more and more over the years because I am just way faster staying in the box and I feel that my music benefits from that because I can just load a vst and get an idea out before it's gone again. I can take my music with me and work in any hotel room around the world or just my couch if I feel like it. The often labeled creative limitation of things like non-recallable patches has always felt like a burden to me. Especially if I want to get some complicated routing going between multiple devices and audio to and from a computer. I never got any more creative but frustrated. Especially if I then have to patch for hours, debug, redo and in the process loose what I wanted to do in the first place. For me it feels more and more crushing to have a room filled with devices, literally tons of cables and in the end just liabilities. Also I often bought hardware because I might need it for something but never did. Lots of HW looks awesome sure. Everyone is in awe looking at my studio. But it's also just a huge amount of devices to take care of compared to what they really do just ever so slightly better than modern software in the end. I am more and more unsure if I want that liability anymore.

[@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE]

I think I had to come to grips with hardware and make peace with it. Which is to say, software for productivity and hardware for inspiration. :)

[@LillySchwartz]

Personally I’m not a fan of virtual cables and twisting virtual knobs is unsatisfying. Which means that I use miRack - the iPad version of VCV rack - more as a set and forget patch that has everything modulated automatically. I build the patch, then close the miRack window and just let it do its thing. And that’s not how I play my hardware system at all, I like twisting those knobs and I actually find patching fun with real cables. In the software it’s a faff, but I often just think, hmmm, could use a bit of clouds or some complex modulation that would be way harder to do without some kind of modular system. And since I have to think about modulation way more upfront, patches become quite complex quickly. Basically, I use it very differently and don’t like it as much, but I use it quite often anyway.

[@kaeptn]

which screen bar light is that on your screen/monitor?

[@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE]

I believe it's the BENQ one. Other cheaper ones are quite flimsy and don't have a dial control so it's a pain to turn on and off. :)

[@pauldavisthefirst]

Rack is not an emulator. There are some modules that are emulations of hardware, but there are many modules that are their own thing entirely. This notion that the software is "emulating" "real" eurorack hardware is something I find a strange way to think about it. It's a software tool that stands on its own, not as an emulation. You don't have to like it, of course, but criticise for what it is, not what it isn't.

[@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE]

Thanks for the feedback. That’s a fair assessment. Some are emulations but others are entirely original.

[@codex7047]

It literally says euro rack emulation on their website though? Are you ok?

[@emdotambient]

I look at the Eurorack market and just get totally confused. Way too much stuff to make logical decisions on what to buy for what I'd want to do (even knowing what I'd like to do in modular is an unknown right now!). I feel like trying to put together my first system would either end up being a bunch of random/expensive trial-and-error purchases, or I'd just buy a whole line of bread & butter modules from one manufacturer (which is fine, and functional, but not particularly exciting, and wouldn't be all that instructive since I'm very familiar with the old VCO/VCF/VCA/EG/Sequencer thing). So, my question would be, is VCV Rack a good tool to use to find what I'd like to purchase in hardware from various manufacturers without going on a 20-year cycle of buying/trying/selling/repeating?

[@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE]

Ugh! I feel your pain sir! And Thanks for writing in! The short answer is VCV is not quite like the hardware experience IMHO. And it’s not even about the “sound” Even if say VcV rack can sound superior, (which I don’t think is) there’s something about the knobs. It’s kind like Faders on old consoles? But I think there are great resources now from people who have some good best buying practices. Feel free to check out this one I did recently and let me know your thoughts! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJ-Qp6xrqL6Jodk

[@emdotambient]

@@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE Thanks for the suggestion. Yes, the whole reason to go hardware is for the haptic interface: that direct and intimate connection between musician and instrument. I was thinking of checking out VCV more for determining the functionality of modules, not for judging sound quality. There are so many complex modules out there and even when watching well-done videos it's super hard to determine if their features/quirks would inspire creativity without using them. Great content, btw!

[@tell-it-like-it-is8305]

Maybe a touchscreen?

[@jphwacheski]

sure hardware is nice,. sometimes... it is also expensive, big, heavy, brakes down, cant find that cable, or the specific psu that one synth will only take,. it is limiting and hardware just don't have the ability to save any setup! Rack make it easy to build a multitude of modular synth patches and play them in real time, loading that patch again later, as needed. Note; there are many ways to add saturation in Rack,. if your patch lacks saturation that's on you as the synthesist.

[@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE]

Fair enough! Thanks for your thoughts!

[@andewprod]

I dont really agree totally. About the sound.. i have a almost completly analog modular case and compared, vcv really doesnt reach that pure, satisfying, smooth sound. I do feedback patches a lot and vcv just gets to its limits since everything is 1 and 0s. Sure, you could add every now and than a saturation module in the chain but for me the fun thing is to saturate my vca by just adding volume. Can you get good sounds out of It? Ofcourse but its not a replacement for analog imo. Vcv lacks caracter since you have all the modules you could ever wish for in Eurorack. In 90% of cases one adds modules for its main purpose, say an LFO. But for me its more fun to work with what i have and repurpose modules because of said restrictions. But there everyone has his opinion. Vcv crashes a lot if you want to make big patches which instantly kills creativity for me. Thats probably why i didnt use It for a long time now, its just so frustrating having to press ctrl+s constantly and knowing that It could crash anytime. The rest was already spoken about in the video. Maybe you didnt see that side of the topic. Greetings, andew. Then,

[@jphwacheski]

@@andewprod these are tired old arguments from the long lost analog vs digital wars,. they where silly then and even more so now. You do realize that more than half of the most popular Eurorack modules on ModularGrid are DIGITAL? Claiming 1s and 0s have some difficulty doing feedback or "really doesnt reach that pure, satisfying, smooth sound." is just funny. However the "Vcv crashes a lot if you want to make big patches", is just misinformation bro.

[@andewprod]

@@jphwacheski well then something must be wrong with every computer I had, it crashed regularely on anything i used it on. About the digital thing, 90% of modules I have at least are analog and thats why I got into euro in the first place. I see you are pretty protective about VCV and I get that, its a great software but you cant just say that VCV could replace hardware, just because some modules some people use have a digital core (but still have analog components for the inputs and outputs). If we talk about digital hardware modules, we talk about wavetable VCOs, multi FX modules, quantizers, sequencers.. these are important and useful but you wouldnt get a digital VCA, or a digital filter. I have some digital modules aswell and they are good for what they are made for, for instance the "expert sleepers disting" which has like 100 algorythms and can be used for anything you want. But using it mostly is a pain and I once I have the settings I want I dont touch it again, its just not inviting. As I said, you can get beautiful sounds out of VCV and if it fits your workflow go for it but the joy of hardware patching cant really be replicated, neigher the necessity to think around corners because you cant just add another envelope from the menu. About the "digital vs analog" thing, its not silly when we are _comparing_ vcv and modular, obviously you have to take in account that there are differences, they cant be denied. If that means that you need analog is another question (you dont) but just saying that it doesnt matter just isnt true. Look, I really dont want to have an argument with someone online. I look at VCV from the experience I had with it (believe me i used it so much!) and compare it to the hardware I have and thats what the video also does. There are pros and cons to every side but just because you are protective of VCV, the cons or the differences to hardware just dont disapper.

[@jphwacheski]

​@@andewprod cool story bro. previous comment stands.

[@Algoritmarte]

"Software is an approximation ..." but as soon as you stop thinking about the "model", software becomes (or could become) a different thing and a different "original" instrument. Think - for example - to the history of drum machines, born as a cheap "emulation" of a real drummer and suddenly became instruments!

[@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE]

Great insight! And I will agree the vcv is becoming for me it’s own thing and it’s own expressive instrument. I think the “savvy” marketing of making it kinda look like the hardware trips peoples expectations? Maybe a future vcv looks a bit more streamlined? After all drum machines don’t look like drums. Again thanks for your insights!

[@djperryboy]

You are completely wrong! Software can do far more than hardware as hardware is only limited to the controller. Just get the software and the controller for a fraction of the price instead of a complete hardware product and you save both space and the environment. You can use the same controller for all software products of the same type (synth, drumpad etc). And if you think that they will use a different sound in the hardware than the software, then you are completely wrong again! It's exactly the same quality. Unless there is another company making it of course, that is, when it is called an emulation. Because it is not the same product, just a replica.

[@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE]

Appreciate your perspective! We can agree to disagree. :)

[@mosesve1]

After 3 minutes into a 9 minute video I stopped... See, I own two distressors but can't get this even bigger one... that's not a "Hard Look at VCV" - that's a clickbaity joke.

[@DUNGEONMUSICTHEATRE]

Appreciate the feedback. The editing got the best of me. Wanted to use software plugin emulation as an example but I agree it was too long.