Alternatives to Carla
A modular audio plugin host that loads LV2, VST2, VST3, AU, LADSPA and DSSI plugins. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
Carla
A modular audio plugin host that loads LV2, VST2, VST3, AU, LADSPA and DSSI plugins.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as Carla.
Plogue Bidule
Connect audio, MIDI and processing components in a modular workspace.
Plogue Bidule is a paid closed-source modular host for audio, MIDI and plug-ins on Windows and macOS, dropping Carla's Linux support and JACK focus.
Also worth comparing
These listings name Carla as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.
qpwgraph
A graphical patchbay for PipeWire that routes audio and MIDI between applications and devices on Linux.
Carla offers a patchbay mode for routing on Linux as well as Windows and macOS, but it is built around JACK and also hosts audio plugins.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
JACK Audio Connection Kit
Connect audio and MIDI applications through an audio server.
VCV Rack
A virtual Eurorack modular synthesizer for Windows, macOS and Linux with a large module library.
Cardinal
Free, self-contained virtual modular synthesizer based on VCV Rack, as a plugin and standalone app.
Ardour
A full digital audio workstation for recording, editing and mixing, with no subscription and no dongle.
REAPER
Full digital audio workstation for multitrack recording, editing, mixing and MIDI.
