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Cardinal vs VCV Rack: catalog facts
Cardinal	VCV Rack
Free Free and open source.	Freemium Rack 2 is free; VCV+ and some modules are paid.
Windows, macOS, Linux, Web	Windows, macOS, Linux
1382 built-in modules with nothing extra to install Works as AU, CLAP, LV2, VST2 and VST3 plugin or standalone	Large library of free and paid modules Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux
Cannot load external Rack modules Modular patching has a learning curve for newcomers	Some modules and features require payment Modular patching has a learning curve
Downloadable app, Web application	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License not stated
No account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 24, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.