Side by side
Vital vs Voltage Modular
Both stand on virtual instruments. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
Vital offers wavetable creation, modulation and sound-shaping tools across three desktop operating systems. The free plan includes full synth features, though text-based wavetable requests have a daily limit unless unlocked by a plan.
Visit Vital Free plan MacWindows
Voltage Modular combines patch building, recording, and expandable modules in standalone and plug-in versions. The free trial and plans provide options for exploring the platform, though the trial includes periodic white noise.
Visit Voltage ModularThe facts
| Vital | Voltage Modular | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows | Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Subscription: $5 a month | Voltage Modular Ignite: $15, paid once |
| Plans published | 4 | 4 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | vital.audio | cherryaudio.com |
| On virtual instruments | #3 of 33 | #7 of 33 |
Vital: what it does well
- Free Basic plan includes full synth features.
- Supports sample conversion, wavetable editing and text generation.
- Includes two routable filters and eight routable effects.
- Supports MPE and microtonal tuning files.
- Available for Linux, macOS and Windows.
What to know first
- Text-to-wavetable is limited to five daily requests without an unlocking plan.
- Requires 64-bit operation and OpenGL 3 or higher.
- Listed system requirements specify newer Windows, macOS and Ubuntu versions.
Voltage Modular: what it does well
- Unlimited cables per jack and patch variations
- Records 32-bit floating-point audio files
- Standalone and multiple plug-in formats
- Free Software and Nucleus plans available
What to know first
- Trial periodically plays white noise
- Activation requires an account and internet connection
- Windows does not list AU or AAX?
Alternatives to Vital Alternatives to Voltage Modular The whole list