Virtue VCV Rack Plugin
MIDI Controller Hardware Interface Modules for VCV Rack
Virtue VCV Rack Modules | Module Usage | vMIDI™ Protocol
Virtue Control modules have companion modules available in VCV Rack that allow seamless control of your VCV Rack patches with hands-on hardware controls. Virtue Control modules are professional controllers perfect for use in the studio or on stage. Map controls directly to any parameter within VCV Rack. The virtual modules even retain all MIDI settings without the physical hardware present so you can edit your patch on the road. When you plug in your hardware it will be automatically mapped correctly.
In addition to the companion modules, you can subscribe on VCV Rack to our Kilpatrick-Toolbox plugin that contains other MIDI modules you can use with Virtue modules. You can build complex MIDI control setups for software or hardware instruments. Merge, filter, route and transform MIDI messages to create the performance controls you need. You can even filter and route MIDI to and from other MIDI devices to create sophisticated setups.
VCV Rack Virtue Modules
- Twister - Four Knob Controller
- Smasher - Sixteen Button Controller
- Slider - Four Sliders with Eight Button Controller
- Spinner - Engless Rotary Encoder with Four Presets
- Twister Expander - CV and MIDI Expander for Twister
- Smasher Expander - CV and MIDI Expander for Smasher
- Slider Expander - CV and MIDI Expander for Slider
- Spinner Expander - CV and MIDI Expander for Spinner
Availability
As of Rack version 2 we offer this plugin for free to encourage purchase of our hardware modules.
Twister
Four Knob Controller - 6HP
Hardware companion module for Twister it offers four control knobs. Twister is the simplest of the Virtue control modules. Map continuous parameters to any of the four knobs for remote control of any aspect of your patch.
Features
- Four rugged controls with stylish knobs
- Map controls to any parameter within VCV Rack
- Clicking on the module will blink the USB LED on the physical hardware
- Persistent MIDI integration remembers hardware even when disconnected
- Expanders available allow for additional functionality
Smasher
Sixteen Button Controller - 14HP
Hardware companion module for Smasher Offering sixteen knobs with great look and feel, Smasher is a one-stop shop for everything switch and button related. Buttons can be mapped to any parameter within VCV Rack. Each button can be set to a momentary or latching function to best match the behaviour of the target control.
Features
- Sixteen stylish buttons
- Map controls to any parameter within VCV Rack
- Clicking on the module will blink the USB LED on the physical hardware
- Persistent MIDI integration remembers hardware even when disconnected
- Expanders available allow for additional functionality
Slider
Four Sliders with Eight Button Controller - 16HP
Hardware companion module for Slider Get really hands on and visual with Slider. Great for mixers, envelopes or effect controls the Slider module offers four 45mm sliders and eight buttons. Buttons can be set to momentary or latching modes depending on the the target control.
Features
- Four stylish sliders and eight buttons
- Map controls to any parameter within VCV Rack
- Clicking on the module will blink the USB LED on the physical hardware
- Persistent MIDI integration remembers hardware even when disconnected
- Expanders available allow for additional functionality
Spinner
Endless Rotary Encoder with Four Presets - 8HP
Hardware companion module for Spinner Sometimes you just need fine tuned control over parameters like frequencies and stepped controls and Spinner is the answer to your problems! Spinner can adjust four different parameters which are selected with four dedicated buttons. The endless encoder allows tuning of each parameter. A set of speed buttons allows fine or coarse control of the parameter while being held so you can dial it in.
Features
- Endless rotary encoder with fine and coarse tuning modes and four parameters
- Map controls to any parameter within VCV Rack
- Clicking on the module will blink the USB LED on the physical hardware
- Persistent MIDI integration remembers hardware even when disconnected
- Expanders available allow for additional functionality
Twister Expander
CV and MIDI Expander for Twister - 4HP
Twister Expander offers CV outputs directly from the Twister module. You can choose the voltage range for the four outputs. In addition to CV outputs the module also include Kilpatrick Audio's own vMIDI™ protocol for patchable MIDI interfaces for creating complex MIDI setups.
To use this module place it to the RIGHT of the Twister module.
Features
- Four CV outputs corresponding to the four rotary controls on the Twister module
- Range switch offers three different voltage ranges for CV output
- MIDI output sends vMIDI™ patchable MIDI for use with included modules
Smasher Expander
CV and MIDI Expander for Smasher - 8HP
Smasher Expander offers CV outputs directly from the Smasher module. It will make +10V outputs when the button is pressed or latched, and 0V otherwise. In addition to CV outputs the module also include Kilpatrick Audio's own vMIDI™ protocol for patchable MIDI interfaces for creating complex MIDI setups.
To use this module place it to the RIGHT of Smasher module.
Features
- Sixteen CV outputs corresponding to the buttons on the Smasher module
- Output voltage: +10V (pressed or latched), 0V otherwise
- MIDI output sends vMIDI™ patchable MIDI for use with included modules
Slider Expander
CV and MIDI Expander for Slider - 8HP
Slider Expander offers CV outputs directly from the Slider module. You can choose the voltage range for the slider outputs. The button outputs will make +10V outputs when the button is pressed or latched, and 0V otherwise. In addition to CV outputs the module also include Kilpatrick Audio's own vMIDI™ protocol for patchable MIDI interfaces for creating complex MIDI setups.
To use this module place it to the RIGHT of the Slider module.
Features
- Four CV outputs corresponding to the four sliders on the Slider module
- Range switch offers three different voltage ranges for CV output
- Eight CV outputs corresponding to the buttons on the module
- Button output voltage: +10V (pressed or latched), 0V otherwise
- MIDI output sends vMIDI™ patchable MIDI for use with included modules
Spinner Expander
CV and MIDI Expander for Spinner - 4HP
Spinner Expander offers CV outputs directly from the Spinner module. You can choose the voltage range for the CV outputs. In addition to CV outputs the module also include Kilpatrick Audio's own vMIDI™ protocol for patchable MIDI interfaces for creating complex MIDI setups.
To use this module place it to the RIGHT of the Spinner module.
Features
- Four CV outputs corresponding to the four spinner channels
- Range switch offers three different voltage ranges for CV output
- MIDI output sends vMIDI™ patchable MIDI for use with included modules
Virtue Controller Module Usage
The Virtue modules are software versions of hardware modules available from Kilpatrick Audio. Modules are used by either mapping controls to specific parameters in your patch, or by using the expander modules to create CV signals which you can use to control your patch. In addition to parameter mapping and CV, these modules also support the vMIDI™ patchable MIDI standard developed by Kilpatrick Audio.
Parameter Mapping
To map a parameter hold down the M key on your keyboard and click the control on the Virtue module that you wish to map. A cyan dot indicates that the control is ready for mapping. Then click on the control elsewhere in your patch that you wish to map to. The connection will be made and the parameter name will be displayed below the control if it has a label area. Parameter mappings are stored in the patch.
Latch Mode for Buttons
Buttons can be set work in momentary or latching mode. By default all buttons operate in momentary mode. If you wish to control a parameter like a switch it might be necessary to use latching mode. To toggle latching mode on or off hold down the L key on your keyboard and click the button. When in latch mode a red circle will surround the button.
MIDI Settings
To connect a Virtue VCV Rack module with your physical hardware right click on the module. First select the MIDI driver you wish to use in your system. Then right click again and select the device. Only the device type supported will be displayed in the list. For instance, in the Twister module only Twister MIDI devices are shown. If you do not see your device listed check your computer MIDI settings. MIDI settings are stored in the patch and are retained even if the device is not connected.
vMIDI™ Patchable MIDI Implementation Guide for Developers
As part of the Virtue Controller series, Kilpatrick Audio developed the vMIDI™ protocol of patchable MIDI inside VCV Rack. This uses the existing CV cable infrastructure but encodes MIDI messages in place of voltages. Other developers are encouraged to use vMIDI™ in their own plugins for maximum intercompatibility.
Full vMIDI™ specifications for developers can be found here.