Connect effects with virtual cables. Build serial chains, parallel branches and sidechain routes, or process a WAV through your own setup. Use RACK on its own or inside a VST3 DAW.
A modular host for live audio and WAV processing, with file browsers built in.
Host input/output buses, compatible VST3 and CLAP audio buses, and module-to-module cables.
Controls
How to use it
Add modules, choose files with Browse and connect the ports. For standalone use, select one audio interface and start audio. Use Save patch to keep your setup.
Serial and parallel routing, separate sidechains, module parameters, file and folder browsers, project Open/Save dialogs and synchronized built-in WAV playback/recording.
Before you start
Windows x64. Standalone WASAPI with one interface, or a VST3 plugin using the DAW’s device and clock. Compatible plugins only; no universal host or zero-latency promise.
Wire the rack your way.
Switch to Cables to connect real module inputs and outputs. Audio paths and purple Sync/event links remain separate. Drag module headers to arrange your patch; use channel mapping tools when widths differ.
Wire the rack your way.
Actual NORMSONIC RACK Cables view during WAV playback and recording. The meters show the processed file signal.
Independent VST3 tools
Your setup, module by module
Use each utility in RACK or download it separately for a compatible VST3 host. The DAW decides which input and output buses it exposes.
Player and Recorder have Browse controls on their RACK front panels and in their settings. Windows opens a file browser so you can choose a source WAV or a new recording destination. The current configured location seeds the browser when available; Cancel leaves that choice unchanged.
Use VST3 / CLAP to load an installed third-party plugin. For VST3, choose its .vst3 file or .vst3 bundle folder; for CLAP, choose its .clap file. File and folder selection are separate choices. After loading, connect the plugin audio ports with virtual cables.
Open and save a patch.
Open patch and Save patch use Windows file dialogs for .nsrack projects. Start from the current project location when available, choose the destination and confirm. Cancel keeps the current project. Stop recording before opening another patch; an existing recording is protected and new takes use a new destination instead of overwriting it.
A selected output path is preparation, not a recording. Arm Recorder, then start it manually or through Player Sync. Check REC and the elapsed time, and wait for WAV SAVED after the effect tail and disk writes finish.
See the signal. Confirm the recording.
The L/R input display shows peak and RMS levels whenever the host processes audio, including when the recorder is disarmed. The clipping indicator also checks additional input channels and holds for two seconds after a sample reaches 0 dBFS. Stopping the audio engine clears the meters. Input activity shows signal, not recording.
A separate REC light confirms active recording; the time counter follows accepted audio frames. Armed/ready is waiting, TAIL continues recording the effect tail, FINALIZING finishes queued disk writes and WAV SAVED / finalized means the file has closed. Check error and dropped-frame notices before trusting a take.
Practical answers
Why can I not see all 64 buses in my DAW?
VST3 hosts expose and activate auxiliary buses differently. Enable the plugin’s extra inputs and outputs in your DAW. If your host supports only a stereo insert, use the main pair or run the full graph in RACK.
Do INPUT and OUTPUT open a second audio device?
No. In a DAW they work with the audio buses supplied by that DAW. Standalone RACK opens the selected physical interface and its modules address its channels.
Do I need analog summing?
No. Digital summing is the neutral default. Analog-inspired saturation is an optional creative effect, not a requirement for combining signals.
