# Cardinal

> virtual modular synthesizer

**Wikidata**: [Q130342385](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q130342385)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cardinal

## Summary
Cardinal is a free, open-source virtual modular synthesizer that runs on Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows, and FreeBSD. It is a spin-off from VCV Rack and is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Virtual modular synthesizer
- **License**: GNU General Public License, version 3.0
- **Operating Systems**: Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows, FreeBSD
- **Latest Stable Version**: 22.12 (released on 2022-12-19)
- **Website**: [https://cardinal.kx.studio/](https://cardinal.kx.studio/)
- **Source Code**: Available on [GitHub](https://github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal)
- **Separated From**: VCV Rack
- **Copyright Status**: Copyrighted

## FAQs
### Q: What is Cardinal, and how is it different from VCV Rack?
A: Cardinal is a free, open-source virtual modular synthesizer that was separated from VCV Rack. It retains the modular synthesis capabilities of VCV Rack while being distributed under a free software license.

### Q: On which operating systems can Cardinal run?
A: Cardinal runs on Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows, and FreeBSD.

### Q: Is Cardinal free to use?
A: Yes, Cardinal is free software distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0, allowing users to freely run, study, change, and distribute it.

### Q: What is the latest stable version of Cardinal?
A: The latest stable version is 22.12, released on December 19, 2022.

### Q: Where can I download Cardinal?
A: You can download Cardinal from its [GitHub repository](https://github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal).

## Why It Matters
Cardinal is significant in the world of digital audio workstations (DAWs) and modular synthesizers as it provides a free, open-source alternative to proprietary virtual modular synthesizers. Its separation from VCV Rack allows it to be distributed under a free software license, making it accessible to a wider audience. By being compatible with multiple operating systems, including Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows, and FreeBSD, Cardinal ensures broad usability. Its modular synthesis capabilities and active development make it a valuable tool for musicians and audio engineers who seek flexibility and customization in their sound design.

## Notable For
- **Free Software**: Cardinal is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0, allowing users to freely run, study, change, and distribute it.
- **Cross-Platform Compatibility**: It runs on Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows, and FreeBSD, ensuring broad usability.
- **Modular Synthesis**: Cardinal retains the modular synthesis capabilities of VCV Rack, providing users with a flexible and customizable sound design environment.
- **Active Development**: The project has seen multiple stable releases in 2022, indicating ongoing development and maintenance.
- **Spin-Off from VCV Rack**: Its separation from VCV Rack allows it to be distributed under a free software license, making it accessible to a wider audience.

## Body
### Overview
Cardinal is a virtual modular synthesizer that was separated from VCV Rack. It is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0, making it free software. The synthesizer is compatible with multiple operating systems, including Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows, and FreeBSD.

### Development and Releases
Cardinal has seen multiple stable releases in 2022, with the latest stable version being 22.12, released on December 19, 2022. The project has been actively developed, with regular updates and improvements.

### Compatibility and Usability
Cardinal is designed to be compatible with multiple operating systems, ensuring broad usability. Its modular synthesis capabilities allow users to create and customize sounds in a flexible and dynamic environment.

### License and Distribution
Cardinal is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0, which allows users to freely run, study, change, and distribute the software. This license ensures that Cardinal remains accessible and open-source.

### Source Code and Community
The source code for Cardinal is available on GitHub, where users can contribute to its development and report issues. The project benefits from an active community of developers and users who help shape its future.

```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "SoftwareApplication",
  "name": "Cardinal",
  "description": "Virtual modular synthesizer distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0",
  "url": "https://cardinal.kx.studio/",
  "operatingSystem": ["Linux", "macOS", "Microsoft Windows", "FreeBSD"],
  "applicationCategory": "SoftwareSynthesizer",
  "license": "https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.en.html",
  "codeRepository": "https://github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal",
  "softwareVersion": "22.12",
  "datePublished": "2022-12-19"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal/blob/main/LICENSE)
2. [Source](https://github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal)
3. [Release 22.02. 2022](https://github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal/releases/tag/22.02)
4. [Release 22.03. 2022](https://github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal/releases/tag/22.03)
5. [Release 22.04. 2022](https://github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal/releases/tag/22.04)
6. [Release 22.05. 2022](https://github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal/releases/tag/22.05)
7. [Release 22.06. 2022](https://github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal/releases/tag/22.06)
8. [Release 22.07. 2022](https://github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal/releases/tag/22.07)
9. [Release 22.09. 2022](https://github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal/releases/tag/22.09)
10. [Release 22.10. 2022](https://github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal/releases/tag/22.10)
11. [Release 22.11. 2022](https://github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal/releases/tag/22.11)
12. [Release 22.12. 2022](https://github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal/releases/tag/22.12)
13. [Release 23.02. 2023](https://github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal/releases/tag/23.02)
14. [Release 23.07. 2023](https://github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal/releases/tag/23.07)
15. [Release 23.09. 2023](https://github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal/releases/tag/23.09)
16. [Release 23.10. 2023](https://github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal/releases/tag/23.10)
17. [Release 24.04. 2024](https://github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal/releases/tag/24.04)
18. [Release 24.05. 2024](https://github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal/releases/tag/24.05)
19. [Release 24.09. 2024](https://github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal/releases/tag/24.09)
20. [Release 24.12. 2024](https://github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal/releases/tag/24.12)
21. [Release 25.06. 2025](https://github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal/releases/tag/25.06)
22. [Release 26.01. 2026](https://github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal/releases/tag/26.01)
23. [Release 26.02. 2026](https://github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal/releases/tag/26.02)