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There's also Cardinal, which is essentially VCV Rack but provides free and open source plugins.

Doesn’t really combine those things the GP is talking about.

I have VCV installed but never use it because I have a large modular system - the hardware is just so much more fun.

I'm the opposite. I never use my modular because sequencing and patch storage are so much easier with software.

I don't find plugging things into other things particularly enjoyable. More slow and frustrating.

And I don't feel that using a mouse - or a MIDI slider box - is that much more distancing compared to using a large panel of pots and sliders.