Who doesn’t enjoy a bit of ambient music now and then? In today’s hectic world, finding time to slow down and reconnect with yourself is more important than ever — and ambient music offers a perfect sonic escape.

As someone who’s deeply into both ambient and modular synthesis, I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite Eurorack modules that excel at creating lush textures, evolving soundscapes, and calming atmospheres. Of course, anything can work with the right mindset — these are just some suggested tools to spark inspiration. In future posts we'll look at modulation, sequencing, and controllers suited for ambient music-making.

1. Mutable Instruments Clouds, Beads, and more

The classic. Clouds is a granular texture synthesizer that transforms incoming audio into drifting, shimmering textures. With real-time freeze, pitch shifting, stereo spread, and built-in reverb, it's a legendary choice for ambient soundscapes. It is available in VCV Rack (under the name Audible Instruments) and from other manufacturers, like After Later, since Emilie Gillet open-sourced the code and Mutable Instruments is no longer an active company. Check some versions of Clouds and Beads on Modulargrid

2. Make Noise Morphagene

Inspired by tape music and microsound techniques, Morphagene slices, loops, and morphs audio samples in real time. It's a flexible and expressive granular sampler that thrives in ambient environments. Sample some kalimba, piano, guitar tinkering, or synth pads, combine with a lush reverb or stereo delay, and you're off to dreamland.

3. Happy Nerding FX Aid – in various versions

This stereo multi-effects module offers over 30 high-quality algorithms, including shimmer, reverb, delay, and chorus. Full CV control makes it a flexible tool for ambient sound design. There are different versions/sizes available – check them out on Modulargrid.

4. Verbos Harmonic Oscillator

This analog additive oscillator generates up to eight harmonic partials that can be individually mixed and modulated. Its rich tones and organ-like textures make it perfect for ambient drones and harmonic layering. If you're not into this classic, you might want to check out the new Sawtooth Stack from Verbos here.

5. Befaco Oneiroi

Oneiroi is an all-in-one stereo voice module made for ambient and drone music. It includes a wavetable oscillator, envelope follower, internal delay and reverb, looper, and expressive performance controls. You can even try it out in VCV Rack! (Stay tuned for patch ideas on this one).