Slow, wide, and beautiful: Synths that shine in ambient music

Looking to create lush pads, evolving textures, and immersive soundscapes? These synthesizers – ranging from expressive hybrids to analog and digital engines – are made for ambient music. Explore some inspiring hardware options for spacious, atmospheric sound design.

Ambient music thrives on evolving textures, spatial depth, and expressive modulation. While Eurorack systems offer modular flexibility, many standalone synthesizers provide immersive sound design capabilities that are ideal for ambient compositions.

In this curated list, I've highlighted a selection of synthesizers renowned for their ambient potential, focusing on features like modulation depth, effects, sequencing, and unique sound engines.

Bonus note: It also turned out to be a list of some of my favorite YouTube channels – maybe you'll discover some new ones.

A brief history of Analogue Systems

While Doepfer is often credited with launching Eurorack, Analogue Systems, founded by Bob Williams, was right there from the start. In this article, Bob shares his story: from early filter banks to iconic modules, keyboards, and the legacy of a parallel modular path.

Jun 19, 2025

by Chris Meyer

The synthesizer – an introduction (Part 2)

In this second part of our synthesizer introduction, we explore how core building blocks, such as VCOs, filters, envelopes, and modulation, work – using classic instruments like the Jupiter-8, Alesis Andromeda, Crumar DS2, and Moog Sonic Six to illustrate key concepts.

Jun 18, 2025

by p&t

Articles Modular

Multiples 2: The science behind buffered mults – and what they don't fix

Think buffered mults fix everything? Think again. This follow-up dives into what they don’t solve – like poor tracking in oscillators and controllers – and unpacks the real science behind impedance, detuning, and why even one VCO connection can throw off your tuning.

Jun 17, 2025