3 Reasons Why Hardware Fuels Ambient Exploration

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Ever wondered why hardware is the lifeblood of ambient music creation?
This video explores 3 reasons why synths, tape machines, and effect pedals aren't just tools - they're the spark that ignites truly captivating soundscapes.
Get ready to discover:
- The Magic of Happy Accidents: Learn how the quirks of hardware (think tape degradation or unexpected knob tweaks) can lead to stunning sonic discoveries, just like with William Basinski's "Disintegration Loops." Embrace the unexpected and witness the beauty of errors as hidden intentions.
- Focus and Flow Without Distractions: Ditch the screens! Hardware lets you disconnect from the digital world, fostering a deeper connection with the music itself. Explore the tactile joy of manipulating knobs, buttons, and faders - a creative immersion that's hard to replicate digitally.
- Limitations Breed Innovation: Don't be fooled by limitations! The finite capabilities of analog synths or the track limitations of tape machines force artists to think outside the box. Witness how constraints spark creative problem-solving, leading to groundbreaking soundscapes crafted with cassette loops, manipulated effects, and pure ingenuity.
By the end of this journey, you'll understand why hardware is essential for crafting the ethereal textures and mesmerizing sounds that define ambient music.
If you resonate with my creations, your support means the world to me. Consider leaving a like and subscribing to my channel - every interaction fuels my passion to keep creating. Thank you for joining me on this sonic odyssey!
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BUY THE GEAR I USE (Amazon)
SYNTHS:
Roland Aira S-1: amzn.to/4bowN9L
Behringer JT-4000 Micro: amzn.to/3SbaPQX
Behringer Pro VS Mini: amzn.to/3zvESfm
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Korg Monotron Duo: amzn.to/3L2013x
Korg NTS-1 Digital Synth: amzn.to/4cl4MB5
Korg Volca FM2: amzn.to/3L4dQOR
STUDIO EQUIPMENT:
Best Audio Interface (Audient iD14): amzn.to/3W2cFpv
Best Budget Headphones (Samson SR850): amzn.to/3XDOOxz
Best Headphones (Monolith M1060): amzn.to/4bqEf4e
Pocket Passive Mixer (Little Bear MC5): amzn.to/3xLaKMv
EFFECTS:
Zoom MS-70CDR+: amzn.to/45LUCqP
CABLES & ADAPTERS:
6.35mm (1/4") Cable: amzn.to/3RL4ivK
3.5mm (1/8") Cable: amzn.to/3xENK1W
1/4" Mono to 1/8" Stereo Adapter: amzn.to/3W2lwrf
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Allow me to introduce myself - I'm Electro / Magnetic, the mind behind the ethereal realms of Ambient and Drone Music.
What awaits you on this channel:
- Master the magic of synths: Learn sound design techniques, explore ambient textures, and unlock the potential of your gear - all with clear explanations and actionable tips.
- Unlock the secrets of evolving drones: Craft atmospheric soundscapes that take your listeners on a voyage.
- Jam alongside: Witness the creation process firsthand and glean valuable insights from intimate synth jams with detailed breakdowns.
- Curated sounds for every mood: Discover a collection of ambient compositions ideal for relaxation, focus, or even setting the perfect scene for your adventures.
Whether you're a seasoned ambient producer or just starting your sonic voyage, Electro / Magnetic is your guide to crafting immersive and evocative music.
☕ Do you want to buy me a coffee to show your appreciation?
ko-fi.com/electromagnetic
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#ambient #ambientmusic #ambientdrone #dronemusic #hardwaremusic #synth #tapemachine #efxpedals #brianeno #disintegrationloops #happyaccidents #analogsynth #creativity #experimentation #limitations #musicproduction #electronicmusic #soundscapes #musicgear #audioinspiration #musiccommunity #exploration #technologyandmusic

[@fredholland7525]

I do use digital synths, but the main weakness in recording with them is any changes you make during recording a track changes the entire track to the new changes. A physical synth you change a filter or what ever and it changes in the DAW only when you tweak the sound. It doesn't affect the whole recording, thus giving you the ability to make changes in real time like you would if doing a live show.

[@edwardaverilliii1658]

I always had a hard time explaining why I dumped my DAW for a pile of boxes. Linking this video on my Facebook, to clear it up for the curious! Thanks for this one. :-)

[@ElectroMagnetic_AmbientMusic]

Thank you! Glad it's useful 😊

[@stuartchapman5171]

I started out making aural collages using a dictaphone, cassette deck, turntable, radios, a monoton delay, cheapest chorus and distortion. I used a battered old 6 channel dj mixer. I was embarrassed at first, doing my first gigs, I soon realised people still loved old lo fi tape as much as me and there's a lot that hasn't changed since Musique Concrete. I still use Audacity, which is very much like the Radiophonic workshop, in a DAW format, the editing, oscillators, basic fx, albeit really quick to use. It's all I've ever used, less time on learning curves, more time in the studio being creative (diving around). Although I've got much more gear now, it's just variations of the same stuff. Not even an analogue mono synth.

[@ElectroMagnetic_AmbientMusic]

Your approach seems so creative and fun. This genuine semplicity and will to experiment is what attracted me towards ambient music in the first place. Cheers!

[@jjbing3]

Great video. I recently started buying some hardware instead of using my iPad. I have dang near every synth app on there but I have so much more fun with the S1, T8, and J6.

[@rayderrich]

Personally I do not like limitations, but touching hardware knobs and faders and cables definitely gets me into a music making flow way more than using keyboard and mouse. I love your voice, your accent and your thoughts, please keep on making inspiring videos.

[@ElectroMagnetic_AmbientMusic]

Thank you so much for the kind feedback. I'll try to keep on!

[@GOLDENCORE78]

I create music with Reasons software for years and years. I were never happy about the results of countless hours of working on sounds. Than I start to use great limitations like a Danelectro or Dark Energy semi modular with live reverb and delay and the magic arrived. I love real sound, and than maybe you can filter with some plug in. It's my work flow, and still working

[@romanonardelli-drummerforfun]

Thanks for this video👍

[@liamg6328]

Hands on, that's the ticket! 😉

[@jaimeross7507]

Thank You. ❤.

[@MattiaNicoletti]

Great video full of inspiration. I just ask you for an opinion; would you suggest to record the single hardware instruments singularly with a zoom or would you record it directly in the Daw?

[@ElectroMagnetic_AmbientMusic]

Well there's no right answer: depends on your goals. separate tracks can let have much more control when mixing, but they can also be overwhelming and lead to over editing. I personally record everything directly in the daw trying to make it sound good before it gets recorded, and just polish it in the daw. I feel like it preserves the imperfections of the moment much better.

[@MattiaNicoletti]

@@ElectroMagnetic_AmbientMusic Thanks! It sounds good, Sometimes analogic synths are hard to mix because of some frequencies. Recording direct in the daw would allow to record an already equalized sound

[@treeface5000]

5:10 My sister had one of these! Its got a lovely slide out handle iirc ❤

[@ElectroMagnetic_AmbientMusic]

I wish I had one myself too, but I only have the picture 😅

[@CR-sj7xd]

Why? Ambient is the easiest type of music to produce just with vsts

[@VirtualModular]

The answer is fashion, basically. Hardware looks more hip on KZbin. I have tape, a Juno-6, old hardware fx units and a few other synths. Mostly, I can't be arsed plugging it in. I actually find VCV Rack much more inspiring. Not a popular opinion though!

[@ElectroMagnetic_AmbientMusic]

Of course. But as you can see in the video, the point of hardware is not to be more easy but to feed creativity. Anyway there are no right answers, all comes to personal taste and attitude. I just wanted to show a possibility.

[@ElectroMagnetic_AmbientMusic]

This is very subjective, there no rules my friend and that's the beauty of it .

[@michaels8607]

I use whatever..The only thing is, unless you are sing something like Reaktor/CSound/MAX/PD/ SuperCollider/Macaw,etc, that's open ended, you will stay inside the box.I just do not fall into the SCAM that you need new gear and software. A 5 year old computer can make all the music 95% of people make.

[@ElectroMagnetic_AmbientMusic]

I have a 11 years old laptop and only budget pocket synths 😊