(This document was most recently updated on 17 March, 2025)
From time to time, folks ask me if I’ve ever made a gear list that can help them get started in making ambient music. So, here are some thoughts…
The Basics
First, I’m going to assume that there’s going to be a computer and DAW (digital audio workstation) software involved. Going “DAWless” is a bit trickier in a lot of ways, because you quickly run into limitations and frustrations. So, I think it’s best to start with a DAW setup.
Computer
The computer doesn’t have to be super fancy, though some of the software can be pretty intensive. So, something with a powerful processor and a fair amount of memory would be recommended. In my experience, Windows PCs that use AMD Ryzen processors do better than those using Intel processors. I also recommend Windows 11 Pro as it allows for more flexibility in customizing the configuration.
Software choices will dictate much of the computer specification, but in general, a PC with an AMD Ryzen 7 7700X or 9700X and 32GB RAM will be an excellent starting point, though I would recommend stepping up to a Ryzen 9 7900X or 9900X if you have the money. Most audio software does not put a lot of strain on the GPU (graphics processor) on a PC, but that may begin to change soon. Most modern Ryzen processors include very good GPUs. Most Intel processors include a much less capable GPU. In either case, if you’re going to be using a desktop PC, you can add a GPU card later.
If you already have a good mid- or high-level gaming computer, you’ll be in good shape for music making. If you’re buying new, buying more computer than you think you’ll need is never a bad thing, assuming you have the budget. Buying the newest available will push off inevitable upgrades longer. If you’re handy, you can save some money by building a PC yourself. It’s not difficult, but there are a couple of steps in the process that are “picky” and must be done exactly right for best results.
Many folks prefer Macs to Windows PCs, and if I were buying today, I’d choose a base model M4 Mac Mini upgraded with 32GB RAM, and an external 1TB USB 3/Thunderbolt SSD, but older M1 Macs work as well. The GPU portion of the M1 and M4 Macs is excellent. Note that unlike a Windows PC, a Mac cannot be upgraded from the factory configuration. The number of USB ports on a Mac is also relatively limited, but there will be sufficient ports to get started
Notice that I have not mentioned Linux. There’s a reason for the omission, and that’s simply that music making options for Linux are extremely limited.
One example of a well-specified Windows DAW PC can be found by clicking here.
Audio and MIDI Interface and Monitoring
While you can use the audio connections that come with the computer, they’ll be less than optimal. For one thing, they’ll generally introduce lag (called latency) between the time you sound a note and the time you actually hear the note. For that reason, you’ll also want some sort of interface that’s designed for music production. And, you’ll want a better-than-average pair of powered monitor speakers. For a basic interface, it’s hard to go wrong with the Arturia MiniFuse 4. It’s decently priced, and comes with software that can help you get started without having to make a big investment right away. The MiniFuse will work with either a Windows PC or a Mac, and includes several pathways for future growth.
You’ll also want some way to actually hear what you’re doing. Monitoring speakers are a very personal choice, but there are generally a few types that have a reputation for excellent, accurate sound. Surprisingly, they don’t have to be big, and they don’t have to be terribly expensive. You’ll be looking for powered monitors, and they should have a frequency response that ranges from around 40Hz at the low end (40Hz is the lowest note on a standard bass guitar) to at least 16kHz at the high end. The IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor covers almost the full range quite well at a quite reasonably price.
If you’re in a situation where running speakers all the time (and potentially at high volume) is impractical, then a good set of headphones will suffice. While it’s not the best way to produce, you can produce excellent music with them. Since their release in 1991, I’ve been using Sony MDR-7506 headphones for music production, both live and in the studio. They’re affordable, and I can’t recommend them highly enough. Visit almost any professional recording studio, and you’ll probably find at least one pair there.
MIDI Control
You’ll probably also want some sort of musical way of entering notes. There are a couple of pathways here. I come from a piano background, so I tend to think in terms of keyboards. Again, I’ll point to Arturia, and suggest their Keylab mkIII series, which come in 49, 61, and 88 key models. For composition, I’ve found that 49 keys is generally sufficient, and the Keylabs are pretty much plug and play and work well with a variety of DAW software. If space is at a premium, and you don’t mind “mini” keys, then Arturia’s Minilab 3 is also a viable choice.
It should be noted that, as with many things, your choice of software should be considered when choosing a MIDI controller. If you follow the Arturia path, then the Arturia controller is a natural. However, if you’re thinking that you’re going to want to use a lot of Native Instruments software, then you might want to consider their Kontrol S mkIII keyboard controller, as it integrates very tightly with their software instruments. It also includes a nice introductory suite of software which includes Ableton Live Lite.
Another option that some who are not keyboard-centric prefer is a pad controller of some kind. Novation make their Launchpad series, and the Launchpad Pro [MK3] is very will suited making ambient music as well.
Software
Now we’ll get to the software. If you’ve followed along so far and pickup the products from Arturia, you’ll discover that a lot of the software you’ll need to dip your toes in the water is included with the Minifuse and Keylab. There’s a suite of software synthesizers called Analog Lab Pro and a DAW called Ableton Live Lite. While they’re not full featured, they will perform the basics of ambient (or most other genres) of music production. The same is true of the Native Instruments Kontrol S MIDI controller. If you choose to go the Native Instruments route, I would still suggest the Arturia Minifuse 4 audio/MIDI interface.
To the included software suite, I would immediately add three more free products: a software synthesizer called Vital, a sampler instrument called Decent Sampler, and a reverb/echo effect called Valhalla Supermassive.
Beyond Basics – Software
There is, of course, a dizzying array of other software and hardware available, some free, most paid. I would wait until you know that you’re going to want to put in time learning more software before going beyond the free choices. But when that time comes, here are some thoughts.
The first step I’d take would be to upgrade Ableton Live, and while I know it’s a big leap, I’d suggest upgrading to the full Suite version. It increases the number of available MIDI and audio tracks, and adds a large number of highly efficient, versatile effects and instruments, as well as access to a wide array of ‘Max 4 Live’ features and devices that add incredible power to Ableton live. The Standard and Suite editions also make working with hardware instruments much easier.
I’d also upgrade to the full version of Aturia Pigments. While the preset player included with Analog Lab Pro is good, using Pigments to design your own, original sounds can literally open a whole new world of musical expression. Note that Pigments can be very processor intensive, and also makes use of the GPU for it’s high-resolution graphical displays.
Beyond Basics – Hardware Synthesizers
While you definitely do not need hardware synthesizers to make ambient music, they’re fun and certainly look cool. And besides, our audio interface has inputs for a couple of microphones and/or instruments. As of this writing, I’m thinking the best value in a synthesizer for making ambient music is the Korg multi/poly. While it’s definitely a digital synthesizer, Korg’s analog modeling prowess allows the multi/poly to sound every bit as “analog” as the real thing. And, it also combines some uniquely digital capabilities. As of this writing, it comes in two versions: a 37-key keyboard version, and a table-top or rackmount module. While I personally own the keyboard version, if you’re tight on space and have a MIDI controller, the module is a really good option. multi/poly is also available as a software instrument (multi/poly native).
Other synthesizers that lend themselves well to ambient music making are the ASM Hydrasynth (four models available), and the full range of instruments from Modal Electronics. I’m also particularly fond of Arturia’s Polybrute and Freak synthesizers.
Well Beyond Basics
Of course, the sky is the limit when it comes to making ambient music. The array of instruments and software and effects is extremely broad, and encompasses electronic and traditional instruments. The only limits are your imagination … and your wallet.
Where to Learn More
There’s are vibrant online communities of dedicated folks, all making electronic and ambient music. Most have YouTube channels and associated Patreon and Discord communities. Among those I’ve found most enlightening and helpful are Synth Seeker and S1gns of L1fe. The best intro to Ableton Live, for me, was from TAETRO, and Ableton and Seed to Stage also have excellent tutorials. And, of course, I produce weekly livestreams on my YouTube channel that cover a variety of topics related to creating electronic and ambient music.