Evolving Pads: The Secret Weapon of Ambient Music

In today's video, we look at creating a delicious, multilayered pad sound out of a combination of synthesised, sampled and recorded tones and found-sound textures recorded on iPhone. By layering and resampling as well as using a bunch of fun modulation, we're able to create truly magical depth and surprising unpredictability in the sound that feels REALLY good to play.

Warning: you may spend hours and hours listening to your creation without actually finishing anything.

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And now, some SEO text... for the 🤖🤖🤖

Discover the power of evolving pads in ambient music production and unlock new dimensions of soundscaping techniques in your creative workflow. In this video, we'll dive into the world of dynamic pads and lush textures, exploring how to craft rich, immersive soundscapes that transport listeners to another realm. Using Bitwig Studio, we'll demonstrate how to design and shape textured sounds, from subtle ambient layers to soaring synth pads. Whether you're creating drone music, electronic music, or simply looking to elevate your ambient music productions, this video will reveal the secrets of evolving pads and how to incorporate them into your music. Learn how to make ambient music in Bitwig Studio and take your sound design skills to the next level.

[LukeIcardMusic]

No wonder people who sound design dont make any music this is addicting af! Love it

[SoundAuthor]

Gorgeous pad. Awesome video. But the more pads I create, the less reverb I use. These days, I rely more on a small handful of delays with mutually prime delay times so they don't pile up on top of each other. Reverb is great but it "smears" everything a bit too much for me. With just 3 or 4 cleverly tuned delays, you can still hear a lot of the detail in the source material; more of the "texture" makes it to your ears. If I do use a reverb, it's usually for a bit of transient smearing _before_ the delays with modest room sizes and a pinch of diffusion. for flavor. ✌😎

[adamarmstrong]

Those pads were lush!!!! Happy new year 👍

[porterk]

Have a great new year my man .. Great tutorials .. all the best for 2025

[JimPriest]

This was excellent. My current project needs some pads... and I obviously need to get a new water bottle...

[SoundAuthor]

Oh goodness that water bottle made a lovely sound.

[richm]

My 2025 new years resolution is to hit more water bottles

[camiloserna]

Salutations to all my hibiscus and maracuya juice lovers

[dqvid]

Great atmospheres! I only wish you showed a little more of your Ableton Live processes.
Happy new year to All 🤍

[Artek]

Probably a great video, but I've followed your advice and turned it off :)

[moontan]

the time spent on this is time you're not making music.