Glitchmachines was founded in 2005 by sound designer Ivo Ivanov, initially as a maker of handcrafted circuit-bent hardware instruments. Operating out of California, the company sold limited-edition pieces through boutique synth shops and custom-built instruments for artists including Justin Meldal-Johnsen, Richard Devine, Trent Reznor, and Derrick Carter. Ivanov earned a degree in Audio Engineering from the Expression College for Digital Arts and was the first-ever recipient of the Game Audio Network Guild scholarship, going on to work as a sound designer and content creator for companies including Ableton, Native Instruments, Tiptop Audio, and Splice Sounds.

In 2010, Glitchmachines shifted from hardware to software, concentrating on creative audio plugins and sound design tools. The catalog spans granular samplers, FM synthesis, modular effects, and phrase generation, with titles such as Polygon 2, Palindrome 2, Skein, Subvert 2, Cataract 2, and Tactic 2. Free plugins Fracture and Hysteresis have appeared on numerous "best-of" lists and serve as accessible entry points to the Glitchmachines sound. Developer Thomas Hennebert contributes to plugin development alongside Ivanov.

Beyond plugins, Glitchmachines publishes an extensive library of sample packs covering dense, textural, and cinematic material, with titles like Phenotype, Exonode, and Biomorph. The brand has built a following in game audio, post-production, and experimental electronic music communities for its niche approach to forward-thinking sound design tools.

Glitchmachines has 20 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Sampler Plugins, Synth Plugins, and Multi-Effect Plugins. Their gear is featured by 9 artists, with the strongest followings in Electronic, Rock, and Hip Hop. Notable users include Deadmau5, emma essex, and Mick Gordon.