This is not just a nod to the fact that Max has been running on technology Puckette developed at IRCAM 20 years ago, but also a bold prediction that the new and improved Max 5 is robust enough to last another two decades. Into the futureĬycling '74 calls Max 5 "Max for the next 20 years". These include a new and improved multi-processor-capable kernel, timing object sync to tempo, host sync to plug-in, a 2D vector graphics API (accessible via JS), and a new textual file format based on JSON. Max 5 represents a thorough, root-and-branch revamp of the Max GUI, but what may not be so obvious are the significant improvements that have been made under the hood. Max users are a passionately devoted crew, and when it comes to its specific areas of expertise - academia and serious experimentation - Max has no real rivals, except, perhaps, for Pd and Csound.Ĭycling '74 could have rested on its laurels somewhat with a new release of Max without losing much - if any - of its user support, but they've taken quite the opposite approach.
#Cycling 74 max msp software
Having spent a somewhat unhealthy amount of time investigating the many facets of Max 5, it's a relief to be able to report that the software is every bit as impressive as it promised to be.
#Cycling 74 max msp Patch
You can stop program flow and examine current object states via the Debug window, while the Audio Signal Probe provides real-time meter and numerical readout of the data flowing through any patch cord you mouse over.
Object reference pages have an integrated web browser, too.ĭebugging has been greatly improved, with the Watchpoints window enabling you to monitor and record the messages flowing through any patch cord. Max 5's help system is integrated deep within the patch-creation workflow, with context-sensitive information on objects, tools and attributes always just a click away.
The Inspector model is used for several of the Max 5 editors, including File Preferences, MIDI Setup, and System Preferences. The All tag is selected, revealing all of the metro's attributes, settings, and values.Īdditional tabs filter the listing by category: metro (object properties), Appearance (patcher and presentation display properties), Behavior (object actions), Colour (background, border, text colours), Font (font type, size and style), and Hint (annotation, hint, scripting name). Pictured above is an Inspector for a metro (metronome) object. Working with the Inspector window open places all object attributes at your fingertips. Select a new object and the Inspector automatically changes to expose its attributes. You select the desired object, click on the Inspector button, et voilà: all of the object's attributes are laid out clearly for you to view and modify as necessary. Inspectors enable you to view and edit the attributes of objects residing in patcher windows. One of the most user-friendly additions for patch-builders is the Inspector. Audio examplesĮxample 3 - Weird, FM-like and ring modulation sounds patch The File Browser allows easy access (find, preview and load) to all types of Max files Presentation Mode enables the creation of user-friendly interfaces for your patches and the Inspector lets you view and edit attributes of objects and editors. The Object Palette is now transparent and easily resized. It also supports customisable keyboard shortcuts (defaults include N for 'New object', B for 'Button') and object name auto-completion.Ĭlickable buttons are now easy to create - something that Max 4 users will be glad to hear. The patcher has been revamped, for example, with multiple levels of undo (at last!), multiple independent views, zooming, grids and a toolbar. To paraphrase Zicarelli: Max 5 is easier to learn, easier to use, and easier to deal with. For the most part, these are GUI-centric changes to make the user experience more efficient and satisfying. Max 5 is filled to the brim with new and improved features. This technology can be used to control and interface with all manner of systems - audio, graphics, lights, movies, CD/DVD players, power gloves, body suits, and just about any electronically controlled interactive device one could conjure can be interfaced with. True to its IRCAM event scheduler heritage, Max excels at real-time interactive MIDI - and other - processing. And if you run into a limitation, you can build your own objects using C, C++ or Java if you're of the computer-programming persuasion.įor anyone who works in the live multimedia arena, Max could very well be just what the doctor ordered. Max's 400+ built-in objects can control virtually all aspects of digital audio. Objects communicate with each other via virtual patch cords, much as in a modular synthesizer.
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