Advancing in Max Through My Patches
You can read part 1 of this guide here https://www.matthewdavisprojects.com/thoughts/approaching-max-through-my-patches
Now that you have been working in max for a little while, you would know its depth in size and scale. Continuing in my series of work, I am putting together some resources that would be your advanced steps to wade through. Deconstructing these advanced patches will take you to the next level. You can find my Resources Page features many starting places for patches, on a range of topics.
ABSTRACTIONS
A group of just general max code, that has best practice and little bundles I frequently use. From whole pieces, to pieces that make up a bigger whole, try:
Scaler_Data - this abstraction scales data so that it is smoother in output - very useful for art installations that use big amounts of live data
Clicker and Wave Visualiser - this patcher features a plus sound and a a wave visualiser - a great starting point
White Noise, One Pole and Visuals - this patcher is a generative filter sweeper for white noise and visualiser
UTILITY
These are definitely essential in the learning process. While some are more flashy and fun than others, they all build up a useful library of code:
Mouse Screen Mapper - this patcher maps your screen size to a pict slider that can track the mouse to it
StepSeq hide interface - this patcher reveals which step is up to with a flash, while the others disappear
Motion detection - this patcher detects if pixels change in a video feed, by tracking squares and triggering events
Note analysis - this patcher analyses notes being played - in this example it filters specific intervals of random notes
After some continued learning, you can try some more full works to deconstruct. Whatever takes your fancy first.
SOUND GENERATORS
AddSynth - interesting envelope generators for simple waveforms - features some of my random “met” abstractions above
MultSynth - this synthesizer engine is based around combining waves that multiply the frequency of the original note selected
Set Distances - set drones to play - control separately or from a master dial: from multiplier or set distance proportionately
Beeps and Clicks - a collection of noise generators to get the experimental party started
VISUALS
Geometric shape generator - this patch generates triangles, squares and circles - a fun experiment
Jweb video wall - this patcher opens a wall of video files from the web
Video manipulator - a group of manipulation effects for video files, with a healthy dose of irony
Random video sample player - a jit.movie player that selects random parts of a video to play, automatically - with extras
COMPOSITION TOOLS
Rotate 5 dials - this is the start of an interface that rotates 5 dials to control parameters - connected to the Mira app from Cycling74
If_Then Permutation Generator (2021) - this generates permutations for pitch generation, based on what the past notes played were - includes some niceties - see blog post for more on its use
Timeline Duration - a timeline interface for drone music
Chord Gen Final - a way to generate chords and play them in a timeline interface with some nice bells and whistles
