Development

Introduction to Max

BEK 13.02.2012 10.0017.02.2012 15.30

Published

Update: The patches that we worked on are available for download here

Sign up!

Participation in the workshop is free. Sign up by sending a mail to bek@bek.no with a brief motivation. If you have specific projects or interests that you want to use Max for, please let us know, so that we can plan the workshop accordingly.

Practical details

The workshop will run February 13-17 1000-1530, and consist of a mix of teaching, excersises and creative work on your own projects.

Participants are expected to bring their own Mac or Win laptop/PC. A 30-day fully functioning demo version of Max 6 can be downloaded from Cycling’74. If you don’t have access to a laptop of your own, please let us know.

About Max

Max gives you the parts to create unique sounds, stunning visuals, and engaging interactive media. These parts are called ‘objects’ – visual boxes that contain tiny programs to do something specific. Each object does something different. Some make noises, some make video effects, others just do simple calculations or make decisions. In Max you add objects to a visual canvas and connect them together with patchcords. You can use as many as you like. By combining objects, you create interactive and unique software without ever writing any code (you can do that too if you really want to). Just connect.

With native support for a wide variety of controllers and devices, Max lets you connect anything together.

  • Add live camera or audio input to create an immersive and interactive experience.
  • Attach sensors to your Max using Arduino, Eobody or other devices.
  • Plug in MIDI devices and USB gaming controllers to control things exactly the way you want to.
  • Combine a variety of devices and software together using MIDI, serial communication, or network protocols like OpenSoundControl to create hybrid systems.
  • Collaborate using OpenSoundControl across a local network with other computers or OSC-enabled mobile apps.

The diverse tools and accessible interface has made Max an indispensible tool in a variety of disciplines where realtime media and interactivity are needed. Here are things people near you are doing with Max.

  • Electronic Musicians use Max to develop unique sound-making tools, unusual instruments, and custom performance systems.
  • Live Visualists use Jitter and Vizzie tools to create images that respond to sound and other inputs.
    E* xhibition Designers develop rich, educational exhibits that engage museum visitors.
  • Interactive Media Artists combine technologies that sense the environment with responsive Max patches to entertain and challenge the viewer.
  • Scientists and Researchers use the quick prototyping and compatibility of Max to develop experiments and record data.
  • Public Artists and Architects use Max to develop enhanced public spaces.
  • Video Game Developers and Sound Designers use Max to prototype game sound, develop custom toolchains, and test new controller prototypes.