Max For Live "Package" Manager

Share what you’d like to see added to Ableton Live.
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flatline_
Posts: 1
Joined: Sat Dec 02, 2017 3:46 pm

Max For Live "Package" Manager

Post by flatline_ » Sat Dec 02, 2017 4:32 pm

I'd like to be able to search for new Max devices within Ableton itself instead of the somewhat scattered and disconnected environment there is now. Ableton's site has featured packs and then there is, thankfully, the unofficial device library.

IDEs and text editors allow you to easily browse through packages through a package manager that add different functionality and utilities to the IDE. The packages are created by users, like Max for Live devices. Those that have developed the IDE have only created the interface to upload, preview, and download these packages within the program itself, which allows for the community to be more connected.

Atom Package Manager:
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VSCode Package Manager:
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Ableton already has the UI with the help view that could be used to preview descriptions of Max for Live devices.

Something like this would also make syncing Max devices between workstations easier, such as a desktop and laptop. When switching over from one workstation it would be consistent that you have the same Max for Live devices being used at each workstation. Since you're using one Ableton account across workstations, a package manager would show which Max devices you use but doesn't need to install it to each computer. If you're creating and experimenting with music at a desktop, you would have more devices installed, but for a laptop that is used for live performances and limited on space, you would only need to download the necessary devices.

I get how trying to force the functionality of programming tools into a DAW could be a bit of a stretch, but being able to find new Max devices without ever leaving Ableton would help so much more in productivity and getting more Max devices made by the community.

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