Max Effects Yes - Examples of Instruments?

[MattGreer]

Max for Live is a visual programming environment that allows users to build instruments and effects for use within Ableton Live.

I see many examples of effects that can be created by Max for Live, but not so many unique instruments. I don't consider a step sequencer to be an instrument, really, as the sounds are coming from somewhere else.

Does anyone have examples of instruments created by Max?

I am new here so please forgive me if this is a dumb question. I'm considering buying Max but I own a few VST plugins already (Waves Gold, GRM Tools Vol 1 & 2, some freeware apps, etc.) that can mash stuff up pretty good.

I guess, does everything start with a sine wave anyway? I mean, when you strip away all electronic instruments, is that what you start with, and then the end result is the application of filters, EQ, effects, etc.?

Thank you for your consideration,

Matt

[tigali]

www.maxforlive.com has an instruments section. Some nice drum machines and synths.

As for the other question, a more able person than I should hop in here, but everything in subtractive synthesis starts with an oscillator and that oscillator generates a soundwave, the most basic of which is a sine wave. You've also got other types of waves (square, sawtooth, pulse modulated) suitable for different applications but there are whole books on the subject so google is your friend.

[MattGreer]

Thanks guys. I was referring to Max For Live in my original post.

I am still researching. I like the idea of being able to create instruments simply from the computer, but then again maybe I should just get an Access Virus and have probably what I need. But I like programming, so it is intriguing.

So are you suggesting Max as a standalone product, rather than integrating with Live?

[zlatko]

Hi All,

I have a few here, just updated....

http://www.zlatko.hu/zb.m4l/

have fun...

[pepezabala]

The library that comes with m4L includes a couple of instruments as well. Rather simple stuff, as far as I have seen.

Then there is the skinnerbox, which is a drumsynth with included sequencer.

[MattGreer]

Of course there are differences, the main issue is that you can't build stand alone applications or 'collectives' and you can't use send~/receive~ to send audio data across patches.

I'm not sure I understand this regarding sending audio data. Can you give me an example of when this would be done?

The videos seem fairly useless on Cycling, unfortunately. Can you recommend a resource to really show you what Max or M4L does? I mean, I think I understand more or less; the video on Ableton is one of the best I've seen so far with respect to explaining what M4L does.


Thank you for your help, Peter. I need to research Max/M4L quite a bit more before I make a decision. I'm glad that they have the 30-day demo.

[stringtapper]

The videos seem fairly useless on Cycling, unfortunately. Can you recommend a resource to really show you what Max or M4L does? I mean, I think I understand more or less; the video on Ableton is one of the best I've seen so far with respect to explaining what M4L does.

It's hard to answer or show "what it does" because that's such a broad question in the context of a programming language. The answer can be "just about anything" within the realm of digital audio, sound design, interactive control, etc. Basically it's not really about what Max can do, but what you can do with Max. It's a programming language after all. You're pretty much only limited by your own skill and imagination. Unless you don't want to program and just want to be an end user. Then you're limited by the skill and imagination (and willingness to share) of those who are programming with M4L.