Introduction to Max/MSP 

 

Daniel McNamara 

Thomas Sturm

danielmcnamara@alum.calarts.edu

thomassturm@alum.calarts.edu

First Things First

MCMP - 465 BFA

MCMP - 665 MFA

Graphical Programming Enviro

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Who has Max/MSP already?

Trial Here

What is Max/MSP ?

Max/MSP (Max for short) is a visual programming language

that enables people with no prior coding experience to create powerful, interactive Audio/Video applications.

  • Max has a diverse range of uses that is always growing
  • Max is often broken into three components
  1. Max: Working with data
  2. MSP: Working with Sound
  3. Jitter: Working with Graphics

Plan of Action

A rough course schedule

  1. Basic Building Blocks
  2. Effects, Composing, and Interface Design
  3. Installation Basics, and Max as a Controller 
  4. Advanced Tools and Future Directions

Course Work

 

There is one assignment:

Propose a project of any kind in which you would implement Max/MSP

  • 3 page maximum
  • Describe aesthetics of the project,
    and how Max would be implemented

Ideally your project idea is something you can pursue after the class ends

How do we think in Max?

 

Max in Performance

 

  • A performer 

  • An environment

  • A conductor

  • An instrument

Max/MSP can be:

ie: Max can work however you choose to implement it, it all depends on your work

Max in Installation

 

Max allows the artist to define relationships between data and events 

  • Scaling data into relevant control information
  • Trigger certain events based on interaction with Max or external sensors connected to Max

ie: If thing happens, make something else happen

Tantalizing Max Projects 

(This was made with processing but you could do it with Max)

What Are We Doing Here?

First, we are going to show you the basic building blocks of Max so you understand how building a program (typically called a patch) essentially works

 

Be sure to tell us what you are interested in, or hope for Max to help you create!

Most importantly... 

Subsequent labs will tackle more complicated topics that will build your skill level. The labs will be targeted at honing new skills that will allow you to explore Max comfortably on your own

Questions?

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