A Max document, called a 'patcher', can be thought of as a complete audio or video program, although it needs the Max application to run: Max operates as an interpreter, calling the native code of external objects according to how they are connected and used in the patcher.
Max is bundled with a large library of pre–compiled objects, often referred to as 'externals' because they are generally written in C or Java and compiled without Max's assistance. (Obviously, as with 'real' programming, more complicated applications will take a lot longer.) Max is extremely visual and highly interactive, so it's certainly possible for non–programmers to dig in, select some of the built–in components, and get a basic audio processor, like a simple mixer or parametric EQ, assembled and running in a matter of minutes. Working with Max is a form of graphical computer programming, but without the pain of conventional programming languages: everything is graphical, direct and immediate. Or if you feel that you're outgrowing the confines of off–the–shelf instruments and recording packages, and want to explore new ways of creating work, MaxMSP is your own personal Meccano set, with an infinite number of pieces. If you're working in hi–tech music or the digital arts and you have a problem to solve, MaxMSP is your Swiss Army Knife.
This is mainly because of its flexibility: as an open–ended audio and media toolkit, artists, programmers and studio engineers have used it to construct all sorts of software systems, from audio plug–ins to art installations, and a fair proportion of laptop gigs worldwide will be at least partially Max–powered. Although MaxMSP is a little esoteric compared with mainstream music products, it is deeply entrenched in the digital media scene. Certainly, the user interface featuring object boxes connected by patchworks of lines is something of a modern visual icon. Most readers of this magazine will know about MaxMSP: if you've not used it, then perhaps you've used applications or plug–ins written with it or maybe you've seen it in action, or mentioned in interviews. The LED animation and display system is driven by Clojure and WebGL code, with some custom max for networking to the audio engine.There may not be many new features, but MaxMSP 5 benefits from a fundamental overhaul that brings Cycling 74's open–ended media programming toolkit into the modern world of multi–processing and slick interface design. The Max-based audio operates on 12.4 or 8.2 discrete channels, depending on the site.
Runs from two networked Macs – one controlling the audio and other, the lighting system. More generally, Max, also known as Max / MSP / Jitter, is a visual programming language for building and developing music and working with different sounds.
Sound Courtyard environment The program includes ampper, soundboard and programming features. Max is a virtual programming virtualization software, which provides a completely intuitive and interactive programming environment for the creation and processing of audio, music and video media. It publishes a program called Max as a Visual Programming Language to provide the specific needs of artists, students and researchers active in the editing and processing of visual, audio and physical media. Cycling ’74 Max 8, sometimes known as the ’74’.