Max for Live
Max for Live is an optional module integrated in Ableton Live. Max includes object that mimic the graphical interfaces of effects or devices in Live. These objects let users include their own devices or instruments in a Live session taking into account the parameters of the effects in the application’s automation.
Objectives
Upon completion of this course participants will have the skills necessary to create new effects and devices in Live with Max for Live: creation of a synthesizer, creation of audio effects. Participants will be able to control Live’s graphical interface using Max for Live.
Public
Composers, musicians, theater managers, etc.
Prerequisites
- Basic knowledge of Ableton Live on MacOS or Windows: notions of track, scene, manipulation of MIDI and audio clips, manipulation of automation in clips, etc.
- Mastery of the basic functions of a Macintosh computer (use of a keyboard and mouse, create and manage files and folders, use menus, launch an application)
Training Period and Organization
36 hours of training, Monday-Saturday, May 13-18, 2024. 10am-1pm/2:30pm-5:30pm
10 students maximum
In the event that IRCAM cannot physically welcome students for a program that requires face-to-face instruction, the program and the certification test will be cancelled.
Program
Monday
| Morning | Installation and set-up of Live for Max for Live |
| Afternoon | Creation of MIDI effects: transposing notes The ddg.mono object The flush object Use of the "parameter" window |
Tuesday
| Morning | Processing lists with <zl> objects |
| Afternoon | Synchronization of a device with Live Realization of a step by step sequencer with the <live.grid> object |
Wednesday
| Morning | Audio in Max Basics of subtractive synthesis: oscillator, filter, ADSR envelope Creation of a monophonic synthesizer with the aforementioned elements |
| Afternoon | The <poly~> object Automatic management of polyphony with <thispoly~> Creation of a polyphonic synthesizer with the aforementioned instrument |
Thursday
| Morning | Delay in Max : <tapin~> and <tapout~> Creating of audio effects: delay lines Adding frequency shift and feedback |
| Afternoon | Envelope and synthesis follower |
Friday
| Morning | Control of Live’s graphical interface: <live.path>, <live.object>, <live.observer>, <live.remote~> Realization of simple tasks with a combination of the aforementioned objects |
| Afternoon | Use of abstractions provided with Max for Live Use of the name of a Live clip to modify the function of an effect |
Saturday
| Morning | Review of the notions seen during the week Question and answer session on students’ ideas/project that can make use of Max for Live |
| Afternoon | Free work on computers Assessment of acquired knowledge using a multiple-choice test (1 hour) |
Educational Resources and Techniques
- Classroom equipped with computers with all the necessary software installed, headphones, and MIDI keyboards
- Class Format: Training alternates between presentations, explanations on theory, studying examples to analyze, and hands-on exercises
- Didactic Materials: Video-projected presentations
Supervision
- Welcome the first day of training beginning at 9:45am
- Attendance controlled; signature of an attendance sheet required every morning and afternoon
- A certificate at the end of the program is given to each participant with the results of the exam
Assessment
- Assessment of acquired knowledge using a multiple-choice test (1 hour) taken at the end of training