Max Initiation / Max certification level 1
Max is a graphical programming language that lets users process, generate, interact with MIDI data in audio and video contents as well as all other types of data, for example from sensors.
Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will acquire the knowledge necessary to make simple patches. They will be able to identify the means necessary to create a project using Max. The training will be followed by an exam for the Max certification level 1.
Public
Any creative person who wants to work on a project requiring Max: composers, developers, performers, sound technicians, choreographers, sound creators, video artists, live coders, music or art teachers, makers, etc.
Prerequisites
Mastery of a sequencer software program such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, or another digital audio editing program (WaveLab, SoundStudio, Adobe Audition);
Good understanding of the English vocabulary used in the software;
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).
Prior to the training, it is highly recommended participants download the software and test the demo mode (30 days with all functions available) and do all the included software.
Assessment
Certification exam for Max, level 1 taken at the end of training. Certification listed on the CNCP (Commission Nationale de la Formation Professionnelle) inventory. The fiche is available in French. The certification is eligible for the personal training account (compte personnelle de formation) for workers in the entertainment industry and employees in the live performance branch (code CPF : 190671) and the audiovisual branch (code CPF : 189700).
The certification test is made up of two parts (90 minutes each):
A test of the applicant’s knowledge with open questions and comments and screen captures;
Following a break, a series of exercises is given to the applicant with several concrete cases, with increasing difficulty. The applicant must find solutions, as if they were in a professional situation (test on a Mac computer with Max).
The jury, made up of two teachers (IRCAM Computer Music Designers/ Specialized Instructors) and a specialist in Max, will evaluate 3 major criteria:
Theory: restitute basic knowledge on Max and its environment (vocabulary for the MIDI and audio system, programming conventions);
Analysis: analyze and interpret the Max programs’ functioning, offer "debugging" solutions;
Application: apply this knowledge and skills to the conception and realization of interactive Max interfaces with precise specifications.
A certificate with the results will be sent to the participants 3 weeks following the exam.
Program
Monday
| Morning | General presentation of the Max environment; Types of objects, types of data. |
| Afternoon | Importance of the order of execution: the object trigger; Simple interactions with a MIDI keyboard. |
Tuesday
| Morning | Introduction to MIDI data and managing sequences; Creation of a random MIDI machine. |
| Afternoon | Introduction to audio in Max; Creation of a small sampler of sound files played from a keyboard. |
Wednesday
| Morning | Control synthesis using envelopes. |
| Afternoon | Receive data from an external controller (iPad, iPhone); Play a video, understand Jitter matrixes. |
Thursday
| Morning | Analyze audio streams and extract pertinent information using simple modules. |
| Afternoon | Record and manipulate reading sounds from a buffer. |
Friday
| Morning | Modular organization of a patch. |
| Afternoon | Simple audio processing techniques. |
Saturday
| Morning | Manage data external to Max: external libraries. |
| Afternoon | Certification exam for Max, level 1 |
