Practical information
Max Intermediate / Max certification level 2
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 have acquired the knowledge necessary in advanced programming techniques in Max. They will be able to create complex patches and select the tools (software and hardware) adapted to their project with Max.
The training will be followed by an exam for the Max certification level 2. This exam evaluates users in a real-life professional situation.
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
Participants must be able to attest to sufficient knowledge and skills in Max and its environment or have successfully completed the course Max Initiation;
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 suggested that participants complete all the tutorials available in the software.
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. A class guide will be given at the beginning of each training session and all complementary files will be given as needed.
Supervision and Assessment
Welcome the first day of training beginning at 9:45am;
Attendance controlled; signature of an attendance sheet required every morning and afternoon;
Certification exam for Max, level 2 taken at the end of training.
A certificate at the end of the program is given to each participant with the results of the exam.
Training Period and Organization
33 hours of training. Monday-Saturday, March 7-12, 2022. 10am-1pm/2:30pm-5:30pm (Saturday 10am-1pm)
11 students maximum
This training program will be held at IRCAM on-site in accordance with local sanitary guidelines and measures in place at the current time. These guidelines and measures may change. 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. For further information, please contact: info-pedagogie[at]ircam.fr.
Exam for Max certification level 2
3 hours // Saturday, March 12, 2022, 2:30pm-5:30pm
6 students maximum
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 she were in a professional situation (test on a Mac computer with Max).
This exam evaluates users in a real-life professional situation.
The jury consists of two teachers (IRCAM Computer Music Designers/ Specialized Instructors) and a specialist in Max.
A certificate with the results will be sent to the participants 3 weeks following the exam.
Program
Monday
| Morning | Know how to set up and use modular organization in Max. |
| Afternoon | Understand and use data storage and structure tools, such as coll, dict. |
Tuesday
| Morning | Multiplying process instantiation by setting up polyphonic patches with poly~. |
| Afternoon | Learn and master the tools for manipulating sound files from q hard disk (sfplay~, playlist, sfrecord~). |
Wednesday
| Morning | Learn and master the tools for manipulating audio buffers. |
| Afternoon | Learn the principles and basic applications of FFT analysis and resynthesis in Max with pfft~. |
Thursday
| Morning | Learn the principles and applications of filtering in the time field. |
| Afternoon | Learn the principles of signal analysis: extracting relevant data, filtering and mapping this data in order to trigger media playback, or to control the quality of sound transformations. |
Friday
| Morning | Mastering the construction of modular patch architecture using data transmission and reception matrices. |
| Afternoon | Learn and understand how to implement, in modular architecture, transformation techniques from delay lines. |
Saturday
| Morning | Review, complementary work |
| Afternoon | Max level 2 certification |