Max Intermediate in English
Max is a graphical programming program that lets you process, generate and interact with MIDI data, audio and video streams, or any other type of data, such as sensor data.
Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will have acquired advanced programming skills in Max, and a solid knowledge of its multi-channel functionalities. They will be able to create complex patches and select the tools (software and hardware) adapted to their project with Max.
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, researchers in the field of computer music, etc
Prerequisites
- Participants must be able to read, write, and speak English
- Completion of the Max Initiation course or proof of sufficient knowledge and skills in Max and its environment (mastery of audio processing in Max and data processing, completion of the Max "Basics" and "Data" and MSP "Basics" and "Synthesis" tutorials included in the software)
- Regular use of Max
- Good understanding of sequencer software (DAW audio-digital workstation) such as Pro Tools, Logic Pro, or another audio editing software program (WaveLab, SoundStation, Adobe Audition, etc.)
- Good understanding of the theory of audio signal processing
- Basic knowledge of Zoom for online courses
Training Period and Organization
24 hours of training, 8 half-days from 2:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m: March 30 & 31 and April 7, 8, 20, 21, 27 & 28, 2026
In English, Online
8 students maximum
Program
Some details of the training program are subject to revision as the software on which it is based evolves.
Monday, April 30
In-depth use of data types for parameter collection and trajectories: <coll>, <zl>, <expr>, <vexpr>, <nodes>, <table>
Additive synthesis, ring modulation and amplitude tracking
Tuesday, March 31
Polyphony and its poly-procedural generalization: use of <poly~> and its abstractions through its integration into realized synthesis and processing modules
Tuesday, April 7
Generation and use of wave tables in buffer memories (<buffer~>)
Deepening and application to the realization of a polyphonic sampler and multi-instance processing.
Wednesday, April 8
Low-level development in Max: discovery of the <gen~> library and its development properties: processing, synthesis and physical model synthesis
Monday, April 20
Development of amplitude/frequency/time-domain processing using the short-time discrete Fourier transform (STFT): use of <pfft~>, its abstractions and specific objects
Tuesday, April 21
Further processing in the amplitude/frequency/time domain using the short-time discrete Fourier transform (STFT): creating processing effects using <pfft~>.
Monday, April 27
Implementation of an architecture as a basis for generalized development: input, output, mixing ("dry/wet"), stereo and quadraphonic panning
Audio stream management using matrixing (<matrix~>, <matrixctrl>)
Tuesday, April 28
Multichannel architecture deployment: introduction of <mc~> objects
Controlling a performance patch with an advanced electronic partition: comparing data management between message boxes and complex data sheets
Educational Resources and Techniques
This professional training will be held online.
Technical requirements
Max must be downloaded prior to the course. Software is not included in the course fee and is not provided at the end of the course.
To follow the course in the best possible conditions, you will need two screens and a good Internet connection.
Training format
Training is given in English. It alternates between theoretical presentations, the study of examples to be analyzed and practical work.
Teaching aids
Presentations and course materials will be handed out at the start of the course, and additional files will be provided as the course progresses.
Supervision
- Technical session on the first day of training to check trainees' installation.
- 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 knowledge and skills acquired during individual exercises.