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.
The training will be followed by an exam for the Max IRCAM Certificate 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, researchers in the field of computer music, 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.
Good understanding of sequencer software (DAW audio-digital workstation) such as Pro Tools, Logic, Reaper, Ableton Live or another audio editing software program (WaveLab, SoundStation, Audacity, Adobe Audition, etc.).
Good understanding of the English vocabulary used in the software.
Mastery of the basic functions of a Mac computer (use of a keyboard and mouse, create and manage files and folders, use menus, launch an application).
Regular practice of Max 8.
Basic mathematical concepts will facilitate participants' understanding: integers, rational and decimal numbers, sums, subtractions, multiplications, divisions, absolute value, study of simple functions.
Prior to the training, it is suggested that participants complete all the tutorials available in the software, or demon-strate equivalent knowledge through the use of Max.
Training Period and Organization
36 hours of training. Monday-Saturday, March 10-15, 2025. 10am-1pm/2:30pm-5:30pm
8 students maximum
In the event that IRCAM cannot physically welcome students for a program that requires face-to-face instruction, the program and the IRCAM Certificate test will be cancelled.
Program
Some details of the training program are subject to revision as the software on which it is based evolves.
Monday April 28th
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, April 29$
Polyphony and its poly-procedural generalization: use of <poly~> and its abstractions through its integration into realized synthesis and processing modules
Monday, May 5th
Generation and use of wave tables in buffer memories (<buffer~>)
Deepening and application to the realization of a polyphonic sampler and multi-instance processing.
Tuesday May 6th
Low-level development in Max: discovery of the <gen~> library and its development properties: processing, synthesis and physical model synthesis
Monday May 19th
Development of amplitude/frequency/time-domain processing using the short-time discrete Fourier transform (STFT): use of <pfft~>, its abstractions and specific objects
Tuesday May 20th
Further processing in the amplitude/frequency/time domain using the short-time discrete Fourier transform (STFT): creating processing effects using <pfft~>.
Monday May 26th
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, May 27
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
- Follow-up control by signing an attendance sheet for each half-day session
- Delivery of a certificate of completion, incorporating assessment results
Assessment
- Assessment of knowledge and skills acquired during individual exercises.