MaxMSP Support FAQ

Where can I find the Max 5 documentation?

What tutorials come with MaxMSP?

In addition to complete object reference manuals for Max and MSP that describe all the functions of each object, Max and MSP includes the following helpful manuals. You candownload each of these documents in PDF format for free here.

• Getting Started describes system setup and contains a basic introduction and description ofhow Max works.

• The Tutorials and Topics manual provides a step-by-step course on how to program with Max in a series of 47 tutorials, together with a collection of discussions of certain topics unique to programming with Max (data structures, loops, encapsulation, debugging, graphics, and making standalone applications).

• The Max Reference Manual contains precise technical information on the workings of each of the built-in and external objects supplied with Max organized in alphabetical order, followed by a Thesaurus -- a reverse index of Max objects, alphabetized by keyword rather than by object name. Use this Thesaurus when you want to know what object(s) are appropriate for the task you are trying to accomplish.

• The MSP Manual combines an introduction to digital audio, an overview of how Max handles audio, a set of 31 tutorials on subjects (audio fundamentals in Max, synthesis, sampling, MIDI control of audio, analysis, and digital audio processing), and a complete reference listing of all MSP external objects.

What kind of examples come with MaxMSP?

In addition to copious documentation, the MaxMSP distribution contains a large folder full of example/sample MaxMSP patches, including

• A set of synthesizer modules you can patch together and play from a MIDI controller
• A program that uses files from Propellorhead's ReCycle does time stretching and compression of samples
• A lovely example of synthesis using FFTs that is effectively a 512-band EQ on white noise
• Many more...

The tutorials have a number of useful examples of basic algorithms, and can make nice sounds, but they also illustrate how to make your own synthesis and signal processing algorithms. We try to attract you with the former, but hook you when you start doing the latter.

Is the software easy to learn?

MaxMSP is not as easy as turning on a MIDI synthesizer, playing a factory preset, and plugging the output into a reverb box. But it is far easier than having to write all the DSP code from scratch. However, MSP does not isolate you from all of the theory of signal processing. You need to be ready to put on your thinking cap. If you are an experienced Max user, you should find MSP to be a natural extension of what you already know. It's just a few more objects. But is one thing to program a nice sound on a synthesizer by adjusting parameters, and quite another to be able to build the program that makes this sound. We don't expect you to be able to do this on your own -- that's why we have put a lot of effort into the documentation, interactive help files and a reference manual describing each object with even more examples.

One of the goals in developing and supporting our software is to increase the number of people who can manipulate sound with an understanding of what they're really doing. The rest of the digital audio world has a different idea, which is that experts should handle the details and give you a few dials to turn and buttons to push. At the end of the day, your music comes out sounding like everyone else who turned the same dials and pushed the same buttons.

Is there a list of all the MaxMSP objects?

The best source for information about MaxMSP objects is to look at the documentation available [[http://www.cycling74.com/products/dldoc.html][here].

Can I write new signal processing objects in C?

Yes. Other than the challenge of devising and debugging a DSP algorithm, writing MSP externals is identical to writing Max externals. Maybe even a bit easier. The SDK is available here. It does presume you're familiar with the Max external object documentation. Consider that all MSP objects are themselves externals, so your objects will in no way be second-class citizens.

Note that many useful signal processing algorithms can be implemented as Max patches made up of a few MSP objects, so writing your own code in C is a rather advanced use of the program.

Are MSP objects optimized for Altivec/G4/Velocity Engine?

Many objects are optimized, and we are still working on further optimizations. In the Max 4 + MSP 2 SDK, there is information about how to optimize your own objects, but we've found the process to be neither easy nor straightforward.

I've looked at all those tutorials and manual pages and made my way through all those cool example patches, and I still have a few questions. Where else can I go for help?

This website's Resource Guide contains information about new external objects or patchers written by Max users, information on common problems and solutions, and information about how other people use MaxMSP.

There is a MaxMSP forum where lively discussion reigns and where you may find wisdom and the company of kindred souls. If you want to read or get involved, visit the Forum page.
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