Max/MSP Overview

1
Max/MSP Overview

• A Dangerously Simplified Introduction

2
Max

• Graphic programming language, named after Max
  Matthews
• Objects, UI controls, Message boxes, etc.
• Originally designed to process and generate MIDI
  information (Max)
• Event-oriented
• Specific order of execution

3
MSP

• Add-on package to Max (hence, Max/MSP), Max
  Signal Processing
• Adds an additional 200 objects to process audio.
• Continual processing
• MIDI can provide control information to MSP audio
  objects.

4
Events and Audio

• Audio-rate objects have a tilde () at end of
  object name.
• Events and messages travel between objects on
  thin, black lines (patch cords).
• Audio signals travel between objects on thicker,
  yellow and black patch cords.
• Audio is processed in vectors (buffered), which
  helps to lessen the CPU load, but introduces a
  certain amount of latency.