Max is a visual programming language that merges sound and visuals. It is an immensely powerful tool which can extend Ableton’s capabilities beyond those of other DAW’s. The purpose of this course is to learn the concepts that drive Max, and apply them in a creative and technical way.
We will explain the techniques and the structure of the algorithms in Max and Max for Live, the theory of digital audio signals, the main synthesis and processing techniques, and how to build synthesizers and audio effects from scratch. You will learn about the connective nature of Max, Max for Live and Ableton, the workflow and the object types of the software; the relation between the analog domain and the digital domain, space and time; what a sound generator is, understanding of delay processors, additive and subtractive synthesis, and how to build a synthesizer which you will control with a MIDI controller.
We will teach you the fundamentals of audio programming and the main techniques used in the field of sound design, such us FM synthesis, subtractive synthesis, sound modulation, delay processing and MIDI event management.
We are mostly going to work on the same projects simultenously in order to help you to better understand sound processing and sound generation. Throughout the class we will be building a complex, functional MIDI device, which you will showcase at the end of the class.
Topics:
• Exploring the Max and Max for Live environment
• MIDI device creation
• Audio digital foundation
• How to work with data
• Sound generation
• Sound design
• Creating audio effects
• Delay processors
• Filters
• Sound synthesis
• Vector/Wavetable synthesis
• MIDI protocol
• Signal flow
• Max/MSP objects
• Software and objects types
• Anatomy of a patch
• Anatomy of a Max for Live device
• Anatomy of the oscillators
Is this course suitable to me? Why should I take it? What is it about? What is Max? What does it have to do with Ableton?
This course for beginners lasts 4 months and takes place once every week for 3 hours. In this course you will reach an intermediate level of Max/MSP skill, which can be applied in the Ableton Live environment.
Prior knowledge in Max is not required – we will start from scratch and lead you step by step into understanding and using Max.
You can participate in the course with an intermediate-beginner level in music production, and an interest in digging deeper into something you are curious about. This course is held in English, and is particularly suitable for foreign students, coming to Berlin, who are interested in audio programming and sonic composition. The course is also suitable to those who are mainly interested in just learning Max itself.
You should come with interest in music production, and a desire to delve deeper into audio related topics. If you are a musician or producer, or you are working in a field where logical or complex thinking is mandatory, the knowledge aquired in this course will enhance your production and workflow. This course is also suitable to those who just want to know how audio processing works behind what you are used to seeing or hearing at the surface of your user interface – either in your DAW, your hardware synth etc. In other words, you will understand and see your DAW or machine at a deeper level after this Max / Max for Live course.
Finally, it is, of course, a course suited for the creative mind. Learning how to make your own synthesizer from scratch is a rewarding process which will diversify your potential avenues for production and expand your creative arsenal. You will gain a deeper understanding in audio processing and in sounds, as well in your personal technical or artistic approach – as a source of inspiration for your further development.
The Max / Max for Live course is also highly recommended if you are working with signal processing, or are preparing for your studies prior to university. For instance, if you are planning to study media science or any other sciences or arts at the Technische Universität, Humboldt Universität or any other university of arts or sciences.
Our experience has shown that participants for this class will come from a wide range of different fields, which speaks for Max and its huge potential and possibilities of applying its concept across multiple fields. Max is not only for musicians but also for visual artists, programmers, installation artists, scientists, curious nerds and geeks, and those who are interested in how digital data or digital – or analogue – devices work; regardless of your background, you may learn to apply the pure concept of this very intuitive language even within your personal life (no joke). If you are open to dive into it, it will widen your perspective about interaction (non-human and human), media aesthetics and support your logical thinking and vision.
In 2020 we will be launching the AUDIO-VISUAL INTERACTION COURSE with Max / Max/MSP, which will be about image/video processing, generating visuals with sound, generating and manipulating 3D geometries and more.
We will solve common questions such as:
• What is a Max for Live device?
• Why even use Max, can’t I stay just stay with my DAW?
• What is patching?
• What is visual programming?
• How can I improve my producing skills?
• What is the algorithm behind FM synthesis?
• How can I understand anything about all this really complex and boring sounding stuff?
• How can I program my own drum machine?
• How does an oscillator work and what can I do with it?
• How to use envelopes to modify parameters of a synth?
• Signal flow, connectivity, interconnections – sounds really nerdy?!
• Delays: how do they really work?
• What all can I do with filters?
• How do I manage my patch to run safe?
Requirements:
Laptop with Max or Ableton Live 10/11 installed, headphones, MIDI controller of your choice.
We will provide controllers and headphones if you need them, please let us know in the comment section in your booking.
If you’re going to buy the software, let us know prior your purchase – there’s an educational discount.
Our coach Marco Accardi is a multidisciplinary audiovisiual artist who graduated with a BA in Electronic Music from the Conservatory of Palermo. Under the pseudonym ‚Murk‘ he has released music which has been supported by Noisia, Hatcha, Distance, Darkside, Content, BunZer0 and many more. He has lectured at universities, developed software for live shows, and performed across Europe. Marco has worked in various audio-visual projects in contemporary dance, theater, live electronics, and many more. You can find out more about his work here, or listen to one of his sound design projects here.
...Producer- und Composer Kurs,
Audio, MIDI, Klangsynthese
...Producing mit Modularsystem,
