Max/MSP Basic Patches

This repository contains a collection of introductory Max/MSP patches designed to help beginners learn the fundamentals of audio/visual programming in Max. Each patch demonstrates specific concepts and functionality within the Max environment.

Patch Collection

1. Basic_Audio_Objects.maxpat

An introduction to fundamental audio objects in Max, including:

• Audio input (ezadc~, adc~)
• Audio output (ezdac~, dac~)
• Signal generation (cycle~)
• Audio file playback (sfplay~)
• Audio file playlists (playlist~)
• Audio metering and monitoring tools
• Volume control with live.gain~

2. Basic_elements.maxpat

A comprehensive overview of the essential building blocks in Max:

• Object boxes and their functions
• Message boxes
• Number objects (integer and float)
• Toggle switches
• Button objects
• UI elements like sliders
• Basic sequencing with metro, counter, and random objects
• Visual feedback mechanisms

3. Basic_JIT_Objects.maxpat

An introduction to Jitter objects for visual processing:

• Jitter matrices and their properties
• Basic video display with jit.pwindow
• Generative visual content with jit.noise
• Webcam input using jit.grab
• Basic image manipulation

4. Basic_Movie_Player.maxpat

A simple video player implementation featuring:

• Video file loading and playback with jit.movie
• Playback controls (play, pause, stop)
• Playback rate adjustment
• Loop functionality
• Video output with jit.world

5. Sounddriven_Video_Scroll.maxpat

An interactive audio-visual project that:

• Uses audio input to control video playback position
• Demonstrates audio analysis with peakamp~
• Implements smoothing algorithms for fluid animation
• Features fullscreen display capabilities
• Includes UI elements for adjusting sensitivity and response
• Provides file drag-and-drop functionality

Getting Started

1. Requirements:

   • Max 8 or later
   • Built-in or external microphone/audio interface (for audio input patches)
   • Webcam (for video input patches)

2. Installation:

   • Clone or download this repository
   • Open any .maxpat file with Max

3. Usage:

   • Follow the numbered instructions and annotations in each patch
   • Hover over objects for tooltips
   • Refer to built-in documentation by right-clicking objects and selecting "Open Help"

Learning Path

For optimal learning, it's recommended to explore the patches in this order:

1. Basic_elements.maxpat (fundamental concepts)
2. Basic_Audio_Objects.maxpat (audio basics)
3. Basic_JIT_Objects.maxpat (visual basics)
4. Basic_Movie_Player.maxpat (video playback)
5. Sounddriven_Video_Scroll.maxpat (combined audio-visual project)
6. Checking out the Example Patches

Resources

• Max Documentation
• Cycling '74 Forums
• Max Tutorials

Acknowledgments

Some patches include educational references:

• The Sound-driven Video Scroll patch is inspired by this YouTube tutorial