The Basics of Max for Live

What is Max for Live?

Anyone interested in music production or sound design may have heard of Max for Live before. Max for Live is a collaboration between companies Cycling '74 and Ableton that integrates visual programming language and audio tool Max inside digital audio workstation Live.

Max for Live devices inside Live's device chain

Max for Live projects are called devices and are very similar to VST plug-ins. They can be easily dragged and dropped into Live's device chain and pre-made devices can easily be downloaded and installed within Live. Many of these devices even look and feel the same as Live devices, since they share Live's knobs, faders, and visual components to be more in line with Live's design and aesthetic.

The only differences between Max for Live devices and plug-ins are that Max for Live has compatibility benefits with Live and its devices are fully editable. Standard plug-ins do not benefit from these features.

What can you do with Max for Live?

Color Limiter device from the Creative Extensions Pack

One of the most common use for Max for Live is to use its devices as software instruments or audio effects. For example, Ableton's Max for Live Pack catalog includes various downloadable synths such as Bengal, a FM Semi-modular synthesizer with patches that can create a diverse variety of sounds with its patches, and Granulator II, a granular synth that can use any sound source to create atmospheric sounds with unique textures. Live's category also features audio effects such as the Color Limiter, a limiter that mimics the gritty and colourful characteristics of analogue limiters.

LFO device from CV Tools being used to modulate the Attack parameter of the Simpler device

Additionally, Max for Live expands what is possible within Ableton Live. One of the notable capabilities is using Live as a modular synthesizer. Any one of Live's various parameters can be controlled by Max for Live. For example, the LFO effect from the CV Tools pack can change the gain of a track or even modulate the tempo of the song.

Max for Live is also extremely experimental in nature and has endless possibilities as to how it can be used. Max for Live devices can connect to various electronic devices, use video input to control effects, and even let the weather manipulate software instruments. This feature is great for anyone looking for new methods of sound design or control over their music.

Inside the Bass Device from the Max for Live Essentials pack

Furthermore, anyone can create their own Max for Live devices or modify existing ones using Max's programming environment. Since Max is a visual programming language built for audio, it is easy to learn and use. Once you know how to program with Max, you can create any audio device you can imagine.

Great, how do I start?

Starting with Max for Live very simple, but it should be noted that Max for Live is a paid software that is not relatively cheap. Only purchase a copy of Max for Live if you are content with investing in a few hundred dollars to expand your audio capabilities.

If you already have a Live Suite license, Max for Live should already be installed with your base installation of Live. If you have a Live Standard license however, you can purchase a copy of Max for Live on Ableton's website. If you already have a copy of Max/MSP as a standalone application, you can "crossgrade" at a discounted price.

Ableton's Max for Live Packs

Downloading packs is one of the best ways to get started with Max for live. As mentioned above, Ableton has a vast library of synthesizers and effects that can creatively impact your sounds. To get started, download these free packs:

· Creative Extensions is a pack of powerful instruments and audio effects. They feature updated Max for Live Essentials devices. Max for Live Essentials is an older pack made for Live 9, but you can download this pack as well.

· Convolution Reverb is a reverb pack with pre-sets that mimic real-world spaces and hardware reverb plug-ins. It also includes a tool for creating your own reverb effects.

· CV Tools is a pack for automating Live's various parameters. It includes an LFO tool can be used to modulate any parameter in Live.

· Connection Kit is a starter kit for connecting to electronic devices such as Arduinos, LEGO MINDSTORMs, or OSC devices.

More devices can be found on Ableton's website or on maxforlive.com, a community site run by Max for Live enthusiasts.

Written by Harper Kim