Other meanings of Max/MSP
Computer Music
Max/MSP is a visual programming language for music and multimedia, developed by Cycling '74. It is the successor to Max, a graphical environment for creating interactive computer music, and is widely used by composers, performers, and sound designers. The software allows users to create patches by connecting objects that process audio, MIDI, and video in real time. Its name reflects its dual heritage: Max, named after Max Mathews, a pioneer of computer music, and MSP, an acronym for 'Max Signal Processing,' which added real-time audio capabilities.
Max was created by Miller Puckette at IRCAM in the mid-1980s, initially as a tool for composing and performing interactive music. It was named after Max Mathews, a pioneer of computer music. The first version, called Patcher, ran on the Macintosh and was later commercialized by Opcode Systems as Max. In 1997, Puckette developed MSP (Max Signal Processing), a set of objects for real-time audio, which was integrated into Max by Cycling '74, the company that took over development in 1999. Since then, Max/MSP has evolved with additions like Jitter for video and matrix processing, and later Max for Live, a version embedded in Ableton Live.
In Max/MSP, users create patches by dragging objects from a palette onto a canvas and connecting them with patch cords. Objects perform specific functions, such as generating signals, processing audio, or handling MIDI. The data flow is immediate: changes to parameters are reflected in real time, making it ideal for live performance. MSP objects operate on audio signals, using a sample-by-sample or block-based approach, with a default sampling rate of 44.1 kHz. The patching paradigm is inherently visual, allowing for rapid prototyping and intuitive debugging. Max/MSP also supports external objects (externals) and can be extended with C or Java, enabling custom functionality.
Max/MSP is used across a wide range of disciplines, from experimental music and sound art to interactive installations and multimedia performance. It has been employed by notable artists such as Björk, who used it for her Biophilia tour, and by composers like Karlheinz Essl. The software is also a staple in academic institutions for teaching computer music and interactive media. Its influence extends to other visual programming environments, including Pure Data (Pd), which was also created by Puckette as an open-source alternative. Max/MSP's flexibility has made it a standard tool for live electronics, algorithmic composition, and generative art.
Beyond its mainstream use, Max/MSP has a rich ecosystem of niche applications. For instance, it has been used for sonification of scientific data, such as in the 'Sonification of the Higgs Boson' project. The software also supports spatial audio through objects like VBAP and Ambisonics, enabling immersive sound installations. A lesser-known feature is the 'gen' patcher, which allows for low-level DSP programming within the visual environment. Additionally, Max/MSP has a vibrant community that shares patches and abstractions, and it has been used in accessibility projects, such as creating audio feedback for visually impaired users. The software's history includes a period when it was distributed as a free runtime, allowing users to run patches without a license.
Max/MSP is a registered trademark of Cycling '74.
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