Starting to Learn Max/MSP

Earlier today I attended a Max/MSP tutorial run by one of my colleagues at ITP, Matt Ganechau. This one-and-a-half hour session was awesome. We went through the basic concepts that serve as the foundation for this programming environment, and then we developed our first Max patch – a simple 8-step sequencer. Here I will provide a brief overview of the main concepts that we covered along with a short video that features the sequencer I created.



Max/MSP is an object-oriented dataflow programming environment that enables artists to quickly and easily create prototypes. This language was created over 20 years ago to facilitate the creation of sound and music. One of its coolest features is that it includes powerful help functions that enable inexperienced users to quickly get up and running once they understand the following base concepts.

Objects in Max encapsulate functionality that can be re-used easily. Examples include dials, sliders, counters, etc. As in other OOP languages, users can create their own objects (called patches) that encapsulate additional functionality. Objects are identified by a green border and can be easily added to a program using a drag and drop interface. Once an object is added to the program, the user types in the object name to assign the object the desired functionality.

Objects in Max have nodes that are inlets and outlets. These nodes enable objects to connect to other objects. Inlets accept input, while outlets deliver output. When a user hovers over a node the Max environment will show a list of the possible objects and actions that can be connected to that node.

Aside from objects, Max/MSP also features messages. Messages transmit information between objects in Max and they can be integer and float values (there may be other types of messages that I have not explored yet).

Another important concept in Max is the “bang”. Everything in Max operates in response to bangs. Bangs are similar to pulses in an electric circuit, such as the Arduino. When a bang is initiated it goes through the system and activates sound and other activities.

Patches (or programs) can be locked or unlocked. Locked patches are in their performance state. In this mode the user can only interact with the patch as an interface – for example they can interact with sliders, toggles, etc. When unlocked the patch can be edited like a computer program.

The inspector enables developers to change the parameters of objects and programs. For example, on a slider object the programmer can change the range, color, and many other attributes. As expected the attributes and options available differ from object to object.