Since max/msp is such a flexible software, covering such a diverse selection of signal processing tasks, I think it could be helpful to
organize this forum a little.
I think it would be cool if it could be organized like “samplers”, “synthesizers”, “basic, newbie building questions” with subforums like “granular” ,”generative”, “drum machines” etc,
and maybe, like KVR have all the newest threads, available on the right part of the screen or something.

Cool Idea?

Also, what happens when someone is working on something that is a sampler, sequencer and synthesizer at once?

A lot of people work on things that are _neither a sampler, a sequencer or a synthesizer (and thank god for that). Max != Reaktor.
Questions about envelopes/polyphony/buffers/oscillators/filters are common, yes, but these tend to be “newbie” questions that are answered in the tutorials, or by just thinking/searching a bit longer.

The more interesting questions tend to be those that cannot be filed in any of the suggested categories, or could apply to all/most of them. These are the deeper questions that offer an opportunity to learn for everyone, although one might have never thought of the possibility of using max this way!
You want to just run into those threads… Really.

Also, very decent sequencers, drum machines and synthesizers exist as vsts. There is nothing wrong with rolling your own/inventing the wheel – especially when it is just to educate yourself – but lets not split up the forum in such traditional and boring categories that are not even applications that Max shines in most. Max is not the digital cousin of the modular synth/analog studio. It is much more. It is all about the overlap and/or space _between categories, media and disciplines.

I think it would be useful if people would spend more time with the manual/tutorials and learn to use google to search the forum and archives though. How about that idea for improving this board? ;)

regards,
Klaas-Jan Govaart

> I think it would be useful if people would spend more time with the manual/tutorials and learn to use google to search the forum and archives though. How about that idea for improving this board?
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I like it!

In all honesty, I would like a better search function for the site. The current one is atrociously slow, and not always very informative. Also, there’s a couple things that I’ve NEVER been able to find in any documentation (like how Max handles string hashing). Some of the docs on the website seem to be hiding in odd places.

Perhaps a sticky “FAQ” thread for the forum? Something that’s updated somewhat regularly, non-replyable by average users (maybe Senior Members only, or something?) and would be the ‘first stop’ for people going to ask a question on the forums. It’d have answers to all the newbular questions, as well as a simple checklist before posting to the forums:

Have you checked the tutorials?
Have you checked the reference guides?
Have you asked google?
Have you used the forum search?
Have you typed up your question/problem in a precise, clear manner?

I also want it stay the way it is. It is in the responsibility of the
users to mention possible tags in the subject. Its made for that, and
its searchable anyway…

Anything I post would fall into all subgroups including “other” at the
same time anyway, how to deal with this? The majority would miss it if I
choose only one…

I don’t know if you realised, that there are subgroups already for
Jitter, Javascript, Java, Pluggos… Which make a lot more sense. Every
sampler needs the same tricks and objects as a synth, a mixer, a
looper… Most questions are about problems in detail, and the few
questions like “I just downloaded the demo, now how do I create somthing
like Live/Absynth/Halion/MultiFXplug etc.” Will have no satisfying
answer anyway…

If you are serious about learning Max read all… ;-)

And if you look for ready solutions, there are listed a lot at the share
pages of C’74…

Stefan

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Stefan Tiedje————x——-
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