Sam Sturtivant

I was wondering if anyone who is fluent in max could give me some pointers on how to go about creating a generative patch based on this composition.

I have started by using a 16 step sequencer that triggers drum samples in different buffers, I have then set random "glitches" to occur during their playback.

tips-on-recreating-the-audio-side-of-gantz-graf-in-maxmsp-not-video

I don't believe Autechre were using a very generative approach to that track, it sounds very composed to me.

Sound wise I think it's granular sampling and possibly automating of delay times.

I'd be curious of other peoples though, I think most people can just use their ears and speculate.

the most used fx sounds like a sample loop-played extremely fast, and played at different speeds. There is also probably sequencing, very fast sequencing, you'll probably need a sequencer. Like Live, which is cool to do that kind of thing ; you'd probably had troubles with Max only. But ye, anyway, basically, loop playback with variable rate and sequencing those rates in a very ciseled microcomposition style would be the way to start to look at it.

Lots of granular - and yeah, automating something like vdb delay times will get you really close.

Oh, and a very pumping compressor across the whole thing.

For the sequencing, I've found that the most organic way to build things like this in a sequencer is to do it *iteratively*: start with a basic pattern, copy it. Then embellish that, then copy it. Then tweak the copy, then copy that, etc. And you'll get this evolving super-pattern across the whole thing. I can definitely hear elements of that in Gantz Graf.

Oh, and a very pumping compressor across the whole thing. 

For the sequencing, I've found that the most organic way to build things like this in a sequencer is to do it *iteratively*: start with a basic pattern, copy it. Then embellish that, then copy it. Then tweak the copy, then copy that, etc. And you'll get this evolving super-pattern across the whole thing. I can definitely hear elements of that in Gantz Graf.


I got some extremely 'Ganz graf' stuff whilst doodling around on max the other day......... delay/feedback is where to look....... i ran random karplus strong stuff through countless variable delay lines with sometimes exploding feedbacks controlled by strong limiting and i thought "that sounds like Ganz graf"

May I add that personally Ganz Graf is one of my favourite Autechre tunes of all time, and even now, I believe (even though its over a decade old already) its 10 years ahead of its time :)-

a few simple 'out of the box' tricks will never equate to the excellence that is autechre

Yeah there is a reason Autechre is Autechre and countless others try to do what they do to no avail. It's kinda a shame that most every time someone mentions them they credit their excellent sound design and don't mention anything about the actual track writing talent they have. I think they have equal amounts of both.

That said, theres nothing wrong with seeking techniques you hear in their music. Musicians have been doing that since the first time man started hitting things in a coherent way.

"I heard Og hits the side of the log with a rock." "I heard it's the palm of his hand on the top" I like trying to figure out the things people do.

Yeah there is a reason Autechre is Autechre and countless others try to do what they do to no avail.  It's kinda a shame that most every time someone mentions them they credit their excellent sound design and don't mention anything about the actual track writing talent they have.  I think they have equal amounts of both.

That said, theres nothing wrong with seeking techniques you hear in their music. Musicians have been doing that since the first time man started hitting things in a coherent way.
"I heard Og hits the side of the log with a rock." "I heard it's the palm of his hand on the top" I like trying to figure out the things people do.


Tips on recreating the audio side of Gantz Graf in MaxMSP (not video).