ComfortableInClouds

I've been struggling for awhile with designing THE performance patch. It seems every time I play Max live I have a new system built, a new configuration of my devices (bpatchers) that somehow I feel is better than last time. The trouble is I never grow into a patch. I feel like when I find "the" patch, it will be like true love: it will just make sense to me and beautiful sound will effortlessly bloom.

Some approaches I've taken: having small patches that are sound vignettes, each having its spot in the limelight during a performance; classic monster patch with loopers/slicers/drum machines all routed into a huge matrixctrl to a dozen effects that are all rerouted back into the matrixctrl (waaay too much); separate devices, each with its own individual effects chain, for different musical components.

That last approach is my current approach and it's working out pretty well. Keeping it small: three highly adaptable loopers and a very versatile drum machine, along with separate effects/effect sequencers for each. Beautiful music isn't perpetually blooming quite yet (off and on kind of thing currently), but perhaps that'll take a little bit of time.

I've been struggling for awhile with designing THE performance patch. It seems every time I play Max live I have a new system built, a new configuration of my devices (bpatchers) that somehow I feel is better than last time. The trouble is I never grow into a patch. I feel like when I find "the" patch, it will be like true love: it will just make sense to me and beautiful sound will effortlessly bloom. 

whats-your-performance-patch-like

ComfortableInClouds wrote on Wed, 27 May 2009 08:44

but perhaps that'll take a little bit of time.

I think this is a key element. Stop the instrument design at one point, even if not perfect, and start practicing to make good music.

About 1000 hours in, you should start to sound good most times

ComfortableInClouds wrote on Wed, 27 May 2009 08:44but perhaps that'll take a little bit of time.

You could take a look at the Integra Project:

http://www.integralive.org/dokuwiki/doku.php/

I've been using the same max patch for 5 years now. It keeps growing and changing, but I rarely start from scratch these days.

What's Your Performance Patch Like?