Max 8.3 Starters

As you begin to explore the new features of Max 8.3, we'll be sharing simple patcher ideas here made by the Cycling '74 team that demonstrate a starting point for further exploration. You can expect to find everything from generative musical sequencers to sound design sketches. Check back every week as we update this post with new patches, and tune in to our Instagram to see these patches in action.

1. Clacky

(4/28/2022) This patch uses MC objects to create a cloud of sample material that goes from rhythmic to tonal.

2. WhatArp

(5/4/2022) This patch uses mc.chord~ to generate a chord that is then played as a polyphonic arpeggio using what~ and mc.snowphasor~

3. TablePan

(5/12/2022) This patch combines some amplitude modulation using shape~ with audio-rate modulated panning driven by table~.

4. Crosspatch Drone

(5/18/2022) The new crosspatch UI object allows for quick experimentation with modular signal routing. In this patcher, several source oscillators modulate a set of different processes to make a drone sound.

5. Subdiv Fun

(5/25/2022) The new subdiv~ object has been a favorite around the office. This patch leans on to generate some randomly shifting arpeggios that recall modular synthesis techniques.

6. Midiplayer Fun

(6/2/2022) This patcher uses mc.midiplayer~ with a VST/AU instrument plugin (not included) to create a cloud of overlapping notes similar to granular synthesis. A little comb filtering on the end adds some extra pitching.

7. Algo Doof

(6/9/2022) Tom uses the probability list feature of subdiv~ to bring us a probabilistic drum sequencer ready to rip up the bush doof. A Max for Live Midi effect device is also included.

8. Hairpin

(6/16/2022) The combo of snowphasor~ and phasegroove~ here unlocks extended granular sampling with groove~. The phasegroove~ object enables the use of groove~ (including all the pitch and timestretching features) driven by a ramp, making it behave similarly to wave~ with some added sonic possibilities.

9. Simple1

(6/24/2022) This patch sets up 2 overlapping groove~ rhythms, using the swing~ object to create extra variation in the playback.

10. Laser22

(7/22/2022) This deceptively simple patch uses a pair of phasor~s to both trigger and modulate a ramp~ object to generate a sci-fi laser effect. A twist~ is added to provide a little extra curve.

11. Snow 2D

(8/4/2022) This patch couples mc.snowphasor~ and mc.snowfall~ in 2D mode with a simple visualizer built on Jitter OpenGL. Here mc.snowfall~ is manipulating the parameters of audio sample playback as well as a filter.

12. Quickwhat

(8/18/2022) This one uses jit.noise to generate trigger positions for use with what~ to create randomized rhythmic patterns.

13. Groovespread

(8/25/2022) In this patch we explore some wild timbre manipulation using MC, driving a wash of sample loops using both mc.generate~ and wrapper messages to set different speeds across the channel space. The groove~ playback is driven here by mc.phasegroove~ to allow sync'ing to a ramp signal.

14. Happy Game

(9/1/2022) Get ready for some pixelated adventures with this simple generative theme creator. Randomized sequences are fed into the stash~ object to create a mix of repetition and change. The output of stash~ is then run through a table~ loaded with a major scale and scaled to the appropriate range for the simple monosynth. Lots of different ways this simple structure could be enhanced to build more interesting generative music machines.

15. Jangler

(9/8/2022) Load up your guitar and instrument clips and explore this granular sample playback patcher driven by mc.snowphasor~. This starter patch would work well as a base for exploring granular sampling and rhythmic sample chopping techniques.

16. Raindrum

(9/15/2022) This patch uses mc.snowphasor~ to generate randomly timed ramps that drive an envelope with shape~ that activates a simple filtered noise drum voice.

17. MC Masher

(9/28/2022) This patch begins with a simple instrument sample that drifts out of sync into a lush ambient track by leveraging mc.phasegroove~ together with mc.groove~.