Including your own externals in RNBO
Can RNBO handle externals created using the Max SDK?
I'm building a "Rhythm Engine" in Max, quite a complex beast. The core is a large external I'm writing in C using the Max SDK. I'm building the GUI directly in Max, passing messages in and out of this external.
When I'm done, I'm wondering if I'll be able to use RNBO to package all this up for people who don't have Max - eg as a browser app or standalone Mac/Windows app? It seems RNBO lets you do that with Max patches, but what if the Max patch includes your own external(s)?
As you can tell, I'm totally new to RNBO. :)
No. In rnbo~, you use rnbo objects, you can't use Max objects - that applies to externals created with the SDK. You can create Max externals with RNBO, but that's something else.
What you are after seems to be saving a patch (including your custom external) as a bundled application. That's been possible for a while.
Best to know more about RNBO is to try it - if you've been using Max and creating externals, you should find rnbo quite easy to use.
Thanks Jean-Francois. A very clear reply, very fast - perfect!
So not RNBO, but there's a more established way to achieve this. Gottit. I've been using Max for a few years, but this is the first time I've wanted to do this, so I didn't realize it was possible.
Thanks again. :)
By the way, creating a bundled app (Standalone) is possible, but it comes with some difficulties - you can search the archives of this forum for interesting discussions. So, a great way to share your work with people who don't have Max, a great way is to share it as a Max patch / Max Project and to suggest the users install Max: running an existing patch is free, final users don't need a Max licence for that.
Hey - thanks again! This info is also very useful.
I'm currently in the middle of developing this Rhythm Engine thing, but once it reaches a stage where others could use it, I'll explore both the options you mention. That'll probably be in a couple of months or so.
Having to install even a free version of Max is of course a bit of a barrier to adoption. On the other hand if it helps a add a few people to the Max user base a bit, I'd be delighted. Pros and cons to each...