Looking for book/resource recommendations for Max beginners
Hello all!
I've used Max before but it was 12 years ago, and I very good at it then. I'm really ready to learn now though and I have a project I want to make, that will hopefully develop into a plug-in that I can use in Pro Tools and app, it's a generative music/sound idea.
Does anyone have any recommendations for books or online resources that could help me first learn Max basics again, and then start to work on realising the above idea?
The Step by Step book looks good but focuses on step sequencers which doesn't interest me too much (though maybe a good way to learn?)
All suggestions would be much appreciated!
Well, it really depends what you want to do with Max. If you used Max 12 years ago, maybe you studied some of the tutorials (MSP tutorials to hear something, Max for math/messages, "generative" things...) Going back to them will certainly help you, you might remember things since they didn't change much.
Best way is to have a project, and work to make it happen: it sounds like you have a project, so it's a great start.
Thanks, Jean-Francois. I’m not sure I still have the tutorials I used back then (it was part of University). I think starting with just trying to make my project is a good idea but I feel I may benefit from a book or resource that eases me back into the basics again.
Sure. When I say "the tutorials", I mean the ones that come with Max, listed at Reference -> Home. If you explore them with your project in mind, you'll choose the ones that make more sense for you to learn from.
Thank you both very much. Will look into the build-in Max tutorials (didn't know they existed) and the links your shared Raja.
I thoroughly recommend the Electronic Music and Sound Design Vol 1 book as a way of getting started. I started with Max (after a few attempts over many years) around a year ago, just working on a specific patch idea with tutorials and various online videos. I bought the book in June and it really accelerated my learning to the point where I am now pretty comfortable in continuing to teach myself and figure things out.
If by some small chance you are in London, then thy have a copy (of the older Max 7 version) in Foyles so you can have a browse, but I'd recommend the Max 8 version as it has useful info on MC objects.
https://www.contemponet.com/shop/electronic-music-and-sound-design-1-max-8/
There's a free online course Programming Max: Structuring Interactive Software for Digital Arts on Kadenze by Matt Wright. High quality stuff!
Another vote for the Cipriani and Giri books. Absolutely fantastic. The "Step by Step" book is good too. And lots of digging around in the help files!
Thank you all for your support and the links. There's a lot to sift through and I'm looking forward to it. I appreciate the supportive nature of the Max community.
Richard — I am actually in London now, and had Max 7 (which I never used!) but just upgraded to 8 now that I'm really getting going. Will def look at getting that book, maybe step by step too. Its encouraging to hear about your development.
Mindaugas — that course looks great too. I'm going to join. Does anyone have any experience of using Kadenze? I'm tempted to pay for membership to submit assignments and keep me honest. [edit: did it, excited!]