Cycling ’74 Max 9.1 Update: Ableton DNA Meets New Creative Possibilities
Take your creativity to the next level
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Cycling '74 Releases Max 9: Programmable Modular, Video and More! · Source: Cycling '74
Cycling ’74 has released an update to Max 9.1 that is much more than just a technical revision. The new version significantly expands the creative possibilities for sound designers, audiovisual artists, and Max for Live enthusiasts. Of particular interest are the new objects that originate from Ableton’s DSP environment and can now be used outside of Live in your own Max patches. Very cool! This opens up a whole new field for anyone who wants to use Ableton’s signature sound in their own projects or standalone applications.
All About Cycling ’74 Max 9
Max 9.1 Combines the Power of Ableton with the Freedom of Modularity
A highlight of Max 9.1 is its new Ableton Live 12 devices, including Auto Filter, Compressor, Drum Buss, and Drum Sampler. These devices are now available as building blocks in the modular system. While these may initially seem like familiar tools, they unlock a whole new potential in Max’s open architecture. Rather than using ready-made modules, you can break down their DSP cores, recombine them, or expand them with additional filters and oscillators from the Meld synthesizer, for example.
The new “meldosc” object combines all of the synthesizer’s waveforms into a flexible meta-structure, opening up many new creative possibilities. Another addition is the “pitchestimator” object, which finally enables more precise pitch detection – a feature many developers and live musicians have been lacking until now.
Max 9.1’s strength also lies in the details. In addition to new attribute functions and extended logic operators, such as “transform~,” Cycling ’74 has implemented many small yet significant improvements. For instance, float attributes can now be assigned directly to inlets, which simplifies complex modulation curves. Performance benefits as well. The audio engine responds more smoothly, modulation curves can be edited more directly, and the entire system feels more polished. Currently, the update is only fully usable in the standalone version, but a version compatible with Ableton Live is expected to follow soon in an update to the DAW. If you work with Max for Live, you can look forward to the next step in integration.
New Ableton Devices and Old VHS Vibes!
In addition to the audio enhancements, the visuals have also been significantly upgraded. The new Jitter FX modules bring analog nostalgia and experimental aesthetics to digital projects. Filters such as “jit.fx.vcr” and “jit.fx.crt” simulate the appearance of old VHS recordings or CRT screens, producing an appealing retro aesthetic. Geometric and image-distorting effects, such as “jit.fx.ge.pattern” and “jit.fx.tiltshift,” can be used to create impressive animations in just a few simple steps. These enhancements make Max 9.1 an exciting tool for audiovisual performers and installation artists.
Some changes have also been made under the hood. The new update brings significant improvements to the JavaScript V8 system, making web-based developments within Max much more powerful. Additionally, revised code boxes and interface elements allow text and data streams to be displayed visually directly in the patch. Arrays can now be managed more dynamically, and the expanded OSC functions provide more flexible communication options between devices, software, and networks. Gamepad support has even been refined, further establishing Max as a platform for experimental interfaces and interactive performances.
With Max 9.1, Cycling ’74 proves once again that the platform is not just a tool, but a creative ecosystem. More information about the update is available here.
Max 9: Programmable Modular, Video and More!
[31 October 2024] The new Max 9 from Cycling ’74 brings an impressive collection of new features and tools to music and image editing. This version integrates audio objects from Ableton’s ABL library, giving you access to effects like distortion and reverb in the style of Ableton Live’s Roar or Reverb, turning Max into a versatile, modular music tool. So now we have “Live For Max… for Live” – brilliant!
Max 9: Improved Coding and Patching for Maximum Flexibility
Code integration in patches is especially exciting in the new Max 9 release: the new Javascript V8 engine offers more modern features and higher speed, which should encourage even newcomers to the world of media programming to use Javascript in patching.
Max 9 Improves Visuals with Jitter Geometry
Another highlight is the major Jitter update. Max 9 adds geometric objects to the existing Jitter matrix, making it easier to work with 3D data and providing greater creative freedom in image and video editing. New features include an FX library that enables real-time image adjustment, distortion, and shading for intuitive visual effects. In addition, enhanced UI objects and 3D widgets expand the control and display options for sophisticated visualizations.
Sound Design with Ableton-based DSP Objects
For musicians and music producers, Max 9 offers significant improvements in real-time control, with the ability to link object parameters through the UI without the need for patch cables. What’s more, OSC integration can now be customized directly from within the program, making it easy to control and manipulate parameters in real time.
The redesigned interface also makes patching more efficient. Features such as syntax coloring for code overview and a list view for object management make working in Max 9 much easier. A global record feature ensures that ideas are never lost, while a command-line option in the Max view allows code commands to be executed directly in the patch.
In addition, tutorials and an intuitive REPL command-line interface make it easy for beginners and advanced users alike to get started and use the software. Visit the Cycling ’74 website to learn more about the platform’s innovations and enhancements. Max 9 sets new standards for creative workflows in music, image editing and video, and proves to be a flexible and versatile tool for today’s creative audio and video producers.
Pricing and Availability
Cycling ’74 Max 9 is available immediately for download from the manufacturer’s website for $/€399.00. A subscription option is also available for $12.99 per month or $120.00 per year. Upgrades from previous versions are available through your account, where the upgrade price is also shown.
Learn More About Max 9 From Cycling ’74
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