Re: [microsound] MAX/MSP

[Kerry Uchida <kerry@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Christopher Sorg wrote:

> <snip>
> MAX/MSP programming enviroment, but from what I understand, you pretty much
> have to be a decent C++ programmer to use it anyhow.

I was also afraid of this as well, until Ben Neville demo'd it for me.
It comes packed with premade modules (i'm not sure that's the term
the use).  Hundreds of them.  If you know C++ and want to dive in
and build your own stuff that is available as well.

> Not sure of the
> benefit other than building the module to work in MAX/MSP rather than a
> standalone app.

There is a mode where you can "render" you patch to play on it's own.
This was an awesome feature that sold me on it.  Once your happy with
your patch you render it and freely distribute it to anyone....they DO NOT
need to have MAX/MSP in order to use/play your patch.

> All in all I think MAX/MSP is the most professional level software out there
> for this kind of work, in audio and potentially with video (depending on the
> whole NATO, visual objects thing).  I just wish they could get their
> cross-platform shit together.  I like the flexiblity that PC laptops have to
> offer over Mac laptops,

Sorry to get my Mac chest up, but what flexibility do PC's have over Mac
laptops???  The ability to get all those stupid Email viruses? (sorry I
couldn't resist as I've been laughing at all those warnings running
around.....I'm waiting for viruses to try to find a file on my C: drive!!!!)

> and I'd like the *option* to choose which platform
> to run the software from.

Why do you own both a Mac and a PC?  If you have a MAC
you find out what Mac software you can use.  I was hyped
when Coldcut designed visual software, I was bummed
to find out that it was PC only....but was I pissed...no you
just go oh well and move on.

> Besides, why market to 6-8% of the population
> when you could broaden your market base _AND_ compete better with other
> products.  I realize this is being worked on so I guess I'll just have to
> wait and see.

Maybe because 90% of their potential user base is on a Mac.
For stuff like Recycle and Acid for all of those accounts who
become bedroom musicians at night I can see marketing
reasons there, but MAX seems like a pretty user specific and
small marketbase for it.

In the past if you wanted to use Max/MSP then you had
to make that God awful decision and breakdown and
buy a Mac.  Then you got the software........oh what
a hard choiceless life we live.



--
Kerry Uchida
Vancouver,Canada

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