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Performances using Max/Msp & Jitter

*Alice

20:59 / 01.03.06

Recently, I've been introduced to a graphical programming environment known as Max/Msp & Jitter which allows artists to create pieces such as real-time interactive installations, immersive environments, etc.

The only artist I know that uses this is David Rokeby, who created "Very Nervous System", a piece that generates music through the live video capture of body movements.

I'm currently interested in the use of Max/Msp & Jitter in performance art. Concerts, especially.

Does anyone here know of new media artists or bands/musicians who uses this medium in concert performances?

All Acting Regiment

22:49 / 01.03.06

What is "Max/Msp & Jitter"?

Keith, like a scientist

14:02 / 02.03.06

I know that Autechre use Max/Msp for music performances, but I'm not sure if they are tying it into the visuals...try investigating them.

Also, this is nibbling at my brain...I seem to remember someone else as well, but I can't precisely pull the name out of my head. I'll try to figure that out and get back to you.

netbanshee

00:52 / 03.03.06

I've not heard of this software package either and the mention of interactivity and Autechre using it definitely peeks my interest.

It seems that Cycling '74 is the spot that makes and promotes the software. It also appears that Max/Msp and Jitter are two products that can work in tandem during in interactive performances.

So, Phieu, can you drop some more tidbits our way? What's the community and support like for this sw package? Are there any other software packages that are used for similar purposes and how do they compare? Do you have any recordings, examples or artists that you want to lead us to?

I'm gonna start digging around myself and I'm downloading the 30-day trial as we speak. Do you think a 3 year old powerbook can handle it?

Chiropteran

13:14 / 03.03.06

Composer Charles Bestor uses Max for installations - he uses light-sensors as input devices, so that people moving through the installation influence the sound events. He's also, I believe (this may have only been in the planning stage when he talked about it), set up a touch-sensitive dancefloor for an improvisational dancer to control their own music in realtime. He's done a lot of work with Max as an "electronic accompanist" for live instrumentalists.

I'm not sure if... wait, hold on.

Brief bio of Charles Bestor

Max is addictive, seriously.

*Alice

17:33 / 07.03.06

Max/Msp is a programming tool (like Eyesweb and PD, aka Pure Data) that can be used in real-time multimedia production, audio processing, etc.

I'm fairly new to this software so i'm gonna try my best to describte it.
It's like programming with texts (like in C++, Java, flash actionscript) except you map out the algorithm visually using "objects" instead of text. Um, here's an example of a Max patch

Max is the interface (with MIDIs and controls)
MSP is the audio component of the application
Jitter is the visual/graphics component of the application

Here are some examples of artists working with Max/Msp & Jitter from the developer's website. http://www.cycling74.com/section/artists

*Alice

17:36 / 07.03.06

Keith and Lepidopteran: thanks! I'll take a look at Autechre and Charles Bestor tonight.

Banshee: your powerbook requires OS X 10.2 or later, 256 MB minimum of system memory in order to function.

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