For the final project, I decided to further explore Max MSP’s self-generating music project, a step above of what I created for Project 1. For this project, 8 different designed sounds are ready. 5 are main sounds while 3 acts as special effects. The patch almost acts as a sequencer, with inputs of tempo and ‘beats per bar’. Each bar, a new sound is triggered completely randomly. However, both the frequency and volume of the sound is from analyzing the user’s input through the piano keyboard and other settings. The user is also able to change the sound design of 5 of the 8 sounds through graphs. The piano keyboard also acts as a slider, as both the frequency and volume is set based on where the user clicks it. Other sliders for the 7 different sounds indicate the octave possibility range. From then on, the 5 main sounds are selected randomly. The 3 FX sounds are played also due to chance, yet this chance is a result within the subpatch. The sounds are processed through reverb and delay effects. Furthermore, a stuttering effect is also available, which splits each bar up into 16 distinct ‘steps’ (inspiration from Autechre).

I originally wanted to due a music generative project based off of possibility and an input from the mic. But after researching online and especially finding out about the music group Autechre I changed my mind. I mainly got my inspiration from their patches. Sound designs were learnt both through the youtube DeliciousMaxTutorials and http://sounddesignwithmax.blogspot.com/. Reference for the reverb subpatch: taken from https://cycling74.com/forums/reverb-in-max-msp.

Here is a recording sample of the piece being played:

Code as follows:

For Project 1, I created a self-generated melody & drone patch.

First off, a wav file of single piano notes played consecutively is analyzed. While Max randomly selects portions of the wav file to play in snippets, the frequency of the audio being played is analyzed and triggers the 1st higher-pitched drones in intervals. Meanwhile, the 2nd drone patch can be triggered by using the keyboard as a midi-keyboard.

The drone is achieved via subtractive synthesis. The pink noise generator is send through filters, only letting pass certain frequency bands. Then, the subtractive synthesis is done with a handful of inline reson~ objects.

The ‘analyzer~’ object is referenced from the maxobject.com website.

Delay is added to all sound effects. Piano melody can also go through a noise gate at will. The speed of the piano sampling can also be manipulated, which will immediately also effect the speed of the self-generated higher pitched drones.

Here is an example of the music being played:

Code is Here: