Max/MSP from Cycling 74 is a set of software visual tools and objects, presented in a graphical programming environment, which allows users to create their own software. The various modules are connected to each other through virtual patch cords.
The basic environment that includes MIDI, control, user interface and timing objects is found within Max. Built on top of Max are hundreds of audio processing objects, included in MSP that allow for creating everything from interactive filter design to complete hard disc recording.
Jitter extends the Max/MSP programming environment to support real-time manipulation of video, 3D graphics and other data sets within a unified processing architecture. Because Jitter, like Max/MSP, is generic in nature, it offers unlimited possibilities for creative exploration, whether in video processing, interactive art, teaching new media, or data visualization.
Note:
This is an educational package that requires proof of current educational status.
Max
Design cross-platform programs and user interfaces interactively using hundreds of modular objects and UI widgets
Create and run an arbitrary number of applications and tasks, depending on the memory and processing speed of the computer
A series of over forty interactive tutorials teach the user how to use Max, step-by-step
Interactive on-line help provides a working demonstration of every object and its features
Built-in support for unlimited number of MIDI input and output streams (using MME on Windows and Core MIDI on Macintosh) plus support for serial devices and mouse tracking
Supports QuickTime movie playback
Interactive program editing and debugging features, such as foreground/background, message tracing, object inspectors, intelligent copy and paste
An easy-to-use cross-platform SDK for extending the software that's been adopted by a large community of users, letting Max do everything from networking to statistics
MSP
Supplies over 150 objects covering all the basic elements of synthesis, sampling and signal processing
MME, DirectSound and ASIO audio hardware support on Windows and Core Audio support on Mac OS X
Customize and save hardware interface setups to optimize for low latency or greater CPU efficiency
Full-featured waveform display and editing object
Unlimited simultaneous hard-disk recording and playback streams using files from one to thirty-two tracks
File playback includes vari-speed, looping and reverse
Graphical filter design and envelope/function generator interfaces
Support for AIFF, WAV, SDII (Mac only) and MP3 (requires QuickTime) audio files
Support for building polyphonic MIDI-controlled synthesizers and samplers
Hosts VST plug-ins and synthesizers (in any configuration imaginable)
Includes multiple examples showing techniques such as FFT-based filtering and convolution, 5.1 spatial surround processing, crossovers, audio-rate sequencing and vocoding
Over 25 interactive tutorials present a complete course in digital audio
Jitter
<i>Video</i>
Although the Jitter architecture is general, it is highly optimized for use with video data
Building blocks include a robust set of mathematical operators, keying/compositing, analysis, color space conversion and color correction, alpha channel processing, spatial warping, convolution-based filters and special effects
Includes extensive support for Apple's QuickTime architecture, including the playback of all QT supported file formats, real or non real-time file creation, editing operations, import/export capabilities, integrated real-time QT effects, video digitizing, QTVR, file format conversion and more
QuickTime audio may be routed into MSP to exploit MSP's powerful audio processing capabilities
Provides support for digital video (DV) camera control, as well as input and output via FireWire and multiple monitor support for performance situations
<i>2D/3D Graphics</i>
Integrated 2D/3D graphics support provides the tools to use hardware accelerated OpenGL graphics together with video.
Includes the ability to texture 3D geometry with video streams in real-time, convert audio and video streams directly into geometry data and render models, NURBS, 2D/3D text and other common shapes
Allows low level access to geometry data and the majority of the OpenGL API for those users who need to dig deeper
<i>Matrices</i>
Uses a single generalized matrix data format when working with video, 3D geometry, audio, text, or any other kind of data
Matrices may be composed of one of four data types - char/8-bit unsigned int, long/32-bit signed int, float32/32-bit floating point, or float64/64-bit floating point
Matrices may have up to 32 dimensions and up to 32 planes
The user can experiment with interpreting text as an image, converting video images to 3D geometry, turning audio into a particle system, or playing video data as audio
<i>General</i>
Jitter introduces the notion of attributes, internal variables that may be set and queried, thus permitting easier management of object state
Objects can work with matrices of arbitrary size and are designed so that they can adapt to the type and size of data that they receive
A single matrix may be accessed by multiple objects, allowing for creative feedback networks, in-place processing and memory conservation
The software's flexibility means it can be used to teach a wide range of subjects, from interface design that responds to gesture, to mathematics for artists
Provides a common framework in which artists and researchers from varied disciplines can collaborate and cross-pollinate, building upon their respective specialties, all within the same flexible architecture
Recent artistic and research projects that have used Max/MSP/Jitter range from evolutionary systems for generating video filters, to a computer controlled paint gun printer. And from music driven by the movement of ballet dancers, to a robotic labyrinth that changes form as the participant walks through it