Cycling ’74 let us know that they’ve released Max 9, a major update that they say is “more direct, more transparent, and packed with amazing new audio, visual and coding tools.”
Max is a visual programming environment that’s tailored to music and multimedia applications, and that also offers tight integration with Ableton Live.
Max 9 includes a broad range of new objects and application features, including new sound objects built on Ableton’s DSP code, a new Jitter Effects library, a new Jitter Geometry system for advanced 3D, and a reimagined coding workflow.
Max 9 Highlights:
- Ableton Audio Objects (ABL) – New ABL objects in Max 9 provide direct access to sound tools created by Ableton, and include both complete device emulations (Roar, Drift, Echo, etc.) and DSP building blocks.
- Jitter FX – The jit.fx library for Jitter brings a full-featured and easy-to-use set of realtime image filters, effects, blends, blurs, and more.
- Jitter Geometry – The new Jitter Geometry system offers advanced 3D manipulation in a realtime environment, making use of a new geometry data type (based on the Half-Edge format). This lets you go beyond what was possible to achieve using the Jitter Matrix, with tools to do things like remeshing, smoothing and vertex reduction, normal and UV generation, and more.
- Patching with Code – the codebox object is available in every corner of Max, with variants that support Javascript (V8), Node for Max, Gen variations (gen, gen~, jit.gen, jit.gl.pix), as well as codeboxes for dictionary, OSC, and coll editing.
- Other Improvements:
- Patcher Syntax Coloring makes Max easier to read
- Global Record button lets you capture any audio from Max immediately
- List View and Media Browser improvements
- FPS and CPU meters visible on the toolbar
Pricing and Availability:
Max 9 is available now for both new and existing Max users as either a one-time purchase or as a subscription. A Permanent License is priced at $399 USD.
Can’t say I’m very impressed by the new features, though they do seem to solve a couple of work-arounds in my own workflow. Still, 200 euros for the upgrade as such is steep, especially after already having paid 300 euros for the RNBO license 2 years ago.
If RNBO had been the main new feature of Max 9, like gen~ was back in the day, it would’ve made a more sense. Feels a bit like a cash-grab now.
It is also unclear to what extent the RNBO version and Max version will be tied together in the near future . The last RNBO update required a Max update as well, but that was still within version 8.
That said; I love RNBO and the things it can do, especially together with gen~. So if that is to be updated soon, then yes, take my money