Max for Live learning resources
Max for Live is a visual programming environment that allows users to build instruments and effects for use within Ableton Live. It comes bundled with Live Suite and is available as an optional add-on for Live Standard. Here we've gathered some tutorials and learning resources for Max for Live.
Knowledge Base articles
Building Max Devices Pack
Built-in lessons
Cycling '74 Video Tutorials
Further tutorials
Third-party Max for Live devices
Max for Live Forum
Knowledge Base articles
- Max for Live specific objects
- Processing video with Jitter in Max for Live
- Controlling Live using Max for Live
Building Max Devices Pack
The Building Max Devices Pack includes free devices, in-depth lessons and a large set of examples, taking you through the steps you need to build your own Max tools, with helpful lesson texts across multiple Live Sets.
Built-in lessons
Access the Max for Live built-in lessons by clicking on the Live Help menu → Help View.
Cycling '74 Video Tutorials
Watch this set of video tutorials by Cycling '74.
Episode #1: Max for Live decoding
Episode #2: Degrade
Episode #3: Simple Delay
Episode #4: SVF
The complete playlist for the Max for Live programming lessons can be found on the Cycling '74 Youtube channel.
Further tutorials
- Check out all the featured videos about Max for Live at Ableton.com.
- The Max for Live Production Guidelines explain what to consider when sharing Max for Live devices.
- Cycling '74 offers a tutorial on best practices for Max for Live users interested in creating their own devices.
- Dubspot offers tutorials on how to implement side chain as well as the device Spectral Shaper by David Linnebank.
- Createdigitalmusic.com offers guides to extending automation possibilities and how to get started with Max for Live in to create your own devices.
- Learn the basics of Max for Live watching this tutorial on how to build a MIDI arpeggiator.
- Max Cookbook offers more advanced tutorials and examples in Max and Max for Live.
Third-party Max for Live devices
- Download Max for Live devices created by Robert Henke.
- Browse devices created by Max for Live users.
- For more Max objects and devices, explore the Max object database.
- Find more third-party Max for Live devices on the Cycling '74 resource "Pushing the Edit Button."
Note: how to access the Max for Live device edit button in Live 12.2.
Max for Live Forum
Share your knowledge and discuss ideas on the dedicated Max for Live forum.