Max for Live learning resources

  • Live Versions: All
  • Operation System: All

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

Built in lessons

Access the Max for Live built-in lessons by clicking on the 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.
  • These guidelines explain what needs to be considered when sharing Max for Live devices
  • Cycling '74 offers a Tutorial on Best Practices for Max for Live users who are interested in creating their own devices.
  • Learn how to implement Side Chain with any Ableton Device with the help of Max for Live, powered by Dubspot.
  • Another video tutorial from Dubspot describes an interesting device created by David Linnebank: Spectral Shaper.
  • Find out how to extend the automation possibilities with Max for Live, powered by createdigitalmusic.com.
  • Another article from createdigitalmusic.com containing lots of video tutorials regarding how to get started with Max for Live in order 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

Max for Live Forum

Share your knowledge and discuss ideas on the dedicated Max for Live forum.

Ableton offers these in-depth help and learning resources: