Session 3: Looping

This week we learnt how to loop samples using Max 6.

However, we started the session by learning some more little tricks to help us use the software. Firstly, we learn how to track a cable, in case our patch is not producing sound. We were told that if the patch is not working, the probe will display a 0. Pere also stressed that we should never change the signal vector on our patch, as this would most likely stop it from working. 

We then began importing our samples into the patch so that we could begin looping. We did this by adding objects called 'groove~'. Once we had our samples in our patch, we began looping them and manipulating the speed at which the sample was played. I found that if the speed is below 0, then the sample will be played in reverse. 

As I am relatively inexperienced in the field of Music Programming, I also improved my knowledge of Bit and Sample rates, as well as waveforms. I learnt that the Sample rate is the number of times a second the sotware takes a sample of your track, and that the bit rate is the number of bits you put in to be samped a second. I therefore found that the lower your bit rate, the more edged your wave is, thus making it sound more distorted. Similarly, the higher the bit rate on a track, the clearer and cleaner it sounds. 

Gradually, I am becoming more and more comfortable using the software Max 6 and am growing accustomed to the various keyboard short-cuts and tricks.