Session 5: Output Sliders.
This week we were learning about the use of output sliders in our Max 6 patches.
We began by learning that a gain slider is both a multiplier and a slider combined, and that we can use a VU level meter to gauge the level at which the sound stars to become distorted. This allows us to limit and scale our levels. We were told that the output for audio levels needs to always be scaled to 0-1, and for midi controlling audio, it needs to be between 0 and 127.
Alternatively, we can remove the gain slider, and simply use a multiplier and a slider seperately. However, again these need to both be scaled to 0-1. Similarly we could place a 'scale' object in between two 'flo.number' boxes. We found that often the reason that a Max patch isn't working is due to an integer and a decimal number box being used together. These two forms of number box can not work together and therefore must never be matched. We then began learning about the object 'multislider'. This is the same principal as a single slider, except that, as the name suggests, it can have as many individual sliders as the user requires. In order to keep track of these multiple sliders, we can use the 'slider style' setting to change the colour of each slider and make our patch tidier. We then learnt about 'pack' and 'unpack' objects. Unpack objects are very powerful and useful in a patch as they send whatever information comes in, out in all its individual parts. We use the unpack object with the multislider to define each sliders level and output. If we are using integers rather than flo.numbers, then we have to change the unpack object from 'f's' to 'i's'. This can also work the opposite way with the 'pack' object. However, with the pack function, we need to use a button control so that the sliders are able to move seperately from one another. The 'Umenu' object allows the user to put text or numbers into a box on their patch. Each object in a patch can have an individual name by changing the scripting name in the Inspector. This allows the user to keep on track of their patch, especially if there are multiple mulitsliders being used. Another key technique used for tidying patches and making them look more professional, is the use of the 'Encapsulate' feature. This basically creates a sub patch of anything selected which you can then name. This week's session was very useful and I look forward to starting work on my own individual project, as I start to create my own guitar effects patch.