A Max/MSP Approach for Incorporating Digital Music via Laptops in Live Performances of Music Bands

We use the Max/MSP framework to create a reliable but flexible approach for managing live performances of music bands. This approach allows an easy and low cost way to apply innovative music interfaces for live performance, without losing the professionalism required on stage. In the approach, every 1-3 players are plugged to a unit consisting of a standard sound-card and laptop. The units are in charge of auto-changing presets to manage virtual instruments, effects, and gestures for each player. All the units are then remotely controlled by a conductor patch which in charge of the synchronization of all the players and background samples in real time, as well as providing sensitive metronome and scheduling visual enhancement. Last but not least, we can take the advantage of using virtual instruments and effects in Max/MSP to manage the mix and routing the audio. This provides metronome and monitor system to the players’ ears, and also virtual live mixing. This privilege almost eliminates the dependence on the venue’s equipment, and in that way, the sound quality and music ideas can be brought directly from the studio to the stage.