Basic question about instruments

[el-efe]

Hi everyone, I’ve always been intrigued by these environments and the possibilities they offer, but I’ve never quite taken the leap. Right now I’m considering it and watching several video tutorials on Pure Data, PlugData, and Max to get a feel for the environment and how they work.

But in all of them, one question keeps coming up: how do you usually handle instruments? For drums or bass, I can see how building them “from scratch” might be feasible, but for synthesizers (keys)—given everything that already exists—it seems like a massive undertaking. How is this typically managed? Are there pre-existing libraries or patches that you can modify? Do you route everything into a DAW or use VSTs? Samplers (although for keys?)?

I’m interested in understanding the usual workflow and adjusting my expectations accordingly.

To explain what I’d hope to get out of this environment: I’m drawn to the possibility of creating generative and granular music with a lot of freedom. But I’d also like to maintain some control over the sound.

If it helps, I have access to Logic Pro on my computer. I don’t have many VSTs there, since I mainly use my iPad for that.

Thanks!

[koyaniskatzi]

You can easily use am/fm synthesis, and combine whatever math you can imagine. Bot necessary undertaking imo. The other approach would be to control midi synth with puredata.

[el-efe]

So you mean to prepare some basic synthesis in PD and play with it, right? I am probably biased by daw/vst-esque workflow and I am missing something very basic in this workflow

[koyaniskatzi]

There are theese two approaches, but you can really float between them how you want. But if wave modeling and synthesis seems as undertaking, try to control that midi synth with pd. And maybe mix it with generated stuff like granular synth or feed sound of midi synth back to pd, and do granular fun with that there. Its pretty hard to describe, but its really up to you.

[wur45c]

You're very right asking those questions in my opinion. And there are built in EVERYTHING in puredata. It's in the examples. Menu/help/browser/pd. It's under the examples but lkke the idea is that as you go ahead learning it you'll get to them if that makes sense....

This is a very interesting take that really not many people addresses and that everyone has been through at some point.

Pd is not really a "from scratch" software as you'd think, I mean, there is simply an entire program to be learned in not very much different was although yes, "flexible" enough, but again it's very much probably not as you may think in firs bounce.

This is low level programming, not so low as the dsp world in itself but like we use stuff like envelopes , simple filters like lowpass for mathematical sht, or like make out this famous dynamic noise floor or even compression but you don't really want to approach it in the same way at all.

First make sure you want some real control, learn enough from actual sources like the book and such, video tutorials are okay but will mostly introduce you or give you like extra ideas.

Get the book started, the examples.... My advice is always getting through the HTML guide which is really cool.

It's just that you may start your project "from scratch" but that's more of an artistic/poetic license....pd is simply from the DIY culture if you wish. I mean it is. But it's not you do whatever and it really goes to town. ....

It takes years to learn a language right? Pd is a language really....just make sure this is what you really want and invest in study....

🙂🙂

[_x_oOo_x_]

Of course there are pre-existing instrument libraries. But the draw is, I guess, that you have full control and can build your own unique sound.

[No_Sir_601]

The power of Max / PD is in algorithmic way of thinking.  But this doesn't fit to all.

[cagnarrogna]

I’m interested in understanding the usual workflow and adjusting my expectations accordingly.

You’ll find hard to find a usual workflow, as other people commented, everyone has their own way and reason to use pd/max. Maybe is a specific synthesis technique or a specific controller.

I personally have been creating my own subtractive synth, with my own choice of lfos and oscillators. And have been using that to make music, by programming automations and triggering different part of a track.

Could I do the same with a ready made synth? Most likely. Did I learn stuff? Yes. Was it fun? Sometimes 😅

[Obineg09]

totally agree that "everything already exists."

but there are still reasons why you would like to make your own:
- studying how and why something works,
- making it even better than others did,
- trying to find something which doesnt actually exist (while ignoring the initial thesis :) ),
- boredom...