Max/MSP Projects

The Breakbeat Cutting Project

Breakbeat cutting is the use of samples, usual of a percussive nature. These samples are commonly looped and then 'cut' in various ways: so, for instance, a four beat sample is divided into four beats and these beats are then separately looped and rearranged, etc.

First let's have a look at some examples:

• BBCut (SC)
• Atau's Relooper Redux (in MaxMSP/examples/sequencing-looping/modsquad)
• p.decimator, from http://www.pelado.co.uk/

For the project, follow these guidelines:

• Perform a search for current investigations into the ideas and aesthetics behind breakbeat cutting.
• Develop a strategy for the investigation of breakbeat cutting: do you want to use samples? How flexible do you want it to be? Do you want to include any particular effects, and if so, which ones.
• Design your project.

The Projects

The projects and tasks are designed to help you through the various courses and materials that you'll have to deal with, and also to provide an active and practical element to what could otherwise become a rather dry and technical exercise. Tasks are small exercises - you may be asked to complete one or two per week. Projects are larger and carry a higher percentage of the mark. We will undertake two, three, four or more projects and tasks. The final project is usually an individual choice project, and will be worth significantly more than the others in terms of percentages in your portfolio. We will usually try to set aside a time to perform the projects in a public setting.