The Composer’s Playpen
The Composer’s Playpen
A complete musical composition tool created on MAX/MSP by Barton McLean
FEATURES AT A GLANCE
Realtime recording of MIDI loops (via MIDI input) of up to 12 modules of unlimited length.
Can record either into MIDI loops or into MAX sequencers. Can dump one type into another. Can save all for future work. All on an individual module basis.
Additional recording of two instruments which improvise on your MIDI input
Flexible loop length adjustments
KB thru, solo, module, or Instrument 1, 2 & 3 selection
Ability to play all this back in any combination with all modules completely independent rhythmically
Enhanced play mode where KB notes initiate and stop/pause play for that individual module
Density control
Collapsed rhythm (see YouTube demo). Wild!
Complete control over which modules are sounding at any given time
Velocity, mod wheel, breath controller settings, including an automated feature where they independently change according to preset numbers
Transposition
Random pitch during playback, including % of randomness and range of notes randomized
Pulsed program change where program of selected module (s) changes via a predetermined tempo in seconds, via a group of preselected programs for each module.
Flexible stopwatch for live performance and recording convenience
Many ways of transposing sequences and changing tempi.
Instant stop/start of individual sequences.
All this under precise preset control with a total of 2 master presets and 7 satellite presets
You decide if master presets control satellite presets or not
Clear visuals which monitor sequence length, loop length, attack/release of each individual note
Program exists completely in MAX 5, requiring Macintosh System 10.6
Barton McLean performing his ICE CANYONS live, using his COMPOSER’S PLAYPEN program
Barton McLean demonstrating aspects of his COMPOSER’S PLAYPEN program as performed with his ICE CANYONS
See demos and performance on the YouTube videos below
Composer Playpen Links: