Max
What it is
Max is an interactive visual patching environment for musicians, artists, and people prototyping software. It runs on macOS and Windows as a standalone app, with sample import and Audio Unit, VST, VST3, and AMXD plugin support. Audio creators can build synthesizers, manipulate samples, and layer multichannel sound with MC objects. Jitter supplies expandable video and graphics tools for realtime audiovisual work. Max can connect to development boards and use their sensors, knobs, and switches for interaction prototypes. Gen creates audio, matrix, or texture processes and can output source code. Package Manager lists more than 50 add-ons, including Novation, Monome, and ROLI support. Users can extend Max with C++, NodeJS, Java, or JavaScript. A 30-day trial has unrestricted feature access. Pricing includes $12.99 per month or a $399.00 one-time Max 9 license.
For and against
For
- Build synthesizers and manipulate samples
- Jitter supports realtime video and graphics
- Connects to development-board sensors and controls
- More than 50 Package Manager add-ons
- 30-day trial unlocks all features
Against
- No free plan
- Individual subscription runs Max on one computer at a time
- Major upgrades cost extra with permanent license
- Supports only macOS and Windows
The verdict
Max combines audio, visual, hardware, and code-generation tools in one patching environment. Its paid plans and platform limits matter, but the trial provides unrestricted access before subscribing.
Who it suits
Max suits musicians, artists, audiovisual creators, and developers prototyping interactive software or hardware. It is designed for users who need patching, synthesis, graphics, hardware connections, or generated source code.
Plans and prices
Max Subscription
Max access; upgrades included; authorizes up to 3 computers, with one running Max at a time
Read 3 Oct 2026 · cycling74.com
Max Subscription
Max access; upgrades included; authorizes up to 3 computers, with one running Max at a time
Read 3 Oct 2026 · cycling74.com
Max 9 Permanent License
Max 9 and free 9.x.x updates; major version upgrades sold separately
Read 3 Oct 2026 · cycling74.com
On the record
- Ableton
- Cycling '74 develops Max for Live with Ableton, and Max 9 adds sound-processing objects based on Ableton's audio library.cycling74.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Audio
- Max supports building synthesizers, manipulating samples, and creating layered multichannel sound with MC objects.cycling74.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Code generation
- Gen lets users create audio, matrix, or texture processes and output source code for use elsewhere.cycling74.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Extensibility
- Users can extend Max using C++, NodeJS, Java, or JavaScript.cycling74.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Hardware
- Max can connect to development boards and access their sensors, knobs, and switches for prototyping interactions.cycling74.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Institution licensing
- Institutional licenses support activation codes, machine-specific key files, third-party KeyServer, and iLok authorization.cycling74.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Max's Package Manager offers over 50 add-ons, including support for Novation, Monome, and ROLI hardware controllers.cycling74.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Offline use
- After initial online authorization, a monthly subscription can remain authorized offline for up to 30 days and an annual subscription for up to 180 days.support.cycling74.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Max is an interactive visual patching environment for musicians, artists, and people prototyping their own software.cycling74.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Subscription limit
- An individual subscription can authorize up to three computers, but only one computer may run Max or RNBO at a time.support.cycling74.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- Cycling '74's support team is listed as online Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm Eastern Time.support.cycling74.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Trial
- The 30-day trial unlocks Max's features, allowing users to open, edit, save, and create without restriction.cycling74.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Visuals
- Max includes Jitter, a set of expandable video and graphics tools optimized for realtime audiovisual work.cycling74.com · read 3 Oct 2026
