Max
Max is an interactive visual patching environment for musicians, artists and people prototyping software.
What Max is
Max is an interactive visual patching environment for musicians, artists and people prototyping software. It supports building synthesizers, manipulating samples and creating layered multichannel sound with MC objects. Jitter supplies expandable video and graphics tools for real-time audiovisual work, and Max can connect to development boards and use their sensors, knobs and switches in interaction prototypes. Gen can create audio, matrix or texture processes and output source code for use elsewhere. Max is available for macOS and Windows, with a standalone app and sample import. Its Package Manager offers over 50 add-ons, including support for Novation, Monome and ROLI hardware controllers. Users can extend it with C++, NodeJS, Java or JavaScript. Pricing includes a $12.99 per month subscription and a $399.00 one-time Max 9 Permanent License; a 30-day trial is available and there is no free plan. Individual subscriptions authorize up to three computers, with only one running Max or RNBO at a time.
Good
- Builds synthesizers and manipulates samples.
- Jitter provides video and graphics tools.
- Connects to development boards and their controls.
- Extensible with C++, NodeJS, Java or JavaScript.
- 30-day trial unlocks features without restriction.
Watch out
- No free plan.
- Available on macOS and Windows only.
- Subscription permits only one computer to run Max or RNBO at a time.
- Permanent license covers Max 9; major upgrades sold separately.
Who it suits
Max suits musicians and artists building audio or audiovisual work, as well as people prototyping software or hardware interactions. It also suits users who want to extend a patching environment with code.
Verdict
Max brings audio, visuals, hardware prototyping and code generation into a visual patching environment. The subscription and permanent license have different terms, so choose based on whether ongoing access or Max 9 ownership fits your needs.
Plans and prices
From Max's own pricing page, checked 3 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Max Subscription | $12.99 a month | Max access; upgrades included; authorizes up to 3 computers, with one running Max at a time · Monthly; automatically renews unless canceled |
| Max Subscription | $120 a year | Max access; upgrades included; authorizes up to 3 computers, with one running Max at a time · Annually; automatically renews unless canceled |
| Max 9 Permanent License | $399, paid once | Max 9 and free 9.x.x updates; major version upgrades sold separately · One-time payment |
The facts
Each one read from Max's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Ableton
- Cycling '74 develops Max for Live with Ableton, and Max 9 adds sound-processing objects based on Ableton's audio library.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Audio
- Max supports building synthesizers, manipulating samples, and creating layered multichannel sound with MC objects.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Code generation
- Gen lets users create audio, matrix, or texture processes and output source code for use elsewhere.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Extensibility
- Users can extend Max using C++, NodeJS, Java, or JavaScript.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Hardware
- Max can connect to development boards and access their sensors, knobs, and switches for prototyping interactions.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Institution licensing
- Institutional licenses support activation codes, machine-specific key files, third-party KeyServer, and iLok authorization.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Max's Package Manager offers over 50 add-ons, including support for Novation, Monome, and ROLI hardware controllers.checked 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.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Max is an interactive visual patching environment for musicians, artists, and people prototyping their own software.checked 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.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- Cycling '74's support team is listed as online Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm Eastern Time.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Visuals
- Max includes Jitter, a set of expandable video and graphics tools optimized for realtime audiovisual work.checked 3 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 1997checked 28 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Platforms
- The download page lists macOS 11.0 or later on Intel and Apple Silicon, and Windows 10 version 22H2 or Windows 11 version 22H2 or later.checked 3 Oct 2026
Money
- Trial
- The 30-day trial unlocks Max's features, allowing users to open, edit, save, and create without restriction.checked 3 Oct 2026
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