Monthly Archives: September 2026

Music Hackspace Getting Started with Stochastic Music in Max by Umut Eldem TUTORIAL

Generate music from chance in Max, exploring different modes of randomness and moving from randomised notes to musical results using normal-distribution techniques.

This workshop is an introduction to creating stochastic music using Max/MSP. Stochastic music is composed by applying mathematical probability on musical material. It was popularised in the 20th century by the composer Iannis Xenakis. By using simple random generators, Brownian motion, and Gaussian Processes, it is possible to generate unique musical phrases and textures that balance spontaneity and structure. The aim of this workshop is to create a solid understanding of the fundamentals of working with randomness in your musical creative practice in compositions, installations, and generative artworks.
Check out this tutorial from Umut for an example of his work.

Learning outcomes

• Understanding Stochastic Music Fundamentals
• Technical Skills in Max/MSP for Stochastic Music Creation
• Applying Stochastic Concepts in Musical Creation

Who is this course for?

• Artists looking to expand their compositional toolkit with stochastic processes, aiming to incorporate mathematical probability into their musical creations.
• Those involved in creating sound installations or soundscapes, where generative sound elements can enhance the listener’s experience through randomness and structure.

Course content:

• Introduction – What is Stochastic Music?
• Randomness in Max – Making Music
• Different Modes of Randomness
• From Randomised Notes to Randomised Music
• Getting Started with Normal Distribution
• Implementing Normal Distribution in Max
• Making Music with Normal Distribution

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Side Brain Techno Fundamentals TUTORIAL

This workshop dives into the foundational elements of techno music production using Ableton Live. It covers essential techniques like Drum Programming, Sequencing, Automation, sound design, and tools to craft compelling techno tracks.

This comprehensive workshop includes over 10 Ableton & Max for Live tools tailored for Techno music production and performance, a Techno Ableton Project Template, and access to 2+ hours of Ableton Certified Training Video.

These are some of the tools included in this session:

Kick Selector

Included in the session – Custom Kick Selector Rack with 101 techno kicks!

First we’ll check out how to build our own selector kit rack to load all our favorite Techno kicks into for faster workflow and easy in-context sound selection.

Rumble Maker

Next, we learn how to create our own kick rumble layer with a chain of delay – reverb – distortion – coloring – filtering – side chaining.

A Techno Rumble Maker Audio Effect Rack is included.

Side Brain’s Future 303

An extremely versatile modern 303 sound with an additional layer of filthy techno distorted sub. Loaded up with a free acid bassline generator.

We learn how to automate and arrange this sound for a classic techno sound.

Map to your favorite controller and hit play!

Techno Chord Runs

An extensive premium rack from my personal collection that features the Rotating Rhythm Generator as the main sequencer. This rack is packed with layered synths, special effects and performance Macros that allow for expressive live techno performance.

Melodic Techno Lead

Towards the end of the session, we talk about Melodic Techno leads and how they mostly use the “Techno Pentatonic” scale which is a variation of the Minor Pentatonic scale.

What’s Included with this session

• 2+ hours of Ableton Certified Training Video
• Techno Ableton Project Template
• Kick Selector Rack
• Rumble Maker
• Future 303 Bass Rack
• Techno Brute Rolling Bass Instrument
• Techno Chord Runs
• Melodic Techno Lead Preset
• Style Overview PDF

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Music Hackspace Getting Started with Spectral Effects in Max by Umut Eldem TUTORIAL

Work with FFT and spectral processing in Max using pfft~, building spectral filters, noise reduction, cross synthesis, buffer-based analysis and stochastic freeze and scrub effects.

In this workshop, you dive into the powerful world of spectral processing using Max and FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) techniques. You explore both the theory and practical applications of FFT analysis and synthesis to craft your spectral effects. From spectral filtering and delay to phase vocoding, this course will equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to design and implement unique sound effects for your creative audio projects.

Learning outcomes

Understand the fundamentals of FFT analysis and synthesis and their application in sound design.
Build and implement spectral effects such as filtering, delay, and phase vocoding using Max.
Develop the skills to customize and integrate spectral processing effects into your own audio projects.

Who is this course for?

• Musicians, sound designers, and producers interested in exploring advanced audio processing techniques.
• Max users who want to expand their knowledge of FFT and spectral processing.
• Audio technologists or engineers looking to enhance their sound design toolkit with custom effects.

Requirements

• An Internet Connection

Course content:

• Introduction to FFT and Spectral Effects
• Input and Output for pfft-
• Thinking with bins, samples, and windows
• Spectral Lowpass Filter
• Advanced Spectral Filter
• Overlap Factor and Hop Size
• Noise Filtering with FFT
• Cross Synthesis
• Recording FFT Analysis into a Buffer
• FFT Scrub and Stochastic Freeze

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