Skip to content
SPECIFICTION
Get listed

Max

cycling74.com

From $10/mo Free trial WindowsmacOS
Visit cycling74.com
Spec score 7.9 #11 of 32 in Sound Design Software

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, supports sample import, and works with Audio Unit, VST, VST3, and AMXD formats. Users can build synthesizers, manipulate samples, and create layered multichannel sound with MC objects. Jitter adds expandable video and graphics tools for realtime audiovisual work. Max connects to development boards and accesses sensors, knobs, and switches for interaction prototypes. Gen creates audio, matrix, or texture processes and can output source code for use elsewhere. Package Manager offers over 50 add-ons, including Novation, Monome, and ROLI support. Extensions can be written in C++, NodeJS, Java, or JavaScript. Cycling '74 develops Max for Live with Ableton, and Max 9 adds sound-processing objects based on Ableton's audio library. The 30-day trial unlocks all features without restrictions on opening, editing, saving, or creating.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Max is an interactive visual patching environment for musicians, artists, and people prototyping their own software.Read 3 Oct 2026 · cycling74.com
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.Read 3 Oct 2026 · cycling74.com
Trial
The 30-day trial unlocks Max's features, allowing users to open, edit, save, and create without restriction.Read 3 Oct 2026 · cycling74.com
Integrations
Max's Package Manager offers over 50 add-ons, including support for Novation, Monome, and ROLI hardware controllers.Read 3 Oct 2026 · cycling74.com
Support
Cycling '74's support team is listed as online Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm Eastern Time.Read 3 Oct 2026 · support.cycling74.com
Founded
1997Read 28 Sep 2026 · cycling74.com
Ableton
Cycling '74 develops Max for Live with Ableton, and Max 9 adds sound-processing objects based on Ableton's audio library.Read 3 Oct 2026 · cycling74.com
Audio
Max supports building synthesizers, manipulating samples, and creating layered multichannel sound with MC objects.Read 3 Oct 2026 · cycling74.com
Code generation
Gen lets users create audio, matrix, or texture processes and output source code for use elsewhere.Read 3 Oct 2026 · cycling74.com
Extensibility
Users can extend Max using C++, NodeJS, Java, or JavaScript.Read 3 Oct 2026 · cycling74.com
Hardware
Max can connect to development boards and access their sensors, knobs, and switches for prototyping interactions.Read 3 Oct 2026 · cycling74.com
Institution licensing
Institutional licenses support activation codes, machine-specific key files, third-party KeyServer, and iLok authorization.Read 3 Oct 2026 · cycling74.com
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.Read 3 Oct 2026 · support.cycling74.com
Subscription limit
An individual subscription can authorize up to three computers, but only one computer may run Max or RNBO at a time.Read 3 Oct 2026 · support.cycling74.com
Visuals
Max includes Jitter, a set of expandable video and graphics tools optimized for realtime audiovisual work.Read 3 Oct 2026 · cycling74.com

Plans and prices

Max Subscription $12.99 a month Monthly; automatically renews unless canceled Max access; upgrades included; authorizes up to 3 computers, with one running Max at a time Read 3 Oct 2026 · cycling74.com
Max Subscription $120 a year Annually; automatically renews unless canceled 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 $399, paid once One-time payment Max 9 and free 9.x.x updates; major version upgrades sold separately Read 3 Oct 2026 · cycling74.com

Every Max plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Builds synthesizers and multichannel sound
  • Jitter supports realtime video and graphics
  • Connects to development boards and sensors
  • Package Manager offers over 50 add-ons
  • 30-day trial has unrestricted feature access

Limits

  • No free plan
  • Subscription allows only one active computer
  • Major upgrades cost extra with permanent license
  • Offline authorization periods are limited

Who it suits

Max suits musicians, artists, and software prototypers who need patch-based audio, visual, hardware, or code-generation workflows. It is designed for macOS and Windows users.

Verdict

Max brings audio, visuals, hardware prototyping, and extensible programming into one patching environment. Choose between the $12.99 monthly subscription and $399.00 one-time Max 9 Permanent License, with a 30-day trial available.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to MaxAll alternatives →