Max vs Quanta 2

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.

Quanta 2 is a granular synthesizer plugin for shaping imported audio samples into playable sounds. Its grain engine can produce up to 100 simultaneous grains per voice and works with AIFF, WAV, Broadcast WAV, FLAC, MP3, and Ogg files in any sample rate, bit depth, or channel configuration. Two virtual analog oscillators and a noise source add other sound sources, with dual filters that can run in series or parallel. Modulation includes four envelope generators of up to 99 steps each, two LFOs, sample and hold, and four assignable macros. Chorus, stereo dual delay, and reverb are built in. Quanta 2 supports MPE controllers, MTS-ESP microtuning, and TUN-format tuning tables. Desktop plugin formats are VST3, AU, AAX, and CLAP; the iPhone and iPad version is AUv3 and is sold separately. A fully functional demo has a 20-minute session timer and disables saving. The listed desktop license is $99 as a one-time purchase, with no subscription or DRM. A 2026 update added real-time recording and additional filter modes.