Behind the SCENES

MY PROCESS

 

 

I wasn’t just building an instrument—I was composing an experience.
The patch itself evolved as spontaneously as the instrument did. I'd start with one sound in mind, only for the patch to lead me to something entirely different. MY FOCUS WAS HARMONIES, FINDING THE UNSTRUCTUREDNESS IN THE STRUCTURED.

 

 

It didn’t always do what I expected, but that’s exactly what made it beautiful.
Here’s a screen recording of the final patch. You’ll see how chaotic and intuitive the flow of information really is. That’s the heartbeat of Spontaneity.

 

Making connections

 


I began with MAX and then disconnected to start sketching wiring diagrams by hand, just to wrap my head around what needed to connect where. I taped down parts soldered them carefully and asked lots of questions. I stayed late in Francis Searle, hunched over a circuit, and through all of that, I was learning. I wasn’t just following steps—I was inventing my own way through it.


 

 

xo xo
MICHELLE NARTEY

 

Working in MAX & Arduino

main refrence: https://www.instructables.com/How-to-use-a-Flex-Sensor-Arduino-Tutorial/


This Max patch is a sensor-driven audio control system that uses timing and interpolation to smooth out and trigger expressive audio behavior in real time. It’s built to work specifically with two pressure sensors and two flex sensors, translating physical interaction into dynamic sound responses.

Here’s a breakdown of the core functions:


Sensor Input Handling: The patch uses the change object to detect when the sensor values update — this filters out repeated values to prevent unnecessary processing and noise.


Debounce & Timing: delay 500 introduces a half-second buffer before any triggered action, stabilizing unpredictable or rapid sensor fluctuations.


Motion Smoothing: line~ objects are used to interpolate values over time. This ensures that changes in sound (like volume or pitch) happen smoothly rather than abruptly, creating more musical and intentional audio feedback.


Triggering Messages: Message boxes like 0. 500 and 1. 5 send out target values and ramp times. These are used by line~ to create gradual transitions — useful for things like fading sounds in/out or modulating effects.


Manual Testing Tools: On-screen UI buttons allow for hands-on control and testing of patch functions during development, helping calibrate sensor response.

Together, this patch turns physical interaction — bending a flex sensor or applying pressure — into responsive, evolving sound. It’s ideal for interactive installations, performance art, or experimental sound design, where your body becomes part of the instrument.

 

Take a look yourself:

<pre><code>

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-----------end_max5_patcher-----------

</code></pre>


 

   NOTES AND PLANNING

SKETCHES AND PLANNING

NOTES

What you don't see...

Sometimes the best breakthroughs happen after midnight. This patch went through plenty of trial and error — from rewiring sensors to tweaking timing logic — all from the floor of my room at 1 AM.