Figure 4.
Image of the Max device, with labels added to explain the various features. The synthesizer includes control of Attack, Delay, Sustain, and Release (ADSR), and uses either sine or saw waves (or a mixture of both) as a basis for sound generation. The Aftertouch (AT) sensitivity can be chosen. A set of filters is implemented (lowpass, highpass, bandpass, etc.). Various ways are implemented to control the volumes of the different modes, from M1…M11. One way to control them is by directly choosing their relative volume with the knobs at the bottom. Another way is to draw the characteristic volumes with a computer input device, such as a mouse (directly in the black window). A third way is to change the three knobs (offset, slope, exp). These implement mathematical functions that set the relative volume of all modes together. The volumes of each of the modes N are set as V(N; off, slop, exp) = min (max(off +slop · Nexp)). This enables the player to interactive change the participation of the various modes in the generation sound and dramatically change the character of the instrument. The device allows to load data files and scan through various protein structures (read file, next protein, previous protein…) and it displays the frequency ratios for all 11 modes used in sound generation.