hku: ko2c technical research
logbook
14 february 2026
> I've made a display for the playlist with the jit.cellblock object, and added functions so selecting in the display matches selecting with commands. > The coll object has "prev" and "next" commands, which is much simpler than using an incdec object. > I've added a function to move a specific cue up or down in the playlist. For this I'm using a "swap" command, swapping the current cue for either cue - 1 (moving up) or cue + 1 (moving up), and then a "sort -1 -1" command to reorder the coll accordingly.
13 february 2026
> I've patched a function which matches the playback on/off within Ableton with that of the Max patch. I struggled with the logic a little bit since it sent out more bangs than it needed to but I realized the solution was just a change object before a toggle. > Thinking about how I can map my Intech Grid PBF4 to control this patch efficiently. - button 1: modifier - button 2: exit loop, press multiple times with modifier to loop current section (1: 4 bars, 2: 8 bars, 3: 16 bars etc.) - button 3: next cue, press modifier for previous cue - button 4: play, press modifier to stop
12 february 2026
> In my opinion it's most intuitive to have MIDI notes on the timeline to control functions like automatic stopping, preparing the next cue etc. The loop functions I'm currently unsure of since I'd like to experiment with controlling loop regions in Ableton to see if that has my desired functionality. > I've patched a function to route the MIDI commands. > I researched if I could change the names of MIDI notes on the Ableton piano roll from within M4L (eg. "Stop" instead of "F#2"). Sadly I've found this functionality doesn't exist in Live 12 and Max 8, it can only be done with a MIDI Effect Rack or Drum Rack. I've decided to keep a MIDI Effect Rack on the track so I can see these names in the MIDI clips. > By using send and recieve objects (s and r) I can split functions to make them modular, so I don't have to create duplicate functions or route objects from very far away. > I added a simple patch to jump the selected cue forward and backward. The incdec object made this quite easy. However I still need to patch something so selecting the cue in Ableton will match it in the Max patch.
11 february 2026
> I've presented the concept to the lecturers (Hans and Roald). > I checked if there was already products on the market with the functionality I was looking for, so far I have only found Setlist by Henry Strange Systems, but this is a Max patch that goes for $299 USD. I've heard that there are a lot of Ableton/Max for Live users who yearn for something like this, but I'll approach this project mainly out of my own interest.
links:
setlist by henry strange systems
10 february 2026
> I asked my lecturer Timo where I could best start approacing this project, he recommended me the Live Object Model within Max for Live. > I spent an hour researching how the LOM works. > I've patched a function to retrieve the cue points in the Ableton project in a coll object.
links:
max live object model documentation
"get patching: introduction to the live object model" on youtube
images:
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