There are ever growing numbers of free and paid Max for Live devices out here. Most are on MaxforLive.com some are not. This is a collection of devices I came across recently that I think you should check out.

trnr.flechtwerk

Flecthwerk is a free clone of the legendary Mutable Instruments Plaits module. The download page even says to consult the Plaits manual for device instruction.

This device would pair nicely with a modular style sequencers like MDD Snake and Randomizing modulators like the Expression Control or LFO.

Fruity Dance

If you ever used Fruity Loops you might be aware of the Fruity Dance plugin. A character that is dancing to the beat of your project. Thanks to Sober Bear, you can now use it in Live.

You can lock position anywhere on the screen. Change dance style and even upload your own images.

Try to map a random LFO to the dance mode. Sync the LFO and set it to 1 or 2 bars for a constant changing dance move.

Skip

Back in the 90’s there was a sub culture of artists creating Prepared CDs to create intentional skips and glitches. This device is inspired by that culture.

Adjust skip time, frequency and a built-in beat-repeat.

Romb

This great sounding smooth reverb with beautiful simple interface come from an amazing developer Fors.

Controls for Size, Decay, Lo & Cut as well as a cube like control for Dry/Wet.

PLUCK

Another one from Fors. This one is a device that pays homage to the classic Karplus-Strong method of simulating an acoustic plucked string instrument.

Simple controls with a beautiful interface.

Pair it with the Romb reverb and some sequencer for immediate pluck bliss.

Markov Variations

Another crazy creation from one of the most creative Max deveopors out there – Dillon Bastan.

This one is for racks with variations, it can randomize and morph between different Macro Variation state with a node network.

You can trigger the next randomized selection automatically with syncronized triggers or with an adjustble threshold.

This device would pair perfecrly with Drift Presets Vol. 1 as all presets in the pack include 5 Macro Variations.

Harmonic Drone Generator

Included with the Drone Lab Live Pack.

Often overlooked and somewhat hidden, this gem works out of the box, just hit spacebar!

The Harmonic Generator is an eight voice Max for Live synth which can be tuned to equal or just intonation, created by Berlin-based musician Expert Math.

LFO for PUsh

The built-in Modulator devices in Ableton turn Live into a modular environment. Now it’s possible to take this functionally to the PUSH 3 standalone.

Just move the map knob that go and change any parameter to map the LFO on the PUSH. It’s that easy and works great. It also makes you think all the amazing potential that the PUSH 3 standalone have. 

Elizabeth Homeland is a great Max developor with a lot of usful devices.

Momentary 8 pro

Oldy but a goldie, this device allows you to easily turn MIDI notes into Momentary control mappings.

Check out other devices from Yehezkel Raz.

Chiptune OSC

The only paid device on this list (shameless self-plug). This is a collaboration between me and OCH.

A simple device that can turn Ableton synths into Chiptune synths.

It’s a companion oscillator sequencer that allows you to create old-school video games influenced chord arps and use them directly inside a synth’s Oscillators.