Mu is a simple rhythmic performance tool I created in Max/msp. It started out as a exercise in which I attempted to create a synthesized piece from scratch without using any samples (I have been using a lot of samples lately). The main design feature in Mu is that it uses a single wave table to generate all the sounds in the piece. Moreover, this wave table is randomly (with constrains) generated when Mu is loaded and can be regenerated during the playback. As a result, Mu sounds a bit different every time its loaded. Mu uses probability method to produce its rhythmic pattern and has a mutation function to create new ones on demand. Because of this, I don?t have direct control over the detail of the rhythmic pattern Mu creates. However, each of the rhythmic voice has a probability parameter that can be adjusted to control the regularity of it being played.

Because of the way Mu is originally designed, its application is perhaps somehow less general than the conventional software in the similar category. However, as a open source release, Mu can be modified to become highly personalized tools. My intention is to see people use and create their own Mu.

Technics
Mu is a music application build in Max/msp 4.2 for Mac. Its original patch is also included in the distribution so that it can be modified and compiled for Windows. Mu can be downloaded.