VOID Shared Memory (Live, Max, Touchdesigner)
VOID Shared Memory is a set of tools designed for real-time data exchange between Ableton Live / Max / Max for Live and TouchDesigner, using ultra-light, low-latency shared memory. Parameters, envelopes, triggers or arbitrary values can flow in both directions, without MIDI, without OSC, without network communication, and without complex configuration.
The system is designed for fluid and stable control of performative audiovisual systems, installations, live sets or experimental prototypes. This package includes ready-to-use Max for Live devices, as well as Max externals and TouchDesigner CHOP operators, conceived as robust, reusable R&D building blocks.
Be aware : Max for Live devices ONLY FOR ARM MAC (Silicon)
See Compatibility Notes at the bottom of the page
DESCRIPTION
VOID Shared Memory is a real-time communication system designed to connect Ableton Live, Max / Max for Live and TouchDesigner through ultra-light, low-latency local shared memory.
It enables continuous parameters, envelopes, triggers or arbitrary values to circulate between audio and visual environments, in one or both directions, without relying on network-based protocols. This approach ensures stable, direct and high-performance data transmission, suited to live contexts, audiovisual performance, installations or experimental prototyping.
The project takes the form of a coherent set of technical building blocks resulting from research and development conducted in-house at Structure Void, and designed and developed by Julien Bayle, at a low-level, system-oriented layer. On the Ableton Live side, several ready-to-use Max for Live devices are provided — VOID envFollower, VOID freqAnalysis, VOID 8params, VOID 8notes, VOID sync and VOID receiver — enabling data to be generated, analysed, transformed and transmitted from Live to other environments.
These devices rely on Max externals developed in C++ (writer / reader), as well as TouchDesigner operators (CHOPs) also written in C++, ensuring full control over the data pipeline, minimal latency and precise mastery of real-time behaviour.
VOID Shared Memory is not a closed, turnkey tool, but a complete technical foundation, delivered with all of its components, conceived as a direct link between systems — reflecting a fast, focused R&D process, entirely developed in-house.
VOID Sync
VOID sync Max for Live Device is part of the VOID Shared Memory suite and allows Ableton Live’s temporal synchronization data to be sent to TouchDesigner — transport, phase and global timing — enabling visual or generative systems to be tightly locked to musical time, without MIDI, OSC or network-based protocols.
VOID 8notes
VOID 8notes Max for Live Device is part of the VOID Shared Memory suite and allows eight selectable MIDI notes in Ableton Live to be converted into eight independent envelope signals, which are then sent to TouchDesigner in real time without MIDI, OSC or network-based protocols. Each note generates its own envelope, with attack and release parameters controlling the temporal shape of the signal. This makes the device suitable for rhythmic envelope-driven modulation, structured event shaping and tightly synchronized audiovisual behaviors derived directly from Live’s musical material.
VOID freqAnalysis
VOID freqAnalysis Max for Live Device is part of the VOID Shared Memory suite and allows audio frequency analysis data extracted in Ableton Live to be sent to TouchDesigner in real time, enabling frequency-driven control of visual or generative systems without MIDI, OSC or network-based protocols. The device provides band-based energy analysis derived from audio signals in Live, making it suitable for audio-reactive visuals, spectral modulation and tightly coupled audiovisual behaviors across low, mid and high frequency ranges.
VOID 8params
VOID 8params Max for Live Device is part of the VOID Shared Memory suite and allows up to eight continuous parameters generated in Ableton Live to be sent to TouchDesigner in real time, enabling precise and flexible control of visual or generative systems without MIDI, OSC or network-based protocols. The device exposes eight independent control streams designed for real-time modulation, mapping and automation, making it suitable for structured parameter control, complex audiovisual mappings and tightly coupled Live–TouchDesigner workflows.
VOID envFollower
VOID envFollower Max for Live Device is part of the VOID Shared Memory suite and allows audio amplitude data extracted in Ableton Live to be sent to TouchDesigner in real time, enabling envelope-driven control of visual or generative systems without MIDI, OSC or network-based protocols. The device provides a continuous envelope signal derived from audio sources in Live, making it suitable for dynamic modulation, audio-reactive visuals and tightly coupled audiovisual behaviors.
VOID receiver
VOID receiver Max for Live Device is part of the VOID Shared Memory suite and allows arbitrary data sent from TouchDesigner to be received directly inside Ableton Live, enabling real-time control and modulation workflows without MIDI, OSC or network-based protocols. Incoming data streams can be mapped to four real-time parameters using the Max for Live Live Object Model, allowing control either through automation or modulation, and making the data immediately usable inside Live’s native parameter system.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN MAX & MAX FOR LIVE?
Many Structure Void trainees develop their own Max for Live devices in order to design audio effects, MIDI sequencers, MIDI tools for Live (generators, transformations), instruments, or generative control and modulation systems within Ableton Live. These approaches rely on a solid understanding of Max, Max for Live and the Ableton Live ecosystem, enabling the design of custom devices adapted to creative, performance or installation contexts.
If you would like to learn how to design this type of modules, we offer dedicated training programmes covering both the fundamentals and advanced uses of Max and Max for Live.
You can visit our training page for more details:
https://structure-void.com/training
In particular, see the pages dedicated to Max and Max for Live.
COMPATIBILITY NOTES
VOID Shared Memory includes universal binaries for Max externals and TouchDesigner operators (Apple Silicon + Intel).
However, due to current limitations in the Max for Live freeze mechanism and host architecture handling, Max for Live devices are officially supported on Apple Silicon systems only, with Ableton Live running natively.
Max standalone usage and TouchDesigner plugins work as expected on both architectures.
This limitation is technical and host-related, not a restriction of the underlying code, and may evolve in future releases.
FEATURES
- Exchange data in real time between Ableton Live, Max and TouchDesigner
- Transmit continuous parameters, envelopes and triggers
- Bidirectional communication (read / write)
- Ultra-low latency via shared memory
- No OSC, no MIDI, no network
- Direct integration into live sets, performances and installations
CREDITS
Developed by Structure Void / Julien Bayle
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