Max for Live is an extremely versatile tool - in addition to using M4L for familiar devices like synthesizers and basic effects, it can become a playground for interesting methods of sequencing, chord generation, advanced effects, and more. Looking to the community at MaxforLive.com, here's a roundup of some of the most interesting recent devices - all available for free download:

First up, Maurizio Giri (you might remember his other devices) has released Granular Stereo Faker, a new device for stereo width using granular synthesis. Check it out in action:

Download Granular Stereo Faker

Ableton Certified Trainer Tom Cosm recently released his first Max for Live device, Sampler Layer. Place Sampler Layer before a Drum Rack, and set up to 6 notes in the Rack to play together - with individual parameters for each layer so the sounds all sit well together. Watch Sampler Layer in action:

Download Sampler Layer

Giorgio97's Mandelbrot Chords creates chords that follow an iterative function. Even if math isn't your thing, the device is easy to set up - just insert before a MIDI instrument - and results in some unusual and inspiring chords.

Sick Audio's Sick Calculation Tools is an extremely useful tool for making the right adjustments and effects settings for your music. Need to know how much a pitch-shift might effect the BPM of a sample? Working with a delay that won't sync, and need to know what to set it to in milliseconds? Sick Calculation Tools is an easy way to solve for the numbers you need.

Want more for Max for Live? There are currently over 1,300 devices available from the community at MaxforLive.com