MAX 4 for organic modeling?

[dman237]

I have been learning Lightwave for the past few months and have really grown to like the modeler. I have done some tutorials on Max and most of them involved using Surface Tools. How are Max 4's Sub-ds compared to LW's metaNurbs? What is the best technique in Max for organic modeling (humans, creatures, etc.)?

Even though I like Lightwaves modeler, I don't like having 2 modules: one for modeling and one for animation. Lightwaves rendering is better, but now that all these renderers are supporting Max like Mental Ray and soon Brazil and others, I think I may make the switch.

[cheeko8080]

The cool thing about modeling in max is there's a lot of ways to tackle the same problem. For organic modeling, my current favorite way is using the new Polygon tools. Basically, you construct a cage in polygons, and then use the built in meshsmooth to smooth the object. A guy wrote a whole bunch of scripts that give us just about all the tools available in Mirai (like edge loops, connect, etc). Other methods include nurbs, surface tools (using splines), applying meshsmooth seperately to trimeshes, etc. I'm afraid I cannot directly compare these methods to LW because I haven't used LW, but I'm very happy with mesh modeling in r4.

• Neil

[thenice]

The patch modeling method you're talking about (Surface Tools) has its advantages, though I wouldn't call it the easiest and fastest way to model. SubD modeling in MAX is done with the MeshSmooth modifier and the HSDS modifier.

Meshsmooth essentially takes your mesh and adds subdivision controls, but goes a lot further. You can model in this mode with the anchor object or cage fully visible and you can add weights and very nice creases to verts and edges.

HSDS is a hierarchical subdivision modifier that's less of a full modeling tool and more of a "finishing" tool according to Discreet. It gives you controls similar to Meshsmooth, but much more adaptive tesselation features. It very easily allows you to add subdivision detail to areas that require it (ie nose, ears, eyes, mouth) without uniformly affecting the object.

[khrys]

Organic modelling in Max (as far as I am concerned) is a joy. I create a lot of character models and the new SubDs in Max4 are marvelous. Being able to add detail to specific parts of the mesh have been great for workflow.
Just my 2 cents.

[3dchef]

I started with Lightwave, also. I still think Lightwaves modeler is very powerful and fast. Max has more options of different
modeling techniques, and after getting used to lightwave, max's modeling may take a while to get comfortable with, mainly because theres so many different ways to model. But
once you do, you may not want to go back. Max's NURMS are
similar to lightwaves metanurbs, and NURMS have become only better with Max4. You'll need a zippy computer
to run smoothly though, Max is a bit of a resource hog. Organic modeling in max is very easy once you learn the tools
in-depth.

See ya!
3DChef

[kary-1]

http://www.s21net.com/meshtools/ is the page for the scripts that Neil mentioned. Also on the page are links to two divX avi's showing organics being modelled in max, Irfan's avi would probably give you a very good feel for what can be done.

[dman237]

Thanks for the info. I have worked with Nendo and found it incredibly intuitive. It appears that Mesh Tools offers that kind of modeling within Max.

Now that the modeling is out of the way, I have read several posts that say that Max does not have good particle and dynamics. If this is the case, what are good plug-ns to add to make up for this deficiency. Thanks again

[lsebo]

Hi there,

a direct link to the modelling videos:

By Tamas Varga: http://www.3dluvr.com/ly/meshtools1.avi
By Irfan Celik: http://www.3dluvr.com/ic-art/html/images/s...s\_modelling.avi

They may give you a general idea of what can be done, and how the workflow works with meshtools.
If you have any questions, just mail me.

I would check out the patch modelling in max4 also, for some people, it is easier to master.

cheers,

Laszlo Sebo

[kary-1]

Particle Studio by Digimation, and Reactor by Discreet for dynamics.

Actually I'll quote Brandon here since I just saw this on the Discreet board .

This is in review of a new, very event driven, particle system from Cebas.
"Well Cebas is the ultimate hype driven company Personally, I'm waiting to see what it can do. I've heard good and bad things about it from people that have tested it or are now using it in production. One thing's for sure, it's the most advanced and capable particle system for MAX so far. In fact I'm sure its capabilities far surpass Particle Studio, however its complexity and ease of use probably couldn't hold a candle to PStudio.

-Brandon Davis [FA]
"

RE: reactor

Now Reactor/Havok I have used in production. Actually here at Blur we've already used it on some projects. It's a very good suite of physical simulation tools. The rigid and soft bodies are really nice, especially with constraints. However, like any simulator it can be a pain to control often requiring several revisions to get the right "look." It's generally very capable, but my only gripe is the Cloth. I wouldn't try using it with characters. I think it's more of a general purpose cloth simulation tool and less of a clothing tool. At least that's just my experience.

-Brandon Davis [FA]

Damn it's so much easier to quote then formulate one's own thoughts .