3.5

118MainStage Instruments
• Snapshot Update: Enable to immediately write changes of performance control
values to the nearest Transform pad snapshot. This prevents the performance knob
from reverting to its previous position when you move a performance knob and then
move the Transform pad framing box slightly.
Tip: This parameter is on by default, but you can enable or disable it as preferred
and then save the default preset in the plug-in header to recall this behavior in new
presets.
• Octave pop-up menu: Define an octave range used to switch between Transform pad
positions when you play notes within the specified range.
• Rate field: Drag vertically or use the arrows to set the speed of movement
(interpolation) between snapshots when switching from a MIDI keyboard.
• ModWheel pop-up menu: Assign your keyboard modulation wheel to a performance
control. This can be any knob, the x- or y-axis of pads, or the envelope controls. Set
to None to disable modwheel control of performance controls. A setting of None is
remembered between presets. See MainStage Alchemy performance control knobs,
MainStage Alchemy XY pads, and MainStage Alchemy performance control envelopes.
Each modwheel target offers an inverted option. This is useful when using a spring-
loaded modulation wheel as it stops the target performance control from closing when
the modulation wheel is released.
• Snap Vol field: Set the intensity of change from one snapshot to the next. In essence,
this sets an initial level between snapshots.
All snapshots should be approximately the same volume, with a peak level around -5dB.
You should also be mindful of relative volume levels between snapshots. For example,
a soft pad and a distorted lead could both peak at -5dB, but the lead may seem louder.
In this scenario, lower the volume of the lead, rather than increase the pad level, so that
relative volume levels seem similar between the pad and lead sounds.
Create and store a Transform pad snapshot
Unique variations should be created for each snapshot. Though the degree of variation
is up to you, the changes should be significant, rather than simple filter or effect level
changes. If your snapshots all sound like basic variations of the same sound, look at
changing your performance control assignments to make them more flexible and complex.
This will allow you to create more interesting and dynamic snapshots.
1. In MainStage, click the snapshot you want to use.
2. Set each of the performance controls as required.
3. Control-click anywhere on the Transform pad, then choose Store Current Snapshot from
the shortcut menu.
Note: Store Current Snapshot only applies if; Update Snapshot is disabled in the
Transform pad File pop-up menu, if the framing box is not directly aligned with a
Transform pad slot, or if you want to save the current settings to a different Transform
pad slot.