3.5

168MainStage Instruments
Use linked morph parameters in Alchemy
A green arc around a parameter indicates that it is morphed when you move dedicated
morph controls. Setting general (non-morph area) parameters to different values for each
source provides another technique that can influence morphing results.
1. In MainStage, click the source A button at the left, then click the Formant button at the
upper right to view the Formant controls. Rotate the Smooth knob to the left until the
Amanda vocal starts to break up and sound “fluttery.”
2. Click the source B button at the left, then click the Formant button at the upper right.
Rotate the Smooth knob to the far left.
3. Click the Morph button at the left to show the morphing section at the upper right, then
move the Formant handle (purple dot) horizontally while playing. You can also use the
Formant knob to set this value.
You can hear the “fluttery” effect as you move the Formant control to the left, but this
disappears as you move it to the right.
Manipulate loops in MainStage Alchemy
MainStage features Loopback to trigger loops live. You can also play back and shape
loops with synthesis tools available in Sampler, Ultrabeat, and Alchemy. Alchemy supports
playback of Apple Loops as well as .aif, .caf, and .wav audio files, and you can use it to
manipulate tempo and pitch in real time. Alchemy’s sophisticated synthesis engines can
transform loops with multiple forms of resynthesis and extensive filter, modulation, and
effects options.
Note: Images shown are not specific to the presets used in tasks. They are included as a
guide to help you find areas and parameters in the Alchemy interface.
Time stretch and pitch shift samples in real time in Alchemy
If you cannot find the loop used for this example, you’ll need to download additional
content packages. To do so, choose Download Additional Content... from the Logic menu in
the menu bar.
1. In MainStage, switch to advanced view and choose Initialize Preset from Alchemy’s File
menu.
This resets Alchemy’s settings and makes it easier to build sounds from scratch.
2. Set the project tempo to 110 BPM.