MainStage User Guide
Contents Get started with MainStage 5 Overview of getting started with MainStage 5 Get started with the MainStage window 6 Get started with channel strips in MainStage 8 Get started with patches in MainStage Assignments and mappings 10 Get started with layouts in MainStage 14 Get started with Quick Help in MainStage 16 MainStage basics 17 What is MainStage? 17 Get started with Perform mode in MainStage 15 MainStage workflow basics 19 Manage MainStage content 27 MainStage interface o
Map screen controls Work with graphs in MainStage 108 Work in the Assignments and Mappings tab 113 Create controller transforms in MainStage 111 Work with sets 116 Record the audio output of a MainStage concert 122 Work with concerts 123 Overview of concerts in MainStage 123 Open and close concerts in MainStage 124 How saving affects parameter values in MainStage 126 Consolidate assets in a MainStage concert 127 Share patches and sets between MainStage concerts Create a concert in Main
MainStage tips for performing with guitars and other instruments 167 The MainStage Playback plug-in in performance 169 After the performance with MainStage 170 Tune guitars and other instruments with the MainStage Tuner Record your performances in MainStage MainStage tips for complex hardware setups 169 170 MainStage preferences 171 Overview of Preferences in MainStage 171 Audio preferences in MainStage 173 General preferences in MainStage 171 MIDI preferences in MainStage 176 Sampler pre
Get started with MainStage Overview of getting started with MainStage Welcome to MainStage. For users new to MainStage, this chapter provides a brief guided “walkthrough” of the application and presents some basic tasks to help you get started. For more about the design and functionality of MainStage, see What is MainStage?.
Open MainStage • Double-click the MainStage icon in your Applications folder, or click the MainStage icon in the Dock. Choose a concert template 1. In MainStage, choose File > New (or press Command-N). 2. In the Choose Template dialog, choose the devices you want to use for audio input and output from the Audio Input and Audio Output pop-up menus. 3. Click the instrument category on the left you want to view templates for.
When you open a concert, the workspace appears in the center of the MainStage window, showing the screen controls in the concert. The Patch List, to the left of the workspace, shows the patches and sets in the concert. Channel strips for the selected patch appear in the Channel Strips area to the right of the workspace. Below the workspace, the Patch Library is open, so you can easily audition different patch settings to find the one you want to use.
2. Select the patch setting you want to use from the Patch Library. Patches in the Instrument folder can be used with a MIDI controller. Patches in the Audio folder can be used with an electric instrument (such as electric guitar or bass) or a microphone. 3. If the patch uses an audio channel strip, make sure the channel strip is set to use the correct audio input, then gradually raise the volume fader on the channel strip until you hear sound on the channel.
5. For audio channel strips, choose mono or stereo format from the Format pop-up menu and choose the audio input from the Input pop-up menu. For external instrument channel strips, also choose the MIDI input, MIDI output, and MIDI channel from their respective pop-up menus. Important: Audio channel strips can produce feedback, particularly if you are using a microphone for audio input. When you add an audio channel strip, the volume of the channel strip is set to -∞dB.
Select a new channel strip setting 1. In MainStage, make sure that the channel strip you want to change is selected (highlighted). 2. In the Channel Strip Inspector, click the Channel Strip Library tab. In the Channel Strip Library, channel strip settings appear as a series of folders with different instrument and usage categories. If you have GarageBand or have one or more Jam Pack collections installed on your computer, those settings appear below the built-in settings. 3.
Learn a new controller assignment 1. In the MainStage workspace, select the screen control you want to learn. The selected control appears highlighted in blue. 2. Click the Assign & Map button at the top of the workspace. The button glows red to indicate that the assignment process is active. 3. On your MIDI device, move the control you want to assign.
3. Do one of the following: • To map the screen control to a channel strip parameter: Click the control for the parameter on the channel strip in the Channel Strips area. • To map the screen control to a plug-in parameter: Double-click the plug-in in the Inserts section of the channel strip to open the plug-in window, then click the parameter in the plug-in window. 4.
Create assignments and mappings together in MainStage You can view and edit assignments and mappings for the selected patch, set, or concert in the Assignments & Mappings table, and create and edit assignments and mappings without leaving Edit mode. Show the Assignments & Mappings table In MainStage, do one of the following: • Click the Assignments & Mappings tab at the top of the workspace (or press Shift-Command-M). • Choose View > Select Assignments & Mappings tab. • Press Shift-Command-M.
Get started with layouts in MainStage Each MainStage concert includes a visual interface, called a layout, with screen controls that you use to modify your patches in live performance. You can customize the arrangement of screen controls, and make connections between your MIDI hardware and your concert. To work with the layout of a concert, you switch to Layout mode.
Add a screen control • In MainStage, drag the screen control from the Screen Controls palette to the workspace. As you drag the screen control to the workspace, a white outline appears, showing where it will be added. You can use the alignment guides to align the screen control with other items in the workspace. Get started with Perform mode in MainStage After learning controller assignments and mapping screen controls, you can try playing your patches as you would in a performance.
Get started with Quick Help in MainStage You can view a brief description of windows, commands, controls, and other elements of the MainStage interface without leaving the application or interrupting your workflow. In both Edit mode and Layout mode, Quick Help is available in the lower-left corner of the MainStage window. For more information about using Quick Help and other ways to access information about MainStage, see How to get help in MainStage.
MainStage basics What is MainStage? MainStage is a music application designed for use in live performance. MainStage turns your computer into a powerful multi-instrument and effects processor that you can use on stage when you perform. Whether you sing or play a keyboard, guitar, or another instrument, you can use MainStage when you perform live.
Each concert includes a visual interface, called a layout, with screen controls that you use to modify your patches in live performance. Screen controls include keyboards, faders, knobs, buttons, pedals, drum pads, and other hardware controls and displays.
MainStage for vocals, drums, and other instruments Vocalists and acoustic musicians can use MainStage by sending the audio output from a microphone connected to their computer to audio channel strips in their patches. You can use MainStage with Core Audio-compatible audio devices, such as audio interfaces and digital mixers, for input from instruments and microphones, and for audio output to speakers, monitors, a mixing board, or a public address (PA) system.
Add and edit patches to customize your sounds You add patches for the sounds you want to play and edit the patches by adding channel strips, instruments, and effects, and adjusting their parameters to “dial in” your custom sounds. In Edit mode, you can select and play patches, choose channel strip settings, and edit channel strip and plug-in parameters.
MainStage interface overview The basics of the MainStage window You do all your work in MainStage in a single window. The MainStage window makes it easy to work with your patches and your concert’s layout. When you open MainStage, the workspace fills the center of the window, with inspectors and other editing areas on the sides and below. When you are ready to perform, you can choose Perform mode to maximize computer performance and display space for easy viewing on stage.
To make working easier, MainStage features three different modes, each suited to a different task. Some features are common to all modes, while others are exclusive to a particular mode. • You audition, edit, and organize your sounds and map screen controls in Edit mode. • You customize the visual arrangement of controls onscreen and make controller assignments in Layout mode. • You use Perform mode when you perform live.
The basics of Edit mode in MainStage Edit mode is where you create, edit, and organize your sounds. You can add patches, add and edit channel strips, create keyboard layers and splits, and edit channel strip and plugin parameters. You also map screen controls to channel strip parameters and actions and edit patch, set, and concert-level parameters in Edit mode. • Patch List: Shows the patches and sets in the concert. You can add patches and sets to the Patch List, name them, and organize them.
The basics of Perform mode in MainStage By default, Perform mode opens in full screen. The workspace fills your entire computer display so that your screen controls are as large as possible for maximum readability. Perform in Full Screen optimizes your display for live performance when you want to use MainStage exclusively while you play. You can choose to have Perform mode open in a window rather than full screen.
Customize the MainStage window Customize the toolbar in MainStage By default, the toolbar includes a selection of buttons and a display meter chosen to be universally useful. However, you can customize the toolbar for your own personal workflow. Also, though the toolbar is also configured to show only icons, you can configure the toolbar to show both icons and text. You can customize the toolbar in any mode (Layout, Edit, or Perform in Window) in which the toolbar is displayed.
Resize the workspace in MainStage You can adjust both the size of the workspace to give more room to the Patch List, the inspector, and the Channel Strips area. Resize the workspace horizontally 1. In MainStage, move the pointer to the space between the workspace and the inspector. The pointer becomes a resize pointer. 2. Drag up or down to resize the workspace. Resize the workspace vertically 1. In MainStage, move the pointer to the space between the workspace and the Channel Strips area.
Hide the workspace • In MainStage, choose View > Hide Workspace (or press Command-7). To show the workspace when it is hidden, choose View > Show Workspace (or press Command-7 again). Hide all open plug-in windows • In MainStage, choose View > Hide Plug-ins (or press V). To show the plug-in windows when they are hidden, choose View > Show Plug-ins (or press V again).
Content locations MainStage installs Sound Library content in several different locations on your computer: Content type Location Apple Loops /Library/Audio/Apple Loops/Apple/ Impulse responses /Library/Audio/Impulse Responses/Apple/ Patches Patches are stored inside MainStage. They may be added, updated, or removed when a new version is installed. Plug-in settings Plug-in settings are stored inside MainStage and in /Library/Application Support/Logic/Plug-In Settings.
Deleting MainStage content You can view and delete MainStage content by choosing About This Mac from the Apple menu, clicking Storage, then clicking the Manage button for your system storage drive. Content for MainStage (as well as other music creation applications, including Logic Pro and GarageBand) is listed in the Music Creation section. You can view the capacity of the Instrument Library and Apple Loops library and delete each of these items.
How to get help in MainStage MainStage provides several ways for you to get answers to questions, learn about controls and functions while you’re working, and view detailed information about all aspects of the application. You can also view information directly in the application using the Quick Help feature. In addition to being available from the MainStage Help menu, the full suite of help documents is available online in HTML and ePub formats.
Connect external devices Overview of connecting external devices to MainStage You can use MainStage with a wide variety of MIDI controllers and Core Audio-compliant audio devices. The following sections provide basic setup information for using MIDI and audio devices with MainStage. MainStage is a 64-bit application. Real-time generation and processing of digital audio requires intensive processing by your computer.
In some cases, you can change the message type the controller sends by choosing a different preset or by reprogramming the device. Some devices may include software that you can use to reprogram knobs, buttons, and other controls. For information about reprogramming a MIDI device, see the documentation that came with the device. MIDI devices that support automatic configuration MainStage can automatically configure the screen controls in a concert to support many popular MIDI controllers.
Connect MIDI keyboards and modules to MainStage You can connect a MIDI keyboard to your computer to play software instrument patches or to use with external MIDI devices such as synthesizers or sound modules. When you connect a device with MIDI In and MIDI Out ports, be sure to connect the MIDI Out port to a MIDI In port on a MIDI interface, and connect the MIDI In port on the keyboard to a MIDI Out port on the MIDI interface using MIDI cables.
• If your MIDI interface has a single MIDI output: You need to connect the MIDI In of the second tone generator to the keyboard MIDI Thru port. A third device can be connected to the MIDI Thru port of the second unit, and so on. The MIDI Thru port replicates the signals coming into the MIDI In port of the device. It is preferable to use a direct connection from the computer MIDI Out port to a device, rather than chaining too many units, one after the other.
Turn off internally generated sounds in MainStage If your MIDI keyboard is also a sound generator, you may want to stop the device from generating its own sounds while you use it with MainStage, to avoid doubling notes between the device and the MainStage patch you’re playing. Most MIDI synthesizers and other MIDI controllers with tone generation capabilities include a function known as Local Control. By turning off this function, the device’s internal tone generation is suppressed.
Connect a microphone to your computer Do one of the following: • Connect the microphone to an input on the audio interface using a standard XLR cable. • Connect a USB microphone to a USB port on your computer. Choose the USB microphone as the audio input source in MainStage > Preferences > Audio, then choose the input from the Input pop-up menu on audio channel strips in your concert.
Connect an electric instrument to your computer Do one of the following: • Connect an audio interface to your computer’s Thunderbolt or USB port, then connect an electric instrument to the audio interface. • Connect the electric instrument to a channel on the audio interface or the adapter cable, using a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable. • If your computer has an audio input port, connect an electric instrument to the audio input port using an adapter cable. Choose Built-in Input as the input source.
All digital audio interfaces can be susceptible to latency—a noticeable delay between the time the audio signal is produced and when you hear it. Always attach your audio interface directly to the computer, rather than through a hub or daisy-chaining it through another device. Doing so can cause an unacceptable amount of latency, particularly with slower USB 1.1 devices.
Work in Edit mode Overview of Edit mode in MainStage Edit mode is where you add, edit, and manage patches to create your custom sounds and organize them in your concert.
All of the patches and sets in a concert appear in the Patch List. The patch number appears to the left of the patch icon in the Patch List. In Patch Selection mode, you can easily search for patches by typing the patch number or the first few letters of the patch name. You can also skip patches or sets in the Patch List. When you skip a patch or set, using the Command key together with the arrow keys to select items passes over the patch or set and the next (non-skipped) item is selected.
• To select the first patch in the previous set: Press Command–Left Arrow. • To select the first patch in the next set: Press Command–Right Arrow. Note: When you use the Command-Arrow key commands listed above to select different patches, the selected screen control remains selected in the workspace. This makes it easy to see how a screen control is configured in different patches. Select a patch by typing its patch number 1. Click the border of the MainStage Patch List to select it. 2.
Set a skipped patch or set to no longer be skipped 1. Select the item (patch or set) in the MainStage Patch List. 2. Choose Don’t Skip from the Action pop-up menu for the Patch List. The item returns to full size in the Patch List. Note: You can select multiple patches in the Patch List, and edit the parameters common to all the selected patches. The heading “Multiple Selection” appears in the header of the Patch List, and only parameters shared by all the selected patches are available.
Add patches in MainStage You can add patches to the concert and organize them in the Patch List. The number of patches is limited only by the amount of available memory in your system. When you add a patch to a concert, the patch is selected so you can easily audition and select a patch setting from the Patch Library. When you add a patch, by default it takes the name of the channel strip added with it. You can give each patch a custom name to make it easier to identify and distinguish between them.
Rename a patch 1. Double-click the patch in the MainStage Patch List. A field appears with the patch name, which is selected. 2. Enter a new name in the patch name field. Create a patch from several patches in MainStage You can create a patch by combining several existing patches. The new patch contains all of the channel strips of the selected patches. Create a patch from several existing patches 1. In the MainStage Patch List, select the patches you want to use to create the new patch. 2.
• Transposing the pitch of incoming notes for a patch • Add text notes to a patch in MainStage The four tabs of the Patch Settings Inspector provide the following functions: • Patch Library: The library of all your patches. • Attributes: You can set attributes such as the time signature, tempo, bank and program change values, pitch transposition values, and more. • Tuning: You can set the tuning method for the patch. • Notes: Add text notes to the patch. Open the Patch Settings Inspector 1.
Search for patch settings by name 1. In MainStage, press Command-F to open the Find a Patch search field under the Activity Monitor. 2. Enter the name of the patch setting you want to find. 3. Click Find. The first patch setting with the text you entered appears selected in the Patch Library. 4. To find subsequent patch settings with the same name, choose Find Again in Library from the Action pop-up menu.
Change the tempo using a patch 1. In the Attributes tab of the MainStage Patch Settings Inspector, select the Change Tempo To checkbox. 2. Set the patch tempo using the Change Tempo To value slider. Set program change and bank numbers in MainStage When you add a patch to a concert, the patch is given a MIDI program change number (the lowest available number) until all available program change numbers are taken.
Reset program change and bank select numbers in the Patch List • Choose Reset Bank and Program Numbers from the Action pop-up menu for the MainStage Patch List. Show bank and program change numbers in the Patch List • Choose Show Bank and Program Numbers from the Action pop-up menu for the MainStage Patch List. The MIDI standard allows program change numbers with values from 0 to 127.
Change patch icons in MainStage Each patch has an icon that appears in the Patch List next to the patch name. By default, the patch icon shows the type of channel strip created when the patch was added. You can choose a new icon for a patch and use icons to visually distinguish patches in the Patch List. Change the icon for a patch • In the Attributes tab of the MainStage Patch Settings Inspector, choose an icon from the Icon pop-up menu.
• User: Lets you detune (set the deviation from equal tempered tuning) each semitone in steps. • Hermode Tuning: Dynamically adjusts the tuning of an electronic instrument to create clear frequencies for every fifth and third interval in all possible chord and interval progressions. Because all tuning requirements cannot be satisfied simultaneously with any one Hermode Tuning setting, you can set different Hermode Tuning modes and degrees of effect.
Edit User Tuning parameters In MainStage: • If you choose User Tuning, you can edit any of the following parameters: • Semitone boxes: Detune each semitone in steps, by dragging vertically in each semitone box until you reach the value you want. Or, you can double-click in each semitone box and enter a value. Press Return or click in another box to exit text entry mode. • Reset button: Resets all of your tuning adjustments to their default values.
Work with channel strips Overview of channel strips in MainStage Channel strips are the building blocks of your patches. They contain the instruments and effects for the sounds you use in performance. MainStage channel strips use the channel strip interface common to many DAW and mixing applications. These are the main features of MainStage channel strips: • MainStage User Guide Badge: These icons indicate the type of channel strip for easy identification.
MainStage User Guide • Parent of Alias: Indicates that the channel strip is the parent channel strip of one or more alias channel strips. • Concert: Indicates that this channel strip is a concert-level signal flow channel strip available to multiple patches. • MIDI Output menus: These pop-up menus let you choose the MIDI output port and channel on which to send MIDI data to your external instrument. • Expression control: Lets you quickly adjust the expression value of the channel strip.
In MainStage, you can use audio, software instrument, and auxiliary (aux) channel strips in your patches and sets, and also at the concert level. You can also use external instrument patches to play external hardware devices. You can adjust the volume level using the Volume fader, adjust the pan position using the Pan knob, and mute or solo the channel strip using the Mute and Solo buttons.
5. For audio channel strips, choose mono or stereo format from the Format pop-up menu and choose the audio input from the Input pop-up menu. For external instrument channel strips, also choose the MIDI input, MIDI output, and MIDI channel from their respective pop-up menus. Important: Audio channel strips can produce feedback, particularly if you are using a microphone for audio input. When you add an audio channel strip, the volume of the channel strip is set to 0dB.
3. Click a category from the column on the left, then click subcategories from the columns on the right until you see the settings you want. You can also search for channel strip settings by name and perform other functions using the Channel Strip Library. For more information about the Channel Strip Inspector, see Choose channel strip settings in MainStage. Configure channel strip components in MainStage You can customize how your channel strips appear in the Channel Strip area.
• Channel Color: When selected, the channel name and the channel notes fields will display the channel color. • Channel Number: When selected, the internally determined channel number of each track is displayed. Choose channel strip components 1. In MainStage, control-click on any empty part of a channel strip. 2. Do one of the following: • To select or deselect a single channel strip component, choose Channel Strip Components then choose a component from the sub-menu.
Hide the metronome channel strip in MainStage You can hide the metronome channel strip in the Channel Strips area, where you can change its volume or change the metronome sound. Hide the channel strip for the metronome • Choose Show Metronome Channel Strip from the Action pop-up menu in the upper-right corner of the MainStage Channel Strips area. To show the metronome channel strip, choose the Show Metronome Channel Strip menu item again.
Add a patch bus in MainStage In addition to the 64 global busses available for concert-wide routing, you can add patch-specific busses for routing inside a patch—using patch busses does not contribute to the global maximum. They can be used for a variety of purposes, such as a local volume control for layered patches. A patch bus is available only for the patch you add it to. Patch busses for each patch are numbered sequentially starting from 1.
Mono channel strips have a Pan knob by default. Stereo channel strips have a Balance knob by default. Select a channel strip’s pan mode • In MainStage, control-click on the Pan knob, then choose a panner from the shortcut menu. Set a channel strip’s pan or balance position In MainStage, do one of the following: • Drag the channel strip’s Pan or Balance knob horizontally or vertically. • Option-click the Pan knob to return it to the center position.
• To adjust the center position of the stereo field, drag the center of the Stereo Pan knob vertically. • To reset the stereo spread and center position to their initial values, Option-click anywhere inside the Stereo Pan knob or ring. Set channel strip volume levels in MainStage You can set the volume level of each channel strip independently. Set a channel strip’s volume level In MainStage, do one of the following: • Drag the Volume fader up or down.
Solo a channel strip • In MainStage, click the channel strip’s Solo button. The Solo button turns yellow. The Mute buttons of all unsoloed channel strips flash blue, with the exception of external MIDI channel strips. Solo a channel strip when another channel strip is already soloed • In MainStage, option-click an unsoloed channel strip. This action solos the selected channel strip and unsolos any other channel strip.
The Plug-in menu shows specific information about output configurations—for example, Sampler: Multi Output (5xStereo, 6xMono). Note: Not all instruments support multiple outputs. If no multi-output version is available in the Plug-in menu, the instrument does not support multiple outputs. Insert a multi output instrument 1. In MainStage, on the channel strip in which you want to use the multi output instrument, click the Instrument slot. 2.
You can also send MIDI messages, including SysEx and continuous control messages, to your connected MIDI hardware devices using an external instrument channel strip. You can send SysEx data to your external instrument in real time or as a MIDI file. The Channel Strip Inspector includes a Send MIDI File control where you can select a standard MIDI file with the information you want to send. Add an external instrument channel strip 1.
3. In the Mapping browser, select the external instrument, then select the MIDI Controller folder from the submenu. 4. In the third column from the left, select Program Change. The screen control is mapped to the Program Change parameter. By moving the hardware control assigned to the screen control, you can send program changes to the external instrument.
Delete channel strips in MainStage You can delete a channel strip if you decide you no longer want it in a patch. Delete a channel strip 1. Select the channel strip in the MainStage Channel Strips area. 2. Choose Edit > Delete (or press the Delete key). Work with channel strip settings Overview of the MainStage Channel Strip Inspector You edit channel strip parameters in the Channel Strip Inspector, which appears below the workspace when the channel strip is selected in the Channel Strips area.
Open the Channel Strip Inspector 1. In MainStage, enter Edit mode, either by clicking the Edit button on the toolbar, choosing Edit from the View menu, or via key command. 2. Choose Show Inspectors from the View menu. If the Inspector is already displayed, you can skip this step. 3. Select a channel strip in the Channel Strips area. Choose channel strip settings in MainStage You can quickly change the instrument, effects, and other parameters for a channel strip by choosing a new channel strip setting.
Search for channel strip settings in the Channel Strip Library 1. In the MainStage Channel Strip Inspector, click the Channel Strip Library tab. 2. Choose Find in Library from the Action pop-up menu in the upper-right corner of the Channel Strip Inspector. 3. In the dialog that appears, enter the text you want to search for. The channel strip with the text in its name appears selected in the library. 4.
Change the color of a Software Instrument channel strip • In the Attributes tab of the MainStage Channel Strip Inspector, choose a color from the Color pop-up menu. Change channel strip icons in MainStage When you add a channel strip, the channel strip has a default icon, which appears above the Pan knob. You can change the icon to help visually distinguish channel strips with different instrument types or uses.
When feedback protection is turned on for a channel strip, MainStage alerts you when it detects feedback on the channel. When the feedback alert appears, the channel is temporarily silenced. You can then choose to mute the channel while you find and eliminate the source of the feedback, disable feedback protection for all audio and external channel strips in all concerts, or continue to use the channel and receive alerts when feedback occurs.
Set a software instrument as unpitched 1. Select the channel strip in the MainStage Channel Strips area. 2. In the MIDI Input tab of the Channel Strip Inspector, select the Unpitched checkbox. The software instrument’s output remains unpitched even if the rest of the patch receives transposed MIDI notes. Filter MIDI messages in MainStage You can filter some MIDI messages for a channel strip in the Channel Strip Inspector.
3. In the MIDI Input tab, do one of the following: • To open the velocity input graph: Select the Velocity Input button. • To open the note input graph: Select the Note Input button. For information about editing the graph, see Work with graphs in MainStage.
Add text notes to a channel strip in the MainStage Channel Strip Inspector In addition to the Channel Notes area of a channel strip, you can use the Notes tab of the Channel Settings Inspector to add text notes and other information about a channel strip. 1. In MainStage, click on the Notes tab of the Channel Strip Settings Inspector. 2. Enter your text note in the Notes field. The Notes field lets you use special ASCII characters and any installed languages, font symbols, and emoji.
Audio Units plug-ins In addition to the built-in factory plug-ins, you can use Audio Units plug-ins for both instruments and effects in MainStage. Some Audio Units plug-ins can introduce latency. Using effects that introduce latency, such as compressors and limiters, can produce undesirable or unpredictable results during live performance.
Add an audio effect plug-in In MainStage, do one of the following: • Click an Audio Effect slot, then choose a plug-in from the pop-up menu. The last visible empty Audio Effect slot in a channel strip is shown at half its height; use it in the same way. Add a legacy effect plug-in • In MainStage, option-click an Audio Effect slot. You can now choose legacy plug-ins from the pop-up menu.
• Place the pointer above or below an occupied MIDI Effect slot, click the green line that appears, then choose a plug-in from the pop-up menu. Replace a plug-in • In MainStage, place the pointer over the plug-in slot, click the arrows that appear to the right, then choose a plug-in to replace the existing one. Remove a plug-in • In MainStage, place the pointer over the plug-in slot, click the arrows that appear to the right, then choose No Plug-in from the pop-up menu.
Use Channel EQ in MainStage The Channel EQ plug-in allows you to sculpt the sound of the channel strip. It is usually, but not always, the first audio effect. The graphic controls make it easy to view and change the audio signal in real time. For full details about the Channel EQ, along with some usage tips, see the MainStage Effects documentation. Use the Channel EQ plug-in 1. In MainStage, click the EQ area at the top of the channel strip.
Copy and paste plug-in settings 1. In MainStage, click the Copy button in the plug-in window header (or choose Copy Setting from the Settings pop-up menu). All parameter setting are copied to a plug-in settings Clipboard, which is independent of the macOS Clipboard. 2. Click the Paste button in the plug-in window header (or choose Paste Setting from the Settings pop-up menu).
Reset a parameter to its default value • In MainStage, option-click the parameter. Adjust a parameter in finer increments • In MainStage, hold down the Shift key before manipulating a control. Use other plug-in window controls in MainStage All MainStage plug-ins share a common set of controls in their headers for choosing, loading, and saving settings, copying and pasting plug-in parameters, switching between views, bypassing the plug-in, and comparing plug-in settings before and after adjustments.
Link or unlink plug-in windows When linked, a single plug-in window is used to either display all open plug-ins or all plugins in the same insert slot row across all channel strips. 1. In MainStage, control-Click the Link button to the right of the plug-in window header. 2. Choose one of the following options from the Link shortcut menu: Off: Plug-in windows are not linked. Clicking in the center of any plug-in opens it in a new plug-in window.
Switch between Editor and Controls view • In MainStage, choose the Controls or Editor item from the plug-in window header’s View pop-up menu. Route audio via send effects in MainStage You use send effects when you want to isolate effect plug-ins from a channel strip’s signal flow, or when you want to use the same effect on more than one channel strip. By creating a send, you split the channel strip’s signal. The channel strip’s main signal continues its route to the chosen output.
Set the location of the send in the signal flow • In the MainStage Send pop-up menu, choose one of the three signal flow options for the send. • Post Pan: The signal is sent after the fader and the Pan knob; the send signal is affected by both channel strip volume and pan adjustments. When a send is Post Pan, the Send knob ring is green. • Post Fader: The signal is sent after the fader but before the Pan knob; the send signal is affected by volume adjustments but not pan adjustments.
Define a key range using the layers 1. In the MainStage Channel Strip Inspector, click the Layer Editor tab. 2. In the Layer Editor, move the pointer over the left edge of the layer you want to change or define. The pointer changes to a resize pointer. 3. Drag the left edge of the layer to the note you want to use as the low key (the lowest note in the key range). 4. Move the pointer over the right edge of the layer. 5.
3. Change the value in the Low Key value slider. You can drag vertically, click the up arrow or down arrow, or double-click the value and enter a new value. 4. Change the value in the High Key value slider. You can drag vertically, click the up arrow or down arrow, or double-click the value and enter a new value.
Set the velocity range in MainStage By default, the velocity of a channel strip extends from 1 to 127. You can limit the velocity range so that the channel strip only responds when the notes you play on your controller fall between the Min and Max values. Set the velocity range for a channel strip 1. In the MainStage Channel Strips area, select the channel strip. 2. In the Channel Strip Inspector, click the Layer Editor tab. 3.
Work with articulations Overview of managing articulations in MainStage Sampled instruments that emulate real instruments often allow you to switch between the unique playing techniques that the real instrument is capable of. For example, a sampled violin instrument might offer articulations to switch between tremolo, pizzicato, and sustained notes, while a sampled horn instrument might include articulations for sustained and staccato notes, trills, and falls.
Manage articulations with the MainStage Articulation Set menu You can select Articulation Sets, as well as edit, delete, and create new Articulation Sets, from the Articulation Set pop-up menu in the Layer Editor of the Channel Strip Inspector. Choose an Articulation Set 1. In the MainStage Channel Strips area, select the channel strip. 2. In the Channel Strip Inspector, click the Layer Editor tab. 3. In the Articulation Set pop-up menu, choose the Articulation Set you want to use.
Manage articulations with the MainStage Articulation Set Editor The Articulation Set Editor can be used to create sophisticated key switch and controller switch definitions, and define output transformations, which enables compatibility with third party sample libraries. You can also use the Articulation Set Editor to create Articulation Sets for instruments that have assigned Articulation IDs to sample groups, but do not have pre-configured articulations.
• Revert button: Reverts any changes done to the articulations to their saved state. • Plus and minus buttons: Use these buttons to create and remove articulations. The Switches pane The Switches pane is where you create and customize keyswitches and controller switch assignments for each articulation. You can determine the type of MIDI message to use for switches, what values within that MIDI message to use, and you can specify the articulation behavior when the switch is triggered.
MainStage User Guide • Selector pop-up menu: Determines which specific value of the MIDI message chosen in the Type column triggers the articulation. For example, if you chose Note On in the Type column, here is where you would choose the specific note for the keyswitch. If you chose Controller in the Type column, you would choose the specific controller number. If you choose Program, Aftertouch, or Pitch Bend in the Type column, there will be no Selector value.
• Toggle (Retrigger): Stops the currently sounding note and retriggers it immediately with the newly selected articulation. When the switch is engaged again it reactivates the previous articulation. • Toggle (Trigger): Immediately applies the newly selected articulation to the currently playing note. As soon as the switch is disengaged all notes are stopped. This is useful to trigger falls, doits, and so on, at the end of a musical phrase.
• Channel pop-up menu: Choose a MIDI channel for the articulation, or choose “-” for all MIDI channels. This is useful when third-party sample libraries use specific MIDI channels for articulations. • Selector pop-up menu: Determines which specific value of the MIDI message chosen in the Type column triggers the articulation. For example, if you chose Note On in the Type column, here is where you would choose the specific note for the keyswitch.
Turn all articulations on or off in MainStage You can turn on or off all articulations using the Articulation MIDI Remote command, available either in the Action menu or via a key command. Turn articulations on or off In MainStage, do one of the following: • Press the key command for Articulation MIDI Remote. Note: First, you need to assign Articulation MIDI Remote to a key command in the Key Command Editor; see Edit keyboard shortcuts in MainStage for more information.
Replace parameter labels in MainStage You can replace the parameter label for a screen control (for an individual patch or a set) to make the label easier to identify. Replace the parameter label for a screen control 1. In MainStage, select the screen control in the workspace. 2. In the Screen Control Inspector, select the Attributes tab, then select the Replace Parameter Label checkbox (or press Control-Option-L). 3. Enter the new label text in the field.
Set MainStage screen controls to show the hardware value By default, screen controls show the value of the parameter the control is mapped to. Alternatively, they can show the value of the hardware control assigned to the screen control; for example, when the screen control is assigned to a foot pedal or when the screen control is mapped to multiple parameters. Set a screen control to show the hardware value 1. In MainStage, select the screen control in the workspace. 2.
Set hardware matching behavior for MainStage screen controls Some hardware synthesizers and music workstations let users control what happens when you move a physical control that is set to a different value than the parameter it modifies. The parameter value can instantly change to the position of the physical control (sometimes called jump), it can change by the same amount (called relative), or it can not change at all until the physical control matches its current value (called snap).
Override concert- and set-level mappings in MainStage By default, mappings you make at the concert level (to parameters and actions) take precedence over mappings to individual patches or sets in the concert. If you map a screen control to a parameter at the concert level (for example, to Master Volume), that screen control can’t be mapped to a parameter or action in a patch or set unless you override the concert-level mapping.
Map screen controls Overview of mapping MainStage screen controls After you have created your patches and learned controller assignments for the screen controls you want to use, you can map MainStage screen controls to channel strip and plug-in parameters to modify the sound of your patches while you perform or map them to MainStage actions to control other functions.
3. To map the screen control to a channel strip parameter, click the control for the parameter on the channel strip in the Channel Strips area. 4. To map the screen control to a plug-in parameter, double-click the plug-in in the Inserts section of the channel strip to open the plug-in window, then click the parameter in the plug-in window. The screen control is mapped to the selected parameter, and the Unmapped tab takes the name of the parameter.
Map a screen control using the Parameter Mapping browser 1. In the MainStage workspace, click the screen control you want to map. The screen control is highlighted in blue. The Screen Control Inspector appears below the workspace, showing the parameters for the selected screen control. The Screen Control Inspector includes General and Mapping tabs as well as a tab labeled “Unmapped.” 2. In the Screen Control Inspector, click the Unmapped tab.
Map MainStage screen controls to actions In addition to mapping screen controls to channel strip and plug-in parameters, you can map them to MainStageactions. Actions let you select patches and sets; silence MIDI notes; control the Tuner and the metronome; tap a new tempo; display information about patches, MIDI messages, and other information; and perform other functions using screen controls. For a complete table of actions, including descriptions and usage notes, see Overview of actions in MainStage.
Note: If you map a knob screen control to an action to select a patch (such as the −10 Patches, Previous Patch, Next Patch, or +10 Patches action), the screen control jumps to the value of the hardware control, regardless of the setting of the Respond to Hardware Move parameter in the Screen Control Inspector. Map a MainStage screen control to multiple parameters You can map a single screen control to multiple parameters and control how the screen control modifies each mapped parameter.
Define the default relationship between the first mapping and subsequent mappings 1. In MainStage, select a screen control you want to map to multiple parameters. 2. Choose Default Relation to First Mapping from the Action pop-up menu, located in the upper-right corner of the Screen Control Inspector. 3. Do one of the following: • To set subsequent mappings to be offset by a fixed value from the first mapping: Choose Offset.
4. In the Screen Control Inspector for the Background screen control, click the Image button. 5. Drag your multipage PDF into the image well, or click the Select button, browse to the location of the PDF, and select it. If you have multiple PDFs—for example, to add both a PDF of sheet music and a PDF of lyrics—repeat the steps above to add both a Patch List and Background screen control to your layout for each PDF.
Map screen controls to select a page of a multipage PDF With a multipage PDF as a Background image and a dedicated Patch List screen control for that PDF, you can then map any screen control to select a page of the PDF by changing the patch number in the Patch List. 1. In MainStage, if you haven’t already associated a Patch List screen control with the multipage PDF you want to use, follow steps 1 through 3 in the previous task. 2. Select the screen control you want to select a page in your PDF. 3.
Adjust the maximum range value for a mapped parameter 1. In the MainStage Screen Control Inspector, click the Mappings tab. The current saved maximum range value appears in the Range Max column for the mapped parameter. 2. Drag the slider to raise or lower the value. Switch the minimum and maximum range values for a mapped parameter 1. In the MainStage Screen Control Inspector, click the Mappings tab. 2. Select the Invert checkbox in the Invert column for the mapped parameter.
Set drum pads or buttons to use note velocity in MainStage When you map a drum pad or button to a non-binary parameter (for example, to Volume or Expression), you can set the screen control to use note velocity. This can make help make performing with these controls more dynamic and expressive. Set a drum pad or button screen control to use note velocity 1. In MainStage, map the screen control to a non-binary parameter, such as Volume. 2. In the Screen Control Inspector, click the tab for the mapping. 3.
Remove screen control mappings in MainStage If you want a screen control to be free of any mappings, you can remove its existing mapping. This can be useful with controls that pass through MIDI messages (for example, for pitch bend and modulation wheels, or expression pedals) when you do not want them to send MIDI messages for their pass-through control type. You do not need to remove the mapping for a screen control when you remap it. Reset the mapping for a screen control 1.
Edit a graph 1. In MainStage, select the channel strip or screen control you want the graph to apply to. 2. Select the MIDI Input tab (for transform and velocity scaling graphs) or the Mapping tab (for parameter mapping graphs). 3. Click the graph button for the type of graph you want to edit. 4. In the graph window, do one of the following: • To set the graph to one of the preset curves, click one of the Curve buttons.
Create a stepped graph 1. In the MainStage graph window, select the Stepped checkbox. The graph window shows two steps, with input and output values. 2. To add steps, click the Add (+) button. 3. To change the input or output values for a step, click the value, then drag vertically. Copy and paste values 1. In the MainStage graph window, click the Copy button. 2. Open the graph you want to paste the values into, and click the Paste button.
Create controller transforms in MainStage Using a transform graph, you can remap the values for some MIDI control messages so that input values from your controller produce different output values for the channel strip. A common use of the transform is for expression scaling, where input MIDI expression values are mapped to different output values on a graphic curve. In addition, you can transform input values for one message type to output values for another message type.
3. Choose the input message type from the Input Controller pop-up menu. 4. Choose the output message type from the Output Controller pop-up menu. Open the Transform graph • In the MIDI Input tab of the MainStage Channel Strip Inspector, double-click the Transform button. Note: If the output controller is set to Filter, the Transform button is unavailable.
Work in the Assignments and Mappings tab Overview of assignments and mappings in MainStage You can view and edit assignments and mappings for the selected patch, set, or concert in the Assignments & Mappings table, and create and edit assignments and mappings without leaving Edit mode. The Assignments & Mappings table shows the following for the selected item: • Assignment column: Lists the assignments in the patch, set, or concert by device and MIDI channel.
Create and delete assignments and mappings in MainStage The Assignments & Mappings tab includes an Assign & Map button so you can quickly create new assignments and mappings. You can also create assignments and mappings independent of any screen control, allowing you to use a hardware control to adjust the value of a parameter or action for which there is no screen control in the workspace. You can also delete assignments and mappings in the Assignments & Mappings table.
Edit assignments and mappings in MainStage Using the Assign & Map button, you can also edit existing assignments and mappings in the Assignments & Mappings table. Edit an existing assignment or mapping 1. In the MainStage Assignments & Mappings table, select the assignment you want to edit. 2. Click the Assign & Map button. 3. To change the assignment, manipulate the hardware control you want to assign. The table is updated to show the new assignment. 4.
Work with sets Overview of working with sets in MainStage Sets are like folders that let you organize patches you want to keep together. Using sets, you can organize patches in any manner. For example, you can put all the patches you want to use in the first part of a performance together or keep all your lead synth patches together. Sets are flexible, so you can use them in whatever way suits your method of working.
Rename sets in MainStage When you create a set, it is given a default name. You can rename a set in the same way you rename a patch in the Patch List. Rename a set 1. In MainStage, double-click the set in the Patch List. A text field appears with the set name, which is selected. 2. Type a new name in the set name field.
Delete sets in MainStage You can delete a set if you decide you no longer want it in the concert. Delete a set 1. Select the set in the MainStage Patch List. 2. Choose Edit > Delete (or press the Delete key). When you delete a set, the patches in the set are also deleted. To delete the set without deleting the patches, move the patches outside the set before you delete it.
• Change the tuning for a set • Add text notes to a set in MainStage The three tabs of the Set Settings Inspector provide the following functions: • Attributes: You can set the time signature, tempo, folder color, and transposition for the set. • Tuning: You can set the tuning method for the set. • Notes: You can add text notes to the set. Open the Set Settings Inspector 1.
Change the tempo using a set 1. In the Attributes tab of the MainStage Set Inspector, select the “Change Tempo to” checkbox. 2. Drag the “Change Tempo to” value slider up and down to set the tempo. Choose a color for the set folder in the MainStage Patch List Each set folder can be assigned a separate color in order to help you visually distinguish sets in a concert. 1. In the Attributes tab of the MainStage Set Settings Inspector, select the Color checkbox. 2. Choose a color from the pop-up menu.
Add text notes to a set in MainStage You can use the Notes tab of the Set Settings Inspector to add text notes and other information about a set. 1. In MainStage, click on the Notes tab of the Set Settings Inspector. 2. Enter your text in the Notes field. The Notes field lets you use special ASCII characters and any installed languages, font symbols, and emoji. You cannot style text or change the font.
Import a patch or set In MainStage, do one of the following: • In Edit mode, drag the patch or set from the Finder to the Patch List. • Choose Load Patch/Set from the Action pop-up menu in the Patch List, select the patch or set you want to import, then click Import. Record the audio output of a MainStage concert You can record the audio output of a MainStage concert. When you record audio output, all audio on the output you choose is recorded (including the metronome, and so on).
Work with concerts Overview of concerts in MainStage Concerts are where you create and organize the sounds you use in your performances, customize your onscreen layout, and make connections between your MIDI hardware and MainStage. A concert holds all the sounds you’ll use for an entire performance or a series of performances. In a concert, you add, edit, and organize patches, and select patches while you are performing. You can reorder patches in the Patch List and also organize them into sets.
Create a new concert from a template 1. In MainStage, choose File > New. 2. In the Choose Template dialog, choose the devices you want to use for audio input and output from the Audio Input and Audio Output pop-up menus. 3. Click an instrument category on the left to view templates for that category. You can also click Quick Start and choose a simple keyboard or guitar template to start playing immediately. A brief description below each template describes its features and intended use. 4.
The first time you open a concert, the first patch is selected and the Patch Library is open so you can easily choose a patch setting. When you reopen a concert, the patch that was selected when you last saved the concert is selected. If any audio files or other assets are not found when you open a concert, a dialog appears showing which assets are missing, and asking if you want to search for the assets, locate them manually, or skip them. By default, when you open a concert, it opens in Edit mode.
Save a concert including its assets 1. In MainStage, choose File > Save As. 2. In the Save As dialog, select the checkboxes for the asset types you want to save in the concert. 3. Click Save. For information about how to set the behavior for saving parameter values for screen controls in individual patches, see How saving affects parameter values in MainStage and Edit the saved value for a mapped parameter in MainStage.
Clean up concerts in MainStage You can clean up a project to delete unused or unneeded media files using the Clean Up command. Clean up a concert 1. In MainStage, choose File > Concert > Clean Up. A dialog appears, showing the number of files to be deleted. 2. Click OK. Consolidate assets in a MainStage concert Using the Consolidate command, you can create a “consolidated” copy of a concert that includes selected assets. You can select which types of assets are copied into the consolidated concert.
• Transpose the pitch of incoming notes • Add text notes to a concert in MainStage The six tabs of the Concert Settings Inspector provide the following functions: • MIDI: You can set MIDI destinations for the concert, as well as determine which devices program changes are received. • Timing: You can set timing preferences, the tempo, and the time signature for the concert. For information on working with tempo, see Overview of tempo in MainStage. • Tuning: Change the tuning for the concert.
Send unassigned MIDI messages to all channel strips • In the MIDI tab of the MainStage Concert Settings Inspector, select the “Send unassigned MIDI to all channel strips” checkbox. Transpose incoming note pitch for a concert in MainStage You can transpose the pitch of incoming MIDI notes for every set and patch in a concert at once by using the Transpose Concert setting. You can raise or lower the pitch of incoming MIDI notes in semitone increments, to a maximum of 8 octaves higher or lower.
Set the time signature for a concert in MainStage You can set the time signature for a concert. Time signatures can be used with the Playback plug-in, and they also affect the operation of the metronome. When you set the time signature for a patch or set, it overrides the concert-level time signature while the patch or set is selected. When you select a patch or set without a time signature, it uses the concert time signature. Set the time signature 1.
• -4.5 dB compensated: A full scale signal (0 dBfs) has a level of 0 dB when panned to the center position (or +4.5 dB when panned to the extreme left or right positions). • -6 dB: A full scale signal (0 dBfs) has a level of –6 dB when panned to the center position • -6 dB compensated: A full scale signal (0 dBfs) has a level of 0 dB when panned to the center position (or +6 dB when panned to the extreme left or right positions).
Set the tempo for a concert 1. In the MainStage Patch List, select the concert icon. 2. In the Timing tab of the Concert Settings Inspector, set the tempo using the Tempo slider or value slider. You can use patches and sets to change the tempo when you select the patch or set while performing. For information about patch tempo settings, see Change the tempo when you select a patch in MainStage. For information about set-level tempo settings, see Change the tempo when selecting MainStage sets.
When the “Get tempo from MIDI input” checkbox is selected, the Tempo slider is dimmed and cannot be edited. If MIDI messages MainStage receives do not include MIDI clock information, MainStage uses the concert tempo setting and changes the tempo when you select a patch or a set with its own tempo setting. If MainStage stops receiving MIDI clock messages, it continues to use the last received value for the tempo until you select a patch or set with its own tempo setting or tap a new tempo.
Change the sound of the metronome 1. In MainStage, choose Show Metronome Channel Strip from the Channel Strips Action pop-up menu. 2. Open the Klopfgeist plug-in from the Instrument menu on the Metronome channel strip. 3. Choose a different metronome sound. Play multiple metronome sounds simultaneously 1. In the MainStage Concert Settings Inspector, click the Metronome tab. 2. Select the “Polyphonic click” checkbox. 3. Select one or more of the Bar, Beat, Group, or Division checkboxes.
If you are using a Mac with a Touch Bar, you can press the Panic button on the Touch Bar to silence any hanging MIDI notes. Mute audio output in MainStage Sometimes you may want to quickly mute (silence) all audio output for the concert. MainStage includes a Master Mute button that silences the output from all patches in the concert. Quickly mute all sound In MainStage, do one of the following: • Press Control-M. • In the toolbar, click the Master Mute button.
Work at the concert level Overview of working at the concert-level in MainStage You can control the overall volume for a concert and make other changes at the concert level. You can use busses at the concert level to control concert-wide effects or to control the output of multiple channel strips assigned to the bus. You can also add channel strips at the concert level and have the concert-level channel strips available with every patch in the concert.
To see all of the channel strips, you may need to resize the Channel Strips area. You can map a screen control to a channel strip parameter or an action at the concert level. For example, you can map the Output 1-2 Volume fader to a fader screen control and use the hardware control assigned to that screen control to adjust the overall volume of the concert. Control the overall concert volume level • MainStage, drag either the Output 1-2 volume fader or the Master volume fader.
Add concert-wide effects in MainStage You can add concert-wide effects such as reverb and delay using auxiliary ( aux) channels. When you choose a bus from the Send slot on a channel strip, a corresponding aux appears at the concert level. You can insert effects on the aux and have those effects apply to every channel strip sending its signal to the aux. Send a channel strip signal to an aux 1. In the MainStage Patch List, select the patch you want to use with a concert-wide effect. 2.
You can also add concert-wide effects to an aux at the patch level, if Show Signal Flow Channel Strips is turned on. For information about showing signal flow channel strips in the Channel Strips area, see Show signal flow channel strips in MainStage. Use auxes to control channel strip output in MainStage You can send the output of multiple channel strips to an aux (auxiliary channel strip) and use the aux to control the volume level and pan position of the channel strips.
5. For audio channel strips, choose mono or stereo format from the Format pop-up menu. Important: Audio channel strips can produce feedback, particularly if you are using a microphone for audio input. When you add an audio channel strip, the volume of the channel strip is set to 0dB. Gradually raise the volume fader on the channel strip until you hear sound on the channel. You can also turn on Feedback Protection in MainStage > Preferences > Audio. 6. Click Create. 7.
Different plug-ins can make use of the MainStage clock in different ways, depending on what information they require and what mode they are set to. Some plug-ins may only make use of the beat information, while others may only make use of tempo information. For example: • The Playback plug-in can start immediately (if Snap To is set to Off), at the beginning of the next bar (if Snap To is set to Bar), or at the next beat (if Snap To is set to Beat).
Work in Layout mode Overview of Layout mode in MainStage You cannot change the position of physical faders, knobs, and other controls on your instruments and other music hardware, but you can arrange the screen controls in your MainStage concert in any order you like by editing the layout. You can modify an existing layout or create one from a template, and you can export a layout and import it into another concert.
There are three types of screen controls you can use in a MainStage layout: • Panel controls • Shelf controls • Grouped controls In the Screen Controls palette, located below the workspace in Layout mode, each type has its own tab; in addition, there is a tab for all controls. You can add Screen Controls to the workspace by dragging them from the palette to the workspace.
• VU meter (used to visually display volume level or another parameter) • Parameter text (used to dynamically display parameter names and values) • Organ drawbar • Progress indicator (used with the Playback plug-in) • Waveform (used with the Playback plug-in) • Selector (used to select patches while you are performing or to select markers for use with the Playback plug-in) • Text (used to display song lyrics, performance notes, and other static information) • Background (used to group a serie
• Channel strip controls • XY pad The first time you add a custom grouped control to the Screen Controls palette, the My Grouped Controls tab appears in the palette. You can add custom grouped controls and name them so they are accessible from every concert. For information about adding custom grouped controls to the Screen Controls palette, see Group screen controls in MainStage.
Foot pedal screen controls in MainStage When you add a foot pedal to a layout, by default the first foot pedal you add is configured to receive expression messages, and the second foot pedal you add is configured to receive volume messages. By default, expression pedal screen controls pass through the MIDI messages for their common functions (expression or volume).
Move screen controls in MainStage You can move screen controls to a new position whenever you are in Layout mode. You can use the alignment guides to help align and position screen controls in an orderly arrangement. Move a screen control In MainStage, do one of the following: • Drag the screen control to a new position in the workspace. • Select the screen control, then press the arrow keys to move it in the workspace.
Resize the text display area of a screen control 1. In MainStage, select the screen control in the workspace. 2. Drag the inner resize guide to increase the area of the text display. 3. Drag the outer resize guide to increase the overall size of the control. Notice that when you resize the text display area, the rest of the screen control becomes smaller. You can first resize the overall control, and then resize the text display area using the inner resize guide.
Distribute screen controls evenly 1. In MainStage, select the screen controls in the workspace. 2. Do one of the following: • To vertically distribute the screen controls: From the Layout Action menu, choose Distribute > Distribute Centers Vertically. • To horizontally distribute the screen controls: From the Layout Action menu, choose Distribute > Distribute Centers Horizontally.
2. Drag the lower alignment guide (the one aligned with the front of the shelf control). • To make the angle steeper (as though you are looking down from above): Drag the lower alignment guide down. • To make the angle less steep (as though you are looking from the front): Drag the alignment guide up. Move a shelf vertically 1. In MainStage, select one of the screen controls on the shelf. The alignment guides for the shelf appear. 2.
Group screen controls in MainStage You can group screen controls together, creating a grouped control, and then move and resize the grouped control as a single unit. Grouping screen controls has no effect on how they work in performance, but makes it easier to quickly create a layout. You can group screen controls using the Group button, using the shortcut menu, or using a background screen control.
Ungroup screen controls 1. In MainStage, select the grouped control. 2. Do one of the following: • From the Layout Action menu, choose Ungroup. • Control-click the selected controls, then choose Ungroup from the shortcut menu. If you’re using a Mac with a Touch Bar, you can press the Ungroup button on the Touch Bar to ungroup screen controls. Add a screen control to a group • In MainStage, drag the screen control into the group. Move or resize a screen control in a group 1.
Delete screen controls in MainStage If you decide you no longer want a screen control in your layout, you can delete it from the workspace. Delete a screen control 1. In MainStage, select the screen control you want to delete. 2. Choose Edit > Delete (or press the Delete key). When you delete a screen control, any assignments or mappings for the screen control are deleted as well.
When you assign a knob screen control using the Assign button, MainStage attempts to determine which type of knob or rotary control on your hardware is sending the MIDI message and sets the value in the Type pop-up menu in the Screen Control Inspector to the correct value. For absolute controllers, the correct value is Absolute; for relative controllers, the correct value can be either Relative (2’s complement) or Relative (Sign magnitude), depending on the type of relative controller.
Edit screen control parameters Editing screen control parameters in MainStage When you select a screen control in Layout mode, the parameters for the screen control appear in the Screen Control Inspector where you can edit them. Most screen controls share the same common parameters, but some types have different parameters according to their function. The parameters for each type are described in the following sections.
Reset a screen control to its saved value • In the MainStage workspace, Option-click the screen control. Common screen control parameters in MainStage You can edit the following common parameters for button, fader, knob, pedal, footswitch, mod/pitch wheel, meter, VU meter, organ drawbar, progress indicator, and parameter text screen controls. Hardware Input • MIDI Port pop-up menu: Shows the name of the device containing the assigned control.
Appearance • Color selector: Choose the color for the active part of the screen control, which visually displays its current value in performance. (This parameter is not available for text or meter screen controls.) • Control pop-up menu: Choose the type for the screen control. If you change the control to a different type, you may need to resize it in the workspace. Text Labels • Color selector: Choose the color for the text labels.
Layer Display • Display keyboard layers checkbox: When active, a layer is displayed above the keyboard in the workspace for each software instrument channel strip in a patch. The layers show the name and color of the channel strip and respond when you play the keyboard. • Height value slider: Sets the height of the layer display that appears above the keyboard.
Appearance • Color selector: Choose the color for the active part of the screen control, so that you can easily see when the drum pad is pressed. Text Labels • Color selector: Choose the color for the active part of the text label. • Justification buttons: Click to set the text justification (left, center, or right). • Display pop-up menu: Choose what information is displayed in the text display area and how many lines are used to display text.
Text screen control parameters in MainStage You can edit the following parameters for text screen controls after adding text to the text field. Text Parameters • Font button: Select text, click the Font button to show the Font menu, then choose the font, style, color, and size. • Alignment buttons: Select whether the selected text is left, right, or center aligned, or justified. • Text field: Enter the text you want to display onscreen.
The reason for these exceptions is so that when you add a screen control for a modulation wheel or a sustain pedal, for example, it “automatically” responds to the appropriate MIDI message type, without your having to configure it further. If you want to have the screen control respond to a different type of MIDI message, you can choose another MIDI message type from the Number pop-up menu in the Screen Control Inspector.
Import a layout into a concert 1. In Layout mode, choose Import Layout from the Action pop-up menu in the upper-right corner of the workspace (or press Control-Command-O). 2. In the Open dialog, select the layout you want to import. 3. Click Open. The layout for the concert changes to the imported layout. Because of the wide variety of possible layouts, not all assignments and mappings may be converted as you intended, depending on the differences between the layouts.
Perform live with MainStage Before performing live with MainStage Now that you’ve created and organized your sounds and set up your layout, it’s time to play! MainStage features Perform mode that optimizes your display for live performance. Here are a few things to check before you begin performing: • Make sure your MIDI controllers, instruments, microphones, and other music equipment are connected to your computer and are working.
Switch to Perform mode In MainStage, do one of the following: • Choose View > Perform in Full Screen (or press Command-4). • Click the Perform button in the toolbar. Note: By default, the Perform button opens the workspace in full screen. For information about changing this preference (in MainStage > Preferences > Display), see Display preferences in MainStage. If you are using a macOS device with a Touch Bar, you can press the Perform button on the Touch Bar to switch to Perform mode.
Also keep in mind that when you select a patch, the screen controls for knobs, faders, and other controls in the workspace show the parameter values for the patch, which may be different than the positions of the physical controls on your controller. When you move the physical controls, the screen controls instantly update to show the current value. Select patches in MainStage using keyboard shortcuts You can select patches in the patch selector using key commands.
Select patches in MainStage using program change messages If your MIDI device has buttons or other controls that send program change messages, you can select patches in your concert by program change number. You can use program change messages to select patches, but not sets. For information about how your MIDI device sends program change messages, consult the documentation that came with the device or the manufacturer’s website.
If you plan to use multiple keyboard controllers when you perform, you can choose whether screen controls respond to MIDI messages from all controllers or only a specific controller and whether channel strips receive input from all controllers or only a single controller. In Layout mode, screen controls can be set to respond to MIDI input on all MIDI ports and channels or to only a specific device or channel.
You can use the Tuner on an instrument connected to the first audio channel strip in a patch. To use a different channel strip, you can reorder channel strips in the patch. Channel strips that can use the Tuner are indicated by a tuning fork icon near the top of the channel strip. Tune an instrument using the Tuner 1. In MainStage, click the Tuner icon in the toolbar (or press Command-T). The Tuner appears in the workspace.
The MainStage Playback plug-in in performance You can use the Playback plug-in to play backing tracks or other audio files while you are performing. Playback can be triggered either when you select a patch or set or by using a button or other screen control. You can control other Playback parameters to which you have mapped screen controls, including fading out the sound and looping playback.
Start recording to an audio file • In MainStage, move the screen control mapped to the Record action (or press Option-R). Stop recording • In MainStage, move the screen control mapped to the Record action (or press Option-R again).
MainStage preferences Overview of Preferences in MainStage You can set a variety of preferences by choosing MainStage > Preferences. The preferences window includes tabs for general, audio, MIDI, and display preferences, which are described in the following sections. General preferences in MainStage These preferences let you set the tuning of software instruments, choose what happens when you open MainStage, reset alerts, and set whether screen controls highlight when their parameter values change.
Startup • Startup Action pop-up menu: Choose the startup action when you open MainStage. The choices are: • Do Nothing: Does nothing. You can open the Choose Template dialog by choosing File > New. • Create New Concert from Template: Opens the Choose Template dialog. • Open Most Recent Concert: Opens the last open concert in the same mode it was in when you closed it. • Open Most Recent Concert in Perform Mode: Opens the last open concert in Perform mode.
Audio preferences in MainStage These preferences let you set the audio output and input drivers, set the size of the I/O buffer, set the audio sample rate, and choose which note is displayed as middle C. Audio • Audio Output pop-up menu: Choose the device you want to use to hear the audio output from MainStage. • Audio Input pop-up menu: Choose the device you want to use as the source for audio input.
Recording • Output pop-up menu: Choose the audio output to record. • Recordings Folder field: Click the field, then browse to choose the location where recordings are saved. The file path of the chosen location appears in the field. • File Format pop-up menu: Choose the file format for audio recordings. The choices are: • • AIFF • CAF • WAVE 24-Bit Recording checkbox: When selected (default), MainStage can record 24-bit files. Otherwise, audio recordings use a resolution of 16-bit.
Advanced Settings Clicking the Advanced Settings button in the Audio preferences pane opens a new window with the following additional preferences: • I/O Buffer Size pop-up menu: Choose the size of the buffer for audio input and output in samples. Smaller buffer sizes reduce the amount of latency, but also require more work from the CPU and may result in playback artifacts. You may want to try different settings to find the lowest setting that does not produce any artifacts.
MIDI preferences in MainStage These preferences let you view the current status of MIDI inputs and choose which note appears as middle C. MIDI • MIDI Status field: Displays the number of detected MIDI inputs. • Setup button: Click to open the Audio Devices pane of Audio/MIDI Setup Utility. Display • Display Middle C pop-up menu: Choose whether middle C is displayed as C3 or C4. • Program Change Range pop-up menu: Choose whether program changes use the range of 0–127 or 1–128.
Inspectors • Show Icons in File Browsers checkbox: If selected, mini icons are displayed next to folders and patches in the Inspector when browsing. Toolbar • Show Toolbar CPU and Memory meters checkbox: When selected, the CPU and Memory meters appear in the center of the toolbar, along with the MIDI Status display. The checkbox is deselected by default.
Sampler preferences in MainStage You can configure the way in which the Sampler instrument searches for audio samples, stores audio samples, uses virtual memory, and more, using these settings. The Sampler preferences window contains two tabs with configuration options: The Misc tab for miscellaneous settings, and the Virtual Memory tab for virtual memory settings. Misc The Misc tab contains the following preferences: • Sample Storage pop-up menu: Determines how Sampler handles the bit depth of samples.
• • MainStage User Guide Read root key from pop-up menu: Sets the method Sampler and Quick Sampler use to determine the root key of audio files when loaded using Optimized mode. Choose one of the following menu options: • File/Analysis: Sampler and Quick Sampler first attempt to read the root key from the header of the AIFF, WAV, or CAF file when loading the sample into a zone.
• Previous Instrument pop-up menu and field: Determines which MIDI event type and data value are used for selection of the previous instrument. Choices include Note, Poly Aftertouch, Control Change, Program Change, Channel Aftertouch, and Pitch Bend. In the field next to each pop-up menu, you can enter either the note number or the value of the first data byte. If you choose Control Change, the number field determines the MIDI controller number.
Virtual Memory Clicking the Virtual Memory tab opens a window with the following additional preferences: MainStage User Guide • Active checkbox: Turns on or off the virtual memory feature in Sampler. With virtual memory on only the initial attacks of samples are loaded into RAM; the rest of the sample streams in real-time from the hard drive. If you have enough physical RAM to hold all samples for a project, you can improve performance by deselecting the Active checkbox.
Use the Touch Bar with MainStage Touch Bar shortcuts in MainStage If your Mac has a Touch Bar, you can use gestures to select and play patches, turn on and off the Tuner or the metronome, switch between modes, activate key commands, and quickly perform other tasks. The controls in the main area of the Touch Bar (between the Esc key on the left side and the Control Strip on the right side) change depending on what mode you are using and what is selected in the app.
Icon Name Description Perform Switches MainStage to Perform in Window. Tuner Turns the Tuner on or off, if there is an audio channel strip with an assigned input in the current patch. Panic Immediately silences any hanging MIDI notes. Play/Stop Starts or stops playback at the current transport position. Metronome Starts or stops the metronome. Master Mute Mutes or unmutes all sound.
Note: To switch between buttons in the same position of the Touch Bar, press Control. Icon Name Description Escape No function in this screen. Select Screen Returns you to the Toolbar screen. Group/Ungroup Groups and ungroups selected screen controls. Lift/Stamp Lifts or stamps parameters from the selected screen controls. Align Left Aligns the left edges of selected screen controls.
Edit mode shortcuts When MainStage is in Edit mode, if you tap the Select Screen button controls appear in the Touch Bar: Icon , the following Name Description Escape No function in this screen. Select Screen Returns you to the Toolbar screen. Show/Hide Workspace Shows or hides the Workspace area. Show/Hide Plug-ins Shows or hides any open or previously opened plug-in windows. Workspace/Assignments & Mappings Toggles the Workspace between the Workspace and Assignments & Mappings tabs.
Icon Name Description Previous Patch Selects the previous patch. Next Patch Selects the next patch. Tuner Turns the Tuner on or off, if there is an audio channel strip with an assigned input in the current patch. Metronome Starts or stops the metronome. Panic Immediately silences any hanging MIDI notes. Master Mute Mutes or unmutes all sound. For information on how to customize the buttons on this bar, see Customize the Touch Bar in MainStage.
Icon Name Description Panic Immediately silences any hanging MIDI notes. Master Mute Mutes or unmutes all sound. For information on how to customize the buttons on this bar, see Customize the Touch Bar in MainStage. Keyboard controls When you tap the Keyboard button , you can use the Touch Bar to play a software instrument on the selected software instrument track. • Tap the keys on the Touch Bar keyboard to play notes.
Add, remove, or rearrange items In MainStage: • Add buttons: Use the trackpad or mouse to drag a button from the screen to the Touch Bar; buttons in the Touch Bar jiggle slightly. • Remove buttons: Use the trackpad or mouse to drag a button from the Touch Bar to the screen. • Rearrange buttons: Use your finger on the Touch Bar to drag a button. When you have finished customizing the Touch Bar, click Done in the Customize Touch Bar window.
Keyboard shortcuts and command sets Overview of MainStage keyboard shortcuts and command sets Standard keyboard shortcuts: Many common tasks, from switching modes and showing inspectors to working with tools, can be accomplished quickly by pressing one or more keys on your computer keyboard. These are called keyboard shortcuts. For a list of default keyboard shortcuts, see the subtopics in the Keyboard shortcuts topic.
A table of MainStage patches and sets (Edit mode) keyboard shortcuts Includes keyboard shortcuts for adding, selecting, exporting, and importing patches and sets.
A table of MainStage actions keyboard shortcuts Includes keyboard shortcuts for some MainStage actions. Default keyboard shortcut Function Control-P Panic Control-T Tap Tempo Control-M Master Mute Control-R Toggle Recording Space bar Toggle Play/Stop A table of MainStage parameter mapping (Edit mode) keyboard shortcuts Includes keyboard shortcuts for learning mappings and locating mappings in the Parameter Mappings browser, and setting the range of mappings in the Mapping tab.
A table of MainStage screen controls (Layout mode) keyboard shortcuts Includes keyboard shortcuts for learning controller assignments and for grouping and ungrouping screen controls.
Default keyboard shortcut Function Command-5 Show/Hide Inspectors Command-6 Show/Hide the Channel Strips area Command-7 Show/Hide the workspace Command-T Show/Hide the Tuner Command-M Minimize the MainStage window Command-Comma (,) Open MainStage preferences V Show/Hide the active plug-in window Shift-Command-M Show the MIDI Message Monitor window A table of MainStage Help and support keyboard shortcuts Includes the keyboard shortcuts to open MainStage Help.
The Key Commands Editor provides a set of keyboard shortcuts for MainStage in several languages. Your Mac’s system language is used as the default language. To learn how to change the system language, see macOS Help, available from the Help menu when the Finder is active. View the current command set 1. Choose MainStage > Key Commands > Customize (or press Option-K). 2.
Choose a different command set • Do one of the following: • Choose MainStage &#mstgb3fe91a9"> > Key Commands, then choose a command set from the Command Sets submenu. The Key Commands Editor window appears, showing the chosen command set. • If the Key Commands Editor is already open, choose a command set from the Command Set pop-up menu in the upper-left corner of the window.
5. To save your changes to the command set, click the Save button in the lower-right corner of the Key Commands Editor. If you close the Key Commands Editor with unsaved changes, a dialog appears, prompting you to save your changes. Delete a command set 1. Choose MainStage > Key Commands > Customize (or press Option-K). 2. If the command set that you want to delete is not shown, choose a different command set from the Command Set pop-up menu at the top of the Key Commands Editor. 3.
MainStage actions Overview of actions in MainStage In addition to mapping screen controls to channel strip and plug-in parameters, you can map them to MainStage actions. Actions let you select patches and sets, silence MIDI notes, control the Tuner and the metronome, tap a new tempo, display information about patches, MIDI messages and other information, and perform other functions using screen controls.
MainStage User Guide Action Description Usage Current Program Number Displays the program change number of the selected patch and can be used to change to a specific program. Parameter Text screen control (to display); Button screen control (to change) Next Patch Selects the patch below the current patch in the Patch List. Button screen control +10 Patches Selects the patch 10 patches below the current patch in the Patch List.
Action Description Usage Continue Resumes playback at the current transport position. Button screen control Reset/Compare Patch Toggles the selected patch between its edited and last saved state (toggle). Button screen control Current Time Displays the current time in hours, minutes, and seconds. Parameter Text screen control Smart Controls Tab Index For tabbed Smart Controls, lets you set which tab is visible.
Apple Inc. © 2020 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Use of the “keyboard” Apple logo (Option-Shift-K) for commercial purposes without the prior written consent of Apple may constitute trademark infringement and unfair competition in violation of federal and state laws. Apple, the Apple logo, AppleScript, Finder, FireWire, GarageBand, Jam Pack, Logic, Logic Pro, Mac, MainStage, Spotlight, Time Machine, and Ultrabeat are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
