Contents

MainStage User Manual
- Contents
- An Introduction to MainStage
  - What Is MainStage?
  - Using MainStage With MIDI Controllers
  - Using MainStage With Guitars and Other Instruments
  - Adding MainStage to Your Music Setup
    - Edit Mode:Working With Your Sounds
    - Layout Mode:Making Connections With Your Gear
  - Using MainStage in Live Performance
  - Resources for Learning About MainStage
  - MainStage Onscreen User Manual
  - Apple Websites
    - LogicStudio Website
    - Apple Service and Support Website
    - Other Apple Websites
- Setting Up Your System
  - Using MIDI Devices With MainStage
    - Using MIDI Devices That Send Special MIDI Message Types
    - Choosing a Controller Preset
  - Using Audio Devices With MainStage
  - Using Effects Plug-ins With MainStage
- The MainStage Interface
  - The MainStage Window
  - Layout Mode
  - Edit Mode
  - Perform Mode
  - Full Screen Mode
- Getting Started With MainStage
  - Before You Begin
  - Choosing a Concert Template
  - Selecting and Playing Patches
  - Adding a Patch
  - Renaming a Patch
  - Adding a Channel Strip to a Patch
  - Changing a Channel Strip Setting
  - Learning Controller Assignments
  - Mapping Screen Controls to Parameters
  - Trying Out Full Screen and Perform Modes
  - Customizing the MainStage Window
    - Resizing the Workspace
    - Adjusting the Height of the Patch List
    - Hiding and Showing the Inspector
    - Hiding and Showing the Channel Strips Area
    - Customizing the Toolbar
- Working With Concerts
  - Opening and Closing Concerts
  - Saving Concerts
  - How Saving Affects Parameter Values
  - Using Tempo in a MainStage Concert
    - Tapping the Tempo
    - Getting the Tempo From MIDI Input
  - Muting Audio Output
  - Silencing MIDI Notes
  - Working at the Concert Level
    - Controlling the Overall Volume of a Concert
    - Adding Concert-Wide Effects
    - Using Busses to Control Channel Strip Output
    - Adding Channel Strips at the Concert Level
- Working in Edit Mode
  - Working With Patches in Edit Mode
    - Selecting Items in the Patch List
    - Skipping Items in the Patch List
    - Collapsing Sets in the Patch List
    - Copying and Pasting Patches
    - Reordering Patches
    - Changing Program Change Numbers
    - Using a Patch to Change the Tempo
    - Changing Patch Icons
    - Deleting Patches
  - Working With Channel Strips in Edit Mode
    - Selecting Channel Strips
    - Choosing Channel Strip Settings
    - Resetting a Channel Strip
    - Editing Channel Strips in MainStage
    - Renaming a Channel Strip
    - Choosing the Channel Strip Color
    - Changing the Channel Strip Icon
    - Showing Signal Flow Channel Strips
    - Creating Keyboard Layers and Splits
    - Setting the Velocity Range and Offset
    - Creating Controller Transforms
    - Filtering MIDI Messages
    - Deleting Channel Strips
  - Mapping Screen Controls
    - Mapping Screen Controls to Channel Strip and Plug-in Parameters
    - Mapping Screen Controls to Actions
    - Mapping Screen Controls to All Channel Strips in a Patch
    - Removing Screen Control Mappings
  - Working With Sets in Edit Mode
    - Creating Sets
    - Renaming Sets
    - Using a Set to Change the Tempo
    - Overriding Concert-Level Key Ranges for a Set
    - Deleting Sets
  - Working at the Set Level
  - Overriding Concert- and Set-Level Mappings
  - Sharing Patches and Sets Between Concerts
- Working in Layout Mode
  - Changing the Grid Resolution
  - Modifying the Layout of a Concert
  - Working With Screen Controls
    - Screen Control Types
    - Adding Screen Controls
    - Copying and Pasting Screen Controls
    - Moving Screen Controls
    - Resizing Screen Controls
    - Merging Screen Controls
    - Adjusting the Shelf for a Shelf Control
    - Moving the Shelf Vertically
    - Grouping Screen Controls
    - Locking Screen Controls
    - Deleting Screen Controls
  - Assigning Hardware Controls to Screen Controls
    - Assigning Knobs
    - Assigning Buttons
  - Editing Screen Control Parameters
    - Keyboard Parameters
    - Common Screen Control Parameters
    - Drum Pad Parameters
    - Text Parameters
    - Image Parameters
    - Patch Selector Parameters
  - How MainStage Passes Through MIDI Messages
  - Exporting a Layout
  - Importing a Layout
- Performing Live With MainStage
  - Before the Performance Starts
  - Using Full Screen Mode and Perform Mode
    - Working in Full Screen Mode
    - Working in Perform Mode
  - Selecting Patches in Performance
    - Selecting Patches Using Key Commands
    - Selecting Patches Using Actions
    - Selecting Patches Using Program Change Messages
  - Using Screen Controls in Performance
  - Handling Tempo Changes in Performance
  - Performing With Guitars and Other Instruments
  - Using the Tuner
  - Tips for Complex Hardware Setups
    - Using Multiple Keyboard Controllers in Performance
    - Using a Different Hardware Setup in Performance
- Key Commands
  - Concerts and Layouts
  - Patches and Sets (Edit Mode)
  - Editing
  - Actions
  - Parameter Mapping (Edit Mode)
  - Channel Strips (Edit Mode)
  - Screen Controls (Layout Mode)
  - Window and View
  - Help and Support
- Setting MainStage Preferences
  - General Preferences
  - Audio/MIDI Preferences
- Index
  - A
  - C
  - E
  - F
  - G
  - H
  - I
  - K
  - L
  - M
  - P
  - Q
  - S
  - T
  - U
  - V
  - W

Apple MainStage User Manual

Pages 100

Year 2007

Language(s)

of 100

User Manual

100 pages

User Guide

200 pages

Apple MainStage Specification

Apple MainStage is a powerful live performance application designed for musicians and performers using macOS. It transforms a Mac into a versatile rig capable of handling complex live sound setups. MainStage supports a wide array of audio formats and offers seamless integration with Logic Pro, enabling users to import channel strips and settings directly. It boasts a customizable interface, allowing performers to tailor controls to their needs, with support for various hardware controllers. The application includes a vast library of sounds and plug-ins, including high-quality synthesizers, sampled instruments, and effects, ensuring rich sonic possibilities.

MainStage features low-latency audio processing, essential for live performances, and supports up to 256 channels of audio input and output. It includes tools like the Playback plug-in for backing tracks and the Loopback plug-in for live looping. Users can create setlists, seamlessly switch between patches using the Patch List, and employ Smart Controls for intuitive parameter adjustments. The application supports MIDI and audio hardware, providing flexible routing options and external instrument integration. MainStage's Stability is enhanced by Autosave and Autoset features, ensuring that settings and performances are preserved in case of unexpected issues. Its compatibility with macOS ensures regular updates and improvements, maintaining the software's robustness and reliability for professional use.

Apple MainStage F.A.Q.

How can I set up a new concert in Apple MainStage?

To set up a new concert in Apple MainStage, open the application and select 'New Concert' from the File menu. Choose a suitable template for your performance, and customize the patches and channel strips as needed.

What steps should I follow to troubleshoot audio latency issues in MainStage?

First, ensure your audio interface drivers are up to date. Adjust the buffer size in MainStage's audio settings, lower the sample rate, and close any unnecessary applications to reduce CPU load.

How can I map a hardware MIDI controller to MainStage controls?

In MainStage, enter Layout mode, select the screen control you want to map, and click 'Assign' at the top of the workspace. Move or press the control on your MIDI device to assign it.

What is the process for importing external plugins into MainStage?

Ensure your plugins are installed in the correct directory (typically Library/Audio/Plug-Ins). Open MainStage, go to the Channel Strip Inspector, and add the plugin via the 'Instrument' or 'Effect' slot.

Can I use MainStage for live looping, and how?

Yes, MainStage supports live looping. You can use the Loopback plugin available in the channel strip to create loops during your live performance. Configure the input and set your desired loop length.

How do I back up my MainStage concerts and patches?

To back up your concerts and patches, simply save them to a secure location such as an external drive or cloud storage. Use the 'Save As' option under the File menu to specify a backup location.

What should I do if MainStage crashes during a performance?

If MainStage crashes, restart the application and load a backup if available. Investigate potential causes like incompatible plugins or insufficient system resources, and ensure everything is updated.

How can I optimize MainStage's performance on my Mac?

Close unnecessary applications to free up resources. In MainStage, reduce the number of active patches and use the CPU/Memory meter to monitor performance. Adjust buffer size and sample rate settings appropriately.

Is it possible to automate patch changes in MainStage?

Yes, you can automate patch changes using MIDI foot controllers or by assigning a screen control in MainStage to navigate through patches during your performance.

What are some tips for maintaining a stable MainStage setup for live performances?

Regularly update your software and plugins, conduct thorough sound checks, and prepare backups of your concerts. Keep your Mac's OS and hardware specifications aligned with MainStage's requirements.