Hey everyone,

I just recently purchased MainStage and am having trouble figuring out how to play both sides of my Stick through it simultaneously. There are heaps of instructional videos online explaining how to use multiple MIDI keyboards with MainStage but not audio instruments.

If anyone can help nudge me in the right direction, I'd sincerely appreciate it. I'm running my Stick through a Steinberg UR44 interface and into my MacBook Pro.

Cheers,
James

Have you checked the MainStage 3 User Guide? I would provide more information, were it not for Apple's idiotic insistence that the world revolve around iTunes.

Thanks Rob, but I just figured it out. All I needed to do was create a new strip and assign one of the inputs from my UR44 to it.

Anyway, that now aside, I'd love to hear any tips/experiences MainStage users have/have had.

Hi James,

There's also a web based version of the manual here:
https://help.apple.com/mainstage/mac/3.2.3/

I've been using MainStage/Logic almost exclusively lately for effects processing, you can get a lot of mileage out of a few channel strips (one for melody, one for bass and an aux channel for reverb and any other effects you might want to apply to both channels at once).

I'm using an Apogee Element 24 as an audio interface, the key to making this work in a satisfying manner is minimal round trip latency (under 5 ms). With the audio preferences Advanced Settings button it's best to experiment with lowering the buffer size and latencies as much as possible (too much and you'll get pops and clicks).

The other helpful configuration to do is assigning buttons/pedals on a MIDI foot controller to effects parameters (to turn on/off a delay on the melody side for example, or alternate between two value settings on a mix knob). I use a Keith McMillen 12 step for that (which is also a convenient way to play synths with your foot - the Chord Trigger MIDI plugin on a synth channel strip is a powerful tool!)

Happy to go into more detail if you want to know more specifics.

Thanks so much, Rob, I really appreciate you taking the time! I'm sure I'll have some more questions as I go along.

I delved deep into Mainstage in the past.
Depending on your system, you can do tons of blending and get great tones.

The amp modeling is great, but I did end up buying Bias Amp from Positive Grid.

It the end I didn't want to take my computer on stage...

Hey Dean, I hadn't heard of Bias Amp until now. I'm guessing the Mod Duo has replaced that as well?

Yeah... The MOD Duo has undoubtedly filled in that space for me. It does all the effects, amp/cab sims, synths, looper, etc... I don't have that anxiety of having to take a computer on stage.

If you are just using playing at home with good converters/computer, then MainStage is a great program. Can't beat the price if you already have a Mac.