In this session, Peter James will show you how to get started with using your Computer for keyboard sounds. He’ll walk you through what gear is needed and how to set up a basic MainStage template for keys.
0:38 Intro
0:48 What Makes up a Keyboard
- MIDI Keyboard
- Computer
- Audio Interface
2:08 Why use a Computer for Keys Sounds?
- Power
- Options
- Sounds
- Plugins
- Audio Interface
- Expandability
- Flexibility
- Portability
5:40 Intro to MIDI Controllers
- Doesn't Produce Sounds
- Doesn't have an Audio Interface in it
- MPK88
- Code61
- Advance61
- Connecting Your Keyboard to your Computer
6:04 via USB
6:54 MIDI-USB Cable
7:51 Intro to Audio Interfaces
8:58 Using a MIDI Controller with MainStage
10:26 What is MainStage?
10:52 Using MainStage
12:26 Time Machine
13:25 Pro Tip-Create a Template that recreates your MIDI Controller Virtually
13:59 MainStage: Edit Page
15:14 Pro Tip-Minimize your Template to only use sounds you need for that Service
15:50 Setting Buffer Size
17:39 Pro Tip-Set Buffer as low as you can without CPU Spikes
18:43 What Specs Should your Computer Have?
20:00 Pro Tip-Run Logic and MainStage Together to host CPU intensive plugins in Logic at a higher Buffer setting
20:57 Troubleshooting Suggestions
21:12 Pro Tip: Use the CPU Meter for a visual of the stress you're putting on your computer
21:42 Pro Tip: Increase the Buffer Setting to allow your computer time to process CPU intensive sounds
21:52 Pro Tip: When setting Buffer Size, Test with the most CPU intensive sound you have and set accordingly
23:01 What is PolyPhony?
22:45 Pro Tip: Keep Voices/Polyphany lower on Pads to help reduce CPU
25:07:00 Pro Tip: Watch for Clipping on your Channel Strip, Plugin, and Master Bus
25:35:00 MainStage Setup Tricks & Tips
25:52:00 Why Should you Use a Computer?
26:23:00 It's Customizable
26:40:00 Upgrading is Cheaper
28:00:00 Combining Different Sounds/Software
28:40:00 It's Affordable
29:47:00 Pro Tip: Use a Solid State Drive if Possible
32:56:00 Pro Tip: Use a Keyboard with Sounds as Backup
33:51:00 MIDI Mapping in MainStage
36:46:00 Using a Low-Pass Filter
36:50:00 What is a Low Pass Filter?
37:50:00 Tip: Use an AutoFilter instead of Volume on Pads
39:26:00 I Surrender
42:27:00 If you're Using Logic and MainStage Together how do you route the MIDI control?
43:43:00 Can you use MainStage 3 patches in MainStage 2?
45:50:00 Do you have a Favorite Patch?