We’re excited to announce the release of a major update to the Nashville MainStage Mapping Standard, version 2.0. This update splits automatic parameter mapping into two useful modes: Patch Mode and Performance Mode.

Nashville StandardEric BarfieldSeptember 19, 2017Nashville Mapping Standard, 2.0

MainStage Tutorial: Splitting Two Sounds Across Your Keyboard

One of the handy features of MainStage is its ability to split and layer dozens of sounds across your keyboard. For instance, you could put a synth bass in the bottom half of the keyboard, and a piano sound layered with a pad in the right. Here’s how to create your first keyboard split:

How-ToEric BarfieldSeptember 4, 2017Splitting two sounds, MainStage

5 Classic Keyboards Every Synth Geek Should Know

There are so many amazing synths on the market that it’s easy to get lost in the subtleties of each one. In my humble opinion I believe you can know almost everything you need to know about classic synths by studying these 5 retro synths:

Eric BarfieldAugust 29, 2017

Ask Patch Foundry: What Should I Use for Monitors?

I received this email from a reader this week:

Hi Eric,

I'm trying to determine what kind of monitors I should use with my MacBook Pro and MainStage. Do I need powered monitors? I have an apogee quartet and a UAD Apollo twin to choose from for interfaces.

Thanks!

Patrick

Gear ReviewsEric BarfieldAugust 8, 2017

7 Ways To Crash Proof Your MainStage Rig

Using plugins and massive sample libraries live have huge advantages sonically, with one achilles heel: it’s easy to crash your computer without setting it up well. Here are some best practices for using MainStage live:

Live PerformanceEric BarfieldJuly 31, 2017crash proof, MainStage 3

5 Hidden Tricks In MainStage

MainStage is an incredibly deep program- it’s easy to learn the basics, but there’s a whole other layer underneath. Here are 5 things MainStage can do that you probably haven’t done before with it:

How-ToEric BarfieldJuly 3, 2017mainstage, hidden features, tweaks

Ask Patch Foundry: Auto Swell

We received this email from a reader this week:

Hi Eric,

I'm very new to Mainstage and I have been hunting for a way to auto swell. I can see that you can use a compressor in Logic, but I can't see how to do it in MS.

I have a swell pedal on it's way, but would prefer to automate for one song.

Thanks in anticipation,

Kevin

How-ToEric BarfieldJune 26, 2017auto swell, volume ducking, sidechaining

5 Tips For Getting Great Pad Sounds

Pads are useful for filling the sonic space live, but can be a little tricky to tame. Here are 5 ways to tame your pads:

Live PerformanceEric BarfieldJune 20, 2017