So you bought MainStage over the holidays, and you can't wait to set it up. Here's our in-depth tutorial on how to get up and running with MainStage.

This week we show you how to split two sounds across your keyboard. 

I recently had a reader ask about layering two sounds together in MainStage. Using the new NS 2.0 not only is it possible to quickly combine patches, but your performance controls are automatically mapped into the Smart Control section. Here’s how to do it: 

I received this email from a reader this week: 

Hi Eric, 

probably that's a stupid question for you but: on MS3 how can I play a VST and an hardware synth (a Roland boutique in This case) on an external instrument track with the same controller without having them playing together but mute the ext track as I'm on the VST. LPX the external instrument plugin solves this, but on MS3 there's no source to choose

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. 

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: 

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: 

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