What's the best hardware to use Mainstage live?

You'll be better off with a MacBook Pro; the cheapest version should be OK, especially if you add extra RAM.

You will need an audio interface for best sound quality.
I don't think you can input MIDI without an interface

THe most recent MacBook should be fine - if you don't need Firewire.

gilapuki wrote:
You will need an audio interface for best sound quality.
I don't think you can input MIDI without an interface

You can input MIDI through USB. Many controllers support that. Though I have the same opinion: get a good sound interface. Normally they also include MIDI connections.

theunbeliever wrote:
I assume the audio interfaces attach via USB or Firewire ports.
My Mac Pro has a PCI card fitted internally for my motu so I just
wanted to make sure the macbook didn't need any thing fitted.

Correct. The MIDI/Audio interface goes into the FW/USB. MIDI cable from keyboard to interface, audio cables from interface to mixer/amp/whatever.

theunbeliever wrote:
Can you recommend a good but not too expensive audio/midi interface?

Define expensive... I have two interfaces that I like, one is a Mark Of The Unicorn (MOTU) 828 MkII, the other is a Tascam US-144. The MOTU is more expensive, but higher quality. I use the Tascam as a simple quick road thingy as it is small (not a 19" module).

theunbeliever wrote:
If I was using it just for gigs, wouldn't the built in audio output be good enough? Say with a stereo mini jack to 2 xlr or 1/4 inch jack- cable?

You can try, but I sincerely doubt it. Just hook it up and listen to it. If you like the sound, go for it. I didn't like it, not on my Macbook Pro or on my iMac.

Keyboard 1(MIDI Out) > Keyboard 2(MIDI In)

Keyboard 2(MIDI Thru) > Tascam (or whatever MIDI interface you're using).

Either that or you will have to use MIDI Thru boxes.

This way you will be able to play instruments on two different MIDI channels and MainStage can send the MIDI data to separate channel strips. Be aware that you will have to add another keyboard to MainStage setup.

i use the built in audio output and the sound quality is fine even on piano sounds. I use usb midi cable to a cheap midi controller keyboard and can set things at 128 so latency is super low. I have a firebox from presonus and found no increase in the quality of sound and latency and cpu load where if anything slightly worse. So i give the built in soundcard a big thumbs up
I suggest you dont buy an audio interface but try it with the built in soundcard. If u dont like it take your rig down to a music dealer and try it there... I always suggest listening through your own headphones so that the acoustics or sound system they are using wont color your sound.

I use a Novation XioSynth 49- it's a combination controller/virtual analog/audio interface along with an ancient 76-key Roland MKB-300. The Xio has been very reliable- this way I have a stereo audio interface and a 49 key controller, all powered off USB bus. The only bad things about it- no MIDI in for the MKB-300, so I have to use an M-Audio Uno USB interface, and the knobs literally fall off (nice QC guys). I just removed all the knobs except volume- I don't really use them anyway.

I use an Apogee Ensemble. Rather expensive, but great sounding and highly reliable. There have been posts touting the Apogee Duet also. I use an RD 700 for one of my keyboards, and it works fine along with an Axiom 61. Both are usb.

I use a MOTU Ultralite, and it works great. It has a bunch of ins and outs including midi ports. It's also firewire bus powered, which makes it a lot easier to use with a laptop -- one less cable to worry about.

The Edirol PCR-800 keyboard works well because it has a bunch of buttons that can be programmed to work as velocity sensitive drum pads or as push buttons. It's also got a host of knobs, and it sends channel pressure. The key action is also pretty good compared to the previous Edirol model and other similarly priced keyboards.