Setting up MainStage for Live Gigs

Question

Level 1

0 points

Setting up MainStage for Live Gigs

Hi everyone, i just got a copy of the logic studio and am loving the MAINSTAGE programe which i plan to use my Controller + Mainstage for live.

I m still new to using computer setups. my question is do i hook up my MacbookPro Audio Output port to the PA system direct or do i need to get extra equipment to bypass it. My concern is more towards the possibility of my MBP getting fried or something & the quality of sound for live gig.

My plan setup
PA system < MacBookPro (Mainstage) < M-Audio Controller

thanks,

Macbook Pro & Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.7)

Posted on Jun 10, 2009 8:54 PM

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Answer 1

Jun 11, 2009 1:43 AM in response to yewmun

Yep, just like that. You may like to invest in a dedicated Audio interface though.

My own setup is:

bunch of keyboards and guitars -> MIDI/Audio interface (MOTU 828 MkII) -> computer

and from the MIDI/Audio interface -> Stage block to the P.A.

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Answer 2

carsimm

Level 1

5 points

Jun 11, 2009 4:34 PM in response to yewmun

I use an Apogee Ensemble firewire audio interface. You will see numerous posts using different audio interfaces. It all depends on your needs and budget.

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Answer 3

jim7413

Level 1

15 points

Aug 18, 2009 4:19 PM in response to Bobbi Flekman

I was reading your post and I have a question. I am just starting to work with Mainstage, so this may be really stupid question. I am sending my vocals and guitar to Mainstage through an audio interface. From where do I send the signal to the PA? Do I send it from the audio out on my MacBook Pro or do I send it from the headphone out on my audio interface? Thanks for your help.

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Answer 4

Aug 18, 2009 10:04 PM in response to jim7413

Hi Jim. This depends on your Audio Interface. Most will have main outs which can be plugged into a mixer or even powered speakers. You don't want to use the MacBooks out if you already have an interface. You also shouldn't use the headphone out from your interface to feed speakers or a mixer. Even the most minimal audio interfaces have stereo outs either quarter inch or phono type jacks. If it's quarter inch just plug into a mixer or amp. If it's phono you can get adapters to plug it into quarter inch. Just make sure you set the proper pad or gain on your amp or mixer.

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Answer 5

jim7413

Level 1

15 points

Aug 19, 2009 5:26 PM in response to Sankofa Musician

Thanks for your reply. I ended up using the RCA output to the mixer and it worked great. I have been using Logic Studio for about 2 years but have just started trying Mainstage since Version 2 came out. There are two of us in the band and we create and use backing tracks for bass and drums and with playback in Mainstage 2 it works great. Now if can figure out how to create a template for 2 guitars and 2 vocals. Thanks again for your quick answer to my question.

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Answer 6

Sep 10, 2009 3:44 PM in response to jim7413

Not sure how to save as "Template" but you can save as "Concert"... I have
several concerts, each tailored to whichever group I am playing with. They are small
files (similar to a text document) so don't be afraid of having them clutter your hard drive.
Also, you can copy and paste patches or even sets from one Concert to another.

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