Balancing MainStage Volumes

In this video we discuss how to balance the levels and volumes in your MainStage concert.
Check out our website, social media, and more!: solo.to/catherallaudio
Chapters
------------------------------------
0:00 Intro
0:17 What is clipping?
0:42 Setup the output meter
2:18 How to check if you're clipping
3:16 Changing your main output volume
4:14 Why you shouldn't use expression or faders
5:19 Using EQ gain
6:08 Using the gain plugin(Best Method)
7:03 Changing volumes in custom samplers
8:29 Changing volumes with the velocity processor
10:37 Conclusion
#CatherallAudio #JamesCatherall

[@Pee1ey]

That was exactly what I was searching for. I am used to adjust the faders/volume during live performances and always loose the balancing set before. Thanks a lot!

[@t.s.5668]

That last tip was gold, thank you

[@perevicco]

This is very helpful...thanks very much

[@rsklinge]

That was helpful, thanks!

[@CatherallAudio]

That’s great! Was there a specific part that stood out the most?

[@rsklinge]

@@CatherallAudio I’m brand new to MainStage and still a bit of a newbie when it comes to audio. I definitely would have been using those fader sliders all the time, and not even considered making sure my signal out is balanced before it leaves my computer.

[@EfigLoveTucson]

I have followed just about every tip, suggestion, and must do(s) and don't(s) you have ever produced on Maintage!!! Thank you (again!!!) But now, I come with a bigger problem, I have added (via Apple Aggregate) two more outputs (and 2 inputs) to my Mainstage set up (via 2 Focusrites) ... mainly because I want one output per (vocal, main keys, small keys, guitar) ... I have each of those going to their respective outs... BUT I want to use ONE Reverb and ONE Delay for all 4 outputs. Per your guidance, I do this without issues when I only have 2 outs, but now, it only lets go ONE reverb to any channel (mono), or channels 1 and 2, or channels 3 and 4... but not all 4 together. I'm so losttttt !!!!!!! :) :)

[@donkeyjam1]

hey there, really nice job. BUT - what would really make it pay off (in addition to the details you're showing), would be to see how it works in action. Meaning, show a couple of simple sounds (i.e. piano, strings, synth lead), etc, and play them TOGETHER with a before and after view, showing the various meters and plugins. That would tie all your great instructions together and show how they work. For example, the before view could show the mixture of sounds with some of the meters pegging & clipping, and some of the sounds going the other way (too soft / barely audible). The after could show how all your balancing levels everything out, and the sounds are complementing each other, making for a happy player and a happy audience!

[@CatherallAudio]

That is a great idea! Thank you for the feedback I really appreciate it, I totally agree that demonstrations can help a lot when introducing a concept.

[@chr9s833]

Is there any reason why the velocity processor range mode defaults with the higher number on the left? I noticed you switched the high and low number (which makes more intuitive sense to me also) but was wondering if it matters. Is the processor simply looking at the highest and lowest number regardless of left or right side or is the side also significant?

[@anthonyabruscato5098]

This was a really helpfully video as I feel I’ve learned some bad habits in MainStage. One question I have is how do you setup a midi controller to be able to play crescendos and decrescendos on sustained notes? We’re currently using an expression pedal that only affects the expression value on an aux channel strip with all the non-sample patches routed into that before going to output 1-2. Our synth player handles both triggered recordings and their own part from one keyboard and the expression pedal has led us to some issues

[@CatherallAudio]

I avoid expression pedals at all cost. They are very difficult to get a consistent result out of them. If I need synth sounds to have expression then I make samples rather than playing it live. If it must be done live then I suggest a midi controller with faders and mapping it to those faders or getting something like the korg nanokontrol.

[@andrewhutnick4858]

How about a tutorial about loading PDF's like sheet music into Mainstage?