MainStage is a live-performance-oriented music program. It transforms your laptop into a high-powered multi-instrument and effects processor for use in live performances. If you’re a live performer who also sings or plays an instrument other than a keyboard, guitar, or drums, you can use MainStage to enhance your performance. But this app has been having problems like “MainStage not recognizing keyboard” lately. This problem is not good because it may disrupt the show. So, this article will help you to fix this problem.
Let’s get this trip started without further ado, shall we?
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MainStage for Keyboards
MainStage patches with application instruments can be played and controlled via a USB or MIDI keyboard controller, allowing for more portability on stage. You can map the parameters in your patches to the keyboard controller’s faders, knobs, and buttons by assigning them to screen controls in your concert. As you play, you can adjust the settings for each patch with the controller at your fingertips.
MainStage is compatible with various MIDI controllers, such as sustain pedals, expression pedals, foot toggles, and MIDI guitars that send standard MIDI messages. External instrument channel strips can also control hardware synthesizers and other software instruments.
The Logic Remote app for iPad allows you to play software instruments and manage other MainStage features.
How to fix “MainStage not recognizing keyboard”?
The following is a step-by-step guide to solving your problems.
Step 1: Double-check every connection
It is the first thing you should check out. Check that every cable connection is solid. It’s easy to remember to plug these things back in. If you can, unplug everything and try again to see if that works. A USB MIDI cable connects the MIDI keyboard or controller to the computer. Check the manual for your model if you have an older keyboard and need more specific instructions on connecting to MIDI.
Step 2: Assign your keyboard
Once connected, you’ll need to map the keys on your real keyboard to the ones on your screen. To do this:
1. Choose LAYOUT from the menu at the top left of your monitor screen.
2. Use the on-screen keyboard and the “Assign” button to give a value.
3. Hit some keys on the piano when the light turns red. If you’ve done everything right, it should move when you press a key on the virtual keyboard.
4. Be sure to click the assign button once more to turn off the warning light.
By doing this, you can keep yourself from accidentally changing the keyboard’s settings.
Step 3: Assign your sustain pedal
As in the last step, you should also set up the sustain pedal, knobs, faders, and mod wheel. Again, the gestures you use to control your hardware should match what you see on-screen. If your keyboard has no faders or knobs, you’ll need a Korg Nano Kontrol 2 to use our template.
Step 4: Identify the Source of the Midi or Audio Issue
The next step is to ensure that MainStage is picking up any MIDI signals sent to it. If you’re using a real keyboard, you should also make sure that your virtual keyboard is set to use that keyboard by default.
Most audio problems are caused by using the wrong output in the audio preferences, having the MainStage master mute on, having the output or master fader turned down, having a fader or knob on the workspace turned down, or having a channel strip soloed.
Ensure that the cables from your keyboard setup go to the soundboard or mixer. Try switching the output to “Built-In” to see if any sound comes from the computer’s speakers or headphones. If you can hear sound there, the problem isn’t with the audio inputs on your system.
Step 5: Problems with Advanced Audio
If your sound needs to be corrected, check your output levels and make sure you aren’t clipping in MainStage or at the board. Make sure you’re using a mono PA system and software that can sum to mono. If you use a stereo setup, check the panning at the mixer again.
If your audio is choppy, try making the buffer size bigger. Make sure that the mixer isn’t adding any effects to the sounds you’ve recorded after you’ve already recorded them. Check to see if the sample rate in MainStage is the same as the one in your audio interface.
Most audio interfaces come with a program called an editor that can be installed on a computer to make it easier to use these controls. Using a Focusrite interface, you might look for the “Focusrite Control” app.
Step 5: Save your concert
By doing this, your custom set of shortcut keys will be permanently added to the document layout. You won’t have to assign them again when you open it again.
If you are still having trouble assigning your keyboard, the user manual for your keyboard is your best resource.
FAQ: MainStage Not Recognizing Keyboard
How do I use the MIDI format in MainStage?
Click the desired screen control in the MainStage workspace to send program change messages. Click the Unmapped tab in the Screen Control Inspector. In the Mapping browser, choose the external instrument and select the MIDI Controller folder from the submenu.
Can MainStage be used on an iPad?
By downloading the Logic Remote app, you can use your iPad to play virtual instruments and manage MainStage’s settings. Virtual amps can use effects like overdrive, reverb, and compression while playing electric guitar.
How do I use MainStage to put on a live show?
Once you have made your patches in a concert, you are ready to play. In Perform mode, you can choose patches and play them right away. MainStage changes between patches smoothly and keeps playing the notes from the last patch while you start playing the new one.
Conclusion: MainStage Not Recognizing Keyboard
A MainStage glitch with a keyboard can cause many problems, especially if you are a live performer. So, this article, “MainStage not recognizing keyboard,” provided a detailed guide on resolving this issue. Now you can perform flawlessly in front of an audience. We hope this article helps you fix your keyboard issue.
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