Getting started with Mainstage
Welcome! Let’s get started…
Equipment
Video: What equipment do you need?
Diagram: Basic Mainstage Setup – click image to enlarge
Video: Other items you may need
For specific equipment recommendations, scroll down toward the bottom of this page.
Connecting your gear and getting ready to play in Mainstage
Watch these videos from the Mainstage Keyboard Course showing you how to connect everything.
To work along with the videos, you’ll need the Mainstage Quick Start Concert – click here to download [ZIP}.
Connecting your MIDI gear
Linking your controls in Mainstage
Connecting to the sound system
Next steps for Mainstage success
Once you have everything connected and ready to play, what else do you need to learn?
Put yourself in control of amazing keyboard sounds!
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The Mainstage Keyboard Course
*Equipment recommendations
Notes on these recommendations…
– Disclosure: links below are affiliate links, and I may receive a commission from purchases made through these links.
– Your needs will vary according to your budget, what you are working to accomplish and what you already have.
Keyboards
M-Audio Keystation 88
If you can afford a little extra, I recommend keyboards with internal sounds for more flexibility. Where MIDI controllers require a computer to make sounds, the keyboards listed below can control Mainstage as well as play sounds on their own.
Additional controls
(if your keyboard doesn’t have assignable drum pads and knobs)
8 extra drum pads and knobs, which works well with my standard Mainstage template.
Audio interfaces
Basic USB interface with RCA stereo outputs
Recommended if you also need a MIDI interface and ability to record a microphone or two.
Audio cables from audio interface outputs
CPR-202 Dual 1/4″ TS to Dual RCA Stereo Interconnect Cable, 2 Meters
For connecting interfaces with RCA outputs to direct boxes.
CPP-202 Dual 1/4″ TS to Dual 1/4″ TS Stereo Interconnect Cable, 2 Meters
For connecting audio interfaces with 1/4″ line outputs to direct boxes. Any pair of TS (tip-sleeve) cables would work here.
Direct boxes
Why are direct boxes necessary? Why shouldn’t you try to connect your audio interface directly into the sound system?
I’m not an electrical engineer, but when you connect an electronic device (your computer, interface, or keyboard) to another electronic device (like a sound system mixer), you risk issues that can ruin your sound quality, like humming and buzzing. I know sometimes you can plug in direct and be just fine, but sooner or later, you’re going to run into issues only a direct box can solve.
If you’re hearing yourself through an amp, it’s best to plug your computer audio into a direct box, which can then send two different outputs to the sound system and your amp simultaneously.
For the stereo output of Mainstage sounds, you will need two direct boxes (or one stereo direct box).
Single-Channel Direct Box (get two for a stereo signal)
Stereo (2-Channel) Direct Box
Audio cables from direct box outputs to sound system (get two for a stereo signal)
Often, the venue where you are playing will provide these cables, but if you are building your own sound system setup, you’ll need a pair of XLR cables.
MIDI
MIDI interface (if your keyboard does not have a direct USB connection)
Roland UM-ONE-MK2 One in Two Out Midi Cable
If you also need an audio interface, see the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 above, which includes MIDI ports.
MIDI cable (Connects your keyboard to the MIDI interface. You just need one for a standard Mainstage setup.)
If you also need an audio interface, see the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 above, which includes MIDI ports.
USB hub
When you start to run out of USB ports on your computer, add a USB hub to plug in all the equipment you need to run Mainstage.
This is for slightly older machines with the USB type-A connections. I highly recommend a powered hub (one that you also plug into an electrical outlet).
This is for newer older computers with the USB type-C connections. This type is more effective at powering external devices, so a separate power source is not required.
