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

Equipment recommendations

Notes on these recommendations…
– Disclosure: I am registered as an affiliate with Amazon, and I receive a commission from purchases made through these links.
– These recommendations are starting points – your individual needs might be better served by items not listed here.
– You likely do not need everything listed below. Be sure to consult the diagram above.
– The keyboards listed below all have 88 keys. You may not need that much range for most circumstances, but there are times you will.

Keyboards

Keyboard controller under $200: M-Audio Keystation 88

Keyboard controller under $400: M-Audio Hammer 88

For higher budgets, 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.

Up to $600: Casio Privia PX-350 Digital Piano

Yamaha CP40 Stage Piano

Yamaha CP4 Stage Piano

Audio interfaces

Behringer U-Phono UFO202

PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 (recommended if you also need a MIDI interface)

Audio cables from audio interface outputs

For interfaces with RCA outputs

For audio interfaces with 1/4″ line outputs

Direct boxes

Single-Channel Direct Box (get two for a stereo signal)

2-Channel Direct Box

Audio cables from direct box outputs to sound system (get two for a stereo signal)

MIDI

MIDI interface (if your keyboard does not have a direct USB connection)

MIDI cable (Connects your keyboard to the MIDI interface. You just need one for a standard Mainstage setup.)

Additional MIDI control (if your keyboard doesn’t have drum pads and knobs)

USB hub (has to be powered)

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.

Connecting MIDI devices

MIDI connections inside Mainstage

Into your sound system

Next steps for Mainstage success

Once you have everything connected and ready to play, what else do you need to learn?