Module 2

In this module, we aim to remove any mystery about how your keyboard rig is set up with Mainstage – from your MIDI keyboard through Mainstage and out to your sound system.

Session 1: How MIDI works Download this video (control-click, Save…)	Session 2: Connecting MIDI devices Download this video (control-click, Save…)
Session 3: MIDI connections inside Mainstage Download this video (control-click, Save…)	Session 4: Into your sound system Download this video (control-click, Save…)

Recommended MIDI gear 

	M-Audio MIDISPORT 1x1 MIDI Interface	Allows keyboards without USB ports to connect via MIDI to your Mac.
	Hosa MIDI cable, 5 ft.	Connects your keyboard to a MIDI interface.
	Akai LPD8 MIDI Controller	Eight drum pads and eight knobs for customizable control of Mainstage sounds.
	Belkin powered USB hub	Enables you to power and plug in up to seven USB devices through one port on your computer.

Recommended audio interfaces

	Behringer U-Phono UFO202	2 outputs	Simple output for your audio. This interface offers a small upgrade in sound quality over your Mac's headphone jack. The USB is also a more secure connection, as the Mac's headphone jack can loosen over time.
	PreSonus AudioBox USB	2 outputs	In addition to 1/4" outputs, this device also has two mic inputs for entry-level recording. I can't say I'm a fan of the inputs' sound quality, but the price is right. Also includes MIDI connections.
	Focusrite Scarlett 2i2	2 outputs	I can't speak from personal experience, but this should be an upgrade in recording quality over the PreSonus. No MIDI connections.
	MOTU MicroBook II	6 outputs	This interface is a good choice if: 1) you don't plan on doing any recording with a microphone, 2) you run backing tracks alongside Mainstage, or 3) you want higher audio quality than the other 2-output interfaces offer.
	MOTU Audio Express	6 outputs	The Audio Express offers a similar output configuration to the MicroBook II, but it includes two mic inputs for recording. It also includes MIDI connections.
	MOTU UltraLite-mk3 Hybrid	14 outputs	When it was time to upgrade the interface in my studio, I went with the UltraLite-mk3 and its flexible input and output options. All MOTU interfaces feature excellent sound quality and very high functionality. The latter is due to CueMix, the accompanying software, which allows MOTU interfaces to also function as standalone mixers. Great if you're heading out for live shows and need a mobile system.

Recommended direct boxes

	Whirlwind IMP 2	Standard, mono DI box
	Radial ProDI	Step up in quality for a mono DI box
	Radial ProD2	Stereo version of the ProDI
	Radial JDI Stereo	Stereo DI with premium Jensen transformers

Recommended cables

	Pro-Co EG	Standard quality instrument cables, for connecting a keyboard or interface to DI boxes or submixer
	Monster S-100	Premium quality instrument cables
	GLS Y-Cable 1/8" Stereo to 1/4" dual mono	Connects your Mac's headphone jack to two DI boxes or submixer
	Hosa CPR202 Dual 1/4" to RCA	Connects inexpensive audio interfaces to DI boxes or submixer

Other modules:  Module 1 | Module 2 | Module 3 | Module 4 | Module 5 | Module 6 | Module 7 | Module 8 | Module 9  |  Downloads

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