Setting Up Your System

You can use MainStage with a wide variety of MIDI controllers and Core Audio-compliant audio devices. The following section provides basic information about using MIDI and audio devices with MainStage.

Real-time generation and processing of digital audio requires intensive processing by your computer. If you plan to work on large or complex projects, using a computer with a faster processor and extra random-access memory (RAM) installed can facilitate your productivity. Additional RAM is useful particularly when using a large number of effects plug-ins and when playing sample-based software instruments. It is recommended that you do not run other processor- or RAM-intensive applications simultaneously with MainStage, particularly when performing live.

You also have the option to open MainStage in 64-bit mode, which allows you to access large amounts of memory—when working with software instruments that require loading very large sound libraries, for example. To open MainStage in 64-bit mode, Control-click the Mainstage icon in the Applications folder, choose Get Info, then deselect the "Open in 32-bit mode" checkbox.