What pedals do I need for MainStage?

We recommend using three different foot pedals with MainStage: sustain, expression, and patch change. Your keyboard will have one or more input jacks to plug these pedals in directly. If your keyboard doesn’t have enough inputs, you can use a device like the MIDI Expression devices from Audiofront that convert 1⁄4” to USB. There are two types of pedals: switch and continuous. Switch pedals are used for simple on/off tasks like sustain and patch changes. In contrast, expression pedals are continuous control (CC) because they’re able to handle a range of values.

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Sustain pedal

Because the sustain (or “damper”) pedal is a ubiquitous feature of the piano, many keyboards are sold with a sustain pedal. A sustain pedal is a type of switch and has one of two polarities: normally open and normally closed. Sustain polarity is not unanimously consistent between keyboard manufacturers, so sustain pedals are not always interchangeable between brands. If your MainStage instruments are sustaining in reverse (i.e., the sounds sustain when the pedal isn’t pressed but stop when the pedal is pressed), it is most likely that your pedal’s polarity doesn’t match the keyboard’s polarity. If you need a replacement pedal, we recommend a pedal like the M-Audio SP-2, which has a polarity switch so it can be used with practically any keyboard.

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Expression pedal (optional)

The expression pedal is a continuous control pedal and is sometimes called a volume pedal. Although not strictly necessary, we strongly encourage you to use an expression pedal. If you don’t, you will likely need to do additional work to balance the volume levels of every patch in order to blend in with the other musicians. An expression pedal allows you to do this in real time and gives additional flexibility if you need to make sudden adjustments during a performance (e.g., the band needs to be softer because an actor’s microphone has stopped working). Skilled keyboardists also use the expression pedal to add nuance and make the keyboard patches sound even more realistic. A long-held note, for example, often has a subtle crescendo or decrescendo. Expression pedals are not always compatible across keyboard brands, so consult the manufacturer’s recommendation to choose an expression pedal that will work with your specific keyboard. The M-Audio EX-P has a polarity switch so it can be used with practically any keyboard. We also love the Yamaha FC7 for Yamaha keyboards and the Boss FV-500L for its durability with many other brands.

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Patch change pedal (optional)

A keyboard book might have several hundred patches. We try to put patch changes in logical places that allow plenty of time, but sometimes a patch change has to happen in a mere fraction of a beat. The most efficient way to advance to the next patch is with a dedicated foot switch. Because of its reliability and durability, we recommend the silver Boss FS-5U. If MainStage is skipping several patches every time you press the patch change pedal, click here to learn how to fix it.

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Read more

• How to assign screen controls in MainStage
• How do I change patches in MainStage?
• Choosing a keyboard to use with MainStage