Recommended MainStage settings
In addition to your computer settings, we recommend that you adjust MainStage settings to maximize efficiency and improve performance.
To open MainStage settings, choose MainStage > Settings > General.
These settings have subtly evolved as Apple continues to develop MainStage. Thus, the settings mentioned on this page are intended broadly for all users but may appear differently depending on your version of MainStage.
General settings
Autosaving: Never
Autosave can be helpful while you’re creating or editing a concert file, but turn it off when you’re ready to perform.
Audio settings
Audio Output
This needs to be set to your audio interface. If you don’t hear audio output from MainStage, this is one of the first things to check. (The “Built-In Output” option will play through your computer’s internal speakers.)
Globally Disable Feedback Protection: Off
It’s a good idea to keep feedback protection enabled, even though it’s primarily for using external audio.
Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz
Sample rate refers to how many times per second a sound is recorded. 44.1 kHz (44,100 per second!) is a good compromise between how hard the computer has to work and the audio quality. In a live mix, the human ear simply can’t discern a difference between this and a higher quality.
If you’re using an audio interface, the MainStage sample rate needs to be the same as the interface’s sample rate.
Hot-Plug Behavior: Do Nothing
This will prevent MainStage from automatically changing your audio output if it discovers another audio device.
I/O Buffer Size: 128 or 256
Latency is the time between when you press the key and when the note actually sounds. A smaller buffer size reduces latency but also requires your computer to work harder. If you’re hearing any audio artifacts (i.e., unwanted noises like pops or clicks), you can try increasing this value.
I/O Safety Buffer: On
The I/O safety buffer adds an additional output buffer to protect against overloads due to unexpected CPU spikes.
Driver Latency: More Safety
Lowering the number of samples increases the risk of audio problems, so it’s better to err on the side of stability.
CPU Usage: Full
When using MainStage, it’s best to close out of all other applications to allow MainStage full access to your computer.
Display / View settings
Disable screen saver in Perform mode: On
This prevents your computer from starting the screen saver. You should also consider disabling this in your computer settings.
Sampler settings
Virtual Memory Active: On
With virtual memory on, MainStage will load the very first portion of each sample into RAM and stream the rest directly from the hard drive.
Buffer Range: Medium
Start with Medium and adjust if necessary.
Host Disk Activity: Less
This optimizes Sampler based on how much non-Sampler-audio occurs. The majority of our MainStage programming uses the Sampler plugin.
Don’t forget! Quit all other running applications and turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.