Alchemy performance controls overview in MainStage

When simple view is active, or if the Perform button is on in the Perform/Arp/Effects section in other views, the performance controls subpage is displayed.

Figure. Performance controls section, showing Transform pad, knobs, and XY pads.

The performance controls subpage provides eight knobs, two XY pads, and a set of ADSR envelope knobs for a total of sixteen controls. These can be assigned to modulate parameters in the same way as other modulation sources. In addition to these assignable controls, the Perform section has its own gain stage with a dedicated Snapshot Vol control. Also available is the Transform pad that lets you capture morphable snapshots of performance control settings. All performance controls are available as automation targets.

Each performance control type is discussed in the linked sections.

Transform pad. See Alchemy transform pad in MainStage.
Performance control knobs. See Alchemy performance control knobs in MainStage.
XY pads. See Alchemy XY pads in MainStage.
Performance envelope controls. See Alchemy performance control envelopes in MainStage.

Use performance controls effectively

Performance controls are a custom set of controls that modify the values of key sound parameters. You can use the Auto Assign feature, which seeks to find the most relevant parameters of the current preset to map to performance controls. Auto Assign can often provide a good starting point for assignments, but it is much better if you take the time to make manual assignments.

As you explore the included sound library, you may notice that many presets have a similar performance control layout. Some presets may require special performance controls, but the following guidelines work well for most presets.

Control knobs: Provide quick access to a sound’s main characteristics. You can assign knobs to other parameters in advanced view.
- Knobs 1 and 5: Often used for Delay (1) and Reverb (5) level. If other effects are used, other effect parameters can be substituted here. Control of effects mix levels should take priority over other parameters, assigned to Knob 1.
- Knobs 2 and 6: Often used for filter cutoff and resonance. If your preset doesn’t use a filter, you might consider adding one in a fully open state in the Effects section.
- Knobs 3 and 7: Often used to control rhythm or movement in a preset with LFO or arpeggiator parameter assignments.
- Knobs 4 and 8: Often used for timbre, pitch, or other source parameters.
XY pad 1: Generally used for morphing among sources. If more than one source is used, this XY control is the place to assign control of morphing or crossfading.
XY pad 2: Can be used for control over additional morphing or effects parameters or for features unique to a particular preset.
Envelope knobs: Normally control the corresponding parameters in AHDSR 1. You can reassign to other parameters in advanced view.
Mod wheel: Typically linked with the most playable performance control and should always be functional for the first snapshot. Take care with modwheel assignments to make sure settings of 50% or lower don’t cause undesirable results, such as a dropout of the sound (from a very low minimum lowpass cutoff setting, for example). This is particularly important if your MIDI controller has a spring-loaded joystick.
Octave: Turn off if you want to play your sound across the entire keyboard range.
Aftertouch: Should always be assigned to something useful for the preset.

Download the guides:

MainStage User Guide: Apple Books | PDF

MainStage Instruments: Apple Books | PDF

MainStage Effects: Apple Books | PDF

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