Alchemy main filter controls in MainStage

Main filter components are shown only in advanced view. Click the Advanced button to switch to advanced view, then click the Global button.

There are two main filter modules, labeled Filter 1 and Filter 2. The filters can operate in parallel or in series.

The output from all four sources is sent to the main filters at levels determined by independent controls in each source. Both main filter modules provide multi-mode filters with identical controls.

Note: It is possible for each source to completely bypass the main filters, or to send a portion of the source signal to the main filters and another portion directly to the Effects section. Though you can use filters at multiple locations in the signal path, you can often attain the same or similar results by careful use of fewer filters, which helps to reduce CPU load.

Main filter parameters

On/Off buttons: Enable or disable each filter.
Filter type pop-up menus and fields: Choose the filter type. Use the descriptive names: Clean, Edgy, Gritty, Rich, Sharp, and Smooth to make a choice that is right for your sound. You can step through the available filter types with the Previous and Next buttons (the arrows). See Alchemy filter types in MainStage.
Note: The chosen filter type can alter the names and functions of the default Cutoff, Resonance, and Drive knobs.
Cutoff knobs and fields: Set the cutoff frequency for the chosen filter type.
Resonance knobs and fields: Boost or cut frequencies above, below, or surrounding the value set with the Cutoff knob. Resonance behavior changes when different filter types are chosen.
Drive knobs and fields: Overdrive the filter. This can lead to intense distortions and aliasing, depending on filter type.
VU meters: Indicate the current audio level received from all four sources. If the filter input level exceeds 0dB, the VU meters indicate clipping by momentarily turning red. Clipping produces an undesirable digital audio artifact in the output stage. If clipping occurs, reduce the Vol knob of the loudest source or adjust the balance between sources.
Par/Ser knob and field: Set the filter routing configuration. Note that this is pre-effects.
- At 0% position, the total output of Filter 1 is sent to the main outputs of the filter module. This is parallel mode.
- At 100% position, the total output of Filter 1 is sent to the Filter 2 input. This is series mode.
- At 50% position, equal amounts of the Filter 1 output signal are sent to the Filter 2 input and the main outputs of the filter module.
  Note: When the Par/Ser knob is set to 100%, a portion of the Filter 1 signal bypasses Filter 2 whenever the Filter 1 FX Master knob is set above 0%.
FX master knobs: Determine the balance between the filter module output sent to the Effects section and the filter module output sent directly to the Alchemy main output.
- At 0% position, the total filter output

MainStage User Guide

Alchemy main filter controls in MainStage

Main filter parameters