Synchronize Sampler audio with Flex in MainStage
In Sampler, you can use the Flex parameters to synchronize the audio playback tempo. This is ideal for synchronously playing a melodic Apple Loop in a key that matches the key of Playback or Loopback audio files, for example. Flex works for files with tempo information, such as Apple Loops.
Use Flex to synchronize audio in the Sampler Zone pane
Follow these steps to use Flex to play an Apple Loop synchronously with Playback or Loopback audio in your concert.
In MainStage, load a concert with at least a few Playback or Loopback instances.
Open the Loop Browser. Default key command: O.
Drag a melodic Apple audio loop, such as a rhythmic acoustic or electric guitar part, into the Zone pane waveform display. Drop it on the Original dropzone.
Play some notes on your keyboard over a few octaves. You will hear that the pitch of the loop changes, along with the playback speed.
Click the Flex button below the waveform display and play some notes on your keyboard over a few octaves.
You will hear that the pitch of the loop changes, but the playback speed doesn’t.
Start playback of your concert and play a few notes on your keyboard.
You will hear that the pitch of the loop changes, but the playback speed isn’t synchronized with the concert tempo.
While the project is playing, click the Follow Tempo button below the waveform display and play some notes on your keyboard.
You will hear that the pitch of the loop changes, and the playback speed is perfectly synchronized with the concert tempo.
As an option, you can choose a value in the Speed pop-up menu to divide or multiply the synchronized playback speed of the Apple Loop. Try this while the concert is playing.