Connect an audio interface to MainStage
Using an audio interface, you can connect microphones, instruments, and other music equipment to your computer for use with MainStage. You can also connect a mixer, speakers or monitors, headphones, and other equipment to hear the audio output from your concert.
MainStage supports plug-and-play for audio interfaces, making it possible to connect and turn on a new audio interface while MainStage is open. An alert appears when you connect a new device and prompts you to select and confirm the audio interface and driver that you want to use.
When considering an audio interface for your computer, check the manufacturer’s specifications to make sure the interface is compatible with macOS and Core Audio. Also make sure the audio interface uses a format supported by your computer.
All digital audio interfaces can be susceptible to latency—a noticeable delay between the time the audio signal is produced and when you hear it. Always attach your audio interface directly to the computer, rather than through a hub or daisy-chaining it through another device. Doing so can cause an unacceptable amount of latency, particularly with slower USB 1.1 devices.
Connect an audio interface to your computer
Do one of the following:
Connect an audio interface to your computer’s Thunderbolt or USB port.
Connect an audio interface to a PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) card installed in your computer. PCIe provides extremely high bandwidth and fast data transfer rates, allowing audio input and output at the highest possible sample rates and bit depths.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which might include installing the correct driver on your computer. After connecting an audio interface to your computer, be sure to choose the audio interface as the audio input source in MainStage > Settings > Audio. After choosing the audio interface as the input device, you can set the individual inputs on the audio interface as the input source for the audio channel strips in your concert.