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 that can operate in parallel or in series. These modules can be addressed as Filter 1 and Filter 2 from menus and as modulation targets.
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.
Res 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.
Level meters: Indicate the current audio level received from all four sources. If the filter input level exceeds 0 dB, the meters indicate clipping by momentarily turning red. Clipping produces an undesirable digital audio artifact in the output stage. If clipping occurs, turn down the loudest source using the Vol knob or adjust the balance between sources.
Par/Ser knob and field: Set the filter routing configuration to parallel or series. Note that this is pre-effects.
At 0% position, the total output of the first filter is sent to the main outputs of the filter module. This is parallel mode.
At 100% position, the total output of the first filter is sent to the the second filter input. This is series mode.
At 50% position, equal amounts of the the first filter output signal are sent to the second filter input and the main outputs of the filter module.
Note: When the Par/Ser knob is set to 100%, a portion of the the first filter signal bypasses the second filter whenever the first filter 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 is sent to the Alchemy main outputs, and none of it to the Effects section.
At 100% position, the total filter output is sent to the Effects section, and none of it to the Alchemy main outputs.
At 50% position, equal amounts of filter output signal are sent to the Effects section and the Alchemy main outputs.
Send destination pop-up menus: Independently send the output of the main filter (1 or 2) module to the Main effects rack, or to the A/B/C/D effects rack. Choose FX Main, FX A, FX B, FX C, or FX D.
Note: When the FX master knob for the first or second filter is at the full-left position, the total filter (1 or 2) output is sent to the Alchemy main outputs, and none of it to the Effects section.