Ensemble effect in MainStage
Ensemble can add richness and movement to sounds, particularly when you use a high number of voices. It is useful for thickening parts, but you can also use it for strong pitch variations between voices, resulting in a detuned quality to processed material. Ensemble combines up to eight chorus effects. Two standard LFOs and one random LFO enable you to create complex modulations. The graphic display represents the modulation rate and intensity of all LFOs and lets you directly adjust waveforms.
To add Ensemble to your concert, choose Modulation > Ensemble in a channel strip Audio Effect plug-in menu. See Add and remove plug-ins in MainStage.
Ensemble parameters
LFO1/LFO2/Random on/off buttons: Enable or disable LFO 1, LFO 2, or the random LFO independently.
Rate fields: Set the frequency of LFO 1, LFO 2, and random modulation.
Intensity fields: Set the amount of LFO 1, LFO 2, and random modulation.
Graphic display: Shows and lets you edit the shape and intensity of LFO 1, LFO 2, and random modulations. Move the pointer to the left third to adjust LFO 1, the center third to adjust LFO 2, or the right third to adjust the random LFO.
Modulation is represented by a horizontal line and waveform. The line represents the LFO intensity. The waveform represents the LFO rate. Drag the line or circular handle vertically (or use the corresponding field) to set modulation intensity. Drag the waveform or circular handle horizontally (or use the corresponding field) to set the modulation rate.
LFO1 parameters: Drag the green handle to set modulation rate and intensity.
LFO2 parameters: Drag the blue handle to set modulation rate and intensity.
Random LFO parameters: Drag the white handle to set modulation rate and intensity.
Voices knob and field: Set the number of chorus instances (voices) generated in addition to the original signal.
Stereo Spread slider and field: Distribute voices across the stereo field. You can set a value of 200% to artificially expand the stereo base. Note that monaural compatibility may suffer if you do this.
Phase knob and field: Control the phase relationship between the individual voice modulations. The value you choose here is dependent on the number of voices, which is why it is shown as a percentage value rather than in degrees. The value 100 (or −100) indicates the greatest possible distance between the modulation phases of all voices.
Volume Compensation knob and field: Compensate for effects signal volume changes caused by adjusting the Voices value.
Output Mix knob and field: Set the balance between dry and wet signals.