Use plug-in settings in MainStage

MainStage plug-ins include a variety of settings, each optimized for a specific result. For an instrument plug-in, a setting may re-create the characteristic sound of a particular instrument, while for an effect plug-in, it may be tailored for use with a specific instrument or to create a particular sound. You can choose settings, copy and paste settings, save settings, and perform other functions in the Settings pop-up menu for each plug-in.

Choose a plug-in setting

In MainStage, to open the plug-in window, double-click the plug-in slot.
Click the Settings pop-up menu (at the top of the plug-in window), browse to the setting you want, then choose it.

Tip: You can also select the plug-in slot, then choose a plug-in setting in the Channel Strip Inspector.

Choose the previous or next plug-in setting

In MainStage, do one of the following:

To choose the previous plug-in setting: Click the left arrow next to the Settings pop-up menu (or choose Previous Setting from the Settings pop-up menu).
To choose the next plug-in setting: Click the right arrow next to the Settings pop-up menu (or choose Next Setting from the Settings pop-up menu).

Copy and paste plug-in settings

In MainStage, click the Copy button in the plug-in window header (or choose Copy Setting from the Settings pop-up menu).
All parameter setting are copied to a plug-in settings Clipboard, which is independent of the macOS Clipboard.
Click the Paste button in the plug-in window header (or choose Paste Setting from the Settings pop-up menu).

Save changes to a plug-in setting

In MainStage, do one of the following:

To save the current plug-in parameter values as the setting: Choose Save Setting. This overwrites the existing setting.
To name and save a setting, including its folder location: Choose Save Setting As. You can create a new folder in the Save As dialog, if you want.
Note: Subfolders must be located in the folder for the corresponding plug-in. For example, you could save a setting called “Euro Lead” in the Lead Synths subfolder of the ES2 folder.

Revert to a plug-in’s default settings

In MainStage, choose Reset Setting from the Settings pop-up menu.

Create a default setting

In MainStage, save a setting called “#default” in the Settings folder for the plug-in.

Delete a plug-in setting

In MainStage, choose Delete Setting from the Settings pop-up menu.

Download the guides:

MainStage User Guide: Apple Books | PDF

MainStage Instruments: Apple Books | PDF

MainStage Effects: Apple Books | PDF

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