MainStage Quickstart Guide

Use this quickstart guide to open your KeyboardTEK MainStage programming, assign your keyboard, and test that your sounds are working.

This article is intended as a fast setup overview. For full equipment setup, audio interface, MIDI, and pedal instructions, see the detailed MainStage connection guide.

Step 1: Install MainStage

Download and install MainStage 3 from the Apple App Store on each computer you will be using.

If MainStage is already installed, confirm that it opens correctly before continuing.

Step 2: Download Your Programming Files

Download your KeyboardTEK programming files from your account or from the email links provided by us.

The files will usually download as .zip         files.

Download the programming to each computer you plan to use for the production.

Step 3: Unzip the Files

Unzip the downloaded .zip         files before opening the MainStage concert.

We recommend using an unzipping app such as:

• Keka
• The Unarchiver

After unzipping, you should see the MainStage concert file.

Step 4: Open the MainStage Concert

Double-click the unzipped MainStage concert file to open it in MainStage.

If MainStage asks for permission to access files or folders, allow access so the concert can load properly.

Step 5: Confirm Your Equipment Connections

Before assigning controls in MainStage, make sure your physical connections are correct.

Confirm that:

• Your keyboard is powered on.
• MIDI is connected from the keyboard to the computer or audio interface.
• Your audio interface is connected to the computer.
• Your audio outputs are connected to your amp, monitor, headphones, or sound system.
• Any pedals you plan to use are connected to the keyboard or MIDI pedal interface.

If your keyboard is not sending MIDI to MainStage, the on-screen keyboard will not respond during assignment.

Step 6: Go to Layout Mode

In MainStage, click Layout in the upper-left corner of the screen.

Layout mode is where you assign your physical keyboard and controls to the on-screen controls in the MainStage concert.

Step 7: Assign Your Keyboard

1. Click the on-screen piano in the main workspace.
2. A blue box should appear around the on-screen piano.
3. In the Screen Control Inspector, click Assign.
4. The Assign button should turn red.
5. Play any note or notes on your physical MIDI keyboard.
6. Confirm that the keys move on the on-screen piano.

You will not hear sound in Layout mode. This step only confirms that MainStage is receiving MIDI from your keyboard.

Step 8: Assign the Next Patch Control

Our programming is commonly set up so the lowest A on the keyboard advances to the next patch.

1. Make sure Assign is still turned on and red.
2. Click the Next button in the lower-left area of the workspace, near the on-screen piano.
3. Press the lowest A on your physical keyboard.
4. Confirm that the on-screen control responds.

Step 9: Assign the Previous Patch Control

Our programming is commonly set up so the lowest B-flat on the keyboard moves to the previous patch.

1. Make sure Assign is still turned on and red.
2. Click the Prev button in the lower-left area of the workspace, near the on-screen piano.
3. Press the lowest B-flat on your physical keyboard.
4. Confirm that the on-screen control responds.

Step 10: Turn Off Assignment Mode

After assigning the keyboard, Next button, and Previous button, click Assign again to turn assignment mode off.

The button should no longer be red.

Step 11: Test Your Sounds

1. Go back to Edit mode.
2. Select a patch from the Patch List.
3. Play your keyboard.
4. Confirm that you hear sound.
5. Test the lowest A to move to the next patch.
6. Test the lowest B-flat to move to the previous patch.

If you can hear sound and move between patches, your basic setup is working.

Step 12: Use Perform Mode for Rehearsal or Performance

After your keyboard, pedals, and controls are assigned and tested, use Perform mode for rehearsal or performance.

Use Edit mode for testing patches and making changes. Use Layout mode only when assigning hardware. Use Perform mode when you are ready to play the concert live.

Quick Checklist

• MainStage 3 is installed.
• Programming files are downloaded and unzipped.
• The MainStage concert opens correctly.
• Keyboard, MIDI, audio, and pedals are connected.
• The on-screen keyboard is assigned in Layout mode.
• Lowest A is assigned to Next.
• Lowest B-flat is assigned to Prev.
• Assignment mode is turned off.
• Sounds are tested in Edit mode.

Troubleshooting

The on-screen keyboard does not move

MainStage is not receiving MIDI from your keyboard. Check your MIDI cable, USB cable, audio interface, keyboard power, and any required keyboard or interface drivers.

I do not hear sound in Layout mode

This is expected. Layout mode is for assigning controls. Go to Edit mode and select a patch to test sound.

I still do not hear sound in Edit mode

Check that MainStage is using the correct audio output. Go to MainStage > Settings > Audio and choose your audio interface or intended output device.

The lowest A or B-flat does not change patches

Return to Layout mode and repeat the assignment steps for the Next and Prev buttons. Make sure the Assign button is red while assigning and turned off when you are finished.

Apple MainStage Help

For general MainStage questions not specific to KeyboardTEK programming, you can also use Apple’s built-in MainStage Help. In MainStage, choose Help > Quick Help or Help > MainStage Help.

Still Having Trouble?

Contact our Support Team if your MainStage concert opens but your keyboard, audio, or patch controls are not responding correctly after following these steps.