Do I Really Need an Audio Interface?
Yes. For live performance, KeyboardTEK strongly recommends using an audio interface with MainStage.
A Mac’s built-in speakers or headphone output may be useful for quick testing, but they are not recommended for rehearsal, tech, or performance.
Table of Contents
Why an Audio Interface Is Recommended
Why the Headphone Jack Is Not Ideal
Basic Interface vs. Larger Interface
When You Need More Inputs and Outputs
What to Check Before Buying or Using an Interface
Why an Audio Interface Is Recommended
MainStage is a live performance application. In a theatre setting, the sound from MainStage usually needs to go to an amp, monitor, DI box, personal mixer, or front-of-house sound system.
An audio interface provides a more reliable way to send that audio out of the computer.
Compared with the built-in computer output, an audio interface usually provides:
- Better audio quality
- More reliable output connections
- Lower latency
- Better level control
- More flexible routing
- A cleaner connection to a theatre sound system
Why the Headphone Jack Is Not Ideal
The headphone output on a Mac is not designed to be the main audio output for a theatrical production.
It may work for basic testing, but it is not the best choice for performance because it can be less reliable, less flexible, and more difficult to connect cleanly to professional audio equipment.
For performance, use an audio interface whenever possible.
What the Audio Interface Does
An audio interface connects your computer to the rest of your keyboard and sound system.
Depending on the interface, it may provide:
- Audio outputs from MainStage to your amp, monitor, DI box, or mixer
- MIDI input from your keyboard to MainStage
- MIDI output from MainStage back to your keyboard
- Audio inputs if you are routing internal keyboard sounds back into MainStage
- Additional outputs for monitoring or front-of-house routing
Whenever possible, connect the audio interface directly to the Mac rather than through a USB hub or daisy chain. Hubs and adapters can introduce latency or connection problems, especially with older or slower devices.
Basic Interface vs. Larger Interface
A basic interface may be enough if you are only using MainStage sounds and need a simple stereo output.
A basic setup may require:
- 2 audio outputs
- 5-pin MIDI In/Out preferred
A larger interface may be needed if your setup includes more complex routing.
When You Need More Inputs and Outputs
You may need a larger interface if you are:
- Using internal sounds from your keyboard
- Sending separate outputs to a monitor and front-of-house
- Using multiple keyboard rigs
- Routing click, playback, or other audio separately
- Returning audio from your keyboard back into MainStage
- Working in a more complex theatre sound setup
If you are unsure, check with your sound designer, music director, or KeyboardTEK Support before purchasing gear.
What to Check Before Buying or Using an Interface
Before using an audio interface with MainStage, confirm that:
- The interface supports your macOS version.
- Any required driver is installed.
- The interface has the number of inputs and outputs you need.
- The interface has 5-pin MIDI In/Out if your setup requires 5-pin MIDI.
- You have the correct USB or Thunderbolt cable for your Mac.
- You have the correct audio cables for your amp, DI box, mixer, or sound system.
Do not assume an older interface will work with a newer Mac or current macOS version. Always check the manufacturer’s compatibility information.
Still Have Questions?
Contact KeyboardTEK Support if you are not sure what type of audio interface your setup requires.
When contacting support, please include:
- The name of the show
- Your Mac model
- Your keyboard model
- Your current or planned audio interface model
- Whether you are using only MainStage sounds or also internal keyboard sounds
- Whether you need mono, stereo, or multiple outputs
- How your sound will connect to monitors or front-of-house