Alchemy additive edit window in MainStage

Source components are shown only in advanced view. Click the Advanced button to switch to advanced view, then click the A/B/C/D button to view detailed parameters for the selected source.

The source edit window is opened by clicking the Edit button on any source subpage. Click the close window icon (X) at the top right to close the window.

Use the Additive button at the top of the Main edit window to open the Additive edit window.

The Additive edit window allows detailed editing of additive resynthesis data and also lets you design sounds from scratch by creating the additive data yourself.

Additive synthesis represents each sound as a sum of individual partials. The additive data describes each partial in terms of four parameters: amplitude, tune (pitch), pan, and phase, each of which changes over time.

You can think of the additive data as a series of snapshots, each of which captures the amplitude, pitch, pan, and phase of every partial at a particular point in time. In between snapshots, each parameter updates smoothly toward the following snapshot value. When played in succession and with the right timing, the series of snapshots describes a potentially complex and continuously evolving sound.

Note: Phase is not an independent parameter. The phase of a partial at any moment in the evolution of a sound is determined by the phase at the start point of the sound and by the (possibly changing) pitch of the partial. Because pitch information is captured in each snapshot, it isn’t necessary for phase information to be captured in the same way. The phase of each partial is specified only at the absolute start point of the sound.

The Additive edit window shows additive data in two graphical displays.

Partial bar display: Shows a series of vertical columns, or bars. Levels represent the amp, pitch, pan, or phase values of individual partials or partial groups, depending on the chosen display mode. See Alchemy partial bar display in MainStage.
Partial envelope: Shows a number of points that operate in two ways, depending on the chosen display mode. See Alchemy partial envelope in MainStage.

Download the guides:

MainStage User Guide: PDF

MainStage Instruments: PDF

MainStage Effects: PDF

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