Build a custom Bass Amp Designer combo in MainStage

You can use one of the default models or you can create your own hybrid of different amplifiers, cabinets, and so on, using the Amp, Cabinet, and Mic pop-up menus.

Note: If you create your own hybrid amp combo, you can use the Settings pop-up menu to save it as a setting file, which also includes any parameter changes you have made.

Choose a Bass Amp Designer amplifier

In MainStage, choose an amplifier from the Amp pop-up menu. See Bass Amp Designer amplifier models in MainStage for details on the characteristics of each amplifier.

Choose a Bass Amp Designer cabinet

Cabinets have a huge impact on the character of a bass guitar sound (see Bass Amp Designer cabinet models).

Whereas certain amplifier and cabinet pairings have been popular for decades, departing from them is an effective way to create fresh-sounding tones. You can try random combinations, but if you consider the variables that determine the “sound” of a cabinet, you can make educated guesses about non-traditional amplifier and cabinet combinations.

In MainStage, choose a cabinet from the Cabinet pop-up menu.
- Old or new speakers: Some Bass Amp Designer models capture the character of aged speakers. These may be a bit looser and duller sounding than new speakers, but many players prefer them for their smoothness and musicality. Sounds based on new cabinets tend to have more snap and bite.
- Large speakers or small speakers: Try several sizes and choose the one that works best for your music.
- Single speakers or multiple speakers: The number of speakers is less important than it may appear. Phase cancelations occur between the speakers, adding texture and interest to the tone.

Choose a microphone type and placement

In MainStage, choose a microphone model from the Mic pop-up menu.
- Condenser 87: Emulates the sound of a high-end German studio condenser microphone. The sound of condenser microphones is fine, transparent, and well-balanced.
- Dynamic 20: Emulates the sound of popular American dynamic cardioid microphones. This microphone type sounds brighter and more cutting than the Condenser 87 model. The lower-mid frequencies are rolled off, making it a good choice for miking rock tones. It is especially useful if you want your bass guitar part to cut through other tracks in a mix.
- Dynamic 421: Emulates the sound of a German dynamic cardioid microphone. It can capture a wide frequency range and has a slight emphasis of the treble range. It is useful for clean tones.
Drag the white dot in the graphic above the Mic pop-up menu to set the microphone position and distance relative to the cabinet.

Download the guides:

MainStage User Guide: Apple Books | PDF

MainStage Instruments: Apple Books | PDF

MainStage Effects: Apple Books | PDF

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