Change the tuning for a patch in MainStage

By default, patches use the same tuning method as the concert (or the set, if they are in a set with its own tuning method). You can change the tuning for a patch so that it uses a different tuning. When you change the tuning for a patch, it overrides any concert- or set-level tuning method. Available tuning methods include:

Use parent tuning: The patch uses the same tuning as the set (if it is in a set with its own tuning method) or the concert.
Equal tempered tuning: The standard tuning for most Western music, with an equal distance between all semitone intervals.
Fixed: Lets you choose from a number of fixed tuning scales and keys. Fixed Tuning mode tunes musical keys (to different degrees) for scaled tuning systems, and delivers a key signature character. When playing mostly white keys (in the Pure setting, and with C as the root key), C major is the main focus, and tuning is scaled to that chord. An A major chord that is played immediately after a C major (and is therefore subject to C major scaled tuning) is affected somewhat by the scaled tuning effect, but does not sound completely tempered. If you normally play polyphonic music, this mode (when using the Pure setting) sounds most pleasing to your ears. The Fixed Tuning scales are ideal for a number of baroque and medieval instruments and styles of music.
User: Lets you detune (set the deviation from equal tempered tuning) each semitone in steps.
Hermode Tuning: Dynamically adjusts the tuning of an electronic instrument to create clear frequencies for every fifth and third interval in all possible chord and interval progressions. Because all tuning requirements cannot be satisfied simultaneously with any one Hermode Tuning setting, you can set different Hermode Tuning modes and degrees of effect.

When you choose Fixed, Hermode, or User as the tuning method, additional tuning controls appear in the Tuning tab. You can edit these controls to adjust the chosen tuning.

Change the tuning method for a patch

In the Tuning tab of the MainStage Patch Settings Inspector, choose the tuning you want the patch to use from the Method pop-up menu.

Edit Fixed Tuning parameters

If you choose Fixed Tuning from the Method pop-up menu in MainStage, additional parameters become available:

Type pop-up menu: Choose from the most important historic tuning scales, as well as a few others.
Root Key pop-up menu: Choose a global key (C-B) for the chosen scale. This provides an easy way to reference the chosen scale to any root note.
Copy to User button: Copies the chosen scale to use as a basis for a User tuning.

Edit Hermode Tuning parameters

If you choose Hermode Tuning from the Method pop-up menu in MainStage, additional parameters become available:

Type pop-up menu: Choose any of the three modes:
- Classic (3/5-all): This mode provides a broad and regular tuning of pure 5ths and 3rds. In cases of conflict, the degree of purity is temporarily reduced. This mode can be used for all types of music. The value of the Depth parameter indicates the degree of the 5th and 3rd purity. A setting of 100% determines maximum purity. A 10% value is the lowest purity setting. Off sets the tuning to an equal tempered scale.
- Pop/Jazz (3/5/7-all): 5ths, 3rds, and 7ths are changed in this mode. It is great for Pop and Jazz styles, especially when using sustained chords. It is less suitable for polyphonic music because the detuning of the natural 7th is significant. This mode should always be used with a Depth of 90% or 100% because other values render the natural 7th acoustically ineffective.
- Baroque (3/5-adaptive): This mode tunes pure 5ths and 3rds (with changing characteristics). In tonal music, with a clear harmonic center, the middle chords are tuned very purely, whereas more distant chords are tuned with less purity. If the harmonic center becomes unclear, all chords are tuned with equal purity. As with the other mode parameters, a Depth value of 100% determines the highest purity, and a value of 10%, the lowest purity.
Depth slider: Drag to set the degree of effect between 0% and 100%.

Edit User Tuning parameters

If you choose User Tuning from the Method pop-up menu in MainStage, additional parameters become available:

Semitone boxes: Detune each semitone in steps, by dragging vertically in each semitone box until you reach the value you want. Or, you can double-click in each semitone box and enter a value. Press Return or click in another box to exit text entry mode.
Reset button: Resets all of your tuning adjustments to their default values.
Stretch Upper slider: Determines the deviation (from the equal tempered scale) in the treble end of the sound. The higher the value, the farther down the low notes are tuned. A setting of 0 results in an equal tempered scale tuning.
Stretch Lower slider: Determines the deviation (from the equal tempered scale) in the bass end of the sound. The higher the value, the further down the low notes are tuned. A setting of 0 results in an equal tempered scale tuning.
Root Key pop-up menu: Lets you choose a global key (C-B) for the chosen scale. This provides an easy way to reference the chosen scale to any root note.

Download the guides:

MainStage User Guide: Apple Books | PDF

MainStage Instruments: Apple Books | PDF

MainStage Effects: Apple Books | PDF

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