Build a custom 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. You create your own by using the Amp, Cabinet, and Mic pop-up menus, located at the bottom of the window, as well as the EQ pop-up menu.

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.

Figure. Amp Designer window with descriptions of pop-up menus.

Choose an Amp Designer amplifier

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

Choose an Amp Designer cabinet

Cabinets have a huge impact on the character of a guitar sound (see Amp Designer cabinets).

Whereas certain amplifier and cabinet pairings have been popular for decades, departing from them can be an effective way to create fresh-sounding tones. For example, most players automatically associate British heads with 4 x 12” cabinets. Amp Designer lets you drive a small speaker with a powerful head, or pair a tiny amp with a 4 x 12” cabinet. You can experiment with random amplifier and cabinet combinations, but you can also make an educated guess about nontraditional combinations by considering the variables that determine the “sound” of the cabinet.

In MainStage, choose a cabinet from the Cabinet pop-up menu. Use the following considerations to guide your decision:
- Combos or Stacks: Combo amps include both an amplifier and speakers in a single enclosure. These usually have an open back, so the sound resonates in multiple directions. The resulting sound is open—with bright, airy highs and a spacious sound. Amplifier stacks consist of an amplifier head, with the speakers in a separate cabinet. These cabinets generally have a closed back and project the sound forward in a tight, focused beam. They tend to sound more powerful than open-back cabinets, and typically have a tighter low-end response at the expense of some high-end transparency.
- Old or New Speakers: Amp Designer models based on vintage cabinets 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: A larger speaker doesn’t guarantee a larger sound. In fact, the most popular bass guitar cabinet in history uses 8” speakers. You can often get a deeper, richer tone from a 10” speaker than from a large 4 x 12” cabinet. Try several sizes and choose the one that works best for your music.
- Single Speakers or Multiple Speakers: Guitarists typically choose cabinets with multiple speakers for their big sound. The number of speakers is less important than it may appear. Phase cancelations occur between the speakers, adding texture and interest to the tone. Much of the “classic rock” sound, for example, is due to tonal peaks and dips caused by interactions between the speakers in a 4 x 12” cabinet.

Choose a microphone type and placement

In MainStage, choose a microphone model from the Mic pop-up menu.
- Condenser models: Emulate the sound of high-end studio condenser microphones. The sound of condenser microphones is fine, transparent, and well-balanced. Choose Condenser 87 or Condenser 414.
- Dynamic models: Emulate the sound of popular dynamic cardioid microphones. Dynamic microphones sound brighter and more cutting than Condenser models. The mid-range is boosted, with softer lower-mid frequencies, making dynamic microphones a good choice for rock guitar tones, especially if you want guitars to cut through other tracks in a mix. Choose Dynamic 20, Dynamic 57, Dynamic 421, or Dynamic 609.
- Ribbon 121: Emulates the sound of a ribbon microphone. A ribbon microphone is a type of dynamic microphone that captures a sound often described as bright or brittle, yet still warm. It is useful for rock, crunch, and 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.

Choose and adjust an EQ type

In MainStage, click the word EQ or CUSTOM EQ above the Bass, Mids, and Treble knobs to open the pop-up menu, then choose an EQ model. See Amp Designer EQ overview.
Rotate the Bass, Mids, and Treble knobs to adjust the EQ model you choose.

Download the guides:

MainStage User Guide: PDF

MainStage Instruments: PDF

MainStage Effects: PDF

Helpful?