Quick Sampler Slice mode in MainStage

Use Quick Sampler Slice mode to divide the audio file into segments (slices). You can map each segment to a keyboard key and play each slice independently. This mode is useful for playing individual hits or portions of a sample. Slices can be played in any order, enabling you to totally change the rhythm or pattern. For example, you may sequentially play every second or third note to create pseudo gating effects.

Figure. Quick Sampler Slice mode waveform display, showing start and end markers, slice markers, and related parameters.

Quick Sampler Slice mode parameters

Slice markers: Drag any yellow slice marker to adjust the playback start position and length of the sample segment. Playback of each segment starts when you strike the corresponding key.
Tip: Move your pointer to the bottom of each slice marker to show a Play icon. Press this to play the slice.
Start and end markers: Drag the blue start and end markers to set the sample start and end points for playback. Hold Option, then drag either the start or end marker to move the entire audio section between these markers.
Tip: You can click on any marker handle to permanently display parameter values below the waveform display. Click the “X” icon at the left of the parameter display bar to revert to the default behavior and parameter view.
Fade in and fade out fields: Drag vertically to set the length of the fade at the beginning and end of the audio file segment between the start and end markers. The fade time values you set are applied to all slices. Depending on the sliced audio material, a small fade may help to avoid clicks that sometimes occur at the start or end of a slice.
Note: These fields are shown only in the parameter display bar below the waveform display when you have clicked a slice marker in Slice mode.
Mode pop-up menu: Choose the slicing mode. You can automatically set divisions at transient or beat positions, or divide the audio file equally. You can also manually set divisions by placing slice markers.
- Sensitivity slider: From the Mode pop-up menu, choose Transient. Set the number of slice markers, based on detection of transients in the audio file. Higher values display more slice markers.
- Division slider: From the Mode pop-up menu, choose Beat Divisions. Set the number of slice markers in the audio file by beat values. Higher values display more slice markers.
- Slices slider: From the Mode pop-up menu, choose Equal Divisions. Set the number of slice markers shown between the start and end markers. Higher values display more slice markers.
Start Key pop-up menu: Assign the key (note) for the first slice.
Start Key Mapping pop-up menu: Choose Chromatic, White, or Black to map slices to keys above the Start key.
Gate button: Turn on to enable the release phase of Pitch, Filter, and Amp envelopes when the key is released. Turn off to play the sample in One Shot mode.
Play to End button: Turn on to play the triggered slice to the end marker position.
Flex On/Off button: Turn Flex mode on or off. If Flex mode is turned on, an audio sample is played at its original speed for all note pitches. See Use Flex in Quick Sampler.
Follow Tempo button: When Flex mode is active, turn on to follow the project tempo.
(Flex) Speed pop-up menu:When Flex mode is active, choose a playback speed division or multiplication value.
Tip: Flex Speed is also available as a modulation target.

Create and edit slices

In MainStage, while in Slice mode, you can do the following:

Insert a slice marker by moving your pointer over the waveform display and clicking. The vertical line at the pointer position indicates the insert position. Control-click to open a shortcut menu, and choose Create Slice Marker to place a slice marker at the current playback position.
Reposition a slice marker by horizontally dragging the slice marker or its handle.
Double-click a slice marker (not the slice marker handle) to delete it.
Control-click a slice marker or its handle to open a shortcut menu, then choose Delete Slice Marker or use another command.
Click a slice marker handle to permanently display slice parameter values below the waveform display. Click the “X” icon at the left of the parameter display bar to close it.
Note: This is the only way to view the Fade in and Fade Out parameters in Slice mode.
Move your pointer to the bottom of each slice marker to show a Play icon. Press this to play the slice.

Download the guides:

MainStage User Guide: PDF

MainStage Instruments: PDF

MainStage Effects: PDF

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