Create controller transforms in MainStage

Using a transform graph, you can remap the values for some MIDI control messages so that input values from your controller produce different output values for the channel strip. A common use of the transform is for expression scaling, where input MIDI expression values are mapped to different output values on a graphic curve.

In addition, you can transform input values for one message type to output values for another message type. For example, you can transform MIDI volume values from your controller to send expression values to the channel strip or transform input breath values to send modulation values. The transform graph provides a very flexible way of remapping both the values and the output destination for these MIDI control messages. In MainStage, you can transform values for pitch bend, channel aftertouch, and MIDI Continuous Controller messages.

You choose the input and output message types and graphically create transform curves in the MIDI Input tab of the Channel Strip Inspector. In a transform graph, the horizontal axis represents input values from your controller, and the vertical axis represents output values sent to the channel strip.

Add a new controller transform

In the MainStage Channel Strips area, select the channel strip for which you want to create a controller transform.
In the Channel Strip Inspector, select the MIDI Input tab.
Click the “+” button at the bottom left of the controller transform area.

Set the input and output message types for a controller transform

In the MainStage Channel Strips area, select the channel strip for which you want to create a controller transform.
In the Channel Strip Inspector, select the MIDI Input tab.
Choose the input message type from the Input Controller pop-up menu.
Choose the output message type from the Output Controller pop-up menu.

Open the Transform graph

In the MIDI Input tab of the MainStage Channel Strip Inspector, double-click the Transform button.
Note: If the output controller is set to Filter, the Transform button is unavailable.
If a patch contains more than one channel strip with a transform graph, the transform curves for the other channel strips in the patch appear in the controller Transform graph window behind the current curve. Each channel strip in the patch can have its own controller transform.

Remove a controller transform

In the MainStage Channel Strips area, select the channel strip for which you want to create a controller transform.
In the Channel Strip Inspector, select the MIDI Input tab.
Click the “-” button at the bottom left of the controller transform area.

For information about editing the graph, see Work with graphs in MainStage.

Download the guides:

MainStage User Guide: PDF

MainStage Instruments: PDF

MainStage Effects: PDF

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