Alchemy modulation effects in MainStage

Effect modules are shown only in browse or advanced view. Click the Browse or Advanced button to switch to either view, then click the Effect button in the Perform/Arp/Effects section.

This group includes delay, chorus, flanger, and phaser effects.

Alchemy Delay effect parameters

Stereo delay with dual-filtered feedback.

L/R Rate knobs: Set the delay time in msec when the Sync button is off, or in beats when the Sync button is on. See Sync button parameter below.
L/R Offset knobs: Add a small additional amount of delay, enabling you to adjust the feel of tempo-synced delays.
L/R Feedback knobs: Determine the amount of delayed signal fed back to the input of the delay.
Filter A/B buttons: Turn on to filter the delayed signal without affecting the dry signal. You can use one or both filters. Select a type for each filter via the selection fields. Each filter has Cutoff and Resonance controls.
Filter type pop-up menu: Choose a type for each filter. See Alchemy filter types in MainStage.
Cutoff knobs: Set the filter cutoff frequency for filter A or B.
Resonance knobs: Set the filter resonance or emphasis for filter A or B. Higher settings boost frequencies in the immediate vicinity of the cutoff frequency.
Sync button: Turn on to synchronize delay rates with the project tempo. See L/R Rate.
Mono button: Turn on to mix the left and right input channels down to mono. The result is fed to both the left and the right channels of the delay. The dry portion of the signal remains in stereo.
Crossover knob: Determine stereo placement of the feedback signal. At 0%, left feeds left and right feeds right; at 50%, each channel is fed to both inputs; at 100%, left feeds right and right feeds left.
Initial Pan knob: Determine stereo placement of the initial delayed signal (prior to Feedback). Typically, you would set Initial Pan to 0% or 100% when Crossover = 100%, and leave Initial Pan centered at 50% in most other cases.
Mix knob: Determine the Wet/Dry balance (0% = dry only; 50% = equal mix; 100% = wet only).
File button: Open a pop-up menu with several useful commands.
- Presets: Choose a preset from the submenu.
- Save: Open a dialog where you can name and save the current settings to a new preset. The saved preset name is shown at the bottom of the Presets submenu list.
- Copy/Paste: Copy the current settings to the Clipboard and paste the Clipboard contents.
- Clear: Reset all parameter settings to default values.

Alchemy Modulation FX parameters

A short delay with built-in LFO modulation, useful for chorus, flanging, and related effects.

File button: Open a pop-up menu with several useful commands and to access presets.
- Presets: Choose a preset from the submenu.
- Save: Open a dialog where you can name and save the current settings to a new preset. The saved preset name is shown at the bottom of the Presets submenu list.
- Copy/Paste: Copy the current settings to the Clipboard and paste the Clipboard contents.
- Clear: Reset all parameter settings to default values.
Delay knob: Set the base delay time. Short values are useful for flanging, values in the range of 10 to 40 msec are useful for chorus, and longer delay times can produce a variety of metallic and buzzing effects.
Rate knob: Set the modulation speed. Faster rates and smaller depths are characteristic of chorus effects, while slower rates and greater depths are typical for flanging.
Mix knob: Determine the wet/dry balance (0% = dry only; 50% = equal mix; 100% = wet only).
Depth knob: Set the modulation intensity.
Feedback knob: Set the level of the delayed signal that is fed back into the input. Medium to medium-high settings are common for flanging effects, while chorus tends to use little or no feedback.
Stereo knob: Spread the delayed signal across the stereo field.

Alchemy Phaser effect parameters

A simple phasing effect with built-in LFO modulation.

File button: Open a pop-up menu with several useful commands and to access presets.
- Presets: Choose a preset from the submenu.
- Save: Open a dialog where you can name and save the current settings to a new preset. The saved preset name is shown at the bottom of the Presets submenu list.
- Copy/Paste: Copy the current settings to the Clipboard and paste the Clipboard contents.
- Clear: Reset all parameter settings to default values.
Rate knob: Set the modulation speed. Can be synchronized with the project tempo when Sync is enabled. See Sync button.
Depth knob: Set the modulation intensity.
Spread knob: Spread the delayed signal across the stereo field.
Frequency knob: Set the filter cutoff frequency.
Poles knob: Set the intensity of the phasing effect. Higher values result in a more cutting and harsh phasing sound.
Tip: Where possible, try to use the minimum number of poles required because this helps to reduce CPU load.
Feedback knob: Set the level of the delayed signal that is fed back into the input.
Mix knob: Determine the wet/dry balance (0% = dry only; 50% = equal mix; 100% = wet only).
Sync button: Turn on to synchronize delay rates with the project tempo. See Rate knob.

Download the guides:

MainStage User Guide: PDF

MainStage Instruments: PDF

MainStage Effects: PDF

Helpful?