Apple MainStage 3

Apple MainStage 3 transforms a Mac into a flexible live-performance rig, offering a customizable stage interface, extensive sound library, professional instruments and effects, backing-track playback, and seamless control through MIDI and USB hardware.

Apple MainStage 3 Key Features

• Customizable full-screen interface optimized for live performances
• More than 80 instrument, effect, and MIDI plug-ins
• Compatibility with Logic Pro and GarageBand sounds
• Support for third-party 64-bit Audio Units plug-ins
• Over 1,500 instrument and effect patches
• More than 800 sampled instruments and 3,600 Apple Loops
• USB and MIDI controller support with automatic device recognition
• Flexible hardware assignments for knobs, buttons, faders, pedals, and drum pads
• Keyboard splits, layers, arpeggiators, and chord-triggering tools
• Stereo and multitrack backing-track playback

Bring Studio Sounds to the Stage

Apple MainStage 3 allows musicians to use sounds created in Logic Pro and GarageBand during live performances. Instruments, effects, vocals, and other audio sources can be combined within patches, helping performers reproduce polished studio arrangements on stage.

Build a Personalized Live Setup

The customizable performance interface displays the controls and information required for each song or instrument. Smart Controls adapt to individual patches, while the high-contrast full-screen view remains readable from a distance during rehearsals and concerts.

Control Instruments and Effects with External Hardware

MainStage supports USB and MIDI keyboards, drum pads, foot pedals, control surfaces, and other compatible equipment. Physical knobs, buttons, and faders can be mapped to onscreen controls, providing direct access to instruments, effects, volume levels, and performance settings.

Perform with Instruments, Effects, and Backing Tracks

The included sound library covers sampled instruments, synthesizers, drum kits, vintage keyboards, guitar amplifiers, bass equipment, and production effects. Playback tools also support stereo and multitrack backing tracks, while patches can be changed without cutting off held notes or interrupting the audio output.

Who Will Like Apple MainStage 3

• Keyboard players who use software instruments on stage
• Singers who want to process live vocals with professional effects
• Guitarists and bassists building software-based amplifier and pedalboard rigs
• Solo performers using backing tracks during concerts
• Producers who want to transfer Logic Pro sounds into a live environment
• Touring musicians who need a customizable Mac-based performance setup
• Bands combining MIDI instruments, microphones, and live audio sources