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iPad app to replace MainStage for old person?
I’m a live player, not a producer or looper. I’ve been using MainStage since it was first released (oddly enough, a MacBook is much easier on the lower back than my Hammond/Leslie, Rhodes, Clavinet, MiniMoog, Wurly, etc (plus amps for all those)
Now I’m looking to transition to just an iPad (combined with my weighted and non-weighted controllers, MIDI drawbars, usb pedals). I downloaded Camelot Pro, but it became quickly apparent that this was overkill for me, (like trying to learn ProTools when all you really needed was a Voice Memo app).
TL;DR What’s the most “MainStage-like” iOS app for live keyboards for someone that doesn’t need backing tracks, sequencing, loops, etc? I have 8-10 multi split/layer song-specific patches that are mildly complicated, but mostly it’s 2-3 sounds per patch.
In addition to Camelot, I’ve seen mention of Keystage, MIDI Layers and AUM; are there others? I’d love to hear from other players who do what I do. Thanks.
Comments
Consider these options:
Numa Player is free and has a very decent selection of keyboards and strings. It’s from the StudioLogic company and is intended to sell of their controllers.
Korg Module Pro (you would need to purchase many additional keyboards too)
Pure Synth Platinum (lots of add-ons)
PianoTeq 8 covers most you mention except for the Hamond/Leslie but they are $50 each. Still, switching between them is lightning fast and the MIDI control and response is exceptional. For $899 you get everything they make.
or
AUM and a curated selection of apps for the keyboards you require.
Start watching YouTube videos to help audition these products for iPad.
For those that don’t know, Apple created MainStage which opens all of the internal instruments of Logic Pro for $30.
The best deal on the Mac. There’s no way to duplicate that on an iPad for $30.
You already have instrument and fx apps for iOS, you're just looking for an iOS host? Is that correct or not?
Check those:
MKSensation Xtreme
Sunday Keys for Ipad
AUM (host app with required sound plugins)
Mainstage is essentially the Instruments from Logic without the sequencer. Could one possibly use Logic Pro just to host instruments, and just not use the sequencer/DAW part of it?
Disclamier: I have never used Logic Pro on iPad because it requires a subscription, and I can't use Mainstage on desktop because Apple only supports the most recent version of macOS (unless you bought it in the past). But I used to run a system with a Mac for my DAW and external PCs dedicated to hosting virtual instruments. (Still do occasionally.) I used (still sometimes use) something called VSTack which is essentially Cubase's VST hosting interface without the sequencer. And on some PCs I used actual Cubase to host the instruments and just ignored the sequencer part, so it was effectively just like VSTack for me. Just load it up with VSTs and hook up external MIDI and audio and I just completed ignored the rest of the interface.
Anyway, that might be the most "Mainstage-like" option on iOS, probably many of the same instruments that are found in desktop Logic/Mainstage.
However, my 12.9 inch iPad Pro is so frickin' heavy (!) I would imagine the lightest Macbook Air is probably not much heavier. And it's really hard to beat the convenience of Mainstage! Plus, you already have it set up and know how to work it! There is something I like to call "learning curve investment". Something is more valuable to you if you already know how to use it. No matter what solution you go with it will involve a learning curve. The best platform and interface is one you've already invested time in learning, unless there is a really compelling reason to switch. Wouldn't it be nice if Apple just released Mainstage for iPad! Then it would be a no brainer! In fact, IMO Mainstage on iPad makes more sense than Logic. (Of course, they'd probably make is subscription-only like Logic Pro, so I still wouldn't use it!)
Korg Module Pro allows you to demo sounds before you buy them, so that may interest you. Any of the Gospel Musicians apps would probably offer the widest variety for the lowest price.
If you do end up hosting plugins in AUM, here are some more options for sound sources.
Apesoft Electric Vintage
Julien Faure (esp. Torero Organ)
IK Hammond B-3X
Genuine Soundware
I THOUGHT I had instruments when I first opened Camelot, (like Logic Pro for iPad, ThumbJam, a Mellotron app, etc) but apparently my only compatible (AUv3) app was Pianoteq 8! So yes, mostly just looking for a host for Pianoteq, organ, clavinet, strings, a basic synth, Thanks.
Thanks for all the replies, everyone! Truly. Watching YouTube videos only goes so far, I didn't have much luck finding an iOS Host app comparison video. Maybe someone here has been through a similar process of comparison
I guess I should have been more clear that I'm hoping for an iOS HOST app that is similar to the way MainStage on Mac is a "host" for Logic's instruments and other plug-ins.
Mainstage's format of Concert > Setlist > Patch > Channel Strips makes a lot of sense to me in a way that Camelot Pro's Scenes Songs Layers and Racks didn't. I also like the graphics of all my controllers together in the Layout window.
It's seems reasonable to assume that since Apple has released Logic for iPad that a MainStage version is just down the road. I don't mind a subscription model if it does what I need. But I have a weird gig coming up in a few weeks and want to try to use the iPad instead of my bulky main rig. (For THAT gig, I'm also hoping I can use something on the iPad as an effects processor for my Clavinet Duo and MiniMoog. I've done that before with iOS Garageband's pedalboard, but it'd be cool if those two dinosaurs could have their own separate effects signal paths)
On my current MainStage rig, the only third party plug-ins I use are VB3 and Pianoteq (which does not only amazing pianos but also Rhodes/Wurly - and Pianoteq modules are free on iOS if you already own the desktop version)
Sunday Keys for iPad looked like it has a nice layout, but I couldn't determine if it hosted 3rd-party apps.
I think I read that Logic's instruments can be used as plug-ins for an external host, but Camelot didn't see them.
Thanks again!
Unfortunately you were misinformed about being able to use logic instruments in other hosts!
You're correct.
In my eagerness, I think I misread what this meant: https://support.apple.com/guide/logicpro-ipad/work-with-audio-unit-extensions-lpipa3df90db/ipados
My vote goes to AUM
Starting to look like AUM vs Keystage at this point. Anyone tried BOTH and could point out the pros/cons for someone like me?
I appreciate y'alls input. In 30 years of live playing, I can confirm that the guitar players get the majority of gear questions after any given show so it's nice to have someone to talk to.
If anyone can confirm you can set a zone in Drambo like aum.
Id be able to make you a Drambo in Aum.
Where with either a number of midi buttons or midi button app to select tracks.
You can have a keyboard that is zones pointed to multiple synths but when you want to switch to control a single synth. The track select will bypass the zone Drambo and the next Drambo will control a synth of choice with full keyboard range.
Press a button and its back to zones.
Well.
Dont think it will work with different tracks to midi bypassing the Drambo node.
but you can just bypass nodes still and select tracks.
So its a zone but then a full range for each track.
If Drambo can make zones.
but will have to go away and think.
I use AUM for live performance and just set up one file per song. It loads very quickly and it’s easy to set up multiple apps and has great midi control/splits etc.
I have used both. Really this is going to come down to workflow and the feature set you are looking for. I bounce back and forth between them depending on my needs. Either will accomplish what you are looking for.
Do you do a lot of patch changing/instrument changing during a song, or do you have a static setup per son like @girlvsworld above me is doing? How much of a 'roll your own' solution do you want to take on?
@AlmostAnonymous Not very much switching patches DURING a song. I’ve got some patches with 5-6 splits across the two controller keyboards and channel strip layers controlled by expression, velocity, mod wheel, etc. Most of it is one instrument (piano, organ, Wurly, Clav, mellotron) or one split at most.
That said, our set lists are more of a guideline. Very often I’ll need to get to some other unplanned patch very quickly. MainStage displays the full list of patches in a column, so they’re easy to identify and switch to. And again, there’s no backing tracks or sequences involved.
When I play with other people thus my ipad is just a stage module of sorts, I end up using Loopy Pro in a real basic way with switching between favourite sound sources and whatever fx I want to apply to them, and absolutely no looping. On one hand this might be overkill, on the other hand it works great for me, and with the canvas building I can create giant buttons and giant faders on one with customized actions to do the stuff I've planned for changing sounds. Probably something like Keystage's logic is even more appropriate for this, but, this works for me. Admittedly in my case it means my one set up also works for different scenarios also that are not just stage module style use, so I am biased, it may not be the ultimate, but it definitely works very well.
You should be fine with either. AUM is kinda the staple a lot of people use here.
If you are looking to break things down in to song sections (verse, chorus, bridge, etc) and different patches and instrumentation, even completely different plugins for each section, this is where KeyStage may benefit you more.
I agree with this take. My M2 MacBook Air is about the same physical dimensions as my M1 iPad Pro when it's in its case (which is always), and the weight difference is negligible. MainStage runs fine on it as far as I can tell (caveat: I am NOT a MainStage power user, I've barely figured it out). And it gives me access to not only the built-in Logic instruments, but all my other desktop AUs and AUv3s. If I had a serious use case for MainStage, and experience using it, I would honestly not be looking to duplicate it on an iPad at this time. iPads are awesome if you're looking for direct input (i.e. interacting with apps on the screen). If you're looking to manage things with MIDI controllers and such then the touch screen might not be a big value-add.
As one about to hit 70 in the coming months and still playing every week in churches between Los Angeles and Thailand, I’m sticking with MainStage for the time being. Why? Because I’ve invested too much time into making incredible multilayered patches, primarily including Omnisphere, which I can’t get close to with any other plugins. I’ve conducted MainStage workshops for Apple and have been using it for over 15 years. It hurt my little brain very badly to learn well, but that was only in the first months of using it.
I would LOVE to use an iPad app like Camelot Pro, Gig Performer, or Sunday Keys app. But they’re too expensive, can’t do what I like to do in MainStage, and/or something else. A MainStage iOS app would be like a dream come true.
But as recommendation, I would say to avail yourself of all the great MainStage tutorials all the wonderful musicians have uploaded for us. MacProVideos have been great for me. If it’s a matter of having to setup a Mac laptop, as mentioned above, a newer MacBookAir is close to an iPad and you already know how to make patches and set lists and it’s totally capable to run MS, of which you already own a license. Bite the bullet for Omnisphere and you’ll have everything you ever needed for keys. Learn to tweak the Steinway grand with compression and reverb, the EP, and the MS B3 and you’ll sound like you have the real instruments.
My 2cents. 😁🙏🏻
My current setup including my self-modded Frankenleslie:
My DIY laptop stand:
