[5] This allows a user to drag out an object that acts as a software representation of a hardware controller like a button, knob or fader and assign that to a parameter such as volume, pan or even more complex things.

MainStage comes bundled with a number of sampled software instruments (such as pianos, guitars, drum kits and pads) as well as effects.

[9] MainStage 3 was released alongside Logic Pro X on July 16, 2013, as a paid update and available only as a download from the Mac App Store.

There is a free iPad companion app available designed for use with Logic Pro X, MainStage 3 and GarageBand, which can act as a hardware controller for various parameters.

[10] With the release of the version 3.5 on November 12, 2020, the long-standing compatibility with OS X 10.9 or later was dropped due to the new requirement of Metal; MainStage became only available for 10.15 or later.