3.5

178MainStage User Guide
Sampler preferences in MainStage
You can configure the way in which the Sampler instrument searches for audio samples,
stores audio samples, uses virtual memory, and more, using these settings. The Sampler
preferences window contains two tabs with configuration options: The Misc tab for
miscellaneous settings, and the Virtual Memory tab for virtual memory settings.
Misc
The Misc tab contains the following preferences:
• Sample Storage pop-up menu: Determines how Sampler handles the bit depth of
samples. Choose one of the following:
• Original: Loads samples into RAM at their original bit depth. These are converted to
the internal 32-bit floating point format of the host application on playback.
• 32 Bit Float: Samples are stored and loaded as 32-bit float files, which removes the
need for real-time format conversions. Sampler handles 32 bit float samples more
efficiently and can play back more voices simultaneously.
Note: This requires twice as much RAM for 16-bit samples and a third more RAM for
24-bit samples.
• Search samples on pop-up menu: Determines the locations that Sampler searches for
instrument samples. Choose one of the following:
• Local Volumes: Sampler searches storage media attached to or installed in the
computer for samples.
• External Volumes: Sampler searches storage media accessible over a network for
samples.
• All Volumes: Sampler searches both internal and network media for samples.
Note: Choosing External Volumes or All Volumes may increase the time it takes
Sampler to find and load sampler instruments and files.