CARGUS GUITAR

Musician's manual

Stage Guide

One page. From your bag to the stage: which interface to use, how to set up your laptop or tablet, and the right order to plug everything in without surprises.

Guitar

quarter-inch output

Interface

Hi-Z input

⚙

CARGUS Guitar OS

amp · drive · fx

Interface

line output

Mixer / monitor

church or venue P.A.

Recommended interface

Behringer UMC202HD

TESTED
  • Install the official Behringer driver before first use. It's quick, and it's what guarantees correct operation.
  • MIDAS preamps with combo XLR/quarter-inch input and a Hi-Z switch for guitar.
  • Validated with CARGUS: accurate tuner, correct sample rate, smooth processing.

Don't have one? Look for the same profile: Hi-Z/instrument input, 48kHz support, the manufacturer's official driver installed (never leave it on Windows' automatic default).Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 · PreSonus AudioBox USB 96

Laptop or tablet, always Windows

System
Windows 10 or 11, 64-bit, up to date
Memory
8GB minimum · 16GB recommended
Processor
Intel/AMD from the last 5-6 years
USB port
Directly on the device, never through a hub
During the show
Close your browser and other apps

Using a Windows tablet instead of a laptop: the same requirements apply. If the tablet only has a USB-C port, use a good-quality USB-C to USB-A adapter. Avoid entry-level tablets with an Atom/Celeron processor. Keep it charging during the show.

Getting on stage

  1. 1

    Plug the interface into your laptop or tablet before opening CARGUS.

    Direct USB port. A hub can cause noise or dropped connections.

  2. 2

    Plug your guitar into input 1, with the Hi-Z/Inst switch on.

  3. 3

    Open CARGUS Guitar OS and pick today's Bank/preset.

  4. 4

    Raise the gain on the interface until the meter reads green/yellow. Never let it hit red.

  5. 5

    Open CARGUS's tuner and check your strings before raising the venue volume.

  6. 6

    Connect the interface's output to the mixer or monitor.

  7. 7

    Ready. Pick your tone and play.

Don't
  • Switch the interface to a different USB port mid-show (Windows starts recognizing the device from scratch).
  • Change Windows sound settings during the performance.
  • Leave testing the sound for the last minute. Arrive early and check everything before doors open.