View Full Version : Sound Engineer Student: MacBookPro or MacPro?
ILuvMyMac
Apr 2, 2008, 12:22 AM
Hello there :)
Do we agree that Macs rock?
I thought so ;)
The background: I'm starting as a Sound Engineer. I want my Mac. Won't be working with big mixing tables, maybe just for djing. The Mac should support 4 external devices.
So. The BIG question:
MacBookPro or MacPro?
CanadaRAM
Apr 2, 2008, 12:26 AM
MacBook Pro -- you can use an eSATA or Firewire ExpressCard/34 in it for fast external storage. Or an ExpressCard/34 DSP accelerator (pretty sure Universal Audio is shipping theirs). You have both FW 400 and FW800 ports. Larger screen for mixing and for VSTs/AUs which will take up screen realestate. Better video to support a second screen without lagging the CPU or main memory.
danvan21
Apr 2, 2008, 12:41 AM
macbook pro for a couple of reasons
portability and portability
mjstew33
Apr 3, 2008, 06:15 PM
Agreed. Portability while maintaining great power.
faintember
Apr 3, 2008, 06:21 PM
For DJing and classes, I would go Macbook Pro with an external monitor for home/editing use.
iknowyourider
Apr 3, 2008, 09:00 PM
I was a decent sound man for 15 years and I'm a MBP owner. Anyway, just talking. I heartily recommend a MBP.
change
Apr 4, 2008, 12:10 AM
The Mac Pro is more powerful and expandable, but for a student and DJ, the MacBook Pro is the way to go. It is very powerful in its own right, especially with the 4GB of RAM it can accept. Most importantly, it is portable! This can not be understated. It is a serious professional capable piece of hardware that you can carry with you almost everywhere.
ILuvMyMac
Apr 5, 2008, 05:50 AM
The decision:
MacBook Pro 15-inch 2.4GHz, memory extended to 4GB, additional Apple Cinema screen (20")
Thank you all for your replies. It's collaborated to my final decision. Great help.
CanadaRAM - The screen was a great idea. Indeed, external storage is a good opcion.
dancan21 - portability is an important factor!
lilstewart - very true, the macbook pro combines portability with great power.
faintember - See my final decision!
iknowyourider - your recommendation reafirms my final decision. Glad to see people in the sound business supporting Mac use. (yesterday I was at an Underworld concert.. about 10 Macs on a row!)
change - I'm upgrading to 4 GB! Very true. Portability cannot be understated (specialy if I take djing out of home).
Again, thank you all for your constructive & helpfull feedback!
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