Crazy: No current Mac meets my needs (audio/video production)

[Think77]

I know it sounds crazy, but there’s currently no desktop Mac that meets my need as an audio/video producer.

Mac Mini (M1): Not powerful enough
Mac Studio (M1 Max/Ultra): Noise issues as per reported by multiple users
Mac Pro (Intel): Too old and too expensive

One option is to go with a Macbook Pro, but I don’t need/want to pay for the screen when I already have a 30” pro monitor on my desk.

So, the waiting game is on…

Edit: I should clarify that the M1 Max Studio would fit my needs perfectly, but the reported noise/whine issue is what makes me hesitant on the purchase. And I’m not talking about the (expected) sound from the fan.

Edit Jan. 19, 2023: The just-released new Mac mini with an M2 Pro CPU is the absolutely perfect fit for my needs (primarily music production as well as web development and some occasional video production). Hopefully, Apple has simply built it on the same "old" tried and tested hardware design, so no unpleasant surprises emerge over time. Will buy!

Edit July 1,2023: I ended up buying the new M2 Max Mac Studio instead of the Mini. Wow! Amazing machine so far, and I simply can’t hear it from a normal working distance (it’s sitting on the desk just below the monitor in front of me). Finally the perfect Apple computer for my current needs! 😊

 

[Marco Klobas]

Is the Mac Studio Ultra really noisy? I've heard complains about the Max version.

 

[BeatCrazy]

I know it sounds crazy, but there’s currently no desktop Mac that meets my need as an audio/video producer.

Mac Mini (M1): Not powerful enough
Mac Studio (M1 Max/Ultra): Noise issues as per reported by multiple users
Mac Pro (Intel): Too old and too expensive

One option is to go with a Macbook Pro, but I don’t need/want to pay for the screen when I already have a 30” pro monitor on my desk.

So, the waiting game is on..

Anything that makes a Mac Studio M1 Max fans spin up is going to make the M1 Pro/Max MacBook Pro sound like a jet airplane.

Source: I own a Studio and MBP. Never actually heard my Studio, at all.

 

[russell_314]

Maybe find out what other audio/video producers are using? I know quite a few YouTube producers use the Mac Studio. Is their workflow different than yours or have they figured out something you haven't? What Intel Mac before was super quiet and powerful enough for you?

Maybe you should go to an Apple store and listen to a Mac Studio for yourself? I've seen people say the Intel Mac mini was loud but I never heard mine. Of course some people have better hearing so that could be the case.

 

[jz0309]

I know it sounds crazy, but there’s currently no desktop Mac that meets my need as an audio/video producer.

Mac Mini (M1): Not powerful enough
Mac Studio (M1 Max/Ultra): Noise issues as per reported by multiple users
Mac Pro (Intel): Too old and too expensive

One option is to go with a Macbook Pro, but I don’t need/want to pay for the screen when I already have a 30” pro monitor on my desk.

So, the waiting game is on..

What’s the percentage of studio users complaining about being noisy? More than 1%? Do you know someone who owns one that you confirm is noisy?

 

[kpluck]

As others have mentioned, the Mac Studio noise problem seems to be mostly confined to the Max, not the Ultra. Plus, not everyone is experiencing it.

Given Apple's no hassle return policy, I suggest getting a Mac Studio and putting it through its paces to see if the noise is a problem for you. If it is, return it and wait for something else.

-kp

 

[dogface1956]

I have and an Studio Ultra since 3/18 and have no noise issues at all, neither fan or whining noise. You have to take what you read on MacRumors with a grain of salt, most people with no problems don't post that they are having problems, only people who are having noise issues real or imagined are going to post about their issues. I think the vast majority of Mac Studio users are not having any noise issues and are very happy with their purchases. I know that my Studio is the fastest computer I have ever had (replaced Mac Pro 2012).

 

[Absrnd]

I know it sounds crazy, but there’s currently no desktop Mac that meets my need as an audio/video producer.

Mac Mini (M1): Not powerful enough
Mac Studio (M1 Max/Ultra): Noise issues as per reported by multiple users
Mac Pro (Intel): Too old and too expensive

One option is to go with a Macbook Pro, but I don’t need/want to pay for the screen when I already have a 30” pro monitor on my desk.

So, the waiting game is on..

Yeah, I feel your pain.

for me the problems are:
Mac Studio the sharp edges, more heavy than the Mini
Mac mini not tall enough also with sharp edges, and lighter than the Studio.
Studio display takes too long to count all those pixels, and also too thick
Any MacBook always have to lift the screen to see anything.
iPad just too light, could blow away with any slight wind.

 

[DoFoT9]

I know it sounds crazy, but there’s currently no desktop Mac that meets my need as an audio/video producer.

Mac Mini (M1): Not powerful enough
Mac Studio (M1 Max/Ultra): Noise issues as per reported by multiple users
Mac Pro (Intel): Too old and too expensive

One option is to go with a Macbook Pro, but I don’t need/want to pay for the screen when I already have a 30” pro monitor on my desk.

So, the waiting game is on..

You didn't mention the iMac Just kidding..

What are your requirements for producing? Apple mentions several (up to 20 something) 4K concurrent streams running at the same time, and there are videos of audio producers online using up to a few hundred audio streams in real time. Are you saying you require more than that?

As for the audible noise issues on the Mac Studio, can't you place the computer elsewhere, away from your workbench? Fibre connectivity is excellent these days - so you could physically place the computer in another room, run a fibre cable, and make use of ThunderBolt/etc between them to support your monitor, peripherals, and all that fun stuff.

 

[GrumpyCoder]

Mac Studio (M1 Max/Ultra): Noise issues as per reported by multiple users
Mac Pro (Intel): Too old and too expensive

This comparison really doesn't make sense. The Intel, depending on configuration and workflow, is still running circles around a maxed out Ultra. So do you need the performance of such a machine? If yes, then you have no other choice as there's no M-series replacement for the Mac Pro yet. If the Max/Ultra performance is good enough for you and we're talking about a desktop, just hide it somewhere and be done. The noise issue isn't related to actual fan/airflow noise, it's a whine issue, easily dealt with as long as you don't place it right in front of you on your desk.

 

[Strider64]

I know it sounds crazy, but there’s currently no desktop Mac that meets my need as an audio/video producer.

Mac Mini (M1): Not powerful enough
Mac Studio (M1 Max/Ultra): Noise issues as per reported by multiple users
Mac Pro (Intel): Too old and too expensive

One option is to go with a Macbook Pro, but I don’t need/want to pay for the screen when I already have a 30” pro monitor on my desk.

So, the waiting game is on..

My Mac Studio Max is a recent addition and have yet to hear any noise. I have a MBP as well and I think that is noisier that the Studio. Oh well....

 

[darngooddesign]

Yeah, I feel your pain.

for me the problems are:
Mac Studio the sharp edges, more heavy than the Mini
Mac mini not tall enough also with sharp edges, and lighter than the Studio.

How are the edges an issue with a computer you don't hold?

Any MacBook always have to lift the screen to see anything.

Not in clamshell mode.

 

[Think77]

I should mention that the Mac Studio (M1 Max), by far, is the best option for my needs. But, there’s a 60 pages thread here on MR with people reporting uncontrollable noise issues at unpleasant levels and frequencies. And sometimes the issues start to slowly arise after a few months of use - making a refund/new machine less straight forward. That’s a no go when doing vocal recordings in an acoustically treated, quiet room. Of course, I could be overthinking this 😊

 

[DoFoT9]

How are the edges an issue with a computer you don't hold?

Not in clamshell mode.

Part of me feels like the original post may have been satire

 

[darngooddesign]

Part of me feels like this response may have been satire

I sure hope so because otherwise...

 

[DoFoT9]

I should mention that the Mac Studio (M1 Max), by far, is the best option for my needs. But, there’s a 60 pages thread here on MR with people reporting uncontrollable noise issues at unpleasant levels and frequencies. And sometimes the issues start to slowly arise after a few months of use - making a refund/new machine less straight forward. That’s a no go when doing vocal recordings in an acoustically treated, quiet room. Of course, I could be overthinking this 😊

You ignored my recommendation for placing the machine outside of the room

Also - I've been to a fair amount of recording studios before, none had the recording kit in the room to prevent this exact problem - racks are loud! So perhaps it's just a limitation of the situation you are currently in?

 

[DoFoT9]

I sure hope so because otherwise...

On the plus side, the Mac Pro option allows you to grate cheese Multi-purpose!

 

[Think77]

The noise issue isn't related to actual fan/airflow noise, it's a whine issue, easily dealt with as long as you don't place it right in front of you on your desk.

How is the noise issue easily dealt with? The people having the issue don’t seem to think that, as far as I can tell from their reports…

 

[Think77]

You ignored my recommendation for placing the machine outside of the room

Also - I've been to a fair amount of recording studios before, none had the recording kit in the room to prevent this exact problem - racks are loud! So perhaps it's just a limitation of the situation you are currently in?

I have a one-room studio. No way to place it anywhere else. Recordings done in the same room. Btw, no loud equipment in the room.

 

[marstan]

I know it sounds crazy, but there’s currently no desktop Mac that meets my need as an audio/video producer.

Mac Mini (M1): Not powerful enough
Mac Studio (M1 Max/Ultra): Noise issues as per reported by multiple users
Mac Pro (Intel): Too old and too expensive

One option is to go with a Macbook Pro, but I don’t need/want to pay for the screen when I already have a 30” pro monitor on my desk.

So, the waiting game is on..

You don't want the Macbook Pro either because tap-to-click on the trackpad doesn't work and also speaker popping noise.

 

[Think77]

Part of me feels like the original post may have been satire

No. I own a Mac Mini M1, and it just doesn’t cut it. A relevant (faster than M1 Max) Mac Pro is out of my league price wise. That leaves me with the Mac Studio option - and it seems it could be faulty.

 

[Think77]

You don't want the Macbook Pro either because tap-to-click on the trackpad doesn't work and also speaker popping noise.

Wow, hadn’t even heard about that! Is that also true for the new 14 and 16 inch models?

 

[EugW]

My friend has the Mac Studio M1 Max and he never hears anything from it. However, he isn't driving it hard either.

It seems the noise issue isn't consistent. If I were in your shoes, I'd give the Mac Studio a shot and just return it if it's a problem.

 

[marstan]

Wow, hadn’t even heard about that! Is that also true for the new 14 and 16 inch models?

Tap-to-click on both and speaker popping only on 16" if I recall correctly.

 

[tastesliketailpipe]

You record and produce in the same room? From this point you lost all your credibility.

Get a Dell.