Help wanted choosing new Mac for music recording (havent bought one yet)

[Yoshiii33524]

Hello,

I have been saving for the past couple of years to buy a Mac for music editing. I have a M2 iPad Pro and can use that some but want a Mac Mini, Macbook Pro or the Studio.

I want to be able to record multiple tracks, use plug ins, use orchestra libraries which I know take up lots of ram, master the music.

What would be better, Mac Mini? Macbook Pro/Max or Studio? What is the lowest amount of ram I should have? M4, M4 PRO/Max, or the new M5 Macbook Pro? Are M1, M2 ok to use?

Couldnt buy one last year and this year but now I can.

Please help with suggestions.

Software will be Reaper, or Pro Toos, and Ableton and Garageband. I want to use Logic but all of the reviews I watch about it, Logic doesnt take full advantage of all of the cores.

I dont have to have the best, something that will do the job well.

Thanks

 

[BrianBaughn]

All I can use for reference is what I have and what one other person I know has for music production.

I feel like 32GB of RAM is the minimum if using virtual instruments.

If the VI libraries you're planning to use take a lot of space you should probably get some fast external storage for those…it's always a lot cheaper than adding SSD size to a new Mac.

I also have an external SSD where I keep old project folders.

Newer is usually better but I expect my M1 Max Mac Studio will handle what I do in Logic Pro for a several more years.

How many and what type ports you're going to need is a factor.

 

[Yoshiii33524]

All I can use for reference is what I have and what one other person I know has for music production.

I feel like 32GB of RAM is the minimum if using virtual instruments.

If the VI libraries you're planning to use take a lot of space you should probably get some fast external storage for those…it's always a lot cheaper than adding SSD size to a new Mac.

I also have an external SSD where I keep old project folders.

Newer is usually better but I expect my M1 Max Mac Studio will handle what I do in Logic Pro for a several more years.

How many and what type ports you're going to need is a factor.

Do you think support for the M1 will be fine with M1 in a couple of years?

 

[Fishrrman]

If you're going to use ProTools, check to see what their hardware requirements are for the m-series Macs.

Are you going to be recording "live" sound?
That is, with mics, an audio interface, etc.?

Or... is this going to be strictly "digital all the way"?

If you're going to use an interface, it would make sense to get one with thunderbolt, or USB3 (as distinguished from USB2) if possible.

RAM?
32gb minimum, 64gb might be better...?
LOTS of drive space ... 1tb minimum, 2tb better.

NOISE:
Really only a factor if you're going to be recording live sound where the Mac is.
Some have complained about the noise from the m4pro Minis when under load.
Mac Studio (even base version with RAM/SSD upgrades) should be quieter.

You might want to do some reading over at gearspace.com -- that's where the audio guys hang out...

 

[BillyJoeJimBob]

Hello,

I have been saving for the past couple of years to buy a Mac for music editing. I have a M2 iPad Pro and can use that some but want a Mac Mini, Macbook Pro or the Studio.

I want to be able to record multiple tracks, use plug ins, use orchestra libraries which I know take up lots of ram, master the music.

What would be better, Mac Mini? Macbook Pro/Max or Studio? What is the lowest amount of ram I should have? M4, M4 PRO/Max, or the new M5 Macbook Pro? Are M1, M2 ok to use?

Couldnt buy one last year and this year but now I can.

Please help with suggestions.

Software will be Reaper, or Pro Toos, and Ableton and Garageband. I want to use Logic but all of the reviews I watch about it, Logic doesnt take full advantage of all of the cores.

I dont have to have the best, something that will do the job well.

Thanks

I think that the best non-throttling, non-screaming fan option is a Mac Studio. Get at least 64GB RAM, 10-core minimum, 1TB minimum for the internal SSD. Check the Apple refurb store and get Apple Care if you can. No-nonsense interface? The RME stuff. No-nonsense storage? Blackmagic Design Multidock with some Samsung SSD's.