Mac Mini 2018 for audio production - capable or not?

[brdeveloper]

Hello,

I'm looking for getting a Mac Mini 2018 for processing 1080p/60fps video from my GoPro, m43 camera, etc. However, my main usage for a desktop computer is on the audio production area. I have a Thunderbolt Apogee Element 46 interface and I wouldn't like to be disappointed with latency issues like clicks and pops. Even my Mac Mini 2010 can run Logic Pro X with an external analog mixer without latency issues (unless I use too much realtime plugins while recording). So I wonder if I'd better server with an older iMac in the 2012-2014 range. What do you think?

In short:
1) I want to be capable of processing 1080p/60fps videos at a good speed, something I guess a 2012 Mini can do, but not as fast as a 2018 one.
2) Although fast video rendering is a reason for upgrading, the critical part is on the audio production area, that is, I can't tolerate latency issues and dropouts on audio playback and recording. If the dropout bug isn't solved yet, a Mini 2018 would be useless to me.

Thanks in advance.

 

[macdos]

MM 2018 will handle your video and audio needs without effort. I am not aware of any dropout bug, and audio is not really processor intensive.

1) I want to be capable of processing 1080p/60fps videos at a good speed, something I guess a 2012 Mini can do, but not as fast as a 2018 one.
2) Although fast video rendering is a reason for upgrading, the critical part is on the audio production area, that is, I can't tolerate latency issues and dropouts on audio playback and recording. If the dropout bug isn't solved yet, a Mini 2018 would be useless to me.

Thanks in advance.

 

[user_xyz]

MM 2018 will handle your video and audio needs without effort. I am not aware of any dropout bug, and audio is not really processor intensive.

^^ Agreed ^^

Of course make sure you get 16 gb Ram

I have 2018 MM with i7/16gb/512 ssd.

 

[brdeveloper]

MM 2018 will handle your video and audio needs without effort. I am not aware of any dropout bug, and audio is not really processor intensive.

I know audio is not processor intensive and that’s why I wonder if I wouldn’t be better served with something else like a top spec 2012 Mini or and older iMac (e.g., a 2013 one). What makes me afraid are articles like this, relating glitches with the T2 chip: https://iphone.appleinsider.com/art...equipped-macs-connected-to-usb-20-connections

^^ Agreed ^^

Of course make sure you get 16 gb Ram

I have 2018 MM with i7/16gb/512 ssd.

I would like to see people who work with music production on a regular basis, since the glitches are sporadic from what I have read.

 

[macdos]

As your setup is TB-based, it won't affect you. Using passive USB hubs is a bad idea anyway, but from what I gather the bug is no longer present.

I know audio is not processor intensive and that’s why I wonder if I wouldn’t be better served with something else like a top spec 2012 Mini or and older iMac (e.g., a 2013 one). What makes me afraid are articles like this, relating glitches with the T2 chip: https://iphone.appleinsider.com/art...equipped-macs-connected-to-usb-20-connections


I would like to see people who work with music production on a regular basis, since the glitches are sporadic from what I have read.

 

[brdeveloper]

As your setup is TB-based, it won't affect you. Using passive USB hubs is a bad idea anyway, but from what I gather the bug is no longer present.

I have a Korg controller which is USB 2.0. On my Macbook Pro (2013), the only way to make it work is by attaching a USB 2.0 hub between it and the USB3.0 port, so it's recognized properly and works flawlessly. I don't like the possibility to be unable to use legacy devices. An Apogee Duet can be the only interface I'll have at hand on some situation, so it would be nice having a Mac that worked properly with it.