Which Mac for Addictive Drums 2

[Clasby86]

So in the next few weeks I will be taking the plunge into the world of Mac.
I wish to use Addictive Drums 2 as a standalone to trigger my drums via an audio interface of some discription (suggestions welcome).

My question is what do I go for?

Option 1 MacBook Air 2.2i7 8GB RAM + 128SSD

Option 2 MacBook pro 2.9i5 8GB RAM + 128SSD

Or will I need 16GB RAM?

Luckily I can get a 10% discount from Apple so the price between the two is only £20. Which would you go for and why.

Many thanks in advance

 

[ChrisA]

I doubt the virtual drum app takes a lot of CPU. But I also bet you will find bout 100 uses for the new Mac. Maybe you will buy Logic or other audio or DAW software? I'd go with the Air only if you need the extreme portability.

As for an audio interface look at Persons or Focusrite. Both have good units for about $150.

Also buy some external disks for backup. At least two of them.

So in the next few weeks I will be taking the plunge into the world of Mac.
I wish to use Addictive Drums 2 as a standalone to trigger my drums via an audio interface of some discription (suggestions welcome).

My question is what do I go for?

Option 1 MacBook Air 2.2i7 8GB RAM + 128SSD

Option 2 MacBook pro 2.9i5 8GB RAM + 128SSD

Or will I need 16GB RAM?

Luckily I can get a 10% discount from Apple so the price between the two is only £20. Which would you go for and why.

Many thanks in advance

 

[Clasby86]

Thanks for the reply, with regards to logic I don't think I have the need for it at the moment but that's not to say that I won't try and use it in the future. Portability isn't a major concern the pro isn't exactly heavy and I'm not going to be caring it around with me everywhere. So you'd go with the pro, do you recommend spending the extra on 16GB? The recommended requirements for AD2 is 4GB but obviously I want minimal latency. My only other uses will be general surfing, word processing etc. will look into your suggestions on the interfaces. Again many thanks

 

[ChrisA]

Latency is determined by the size of the sample buffer and the sample rate. but more RAM allows you to maybe set the buffer smaller without clips and pops. 8GB is a good compromise.

 

[jblongz]

I also use Addictive Drums 2 fully loaded (just over 9GB of storage with all expansions installed).

I would go for the retina macbook pro and max the CPU and RAM. Your modest intentions could evolve into something more ahead. It is better to future proof the machine now if you can afford to. I currently us the 15" Quad i7, but the 13" retina is very attractive if you can tolerate a dual core.

The air can work too, but I think the retina versions have better fan circulation...reading those samples partially from ram and ssd while processing effects from cpu will churn some heat.

 

[Clasby86]

My major concern is latency, I want to be able to hit my pad on my kit and not notice the time delay or it will be a completely pointless purchase for me. I would love a 15" but my budget will only stretch to the 13" with either the standard 2.7i5 and 16GB RAM or I could get the 2.9i5 with 8GB RAM. Since you use the whole program what do I need more processing power or RAM?

Many thanks

 

[jblongz]

Running one instance will be fine for either configuration. Low latency (low audio buffer setting) will be more cpu intensive on paper. I recommended the ram because it cannot change later on the air and retina models. I don't know if you'll end up using sampled based instruments in the future. I've only used i7 processors, so I can't provide any reliable information on the i5.

XLN runs very efficient on both my rMBP an Macmini. Rememer that if you use programs like Dropbox, OneDrive, Copy, etc...they can easily use over a gig of ram. I use Copy, OneDrive, and CrashPlan in the backround. With 5 Chrome tabs, Microsoft word, and Apple Mail (21 accounts registered) running the background, Yosemite finds it self reserving 12GB of ram

So there is much to consider beyond the main application when it comes to ram usage.

Screenshots in coming in a while...

 

[jblongz]

I added two photos: one shows my typical day without any regard for optimization. The second is after a reboot and only loading Addictive Drums (plus my usual automated background apps). The current drum preset fills every sound slot in AD2 except 3 of the flexi. You can see in the bottom panel of the mistat application that Addictive Drums uses almost a gig in this instance.

 

[Clasby86]

Thankyou for your reply, if only it was a simple decision! (When did a computer purchase become so difficult) Will more than likely go for the RAM after seeing these screenshots. Hopefully keeping background usage to a minimum whilst using AD2 should work out fine.

Many thanks again!

 

[jblongz]

I know the stress of making such a significant purchase...I stalled as long as i could to make my choice. The 13" Retina is an awesome option, and probably the best bang for the buck. Fortunately, it has been recently updated with the new, mysterious "Force Touch" trackpad.

 

[Clasby86]

Thankyou for your input, feeling a lot happier hearing from someone that uses AD2 and knowing that it'll work as I want on my budget!