KVR Audio

dasen · Post by **dasen** » Fri Jun 25, 2021 11:31 am

I’m thinking about buying a new MacBook for music production. Currently, I have

MacBook Pro 13 inch Mid 2012
2,5 Ghz CPU
16 GB DDR3 1333 Mhz Memory
1 Terrabyte SSD disks
Mojave OSX

Running Logic Pro X 10.4.1 = I need to be able to keep using this version due to a VST that does not work with later versions.

I only use Logic Pro X built-in instruments and 1 third party VST. I do not use a lot of audio. Simply a lot of layers of Logic Pro X internal synths + 1 3rd party synth.

No external gear. Only Scarlett Audio Interface + Midi keyboard.

I noted that my current setup is slow with 30+ tracks in a song. On top of that, the USB ports have started to become buggy.
Also, the line in audio input is kind of buggy.

My budget is 1500 EUR

Can anyone recommend a MacBook suitable for my current setup but better for my budget of around 1500 EUR?

nanostream · Post by **nanostream** » Fri Jun 25, 2021 2:06 pm

Even the cheapest M1 MacBook Air will run circles around your old one, and almost all Intel based ones. If you plan to use it for a while, I’d go for 16GB Ram though, and more internal storage, if your budget allows it.

Passing Bye · Post by **Passing Bye** » Fri Jun 25, 2021 2:30 pm

I would get M1 and use that old one to host that one plugin with AudioGridder, win win.

chagzuki · Post by **chagzuki** » Fri Jun 25, 2021 3:03 pm

I have an 8GB RAM MacBook Air and I'm still not sure if I'd go for fan (Pro) or 16GB RAM if I had to choose. Probably RAM, because although the 8GB is OK for most situations I'm lazy and like to keep loads of browser tabs open. So far, things look good with this low-tier model, but I've not had it long, and frustrations may arise. Of course, on top of that I'd prefer a larger than 512GB hard drive, but the pricing tiers for Macs are a kind of con (designed to lure you in via the cheaper option, then have you doubt yourself at the last minute and add a £200 upgrade), and so I figured I'd test myself by seeing what I could offload onto a NAS.

EnGee · Post by **EnGee** » Sun Jun 27, 2021 6:57 am

Passing Bye wrote: Fri Jun 25, 2021 2:30 pm I would get M1 and use that old one to host that one plugin with AudioGridder, win win.

Good advice

I would go for 16 GB / 512 GB version. I have Air with that and I love it, but if your money is enough, go for the Pro. There is a little difference in performance (almost none!), so it's up to you.

jancivil · Post by **jancivil** » Mon Jun 28, 2021 7:00 pm

My understanding is, the kind of memory pressure one experiences using a lot of samples-based instruments by MIDI is still pretty meaningful as to a diff between 8 and 16 here, but the multiasking is a different story, so just keeping a lot of stuff up is not going to eat RAM like before.
still, if 16 is within budget.. smoke it if you got it

EnGee · Post by **EnGee** » Mon Jun 28, 2021 9:05 pm

Samples need space and RAM, so I can't think of less than 16/512 option. But if you are sure that you won't use lots of samples or libraries, then go for the lesser options.
I don't use Kontakt or orchestral libraries and I already used 300 GB with just music related software! (But I have 4 DAWs with their libraries installed, Live 11 is not installed, but it's big library is installed).
Most important with M1 is to be lean as much as possible and to use software that don't access the SSD that much because once the SSD dies, computer dies as well! (Very stupid decision by Apple) but it treated it like a phone! Anyway, I'm not sure that Apple centre won't fix/replace the SSD. Any info?

I use Safari only. It uses the SSD much less than other browsers (google it!). But anyway, I believe the M1 based computer would last at least 5+ years with "normal" use, which is very good IMO.

nanostream · Post by **nanostream** » Mon Jun 28, 2021 9:35 pm

EnGee wrote: Mon Jun 28, 2021 9:05 pm Most important with M1 is to be lean as much as possible and to use software that don't access the SSD that much because once the SSD dies, computer dies as well! (Very stupid decision by Apple) but it treated it like a phone! Anyway, I'm not sure that Apple centre won't fix/replace the SSD. Any info?

I use Safari only. It uses the SSD much less than other browsers (google it!). But anyway, I believe the M1 based computer would last at least 5+ years with "normal" use, which is very good IMO.

Apple has been selling soldered on SDDs for like a decade, this „problem“ is way overblown. Just use your MacBook and don’t overthink it. My old 2013 MBP 8Gb has written and read countless terabytes and it’s still alive and well.

EnGee · Post by **EnGee** » Mon Jun 28, 2021 9:52 pm

nanostream wrote: Mon Jun 28, 2021 9:35 pm
EnGee wrote: Mon Jun 28, 2021 9:05 pm Most important with M1 is to be lean as much as possible and to use software that don't access the SSD that much because once the SSD dies, computer dies as well! (Very stupid decision by Apple) but it treated it like a phone! Anyway, I'm not sure that Apple centre won't fix/replace the SSD. Any info?

I use Safari only. It uses the SSD much less than other browsers (google it!). But anyway, I believe the M1 based computer would last at least 5+ years with "normal" use, which is very good IMO.
Apple has been selling soldered on SDDs for like a decade, this „problem“ is way overblown. Just use your MacBook and don’t overthink it. My old 2013 MBP 8Gb has written and read countless terabytes and it’s still alive and well.

Here we go then

This is my first Apple laptop as I couldn't afford to buy one in the past. Now, I feel that M1 macbook will be like VW Beetle in the 60's or Mini Morris in the 70's / 80's

Tronam · Post by **Tronam** » Wed Jun 30, 2021 12:16 am

MacBook Air 16GB / 512GB. I have the pro and have never heard the fan spin up once during even the heaviest music production. If I could do it over again I would've gotten the Air instead. It might be tempting to wait for upcoming MacBooks, but they'll most certainly exceed that 1500 budget.

BONES · Post by **BONES** » Wed Jun 30, 2021 2:17 am

Why do people obsess about fan noise? Do you live in a a sound-proof house? I have a dozen louder noises happening around me than the noise of my laptop fan. If the fridge motor is running I can't hear it. If the telly is on I can't hear it. If it's windy outside I definitely can't hear it and if it's daytime then the birds outside will drown it out. I doubt that I notice it for 5 minutes in 100 hours in front of my laptop and I'm not sure I've ever heard the fan in the Surface Pro I have been using for several hours a day over the past few months. It's something I don't even count as a minor consideration when looking for a new machine.

EnGee wrote: Mon Jun 28, 2021 9:05 pmSamples need space and RAM, so I can't think of less than 16/512 option.

Most, if not all, sample libraries load dynamically these days, so you only need to factor in an extra gig or two of RAM to keep things humming along nicely. 8GB should be OK for lighter work, 16GB if you are going to load up six different libraries at once.

arkmabat · Post by **arkmabat** » Wed Jun 30, 2021 2:59 am

If you can bear with Window$, Lenovo IdeaPads are insanely good value.
https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/d/i5-lapto ... tType=grid

You'd have to switch daws too though, so ignore this post.

EnGee · Post by **EnGee** » Wed Jun 30, 2021 3:44 am

BONES wrote: Wed Jun 30, 2021 2:17 am Why do people obsess about fan noise?

Because they are not sleeping and working beside a fridge!

The laptop fans are really annoying. I prefer desktop computer noise than laptop noise and heat. Yes, maybe now it is much better for Windows laptops but still for Apple Air, it is superior.

keyman_sam · Post by **keyman_sam** » Wed Jun 30, 2021 3:44 am

Fan noise is a critical consideration when your DAW room happens to be your recording room, which for many people (incl. me) it is. Both the producer and the artist record in the same room nowadays, so the concept of a vocal booth is getting a bit redundant.
Plus, once you experience a silent machine you just can't go back.

It's laughable how my huge whiny DAW PC desktops that once sat in their own room are now rendered obsolete by my tiny Mac mini that sits in my desk where I record. Good times.

keyman_sam · Post by **keyman_sam** » Wed Jun 30, 2021 3:49 am

Passing Bye wrote: Fri Jun 25, 2021 2:30 pm I would get M1 and use that old one to host that one plugin with AudioGridder, win win.

If someone can successfully get AudioGridder running, then please report it.

Which Macbook to buy?