Which mac pro to get for music production?

which is the best macbook to get for music production? I want it mainly to be able to handle a lot of vsts being used simultaneously. I see upgrade options such as from an ata drive to a solid state, and am wondering on which would be the best for my cause! any help would be much appreciated!

Avi Selva wrote:
well im looking at the 15 inch non retina and the retina doesnt come with a superdrive, as ill be needing that to burn material straight from my laptop to cds. So that more or less rules out any of the retina display models. Its just the customizing i needed help unless you could suggest another model entirely!
You can add an Optical drive to the Retina models connected by USB. And it does not have to be the Apple branded (Not So) Superdrive. It can be any portable CD/DVD burner that connects by USB.
But in all honesty you can get a faster Windows PC notebook then any of the Mac notebooks for around 1/2 - 2/3 the cost for what you want to do with it.

Similar Messages

  • Which Mac Pro to buy for Music Production

    Hi All
    Hope you can help.
    Currently I have a macbook pro ( 2.66Ghz + 4GB ).
    Im planning to buy a mac pro for music production, which is better
    4 Core 2.66Ghz Nehalem CPU + 3x2GB or
    8 Core 2.26 Ghz Nehalem CPU + 6x2GB
    Im heavy on VST/AU's, use a fair bit of audio samples and also will be using a load of ROMpler style sampler instruments.
    Im also looking to future proof the system but if the 8 core system is unnecssary for using logic studio id rather get the 4 core option as its easier on my budget.
    Im also planning to run 3 x 1tb HDD's ( 1 x OS / 1 x Samples / 1 x Music )
    Hope you can advise as itching to buy one with my commission money
    Cheers
    Andrew

    JG99 wrote:
    I've heard from a few Logic users and read on other forums that there is currently little difference in performance between the 8-core and 4-core Mac Pro's when running Logic 8. This may change in the future...?
    Really? The benchmarks seem to indicate that the 8 x 2.26 is 30-40 % more powerful than the 4 x 2.66, a significant difference...
    Personally, I'd get a quad core and spend the difference on ram (from crucial.com) as this will make more of a difference when running power hungry plug-ins.
    JG
    But the 4 core has a max RAM of 8 GB where the 8 core maxes to 32 GB. Might be worth considering.

  • Which Mac Pro to buy for Studio 3

    Guys, I'm in the process of upgrading my trusted Power Mac G5 Quad to a Mac Pro.
    I will also upgrade to FCS 3.
    My question is, which Mac Pro to buy? Quad 2.93 OR Octo 2.26?
    Will FCS 3 along with Snow Leopard utilise ALL the Octo's processors? Or am I better off saving the money and sticking with a Quad?

    If your income depends on this work, then buy the biggest, baddest, most RAM-filled Mac Pro you can.
    At least get the octo 2.66. Put 12GB RAM in it, if you can, but put a minimum of 6GB in there. The concept is that as a professional editor, editing for clients, you must be as time efficient as you can afford to be.
    Compressor will use that RAM to compress your stuff a lot faster. Also, Motion can make use of as much RAM as you throw in there. Final Cut Pro itself, not yet.

  • Which Mac Pro to buy for Logic?

    Hi, I am a Logic Pro user, I use lots of tracks with automation, lots of virtual instruments and other plugins.
    I've finally settled on getting a Mac Pro, since I want to use a UAD card, as well as for expandability. So now... Which one? For a given budget, do I want to:
    1) max RAM
    vs
    2) max clock speed
    vs
    3) max number of cores/procs
    Eventually I'll get lots of RAM, so #2 and #3 are my main questions, which will get me the the biggest bang for my buck specifically for use with Logic Pro?
    Thanks!
    Message was edited by: smeet

    Things to consider:
    At the moment, the single processor Mac Pros arent that great in terms of value. 4 memory slots is just kind of crappy for a machine that costs so much.
    That being said, logic wont support more than 8 cores, meaning nothing above the quad core is going to be worth your money for strict use with logic. We have no idea when logic will support more cores.
    Now is not the greatest time to be buying a Mac Pro for various reasons. What kind of budget are you on? Your best bet might be a refurbished 2009 quad core or a 2008 octocore.

  • Which Mac Pro Graphics Card For A Multimedia Installation with 4 Projectors?

    Hi All,
    I'm looking for advice on a multimedia installation I'm working on as part of my thesis. Essentially I need to use my Mac Pro to run a multimedia installation that will use four projectors (Full HD) all displaying as one logical display. I then need to have two separate monitors to control back ground functions of the installation. My Mac Pro is an early 2008 model and intend to use the current graphics card to run the control monitors. So my questions are...
    One of the main things I'm unsure about is if it's possible to output on more than one graphics output and have the computer see it as one display. Any one have experience with this?
    Is there a graphics card compatible with OSX that will output to four displays simultaneously? Keeping in mind that it would have to have an option to see all the displays as one one single desktop so when I go full screen that the application I'm using will fill all four projector screens (I'm not concerned with edge detection or blending as it's not an issue). This display would be running at a resolution of 7680x1080 (4 x 1) or 3840×2160 (2 x 2).
    If there isn't a four port graphics card, is there a similar type of card with just two outputs? Each display would would need to be capable of outputting half the combined necessary resolution each. I have looked at the option of using Matrox TripleHead2Go multiple display adaptors which would work provided I can find a card that will output to two displays while seeing the output as one singular desktop. That would essentially be two ports outputting the resolution above which can then be split among the Matrox TripleHead2Gos.
    Finally, there is the small issue of what ports to use - DP or DVI? My understanding is that Dp can carry DVI so I'm covered in that case as well as DP cables being able to go slightly further in length than DVI? Any advice on this too?
    Thanks,
    Derek

    The Mac already has the feature you need for seamless tiling of multi-display output. It has been built-in to Mac OS since System 4.2 was issued for the original Mac-II. It is called "Extended Desktop". Every well-behaved Mac Application can use it without modification, unless the author chooses to defeat the feature, as was done in some versions of iMovie.
    Based on this feature, you are massively over-thinking the display and interface process. "It's in there."
    When you set up multiple displays, whether on one card or multiple cards, the Mac can create an Extended Desktop. Each display provides a portion of this larger extended Desktop, and the displays are "joined" along the edges you specify. Windows split across displays continue to be updated and scroll as one window, regardless of the parameters of each display. The Arrange pane in System Preferences > Displays is used to re-arrange the Icons of each display to correspond with their arrangement in (real) space.
    When the Mac Pro 2009 came out, its display card, the NVIDIA GeForce GT120, could be installed in multiples in every slot to get up to eight displays. It does not require Aux power connection. I believe it will also work in the 2008 model. It is still available in the Apple store:
    NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 Graphics Upgrade Kit for Mac Pro (early 2009)

  • Which Mac Pro to buy for Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro X?

    Hi, I'm considering to buy a Mac Pro for my personal studio. I have 2 choices in my mind: 1st one is the "Quad-core (one 3.2GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon) with 6GB RAM", and the 2nd one is "12-core (Two 2.4GHz 6-Core Intel Xeon) with 12GB RAM". I'll be mainly using Logic Pro 9 and hardcore video editing in Final Cut Pro X. I know the fact that having higher GHz than more cores may benefit you at some point, and only those software applications that are well-written for using multiple cores will be able to utilize the power of 12-core. So, I need to know that are Logic and FCPX are such apps? Are they able to utilize the power of 12-cores or a Quad-core with more GHz will be better? I'm looking for fast operation and smoother workflow, and I'll also be using this computer for a very long time (so, its a major investment!).
    So, the ultimate verdict is to whether to go for more clockspeed or more cores? Money is not the problem here, and I will add more RAMs, SSD according to the need later after couple of months, but considering nothing else I need you to compare between these two machines! If the 12-core machine is even 1% faster I'll go for it, but I don't want to end up spending more money on the machine with will have less power and utility.
    Regards.

    6 core 3.33 1st choice
    8 core 2.93 or higher

  • Trying to decide which Mac Pro is best for me

    Hi-
    It's high time I upgrade to a Mac Pro and I need to do so in a month or two.  I can't wait around for whatever new version of Mac Pro may come out in the Fall.
    I am very confused as to whether an August 2010 Quad core 2.8 ghz or 3.2 ghz versus an August 2010 2.4 ghz 8 core is better for my needs.
    I use my Mac for FCS and DVD compression.  I usually use iDVD.  My work is editing primarily for legal purposes- Mediation presentations, Day in the Life Documentaries and depositions.  There is not much use for things like Motion or other effects.  Right now I use Livetype for some animated titles.
    I am sure, compared to what I have now, a Quad core's speed will make me pee my pants and would be perfect for my purposes.  My concern is what will continue to be supported over the next 3-4 years if I don't run out and buy a new computer until then.  Will newer software updates continue to work fine on a quad core or willa n 8 core be a requirement as Intel processors are de rigeur for software updates.
    I'd appreciate your thoughts, Apple community.  Thanks!

    Go back to page one of that MacRumors thread.
    Very complete with photos etc
    It takes me a long time and work to wrap my head around details.
    You asked about 8-core performance.
    I recommended the $2100 special and $600 cpu, you can then sell the original cpu for $300 and come out with $2495 for 6-core system that is 50% faster than what it was.
    Allocate for RAM (4 x 4GB or 3 x 8GB), extra hard drives, eventually an SSD boot drive ($200) also.
    RAM, drives, SSDs, they even do (very expensive$$$) processor "Turnkey" upgrades.
    Intel® Xeon® Processor W3670 (12M Cache, 3.20 GHz, 4.80 GT s Intel® QPI)with SPEC Code(s)SLBVE
    W3670 Upgrade photos
    Intel Xeon W3670 3.20GHz Hexacore Buy

  • Mac pro harddrive, good for audio production

    I currently have this Western Digital WDC WD1001FALS-41K1B0.
    Im really not happy with this drive, its slow and i get this slow disc message in logic all the time and its also very noise especially because it goes in to sleep mode all the time.
    I want a better harddrive, can anyone recommend a good one?

    Caviar Black 1TB are well-liked.
    Turn off "spin down" in Energy Saver.
    http://macperformanceguide.com/Recommended-MacPro-HardDrives.html

  • Which Mac Pro? More cores=slower speeds? And most of us know the speed matters or FPU for music and I don't understand the faster is for the least amount of procs. And while I get the whole rendering thing and why it makes sense.

    Which Mac Pro? More cores=slower speeds? And most of us know the speed matters or FPU for music and I don't understand the faster is for the least amount of procs. And while I get the whole rendering thing and why it makes sense.
    The above is what the bar says. It's been a while and wondered, maybe Apple changed the format for forums. Then got this nice big blank canvas to air my concerns. Went to school for Computer Science, BSEE, even worked at Analog Devices in Newton Massachusetts, where they make something for apple. 
    The bottom line is fast CPU = more FPU = more headroom and still can't figure out why the more cores= the slower it gets unless it's to get us in to a 6 core then come out with faster cores down the road or a newer Mac that uses the GPU. Also. Few. I'm the guy who said a few years ago Mac has an FCP that looks like iMovie on Steroids. Having said that I called the campus one day to ask them something and while I used to work for Apple, I think she thought I still did as she asked me, "HOW ARE THE 32 CORES/1DYE COMING ALONG? Not wanting to embarrass her I said fine, fine and then hung up.  Makes the most sense as I never quite got the 2,6,12 cores when for years everything from memory to CPU's have been, in sets of 2 to the 2nd power.  2,4,8,16,32,64,120,256,512, 1024, 2048,4196,8192, 72,768.  Wow. W-O-W and will be using whatever I get with Apollo Quad. 
    Peace to all and hope someone can point us in THE RIGHT DIRECTION.  THANK YOU

    Thanks for your reply via email/msg. He wrote:
    If you are interested in the actual design data for the Xeon processor, go to the Intel site and the actual CPU part numbers are:
    Xeon 4 core - E5.1620v2
    Xeon 6 core - E5.1650v2
    Xeon 8 core - E5.1680v2
    Xeon 12 core - E5.2697v2
    I read that the CPU is easy to swap out but am sure something goes wrong at a certain point - even if solderedon they make material to absorb the solder, making your work area VERY clean.
    My Question now is this, get an 8 core, then replace with 2 3.7 QUAD CHIPS, what would happen?
    I also noticed that the 8 core Mac Pro is 3.0 when in fact they do have a 3.4 8 core chip, so 2 =16? Or if correct, wouldn't you be able to replace a QUAD CHIP WITH THAT?  I;M SURE THEY ARE UO TO SOMETHING AS 1) WE HAVE SEEN NO AUDIO FPU OR PERHAPS I SHOULD CHECK OUT PC MAKERS WINDOWS machines for Sisoft Sandra "B-E-N-C-H-M-A-R-K-S" -
    SOMETHINGS UP AND AM SURE WE'LL ALL BE PLEASED, AS the mac pro      was announced Last year, barely made the December mark, then pushed to January, then February and now April.
    Would rather wait and have it done correct than released to early only to have it benchmarked in audio and found to be slower in a few areas- - - the logical part of my brain is wondering what else I would have to swap out as I am sure it would run, and fine for a while, then, poof....
    PEACE===AM SURE APPLE WILL BLOW US AWAY - they have to figure out how to increase the power for 150 watts or make the GPU work which in regard to FPU, I thought was NVIDIA?

  • Which is better for music production: macbook air or pro?

    Which is better for music production: macbook air or pro?

    The MacBook Pro has higher specifications, depending
    on the model, and then CTO additional upgrades.
    The Air does not have a Retina display, but has lesser
    specs, so that may make a difference. They still offer a
    low-end MB/Pro w/ optical drive, w/o Retina; specs vary;
    it may work in your instance. You'd have 14 days to take
    a new Apple computer back, so keep that in mind.
    Good luck!

  • Which is better MBPr for music production? 8gb or 16gb

    Hi everyone:
    I am seeking suggestions here from fellow music artists/ DJs and tech wizards to help me make the "right" decision in where to invest my money.
    I don't know wether to buy the base model MBPr 15inch with 2.0Ghz Quad Core i7, 8gb ram and 256 flash drive. I am a musician and this laptop will solve two purposes
    1) Usual everyday Microsoft Office kinda stuff and web surfing and
    2) More importantly for Music production using Logic Pro X, Ableton 9 using KONTAKT and Omnisphere along with Reason Rewire for loops.
    THEREFORE, now I am second guessing my purchase on two aspects -->
    1) Is the 8GB enough to run, say a typical setup of Ableton along with 2-3 vsts softwares, would these specs on the MBPr last about 3-5 years?
    2) Is the 256 GB SSD going to be an issue with file sizes? I mean like I can always transfer stuff to an external drive and keep creating space but then its almost like having a McLaren SLR and running it constantly on EMPTY and getting gas filled in it every 2 miles. Idk....
    Any advise, nudge in the right direction, suggestions, recommendations would be much appreciated. . Is 8gb of ram enough? I am more on the 8gb ram side because of money issue also the place I am buying is offering 10% discount (cannot configure with the specs) I want to be happy with my purchase, but I don't want to be 2 years down the road kicking myself for not having gone with the 16GB and bigger SSD.
    Which is a notable problem with the rMBPs and their lack of upgradability.

    Hi whopkins85
    Well I ended up going with the 16GB Retina MBP. For the simple reason that the 8GB would've seen me constantly second guess my decision. Plus I wanted to "future proof" myself as best as I could knowing that these babies cannot be 'upgraded' with additional ram at a later date due the whole soldered RAM issue. So yeah I shelled out some extra money, bought my rMBP from B&H in NYC through their webstore and saved a ton on not having to pay sales tax since I am not a resident of NY state.
    Another thing I'd like to recommend to you is that if you plan on running a number of VSTs or AUs with your DAW especially of the nature of heavy sound libraries such as Spectrasonics Omnisphere or KOMPLETE then I would highly highly recommend purchasing a Lacie 2 or 3TB 7200 RPM external drive. I wish I had known this earlier but an incredibly efficient (and correct) way to run DAW with sound libraries to load your VSTs on an external drive which is either a fast SSD or at least a 7200 RPM. This way your system drive doesn't get overloaded reading and writing at the same time between multiple programs running in parallel. Once your system drive runs the DAW and the system accesses the sound libraries through and external drive, it makes for a much more efficiently managed read/write process.
    I hope this helps. My mantra for technology is, when in doubt go with max specs on a machine.
    Thanks for your post

  • MSI GT60 review for music production (former MacBook Pro user)

    Due to the upgrade limitations of MBPr (Macbook Pro Retina) I decided to try Windows after 7 years of using OSX. I chose the MSI GT60 over a Mac product by a close Margin and I still have doubts about windows 8.
    The GT60
    The hardware:
    1. The casing - coming from a Mac, this casing is disappointing. It's not cool, sexy or anything. It's "plastiky" and the design looks like something from the late 90s. you're not impressing any chicks with this one and it's nothing I'd take to Starbucks.
    2. The Keyboard - Excellent. It has a nice feel and the lights are kinda cool, but don't make up for the ugly design.
    3. The Mouse pad - too small and cheap looking. It tries to hang with a MBP mouse, but it's not as responsive and fluid.
    4. Connections - I can't think of any other connections I would want.
    5. Ram Capacity - Blows away the Mac at 32GB. This comes in handy for music projects loaded with plugins and is one of the major reasons I went for this box over a Mac. 
    6. Super raid 2 - This is another cool option Apples don't have in their laptops. The ability to add 3 ssds in addition to another storage drive really makes this a lucrative music machine. Loading samples quickly greatly improves workflow.
    7. Screen - This screen is good, but vs a retina...well...you know.
    8. Optical drive - Mine is ...strange...sometimes it works sometimes it don't. Maybe w firmware update will fix it?
    Performance - I loaded a Cubase project that even my Older 12 core Mac Pro had to wrestle with. That Mac Pro had 40GB of ram. Well, this GT60 pass with flying colors and with the most resource hungry plugins loaded it operated at an average of 60% CPU and 10 of the 12 GB of ram. I'm interested to see if more ram may help improve performance and/or reduce CPU usage.
    Heat Myth - I read in other forums (and ofcourse ASUS) of the
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    Overall, I find this to be a cool laptop for music production but if I didn't need all the extra ram or drives I'd probably stick with a MBP. They look way cooler. If MSI had put this hardware inside of an enclosure like that GS70 (but bigger), It would be cool.

    While this is a review, let me just comment on a few things....
    Part of the reason that half of what you get is possible, is because of how large it is.
    You wouldn't be able to get 3 mSATA SSD's if you didn't get a GT60/GT70.
    You wouldn't be able to get 32 GB of RAM if you didn't get a GT60/GT70 (actually, I guess the GE60/GE70's can handle that too).
    The GT series also has a more beefy video card that requires more cooling than the GE or GS series laptops.
    Either way, the GT60 is a great notebook overall. The screen could be better, but it's not bad by any means either. Compared to many other similarly or higher priced notebooks, it's just as good or better IMHO.
    The keyboard is actually very nice, and while the backlighting is somewhat gaudy at times, it's nice to be able to see the keys in the dark.
    The biggest downfall (personally) is the screen hinge and the back of the screen and how flimsy it is. That's honestly  my biggest gripe about the notebook. I always feel or think I'm going to break the screen when I open or close the notebook.
    Have you messed with the built in sound card at all? Got any thoughts on that?

  • Which mac pc is good for iPad development in between mac mini or mac book pro

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    Can i use Avid mbox pro with logic pro x? And also which mac would be best for using avid pro tools 11

    If your info is correct you need to first buy Snow Leopard from the Apple on-line store ($20) install and update to 10.6.8 and then buy Lion from the App Store for $20.

  • Macbook pro 15 mid 2012 2.7 ghz  vs late 2013 2.0 ghz for music production. what to choose ?

    Hello !
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    thank u

    no but im checking it out now .
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    thnx !

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