Music production requires high-quality equipment, including a high-quality computer that can handle modern, high-power recording and production software. Fortunately, most music production software is compatible with Mac computers.
What is the best Mac for music production?
The best Mac for audio production overall might be the Mac Pro, simply because it has the most powerful processor, but, in the end, it all depends on the music producer’s needs. People in this business need a reliable computer with plenty of memory and storage. Doing a little research before purchasing ensures the user gets a laptop to fit their specific needs.
Lightweight Mac computers for everyday use
Some music careers require portability, and MacBooks are the perfect match in this case, though they are less powerful than desktop computers. DJs and events coordinators may find MacBooks ideal since they are lightweight and easy to carry around.
MacBook Pro
The MacBook Pro boasts a powerful processor for a laptop, giving it the ability to power bigger programs reliably. Users can lay multiple tracks fast and run large programs without losing speed. This MacBook comes with:
I recommend the Macbook Pro for several reasons. The Air is perfectly capable of being used as a music production device, but within the size & price range, the Pro has some luxuries that make it a better experience to work on day after day for me. The best Apple laptop for music production is definitely the MacBook Pro mid-2019 i5-8279U 2.4 GHz (4-cores). However, I didn’t mention that their CPUs can be overclocked, so you can save some cash with the MacBook Pro mid-2019 i5-8257U 1.4 GHz (4-cores). These are both entry-level models, but they’ll outperform certain desktops.
The Touch Bar sits at the top of the keyboard and automatically adapts to whatever program is running. This means that the user will have more control over audio production apps, like Logic Pro X, and it could eliminate the need for a wireless mouse. With the Touch Bar, music producers can jump to a location, fine-tune sounds, and turn the Touch Bar into an instrument they need.
The MacBook Pro also comes in two sizes — a 13-inch and a 15-inch — and starts at $1,299. Both sizes come with solid-state drives (SSDs) for secure storage while traveling — something that will come in handy for music producers on-the-go.
MacBook Air
Being the lightest MacBook, this laptop is a great portable device to have. It weighs 2.75 pounds and is made from 100% recycled aluminum, making it eco-friendly. The MacBook Air starts at $1,099 and features:
Though it is one of the lightest laptops you can get, the MacBook Air lacks screen space and may not be powerful enough for the music programs needed. It comes with 1TB of SSD storage, which allows for fast app launches and plenty of room for documents and pictures, but might not be enough for music programs and associated files.
But, even the most powerful laptops may get slower over time. We recommend using optimization software, like CleanMyMac X, to easily manage massive files and data on your machine and increase its performance. It will clear up old, unused files, hidden/background apps, and other memory-hogs that can also help preserve peak performance over any Mac's life.
Powerful laptops for an amazing performance
High-end audio work requires a high-powered central processing unit (CPU). CPUs do a lot of the “heavy lifting” on a computer, as its main job is to execute programs. In correlation, the bigger the processor, the better the music programs will run.
iMac Pro
The iMac Pro is an all-in-one and starts at $4,999. It also provides a variety of ports to connect any equipment needed, like microphones, extra monitors, and USB instruments. The iMac Pro comes with:
With a 27-inch screen, a music producer can open several programs without having to flip between screens. Plus, with 4TB of all-flash storage, multiple music projects can be saved and loaded without the worry of the computer slowing down.
In case you have some issues with memory due to the excessive amount of apps, you could use CleanMyMac X’s Uninstaller module. It will remove unused apps from your Mac and delete leftovers that are usually hidden in your machine’s memory. Here’s how to use the Uninstaller module:
CleanMyMac will then get rid of unnecessary apps and their data.
But, what if you cleaning your Mac doesn’t make it more powerful? Then our next option will be great for you.
Mac Pro
The Mac Pro is available with a 28-core processor, which means it’s the most powerful Mac to date. This Mac is made for professionals who need the best CPU performance. Music producers can play hundreds of virtual instruments with this Mac and store tons of files without the risk of running out. It also features:
The Mac Pro also comes with an additional 4TB of SSD storage, so music producers can save and download multiple files in any size. It has various ports to plug into to connect any equipment needed. This is useful for those who are studio recording or mixing and mastering.
Affordable Macbooks for all-purpose use
Price can be a factor in decision making like this. However, music producers shouldn’t let price stand in the way of performance. Mac has affordable options for people in this line of work.
iMac
The original iMac is an all-in-one that has an updated processor that allows for speed and high performance. It comes in two screen sizes, with a 21.5-inch and 27-inch screen. This computer’s processor boasts speeds of up to 5.0GHz, which means running applications like Logic X Pro will be effortless. The iMac also features:
For those looking for a big screen and an affordable price, the iMac could likely be the best of both worlds, starting at $1,799.
Mac Mini
The Mac Mini is powerful, fast, and relatively inexpensive compared to the MacBooks and iMacs. At $799, the Mini comes with new eighth-generation 6- and quad-core processors and up to 64GB of memory. It also has the same connectivity as an iMac so that music producers can hook up multiple instruments and microphones. Other features include:
With the added SSD storage, music producers are able to save, download, and upload multiple large files, like a live concert sound engine.
In general, it’s important to look at memory and storage when considering an ideal computer since music producers will handle numerous amount of large files that need to be accessed quickly. Though music producers might think they need a computer with a powerful processor, the best type of computer really depends on the user’s needs. Whether you are a DJ traveling to gigs or a sound technician with a studio, Macs are a reliable choice for your future career.
Mac Tips
Mac TipsUpdated: October 22, 2020 | 11 min read
Music-making does not require renting studios to record your tracks—all you need is your home laptop to apply the desired effects to polish tracks. But before this, learn which Apple computers are the best ones to record music.
Musicians prefer Macs, and for several reasons—high-quality music production is one of them. In this article, we’ll cover the main aspects you should consider when choosing the best Mac for music production and give our recommendations on important models specs.
In a nutshell, we believe the top three of the best Macs for music production 2020 are:
Read further to find out why these models are the best computers for creating music!
What’s Best for Musicians—Mac or PC?
Choosing between macOS and a Windows platform depends mostly on your computer preferences and your collaborators. With the fast development of technology, the PC is right behind Mac. However, it's easier to get started making music on a Mac than on a PC. We’ll tell you why.
Music Software For Macbook Pro
The PC standard audio drivers won’t be suitable for creating music professionally. Windows users would need to install ASIO drivers for the sound card alongside other music hardware they’d like to use, for example, MIDI controllers. Windows does not provide native music software—that’s why installing extra music software is essential.
On a Mac, on the contrary, fewer steps are required. You can plug in music hardware and then open GarageBand—the pre-installed app on iOS and macOS in DAW (digital audio workstation). It lets you have your music studio for recording, editing, composing, and experimenting with audio-tracks. We’ll tell you more about GarageBand in this article.
Recommended system requirements
The Mac’s system requirements depend on which type of music software you’d be using and the complexity of your music-making processes. The next step is to check the program’s official system requirements you will run. This will help you determine the minimum required specs your Mac should have.
For music production, a Mac should have at least a 2.2Ghz i7 quad-core processor. The process determines how fast your music projects would run (and usually they are huge). Start at least with 16GB of RAM. Having less than 16 GB of RAM means using fewer instrument voices. Also, your speed will decrease.
Let’s talk about storage. The amount of disk space depends on the size of the audio files you’ll be working on. As a rule, professional software can use hundreds of GBs. So, for starters, Macs coming with basic 256GB SSDs may be enough. Still, you can plan to add some external storage for your Mac in the future.
Video cards have always been important for playing games and video editing. And for audio software as well. Choose a video card wisely— check which one is required by the audio software you need and if you’ll have to connect any displays.
The Best Macs for Music Production
Here is our list of the best Macs for music-making:
27-inch 5K iMac—the best choice for music production
The new 2019 hardware makes the 27-inch 5K iMac our top pick for your home studio. You can customize its RAM up to 64GB. The advanced processor lets you use all the features of pro audio editing apps. The size of the Retina display is an obvious benefit. Besides, it comes with four USB 3 ports alongside with two Thunderbolt 3/USB Type C ports.
16-inch MacBook Pro—the best portable laptop
If you go on tours—the 16-inch MacBook Pro is just right for you! The basic configuration makes it powerful enough. Using the Touch Bar is useful when you record tracks and change the settings at once. Only 4.3 pounds (2.0 kg) of weight, MacBook Pro has a major advantage for musicians who are always on the road.
Mac mini—the best budget Mac
Why is the Mac mini also on the list of the best Macs for music-making? Mac mini had an update in March 2020, bringing in a 256GB SSD. Besides, it is a good choice if you’re on a budget. What’s great about the Mac mini is a small size, an extra audio-in port. In addition to this, you can customize it with a much more powerful processor and more RAM. But be ready to buy a keyboard, a mouse, a display to go with your Mac mini model.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Mac for Music Production
Consider these two factors when deciding on the best computer for music:
Portability
Among the first things to consider when determining which Mac to choose is to think over whether you need a desktop computer or a laptop. A laptop is the best choice for musicians who move a lot for work.
Connections
Using many additional instruments, such as monitors, headphones, USB instruments, and other audio interfaces, is essential. That’s why a limited number of USB ports might become an issue. Do check and compare the Connections sections when reviewing Mac specifications.
Mac Music Software
Here are our 2020 picks for the best apps for music-making on a Mac:
How to Prepare your Mac for Music Recording?
Recording music does sound like a high-load process for your Mac. Full storage, apps responding longer than usual, or a spinning wheel on your screen may slow you down. So how to get back to productive work?
For starters, it's always a good idea to clean RAM. The rule applies—the more memory available, the faster your Mac should run. Memory Cleaner feature in MacKeeper frees up RAM with just a few clicks and lets you know which apps may be eating up memory without you even knowing it.
Another thing that may hamper music recording is the lack of free space. Music-making requires some extra gigabytes at hand, so you can use such MacKeeper tools as Safe Cleanup and Duplicates Finder to scan your Mac for old copies of files, caches, or apps leftovers and safely remove them.
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We hope our guide helped you choose the proper computer for music-making. Now go and grab your instrument or mic, plug it into your new Mac, and get rockin’!
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