Which is Best: Mac or PC for a Music Computer Straight Talk from Tweak. G o to any computer gear-head forum, including studio-central, and simply ask this troubling question.
Studio: How to Turn Your PC, Mac, or iPad Into a Recording Studio by Dave Webster pdf, then you've come to correct site. We have Home Voice Studio: How to Turn Your PC, Mac, or iPad Into a Recording Studio PDF, doc, ePub, txt, DjVu forms. We will be glad if you revert to us over. The Mac Pro Tower back in 2012 was the closest Apple ever got to the PC in terms of hardware upgrade compatibility, and with the rumors of a new Mac Pro on the horizon later in 2018 it may very well be game on in the battle between Mac vs. PC for music production.
No matter which computer platform you choose , the stuff that you find inside your computer plays a major role in determining how smoothly (or how less-than-smoothly) your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) runs.
You should buy a computer that you can dedicate solely to recording audio, because running other types of applications (home finance software, word processors, or video games) can cause problems with your audio applications and reduce the stability of your system.
The following list clues you in on the various pieces of hardware that you find in your computer:
- CPU: The CPU (processor) is the heart of your computer studio. The speed of your CPU ultimately dictates how well a program runs on it. As a general rule, for audio, get the fastest processor that you can afford. For most audio software, you need at least a dual core CPU.If you want a system that can handle the demands of recording or mixing many tracks (24 or more), you’ll need to step it up a notch or two and get a computer with a quad or multi-dual or quad core processors (Mac or PC – it doesn’t matter).
- Memory: Computer-based audio programs and all the associated plug-ins are RAM (random-access memory) hogs so buy lots of RAM. Okay, that’s not very specific, but how much you need depends on your recording style.If you record a lot of audio tracks and want reverb or another effect on each track, you need more RAM (and a faster processor). If you record mainly MIDI tracks with instruments that already have the effects that you want, you can get by with less RAM (and a slower processor).For most software programs, the recommended minimum amount of RAM is around 2GB (2 gigabytes), 4GB is recommended for typical use, and 8GB or more enables the program to run much more smoothly. RAM is relatively inexpensive, so get as much as you can.Regardless of the platform that you choose (PC or Mac), keep in mind that you can never have a processor that’s too fast or have too much memory.
- Hard drives: To record audio, make sure that you get the right type of hard drives. Yep, you should get more than one if you want to record more than a few tracks of audio.You need one hard drive for all the software and the operating system and another drive for the audio data. Having this setup greatly increases the likelihood that your system remains stable and doesn’t crash, especially if you try to run 16 or more tracks.As for the size of the hard drive, bigger is better, at least for the drive where you store your music. For the core system drive, you can get by with an 80GB (80-gigabyte) drive; for the audio drive, having even 120 GB is pretty conservative because audio data can consume a ton of space.Choose your hard drives wisely. For the software hard drive, you can get by with a stock drive (usually the one that comes with your computer). But for the audio side, you need a drive that can handle the demands of transferring audio data. Here are the main things to look for in an audio drive:
- Spindle speed: Also called rotational speed, this is the rate at which the hard drive spins. For the most part, a 7,200-rpm drive works well for recording and playing back audio.
- Seek time: This is the amount of time that it takes the drive to find the data that’s stored on it. You want an average seek time of less than 10 milliseconds.
- Buffer size: Often called a cache buffer, buffers are memory units that store data as the data is being transferred. According to the audio-recording software manufacturers, you need a buffer size of at least 2MB (2 megabytes), but an 8MB buffer is recommended.
- Interface type: Some audio-recording programs, such as Pro Tools, don’t interact well with USB 2.0 hard drives. so it is recommended that you go with either FireWire (400 or 800)- or eSATA-interfaced hard drives for best performance.
The heart of most home studios is the computer, the sacred place where we keep all our music programs and plug-ins.
Many questions from music producers are whether they just have to take an Apple Mac computer or a Windows PC.
“MAC or PC? Which is Best for Music Production?”
My answer is always: “Buy a good system” for both Apple and a (good) PC, as long as it works for you!
It is very similar when people ask me: What is the best music production software / DAW for music production? The best music production software is the one you learn and know best. Each program is good as long as you manage to master it, it is like a wild horse that needs to be tamed.
Let’s get back to our main subject…
MAC or PC?
It is known that in the 90 Apple’s MAC machine dominate the music studios. After 2000’s things have changed, so have appeared more and more computers running on Windows, perhaps because it is cheaper and easier to upgrade. Today it is hard to say which is more popular.
A good, professional studio just needs to have both a Mac and a PC. Very often it happens to work on different projects that were built in specific music programs (MAC or Windows). Many audio and video file types work perfectly on both, such as WAV, AIF, MP3, MOV, AVI, MP4, so it’s quite easy to transfer them from one to another.
Microsoft released the of Visual Studio for macOS last November. Microsoft says developers can use Visual Studio for Mac to create “Android, macOS, iOS, tvOS, watchOS, web, and cloud” apps. Visual studio code for mac review. Code fast, debug, and diagnose with ease, test often, and release with confidence. Use version control, be agile, and collaborate efficiently with this new release!
Today, most PCs are very powerful and theoretically suitable for making music and recording music.
Both platforms have software that runs only on that particular system. The PC has Sonar, Sound Forge, FL Studio, Adobe Audition. The MAC has Logic, GarageBand, Peak, Soundtrack Pro.
But there’s more…
Both platforms can work with Ableton, Cubase, Nuendo, Pro Tools, Reaper, Bitwig Studio, Digital Performer and a few other. Fortunately, most (but not all) soft synths, effects plugins and soft samplers work on both platforms.
To record some audio tracks in your home, you do not have a heavy system, but you might use many VSTi and VST plugins so you need a good CPU (processor) and at least 4GM of RAM.
Each PC is a different cluster to variables, while the new iMac from Apple has a very large reserve of power for real-time processing.
Another consideration to keep in mind is that these computers generate some noise. Many desktop MACs are very quiet to work. That’s nice if you put it in the same room where you produce music. You can also get your PC silently, by placing other fans, power supplies, and enclosures.
Okay, you’re ready for a new system, but what’s it gonna be? It depends largely on your application, you will use it in a professional studio or in your home studio?
Fortunately, there are music stores (where musicians working and speaking your language) that have knowledge of computers and give this support.
Browser and Playlist • No other DAW matches the flexibility of FL Studio’s Playlist. Free studio 5 for mac. Cisco vpn client for mac 10.11.
There are various music stores where you will find Apple computers and there are also a few shops that sell PCs that are designed specifically for music production.
I hear you’re thinking: “Why to go in a music store?” Well let’s see:
- They will help you fit into a budget and get the best machine for your needs
- All components are matched and fully compatible
- The Operating System (OS) is properly adjusted for making music
- In some cases, you can get pre-installed music programs (freeware or paid)
- It has been tested for use in the home studio or professional studios
- Support after purchase
But what if you’re on the go? Many people choose a laptop. However, there are only a few specialized Windows laptops available for music production.
Most people on the go you usually choose Apple Macbook Pro, and there is definitely a good reason.
Also see: Best Laptop For Music Production (Buyer’s guide)
Why MAC?
Apple has always had its base in the creative industries, including music production.
Apple computers are well known for their stability, ease of use and good performance.
https://newandco548.weebly.com/blog/matlab-free-trial-download-mac. Today you have a wide choice of Apple models. The Mac Pro is the most used in a professional studio environment. For home studio applications, an iMac or MacBook Pro are more than enough.
There is also a wide range of dedicated audio interfaces, MAC plugins, and music making software like Logic Pro that makes Apple computer a serious candidate for your music studio.
Apple is perceived as expensive compared with the PC. Well, this is true, they don’t offer a low-end product. Apple computers are more expensive but offer a different perspective, it is just like a premium car, you get extra safety, comfort, quality materials, and exclusivity.
In the field of music production, Apple does have a big drawback. You’ll find far fewer free music software and audio plugins for MAC than for PC.
Trust the most renowned label in burning software: Ashampoo® Burning Studio Usability taken seriously! Burning studio for mac.
Below you have the Apple’s 27-inch iMac with Retina 5K display specs:
iMAC | Item | Price |
---|---|---|
CPU | 3.2GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 | |
Memory | 8GB (two 4GB) memory | |
Storage | 1TB Fusion Drive | |
Video | AMD Radeon R9 M390 with 2GB video memory | |
Display | Retina 5K 5120-by-2880 P3 display | |
Peripherals | Magic Mouse 2 | |
Magic Keyboard | ||
Accessory Kit | ||
Total | $1.999 |
You can get LogicPro software already pre-installed on your iMac for $ 199. Also, if you want more memory or more storage space you have to pay extra.
Why PC?
For the PC you can get a huge amount of free VST instruments and other cool freeware plugins and software.
PC computers are more flexible and can keep up with your budget. For example, you can build a PC yourself ordering different components from different manufacturers.
If you need extra space, you can simply add a new hardware disk for that. This can happen if you want to store very large sample libraries such as Symphony Series (44 GB), MAXIMO by Sonokinetic (36,3 GB), CINEMORPHX by Sample Logic (30 GB) and more. https://threegreat550.weebly.com/amira-software-free-download-mac.html.
Film scoring music composers make the example, they need huge storage space for their sample libraries.
For those with home studios, I recommend this approach. With a little more generous budget you can get a PC computer that will be perfect for both music production and other media applications or even for video games.
A powerful PC desktop can become the center of your musical production but also can be your center of entertainment. The comfort of your home allows this and you should take advantage. Visual studio enterprise 2017 for mac.
Here is a setup for music production, audio recording and editing and even for 3D graphics, photo editing or gaming that you can build with less than $1000 (excluding peripherals)!
This configuration will handle any music software (DAW), any audio plugins including virtual instruments, software synthesizers, multiple effects on the main mix or individual tracks, soft samplers, and so much more.
Type | Item | Price |
---|---|---|
CPU | Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor | $229.99 |
CPU Cooler | Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler | $66.99 |
Motherboard | Asus Z170-A ATX LGA1151 Motherboard | $145.03 |
Memory | Corsair Vengeance LED 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3000 | $99.99 |
Storage | Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5″ 7200RPM Internal | $49.78 |
Video Card | MSI GeForce GTX 1060 6GB 6GB GAMING X | $276.99 |
Case | NZXT S340 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case | $66.99 |
Power Supply | EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX | $43.89 |
Total | $979.65 |
If you need to add a 27-inch monitor, a mouse and a keyboard, gotta fork out about another $ 300 – still below the price of Apple’s iMac.
Conclusions
Both platforms have their own advantages and disadvantages. It may depend on your budget, productivity, your customer base, digital audio workstation (DAW) choice or your own preferences.
For a stable system to use it exclusively for music production and audio recording go with the MAC. MACs just aren’t competing in certain markets such as gaming computers.
Computer Recording Studio Free Download
If you had to choose for a home studio, where you can carry on other activities besides production, then choose the PC, it’s more flexible and more upgradeable. Microsoft’s new Windows 10 is more stable and secured compared to previous versions, so why not?!
Free Recording Studio For Laptop
What? My opinion? As I said: buy both! ?
Do not forget that besides the computer and the music software you’ll need a good audio interface, a pair of quality audio monitors and a MIDI controller, at least for the beginning.
Pc Recording Studio Software
Also see: Essential Music Production Equipment