For modern producers the laptop is the centerpiece of any music production studio.
- Imac Vs Macbook Pro For Music Production
- Macbook Pro For Music Production
- Imac Vs Macbook Pro For Music Production
- Imac Or Macbook Pro For Music Production
The truth is, music production is not that difficult for a computer. A dual core system with a spinning HDD and a decent amount of ram (8GB) will do it more than fine. Editing photos and video are way more resource intense than audio. You can get any Mac Pro 3,1 and up or any core i5/i7 Intel Mac and be fine. You don't need some brand new computer. Access the test and see other benchmark results here:ALL OF OUR MUSIC PRODUCTION COURSES FOR FREE: https://music-prod.com/fr. The desktop iMac is also a good choice for music production The 'classic' iMac is the machine where you pay the least Apple tax. If you choose a PC with the same specs and a monitor, you will probably the same. The iMac desktop has a screen included in contrast to the Mac Mini.
You use a laptop to run your DAW where you create, record, mix and master your tracks.
Nothing is more frustrating than getting a perfect take only to find that your computer crashed during the recording session.
There are ways to reduce DAW latency and cut down on the demands your software is making on your system.
But sometimes a new laptop is what you need to get up and running.
Here's the 10 best music production laptops on the market today:
- MacBook Pro
- Microsoft Surface Book 2
- HP ENVY x360
- ASUS VivoBook Slim
- Lenovo ThinkBook 14s
- Razer Blade Stealth
- ASUS Rog Strix
- HP Omen 15
- The Apple iPad
- Build Your Own PC
In this guide we'll look at the basic system requirements you'll need to successfully use DAW software and we'll list our top ten choices for music production computers.
How to Choose a Music Production Laptop
If you're just getting started with a home studio you really don't need anything super fancy or expensive.
There are plenty of affordable computers that can handle the demands a DAW puts on their systems.
There are plenty of affordable computers that can handle the demands a DAW puts on their systems.
There's lots to consider when picking a music production computer.
But in general, watch for these four factors.
- Processing speed
- RAM
- Solid State Drive space
- Monitor size
Processing speed
The processing speed of your CPU is still one of the most important factors for processing audio.
Watch for computers that come with more processing cores and faster clock speeds above the 2.0Ghz range.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Adequate RAM means having enough working memory for plugins, tracks, presets, and recordings to do their thing smoothly in your DAW.
For music production tasks we suggest having at least 8GB of RAM. You might want more, but it's not always necessary.
Solid State Drive
Hard disc drives are somewhat a thing of the past. Today it's all about the Solid State Drive or SSD.
If your DAW and plugins are installed on your SSD they'll load much faster and be more responsive.
You want at least 512GB worth of storage space, but even that will get taken up pretty quickly.
The key is to be organized with how you store your data.
The key is to be organized with how you store your data.
Hot tip:In the past, hardware guides recommended that you track your audio files on a separate volume from the drive that stores your OS and DAW.
This is less of a concern with modern computers, but using a fast external drive for your session files can still help you get the most from your system. Consider using an external drive for tracking.
Monitor Size
A smaller monitor makes your setup more portable, but it also means more scrolling and wasted time in your workflow.
If you don't mind using a larger machine, the extra screen real estate will help you see what you're working on more clearly.
Ideally, any laptop you own should come with some kind of external display port so you can hook up to a larger secondary monitor.
The Top Ten Best Laptops for Music Production
Without further ado, here are our top ten picks for the best music production laptops today.
1. MacBook Pro
The MacBook Pro is a long-standing favourite among music producers.
You'll see them everywhere from on stage at Coachella to the DJ booth at your local night club.
The MacBook Pro comes out of the box ready to go, it even has Garage Band pre-installed on it.
But chances are you'll eventually want to upgrade to the Apple OS exclusive Logic X, which is widely seen as one of the world's best DAWs.
MacBooks are powerful, versatile and designed with creators in mind.
The MacBook Pro is a long-standing favourite among music producers.
There are a few downsides to consider. The latest generation MacBook Pro is only equipped with Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports.
That means you'll have to buy the correct adapters to connect peripherals like your audio interface and midi controller.
For a more affordable option, you could consider searching for a refurbished unit or buying one on the used market.
2. Microsoft Surface Book 2
Microsoft Surface Book 2 is one of the most interesting laptops on the market right now.
It comes with a higher price tag, but it's worth it considering the features, high powered specs, and functionality the laptop has.
The defining feature of the Surface Book 2 is its detachable 13.3-inch touchscreen tablet display.
The tablet itself is very high quality and compares favourably with the Apple iPad.
Tablets open plenty of new avenues for your production workflow.
Plus you can even use a smartpen stylus on the screen, making it a great option for artists who also create visually.
Since its launch the Surface Book 2 has come down in price significantly, but it still sits on the higher end of this list.
But considering that it comes as a two-in-one tablet and laptop package, the price tag is fairly justified.
3. HP ENVY x360
The HP ENVY x360 is a very good and very affordable option for a music production laptop.
It may not have the same power that a gaming laptop or the Surface Pro 2 has but its technical specs easily meet the requirements you need to produce music.
Imac Vs Macbook Pro For Music Production
This laptop also features a tablet-style touch screen that is compatible with a smart stylus.
It doesn't separate from the body like the Surface Pro 2, but the screen folds a full 360 degrees so you can use the laptop and touch screen in a variety of ways.
With its 8GB of ram and i5 processor, you can comfortably make music in your DAW too.
If you're looking for an affordable music production laptop this is definitely one to have on your list.
4. ASUS VivoBook Slim
The most affordable option on this list is the ASUS VivoBook Slim.
The most affordable option on this list is the ASUS VivoBook Slim.
Open zip files on google drive. It's a fairly simple laptop with a modern-looking design, a large 15.6 inch display, comprehensive connection ports including modern USB 3.1 Type-C and Type-A connectors and standard USB 2.0 ports.
Its lower price makes the VivoBook a greater starter laptop that can handle your music production needs even if it comes with only 8GB of RAM and an Intel i5 processor.
5. Lenovo ThinkBook 14s
While it's more known for being a business computer, Lenovo's ThinkBook series is known for being a powerful yet portable option. Adobe acrobat for mac os catalina.
The ThinkBook is known for its long-lasting battery life and durability.
The laptop is water-resistant and is protected from spills, extreme temperatures, and vibrations.
So if you often find yourself working in a thumping, spill-prone night club this could be a good option for you.
We recommend choosing a model with a larger screen, at least 8GB of RAM and an i5 or higher processor.
6. Razer Blade Stealth
The Razer Blade is first and foremost a gaming laptop so its higher price tag is justified by a superior graphics and sound card.
The Razer Blade is first and foremost a gaming laptop so its higher price tag is justified by a superior graphics and sound card.
You won't need these to produce music, but the powerful 16GB RAM, i7 processor, and 512 GB SSD drive that comes with it will give you more than enough to create without limits in any DAW.
This model of laptop is popular amongst many FL Studio users given its powerful specs and cool aesthetic.
It comes with an eye-catching shifting neon backlit keyboard.
The 13-inch model comes with a smaller screen, but it is very portable and comes with ample USB, USB-C, and HDMI connections so you can easily hook it up to a larger monitor.
Considering how much power the laptop packs, you are getting very good value for its mid to high-range price.
7. ASUS Rog Strix
Another gaming laptop that should be on your list is the ASUS Rog Strix.
Despite its admittedly gamer aesthetic, the laptop comes with very powerful specs at a comparable price to other gaming laptops.
Macbook Pro For Music Production
Its main advantage is its larger 15.6-inch screen even if it's a bit bulkier than other laptops on this list.
If you are looking for a laptop in the mid to high price range this a good one to consider.
8. HP Omen 15
The last gaming laptop on this list to look at is the HP Omen 15.
This laptop certainly offers plenty of power with 12 GB of RAM, an i7 processor, and 128GB of SSD storage on top 1TB of hard drive storage.
Imac Vs Macbook Pro For Music Production
While it has that bulkier gaming aesthetic, the laptop offers a sizeable a 15.6-inch display.
The HP Omen 15 prices slightly lower than its counterparts on this list since its specs are slightly behind the Razer or ASUS Rog Strix.
But for music production, this laptop has ample processing and memory for any project.
9. The Apple iPad
It's not a laptop, but it's a portable, powerful, and affordable option.
There are plenty of music production apps and DAWs that work very well on iOS.
In fact, some of the biggest tracks today were produced with mobile apps.
In fact, some of the biggest tracks today were produced with mobile apps.
Working with a touchscreen interface is an entirely new experience that can sometimes be inspiring.
Plus, you can purchase hardware add-ons that enable you to use a keyboard and mouse with your iPad.
10. Build your own PC
If portability isn't something you need, building a custom desktop PC might be your best option.
You'll get maximum customizability and you can always change components if you aren't satisfied.
There are plenty of builds you can find online in computer and music production forums.
Plus, you'll get the satisfaction of having a computer that is uniquely yours!
The 27-inch iMac has received what will likely be the last Intel-based spec bump, before a re-designed Apple Silicon model. Minor updates also come to the iMac 21.5-inch and iMac Pro.
While none of this is groundbreaking, the latest updates seen on their iMac lineup gives us a broad picture of Apple's plan for implementing their own ARM-based Silicon in their products.
iMac 27-inch
Imac Or Macbook Pro For Music Production
The major updates come to the larger 27-inch iMac models. After six years, since the introduction of the 5K iMac, we've seen very little outside change to the iMac range. This year we were all holding out for a totally redesigned iMac with Apple Silicon. While this update does not provide that, it should not be ignored and gives us a clearer view of Apple's roadmap.
As promised by Apple at WWDC, this is the new Intel-based Mac they hinted at. It provides great internal upgrades across the board, with improved performance, all SSDs, an improved display, an improved webcam, better speakers and better mics.
Now more than ever, our customers are relying on the Mac. And many of them need the most powerful and capable iMac we've ever made. With blazing performance, double the memory, SSDs across the line with quadruple the storage, an even more stunning Retina 5K display, a better camera, higher fidelity speakers, and studio-quality mics, the 27-inch iMac is loaded with new features at the same price. It's the ultimate desktop, to work, create, and communicate.
Tom Boger, Senior Director of Mac and iPad Product Marketing, AppleIntel processors are still present here, with 6, 8 and 10-core 10th generation i5, i7 and i9 processors. AMD Radeon Pro graphics with 4GB to 16GB of video memory. A disappointing 8GB to an impressive 128GB of RAM. Fusion drives have been killed off in the 27-inch iMacs, with 256GB to 8TB of SSD storage. All models come a T2 security chip for on-the-fly data encryption, True Tone display, a 1080p camera, 'higher fidelity speakers, and studio-quality mics'. Nano-texture glass is an optional upgrade on all models for an extra $500. This was first seen in the Pro Display XDR and gives the monitor a matte like finish.
The 2020 27-inch iMac starts at $1799 for the following configuration:
- 3.1GHz 6-Core 10th-generation Intel Core i5 processor
- Turbo Boost up to 4.5GHz
- 8GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory (this is fairly disappointing)
- Radeon Pro 5300 with 4GB of GDDR6 memory
- 256GB SDD storage
And can be specced up to $8799:
You use a laptop to run your DAW where you create, record, mix and master your tracks.
Nothing is more frustrating than getting a perfect take only to find that your computer crashed during the recording session.
There are ways to reduce DAW latency and cut down on the demands your software is making on your system.
But sometimes a new laptop is what you need to get up and running.
Here's the 10 best music production laptops on the market today:
- MacBook Pro
- Microsoft Surface Book 2
- HP ENVY x360
- ASUS VivoBook Slim
- Lenovo ThinkBook 14s
- Razer Blade Stealth
- ASUS Rog Strix
- HP Omen 15
- The Apple iPad
- Build Your Own PC
In this guide we'll look at the basic system requirements you'll need to successfully use DAW software and we'll list our top ten choices for music production computers.
How to Choose a Music Production Laptop
If you're just getting started with a home studio you really don't need anything super fancy or expensive.
There are plenty of affordable computers that can handle the demands a DAW puts on their systems.
There are plenty of affordable computers that can handle the demands a DAW puts on their systems.
There's lots to consider when picking a music production computer.
But in general, watch for these four factors.
- Processing speed
- RAM
- Solid State Drive space
- Monitor size
Processing speed
The processing speed of your CPU is still one of the most important factors for processing audio.
Watch for computers that come with more processing cores and faster clock speeds above the 2.0Ghz range.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Adequate RAM means having enough working memory for plugins, tracks, presets, and recordings to do their thing smoothly in your DAW.
For music production tasks we suggest having at least 8GB of RAM. You might want more, but it's not always necessary.
Solid State Drive
Hard disc drives are somewhat a thing of the past. Today it's all about the Solid State Drive or SSD.
If your DAW and plugins are installed on your SSD they'll load much faster and be more responsive.
You want at least 512GB worth of storage space, but even that will get taken up pretty quickly.
The key is to be organized with how you store your data.
The key is to be organized with how you store your data.
Hot tip:In the past, hardware guides recommended that you track your audio files on a separate volume from the drive that stores your OS and DAW.
This is less of a concern with modern computers, but using a fast external drive for your session files can still help you get the most from your system. Consider using an external drive for tracking.
Monitor Size
A smaller monitor makes your setup more portable, but it also means more scrolling and wasted time in your workflow.
If you don't mind using a larger machine, the extra screen real estate will help you see what you're working on more clearly.
Ideally, any laptop you own should come with some kind of external display port so you can hook up to a larger secondary monitor.
The Top Ten Best Laptops for Music Production
Without further ado, here are our top ten picks for the best music production laptops today.
1. MacBook Pro
The MacBook Pro is a long-standing favourite among music producers.
You'll see them everywhere from on stage at Coachella to the DJ booth at your local night club.
The MacBook Pro comes out of the box ready to go, it even has Garage Band pre-installed on it.
But chances are you'll eventually want to upgrade to the Apple OS exclusive Logic X, which is widely seen as one of the world's best DAWs.
MacBooks are powerful, versatile and designed with creators in mind.
The MacBook Pro is a long-standing favourite among music producers.
There are a few downsides to consider. The latest generation MacBook Pro is only equipped with Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports.
That means you'll have to buy the correct adapters to connect peripherals like your audio interface and midi controller.
For a more affordable option, you could consider searching for a refurbished unit or buying one on the used market.
2. Microsoft Surface Book 2
Microsoft Surface Book 2 is one of the most interesting laptops on the market right now.
It comes with a higher price tag, but it's worth it considering the features, high powered specs, and functionality the laptop has.
The defining feature of the Surface Book 2 is its detachable 13.3-inch touchscreen tablet display.
The tablet itself is very high quality and compares favourably with the Apple iPad.
Tablets open plenty of new avenues for your production workflow.
Plus you can even use a smartpen stylus on the screen, making it a great option for artists who also create visually.
Since its launch the Surface Book 2 has come down in price significantly, but it still sits on the higher end of this list.
But considering that it comes as a two-in-one tablet and laptop package, the price tag is fairly justified.
3. HP ENVY x360
The HP ENVY x360 is a very good and very affordable option for a music production laptop.
It may not have the same power that a gaming laptop or the Surface Pro 2 has but its technical specs easily meet the requirements you need to produce music.
Imac Vs Macbook Pro For Music Production
This laptop also features a tablet-style touch screen that is compatible with a smart stylus.
It doesn't separate from the body like the Surface Pro 2, but the screen folds a full 360 degrees so you can use the laptop and touch screen in a variety of ways.
With its 8GB of ram and i5 processor, you can comfortably make music in your DAW too.
If you're looking for an affordable music production laptop this is definitely one to have on your list.
4. ASUS VivoBook Slim
The most affordable option on this list is the ASUS VivoBook Slim.
The most affordable option on this list is the ASUS VivoBook Slim.
Open zip files on google drive. It's a fairly simple laptop with a modern-looking design, a large 15.6 inch display, comprehensive connection ports including modern USB 3.1 Type-C and Type-A connectors and standard USB 2.0 ports.
Its lower price makes the VivoBook a greater starter laptop that can handle your music production needs even if it comes with only 8GB of RAM and an Intel i5 processor.
5. Lenovo ThinkBook 14s
While it's more known for being a business computer, Lenovo's ThinkBook series is known for being a powerful yet portable option. Adobe acrobat for mac os catalina.
The ThinkBook is known for its long-lasting battery life and durability.
The laptop is water-resistant and is protected from spills, extreme temperatures, and vibrations.
So if you often find yourself working in a thumping, spill-prone night club this could be a good option for you.
We recommend choosing a model with a larger screen, at least 8GB of RAM and an i5 or higher processor.
6. Razer Blade Stealth
The Razer Blade is first and foremost a gaming laptop so its higher price tag is justified by a superior graphics and sound card.
The Razer Blade is first and foremost a gaming laptop so its higher price tag is justified by a superior graphics and sound card.
You won't need these to produce music, but the powerful 16GB RAM, i7 processor, and 512 GB SSD drive that comes with it will give you more than enough to create without limits in any DAW.
This model of laptop is popular amongst many FL Studio users given its powerful specs and cool aesthetic.
It comes with an eye-catching shifting neon backlit keyboard.
The 13-inch model comes with a smaller screen, but it is very portable and comes with ample USB, USB-C, and HDMI connections so you can easily hook it up to a larger monitor.
Considering how much power the laptop packs, you are getting very good value for its mid to high-range price.
7. ASUS Rog Strix
Another gaming laptop that should be on your list is the ASUS Rog Strix.
Despite its admittedly gamer aesthetic, the laptop comes with very powerful specs at a comparable price to other gaming laptops.
Macbook Pro For Music Production
Its main advantage is its larger 15.6-inch screen even if it's a bit bulkier than other laptops on this list.
If you are looking for a laptop in the mid to high price range this a good one to consider.
8. HP Omen 15
The last gaming laptop on this list to look at is the HP Omen 15.
This laptop certainly offers plenty of power with 12 GB of RAM, an i7 processor, and 128GB of SSD storage on top 1TB of hard drive storage.
Imac Vs Macbook Pro For Music Production
While it has that bulkier gaming aesthetic, the laptop offers a sizeable a 15.6-inch display.
The HP Omen 15 prices slightly lower than its counterparts on this list since its specs are slightly behind the Razer or ASUS Rog Strix.
But for music production, this laptop has ample processing and memory for any project.
9. The Apple iPad
It's not a laptop, but it's a portable, powerful, and affordable option.
There are plenty of music production apps and DAWs that work very well on iOS.
In fact, some of the biggest tracks today were produced with mobile apps.
In fact, some of the biggest tracks today were produced with mobile apps.
Working with a touchscreen interface is an entirely new experience that can sometimes be inspiring.
Plus, you can purchase hardware add-ons that enable you to use a keyboard and mouse with your iPad.
10. Build your own PC
If portability isn't something you need, building a custom desktop PC might be your best option.
You'll get maximum customizability and you can always change components if you aren't satisfied.
There are plenty of builds you can find online in computer and music production forums.
Plus, you'll get the satisfaction of having a computer that is uniquely yours!
The 27-inch iMac has received what will likely be the last Intel-based spec bump, before a re-designed Apple Silicon model. Minor updates also come to the iMac 21.5-inch and iMac Pro.
While none of this is groundbreaking, the latest updates seen on their iMac lineup gives us a broad picture of Apple's plan for implementing their own ARM-based Silicon in their products.
iMac 27-inch
Imac Or Macbook Pro For Music Production
The major updates come to the larger 27-inch iMac models. After six years, since the introduction of the 5K iMac, we've seen very little outside change to the iMac range. This year we were all holding out for a totally redesigned iMac with Apple Silicon. While this update does not provide that, it should not be ignored and gives us a clearer view of Apple's roadmap.
As promised by Apple at WWDC, this is the new Intel-based Mac they hinted at. It provides great internal upgrades across the board, with improved performance, all SSDs, an improved display, an improved webcam, better speakers and better mics.
Now more than ever, our customers are relying on the Mac. And many of them need the most powerful and capable iMac we've ever made. With blazing performance, double the memory, SSDs across the line with quadruple the storage, an even more stunning Retina 5K display, a better camera, higher fidelity speakers, and studio-quality mics, the 27-inch iMac is loaded with new features at the same price. It's the ultimate desktop, to work, create, and communicate.
Tom Boger, Senior Director of Mac and iPad Product Marketing, AppleIntel processors are still present here, with 6, 8 and 10-core 10th generation i5, i7 and i9 processors. AMD Radeon Pro graphics with 4GB to 16GB of video memory. A disappointing 8GB to an impressive 128GB of RAM. Fusion drives have been killed off in the 27-inch iMacs, with 256GB to 8TB of SSD storage. All models come a T2 security chip for on-the-fly data encryption, True Tone display, a 1080p camera, 'higher fidelity speakers, and studio-quality mics'. Nano-texture glass is an optional upgrade on all models for an extra $500. This was first seen in the Pro Display XDR and gives the monitor a matte like finish.
The 2020 27-inch iMac starts at $1799 for the following configuration:
- 3.1GHz 6-Core 10th-generation Intel Core i5 processor
- Turbo Boost up to 4.5GHz
- 8GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory (this is fairly disappointing)
- Radeon Pro 5300 with 4GB of GDDR6 memory
- 256GB SDD storage
And can be specced up to $8799:
- 3.6GHz 10-core 10th-generation Intel Core i9 processor
- Turbo Boost up to 5.0GHz
- 128GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory
- Radeon Pro 5700 XT with 16GB of GDDR6 memory
- 8TB SSD storage
- Nano-texture glass
What upgrades you should go for largely depend on your own personal use case for this computer. If you need higher processing power or graphics performance and have the budget, then absolutely do so.
That being said, DO NOT configure this iMac with any more than the base 8GB of RAM. All 27-inch iMacs still include the small door on the rear, making RAM installation super easy. You have access to four RAM slots, each supporting sticks up to 32GB. For reference, the 128GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory upgrade through Apple costs an extra $2600. An OWC 128GB 2666MHz DDR4 4x32GB kit through Amazon costs $599. If you're unsure on exactly how much RAM you'll need, you may want to opt for 2x32GB sticks for around $300, then purchase another pair if you find yourself needing it.
As with storage, the first bump (on mid and high-end models) from 512GB to 1TB SSD for $200 is a solid upgrade worth considering, but anything beyond that, you'll likely be better off investing in some external storage or cloud based solutions.
A super powerful iMac, with a top of the range processor, graphics, and a 1TB SSD will set you back $3399. This is a fair price and will likely outperform the baseline iMac Pro, while saving $1600.
This is all round a solid upgrade for all potential buyers, with great improvements on both lower and higher end 27-inch iMacs. No flashy new design, but a safe purchase nevertheless. A great computer for music production, with plenty of power and screen real-estate.
Shipping has begun on the new iMacs. Find all configurations here.
iMac 21.5-inch
Apple quietly made adjustments to the smaller 21.5-inch iMac. SSDs now come as standard, with a 1TB Fusion Drives still available for those that configure it over a 256GB SSD.
This minor update almost confirms a rumoured redesign, initially predicted earlier this year. It suggests we may see a more meaningful update to this Mac towards the end of the year, with thinner bezels and Apple Silicon. The 21.5-inch iMac will likely keep a similar form factor, while shinking the bezels will allow for a 23/24-inch display. For this reason, it's probably best you avoid all current 21.5-inch iMacs.
iMac Pro
The base-line iMac Pro now comes with a 10-core Intel Xeon processor, at the same $4999 price tag, and can be configured up to over $13k. The iMac Pro was first introduced as a stopgap prior to the Mac Pro's release. It has largely remained untouched since its launch in 2017. This (essentially) three year old iMac is a bad purchase for anyone to make in 2020. A better option would be to configure up a standard 27-inch iMac or go for a Mac Pro for particularly heavy loads. If you fancy a more powerful all-in-one, hold off for the redesigned 27-inch iMac, expected in around a year.
Apple Silicon
We are expected Apple Silicon to first hit the lower end/cheaper Macs and work its way up through the more capable/expensive computers. Apple said we should get our first Apple Silicon Mac at the end of this year, and we are expecting a 12-inch MacBook first. This should be shortly followed by a 13/14-inch MacBook Pro, 23/24-inch iMac and Mac Mini, all around the end of this year or start of 2021. Apple predicted around two years until the higher end Macs implement Apple Silicon, such as the MacBook Pro 16-inch, larger iMacs and Mac Pro.
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