Today we are going to be talking a little bit about computers for music production,and three key things to evaluate.
Before we get started I understand getting the biggest and greatest computer, however slower computers is still able to get a lot done. At the moment i run while using Intel core duo, with 4 gigs of ram and an Intel SSD in addition to 3 other hdd's for backup, Also I make use of a Hackintosh that is what formerly a custom built Windows PC.
What follows is perfect for someone that is planning to do most of what they do “inside the box”. Not only that but this is an overall guide for the best laptops and computers for music production. Either is alright according to your wants / needs. Lets get started!
Ram: What makes it work and why it is essential.
The first one I will address what is ram? it is an acronym for Random Access Memory. Come up with ram as the temporary memory and also a disk drives as long term memory /storage.
When there are applications running the processor will store them within the ram. The moment the program is closed the appliance will certainly be wiped from the computers immediate term storage or ram, and is actually stored according to the hard drive. Now think about if you had more memory for your own simply how much better might you be? The very same concept applies in terms of computer.
Having more ram has other uses outside of audio production too. It is possible you can open more programs and do more processing. Just for example I have Evernote open accompanied by a few tabs in Chrome while Pro Tools sits in the background along with a select few other applications, but I am only using 3 gigs out of 4.
Now if I am mixing a 30-40 track session with numerous plugins and virtual instruments I will close everything I can or I am going to run out of ram and my computer may become non responsive.
CPU / Processor
The processor is the brain of the computer and even the producer on the session. It does most of the computing and organizing it tells other things what should be done and has an idea of the items requires to happen for given processes.
The processor is the brain of the computer and even the producer on the session. It does most of the computing and organizing it tells other things what should be done and has an idea of the items requires to happen for given processes.
Like I mentioned I currently run an Intel core duo. Generally it will the work however if I was exploring a new computer the bare minimum I would recommend may be something like an Intel I3 to help future proof my investment. I got the Intel core duo 5 years ago it is impossible I am able to advise that today.
Hard drives and difficult Drive Speed
The hard drive is where the laptop store things long-term like recording sessions, applications, session documents, and custom plugin settings. Without enough storage you won't be able to save anything. The least storage I would recommend is 500 gigs. 250 gigs for your os and 250 specifically for your music production / session drive.
Hard drives and difficult Drive Speed
The hard drive is where the laptop store things long-term like recording sessions, applications, session documents, and custom plugin settings. Without enough storage you won't be able to save anything. The least storage I would recommend is 500 gigs. 250 gigs for your os and 250 specifically for your music production / session drive.
The very last thing I would take into consider is the speed. I would get a hard drive with not less than 7200 RPMS. For my main operating drive I'd seriously consider an SSD (Solid State hard drive). I got one a little bit ago and it happens to be AMAZING. The single best computer purchase I have made.
Operating systems Windows vs Mac vs Hackintosh vs Everything Else.
There's a large amount of debate about which OS to utilise. It really should be determined by your workflow and what you intend to do.
For instance I planned to intern and do work in commercial studios. Every commercial studio I've been in uses a Macintosh computer and uses Avid Pro Tools. That being the reality I learned the benefits of using Pro Tools on a Mac. I started out with a Mac Book Pro for school and started entertaining the Hackintosh idea which is exactly what I am currently using.
Check out Lifehacker’s article on Hackintosh builds for more information this. Just know that it is trial and error, and there happens to be a bit of a learning curve.
Following the Hackintosh experience I plan to look into a Mac mini. I understand I will pay more for it however it will just work which is the reason I like my Macs.
Check out Lifehacker’s article on Hackintosh builds for more information this. Just know that it is trial and error, and there happens to be a bit of a learning curve.
Following the Hackintosh experience I plan to look into a Mac mini. I understand I will pay more for it however it will just work which is the reason I like my Macs.
If Microsoft Windows will be your thing and it has got the job done for you that's awesome. An operating system is merely another tool to get the job done. It is really about what works for you and your workflow don't let anyone inform you any different.
Hopefull after reading using this you learned a little bit exactly what to think about in a computer for music production.http://musicproductionhq.com/
