The Best Computers / Laptops for Music Production
If we think about the fact that today virtually all musical recordings take place digitally ...
The first question that comes to the mind of any musician when it comes to music production is:
Which computer should I buy?
Although I am sure you already know it, I tell you that there is no one- size- fits- all answer.
Among the variables to consider we have:
budget available
data processing speed
portability
The ideal option would be completely different from that of another.
For this reason, in today's post, I will give you an overview of everything you need to know to choose the perfect PC / laptop for YOUR needs.
Let's start: first ...
Laptop vs. Desktop
desktop vs laptop more and more these days, as technology becomes more " mobile " ...
Desktop computers are slowly sliding into the past.
But for music recordings, they are still used in ALL professional studios.
If we think about the fact that today virtually all musical recordings take place digitally ...
The first question that comes to the mind of any musician when it comes to music production is:
Which computer should I buy?
Although I am sure you already know it, I tell you that there is no one- size- fits- all answer.
Among the variables to consider we have:
budget available
data processing speed
portability
The ideal option would be completely different from that of another.
For this reason, in today's post, I will give you an overview of everything you need to know to choose the perfect PC / laptop for YOUR needs.
Let's start: first ...
Laptop vs. Desktop
desktop vs laptop more and more these days, as technology becomes more " mobile " ...
Desktop computers are slowly sliding into the past.
But for music recordings, they are still used in ALL professional studios.
Computer Accessories Price In Bangladesh
Here because:
They are generally faster - the cabinets offer plenty of space, ideal for maximizing PC performance and meeting the high demand for resources of today's DAWs and plugins.
They have more IN / OUT - and this will allow you to have more sophisticated and numerous connections, so as to keep your setup constantly updated.
They allow for greater customization - it will, therefore, be possible to add more RAM, extra hard drives, additional video cards, and more ... if necessary.
They solve the "noise" problem - allowing you to keep the tower in a room separate from your studio monitors and microphones.
In spite of all these advantages, the ONLY thing desktop computers lack is the… PORTABILITY.
and in today's world, made up of DJs and mobile studios, the portability of a laptop is a MUST.
Also ... since most of us still use a laptop for school/work, it eliminates the need to make two different purchases.
At this point, I think you've already decided if a desktop or laptop computer is better for you...
So let's continue with ...
Mac Vs. PC
mac vs plant to know what's the best way to piss off a recording enthusiast? Here's how to do it :
If he uses a PC in his studio, tell him that Macs are better.
If he uses a Mac, tell him that PCs are better.
For some strange reason, this topic triggers violent debates ... which have always lasted, without real conclusions.
And in fact, I absolutely HATE to have my say on this topic.
Anyway, here it is:
Personally, I prefer Macs. Not just for recording, but for everything. And these days, most of those who revolve around the world of music (and not only) agree.
If YOU are among them too ... just take a Mac.
So why choose a PC? Usually for one of these 3 reasons :
Price - Macs usually cost more than one PC, and not everyone can afford it.
Customization - The "nerds" typically prefer PCs, as it is much easier to modify/update them in the hardware part.
Windows - Some simply prefer a Windows operating system.
If you don't recognize yourself in any of these 3 reasons ... take a Mac.
However, whatever your choice, be aware that there is a lot of fantastic music that has been created with both one and the other, and this topic is actually not as important as someone might have made you believe.
Assuming you made your choice ... let's move on.
Let's continue with ...
Mac Desktop
mac desktops with desktop Macs, we have 3 options:
Mac Pro
iMac
Mac Mini
Let's now compare them:
In the first place is the Mac Pro.
For studio recording, there is probably nothing better. Put your nose in any professional studio ... and in all probability, you will find one of these.
In any case…
The truth is this: for most of us, a Mac Pro is simply too expensive. One might then think ... of the iMac.
Although it doesn't even come close to the Pro's performance, the iMac is very practical for anyone who is starting out, as it combines the computer and monitors into one object.
If you can afford it, it's probably the ideal choice for most home studios.
If you CAN'T, the final option is the Mac Mini.
How many times have you heard someone say:
I would like a Mac, but they cost too much
Well, the Mac Mini is proof that this isn't completely true.
It may not have the speed or flexibility of the more expensive models ... but it offers ALL the advantages of a Mac operating system, at a very modest reference price.
Mac Pro - ( price )
iMac - ( price )
Mac Mini - ( price )
Let's continue with ...
Desktop PC
modified echo among you likes to build your own PC ...
I have no doubt that you know much more about it than I know ...
Then…
If you can assemble something faster and better than a Mac Pro ... do it.
I wouldn't dare try to convince you otherwise.
If, on the other hand, you DO NOT fall into this category, and in reality, you don't even know much about computers ...
Then I advise you to stay away from desktop PCs.
And here's why:
If you're NOT a big PC fan, the only reason you should choose one for studying would be because you're starting out and trying to save money.
Since the main advantage of desktop computers is MORE PROCESSOR POWER, it makes little sense to take a PC that isn't incredibly fast.
If you have a budget of around € 500, you could take a laptop, so you also have the advantage of portability.
Having said that, let's move on with ...
The 4 KEY specifications of a Laptop
We have seen how laptops can be ... somehow ... " a little less suitable " for music production ...
Here are 4 potential issues to watch out for:
Mechanical Noise - If you are a DJ in a noisy club, this point obviously doesn't matter. But in a bedroom studio, it matters a lot. One way to check this is to read a lot of reviews. Or: choose an SSD (solid-state drive) with no moving parts, instead of a traditional HDD (the classic hard disk).
Backlit Keys - in low light environments such as clubs and discos, they are a MUST-HAVE.
Screen Size - You may think it's not that important, but after spending some time using a DAW, you will understand how much value a larger screen has.
Ports - The trend of laptops is to decrease the size, and so the number of inputs/outputs also decreases. So make sure you have enough for your purpose.
Now is the time to take a look at some laptops ...
Mac laptops
portable iMac with Mac laptops we have 3 options:
The first is precisely the Macbook Pro.
My idea is that ... MacBook Pros are the most popular laptops for home recording.
They are ultra-fast
They have many entrances
They have large high definition screens
If you can afford it, take one. Otherwise…
The Macbook and Macbook Air are both in 2nd place, albeit remotely.
They are not that fast, and they don't even have the same number of inputs, but they are extremely thin and light ... especially the Macbook Air!
Here they are:
Macbook Pro - ( price )
Macbook Air - ( price )
Macbook - ( price )
Let's continue with ...
Portable PCs
laptops the one hand, laptops are EXCELLENT ...
As they offer an unlimited number of models to choose from.
On the other hand, though, laptop PCs are AWFUL ... for the exact same reason.
And with that, what I mean is ...
While having many options is a good thing, the more they are, the more difficult it will be:
choose from one of them
be sure you made the right choice
be happy with your own after doing it
And unfortunately in music production, there is no clear winner that stands out from the rest.
As most people rightly think ... the best laptops for music tend to be usually the best laptops in general.
So here are the 5 most popular and best-reviewed options:
HP Envy - ( price )
Asus Zenbook - ( price )
HP Special Edition w / Beats Audio - ( price )
Dell Inspiron - ( price )
Lenovo Yoga 3 - ( price )
Let's continue with ...
System Requirements for the DAW
system requirements dawAn important point worthy of mention, and which is rarely mentioned ...
These are the system requirements necessary for the DAW you have chosen.
Although most computers are compatible with most DAWs today ...
In some rare cases... It is NOT so, so you should always make sure of this.
If you don't have a favorite DAW yet or don't even know what a DAW is, then don't worry about this part.
However, for those who KNOW IT, here are the links to the system requirements for each of the best DAWs available today:
PreSonus Studio One
Cakewalk Sonar
FL Studio
Propellerhead Reason
Ableton Live
MOTU Digital Performer
Steinberg Cubase
Apple Logic Pro X
Avid Pro Tools
Let's continue with ...
3 Essential Computer Accessories
Once you have finally identified the computer, you will have to choose the ACCESSORIES.
For recording studios, the 3 accessories that I recommend are:
a keyboard
a mouse
a monitor
And now let's understand what you want from each of them ...
1. The keyboard
studio keyboardsHaving said that any old keyboard could work ...
Your ideal keyboard should include 3 features:
DAW shortcut markers (marks shortcut) - will help you to store many shortcuts MUCH faster.
Numeric keypad - including LOTS of useful shortcuts for most DAWs.
A wireless connection - to access and control your computer from anywhere in the room.
NOTE: Even if you have a laptop, you might consider buying an external keyboard: p to be very useful.
Here are my favorites:
Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard - ( PC / Mac ) - in addition to having a numeric keypad and wireless connection, this keyboard has a unique feature that you will not find in (almost) any other: it works on solar energy. And this means neither cable nor batteries forever.
Customized Keyboards for LogicKeyboard DAW - ( web site ) - Probably the best known of "marker shortcuts" manufacturer for software, LogicKeyboard has both of customized keyboards that keyboard cover for virtually any combination DAW / imaginable keyboard.
Let's continue with ...
2. The Mouse
Logitech performance mouse main ... any mouse (or trackpad) might be fine ...
With a really good mouse ...
Some programmable buttons can give you access to the most frequently used shortcuts on your DAW without ever touching the keyboard.
This tool alone can speed up your work significantly.
Although there is an almost infinite number of mice to choose from ... I recommend Logitech.com to start your search.
My favorite mouse of their line is the Logitech Performance Mouse MX - ( price ). If you still don't have clear ideas, I recommend you evaluate it.
Some great alternatives:
Logitech MX Master - ( price / reviews )
Logitech MX Anywhere 2 - ( price / reviews )
3. The Monitor
Apple Thunderbolt DisplayWhen you start with home recording ...
You don't immediately understand the value of a REALLY GOOD monitor.
But in the end, after working for a while with one of the poor quality ...
You will notice 3 things:
Low-resolution screens can only display a small number of tracks at a time.
TV screens often have pixels highlighted and are strange to watch closely.
Screens with low refresh rates cannot display level meters in sync with the track.
None of these problems, taken individually, is unbearable. All 3 together will drive you crazy.
Here because:
They are generally faster - the cabinets offer plenty of space, ideal for maximizing PC performance and meeting the high demand for resources of today's DAWs and plugins.
They have more IN / OUT - and this will allow you to have more sophisticated and numerous connections, so as to keep your setup constantly updated.
They allow for greater customization - it will, therefore, be possible to add more RAM, extra hard drives, additional video cards, and more ... if necessary.
They solve the "noise" problem - allowing you to keep the tower in a room separate from your studio monitors and microphones.
In spite of all these advantages, the ONLY thing desktop computers lack is the… PORTABILITY.
and in today's world, made up of DJs and mobile studios, the portability of a laptop is a MUST.
Also ... since most of us still use a laptop for school/work, it eliminates the need to make two different purchases.
At this point, I think you've already decided if a desktop or laptop computer is better for you...
So let's continue with ...
Mac Vs. PC
mac vs plant to know what's the best way to piss off a recording enthusiast? Here's how to do it :
If he uses a PC in his studio, tell him that Macs are better.
If he uses a Mac, tell him that PCs are better.
For some strange reason, this topic triggers violent debates ... which have always lasted, without real conclusions.
And in fact, I absolutely HATE to have my say on this topic.
Anyway, here it is:
Personally, I prefer Macs. Not just for recording, but for everything. And these days, most of those who revolve around the world of music (and not only) agree.
If YOU are among them too ... just take a Mac.
So why choose a PC? Usually for one of these 3 reasons :
Price - Macs usually cost more than one PC, and not everyone can afford it.
Customization - The "nerds" typically prefer PCs, as it is much easier to modify/update them in the hardware part.
Windows - Some simply prefer a Windows operating system.
If you don't recognize yourself in any of these 3 reasons ... take a Mac.
However, whatever your choice, be aware that there is a lot of fantastic music that has been created with both one and the other, and this topic is actually not as important as someone might have made you believe.
Assuming you made your choice ... let's move on.
Let's continue with ...
Mac Desktop
mac desktops with desktop Macs, we have 3 options:
Mac Pro
iMac
Mac Mini
Let's now compare them:
In the first place is the Mac Pro.
For studio recording, there is probably nothing better. Put your nose in any professional studio ... and in all probability, you will find one of these.
In any case…
The truth is this: for most of us, a Mac Pro is simply too expensive. One might then think ... of the iMac.
Although it doesn't even come close to the Pro's performance, the iMac is very practical for anyone who is starting out, as it combines the computer and monitors into one object.
If you can afford it, it's probably the ideal choice for most home studios.
If you CAN'T, the final option is the Mac Mini.
How many times have you heard someone say:
I would like a Mac, but they cost too much
Well, the Mac Mini is proof that this isn't completely true.
It may not have the speed or flexibility of the more expensive models ... but it offers ALL the advantages of a Mac operating system, at a very modest reference price.
Mac Pro - ( price )
iMac - ( price )
Mac Mini - ( price )
Let's continue with ...
Desktop PC
modified echo among you likes to build your own PC ...
I have no doubt that you know much more about it than I know ...
Then…
If you can assemble something faster and better than a Mac Pro ... do it.
I wouldn't dare try to convince you otherwise.
If, on the other hand, you DO NOT fall into this category, and in reality, you don't even know much about computers ...
Then I advise you to stay away from desktop PCs.
And here's why:
If you're NOT a big PC fan, the only reason you should choose one for studying would be because you're starting out and trying to save money.
Since the main advantage of desktop computers is MORE PROCESSOR POWER, it makes little sense to take a PC that isn't incredibly fast.
If you have a budget of around € 500, you could take a laptop, so you also have the advantage of portability.
Having said that, let's move on with ...
The 4 KEY specifications of a Laptop
We have seen how laptops can be ... somehow ... " a little less suitable " for music production ...
Here are 4 potential issues to watch out for:
Mechanical Noise - If you are a DJ in a noisy club, this point obviously doesn't matter. But in a bedroom studio, it matters a lot. One way to check this is to read a lot of reviews. Or: choose an SSD (solid-state drive) with no moving parts, instead of a traditional HDD (the classic hard disk).
Backlit Keys - in low light environments such as clubs and discos, they are a MUST-HAVE.
Screen Size - You may think it's not that important, but after spending some time using a DAW, you will understand how much value a larger screen has.
Ports - The trend of laptops is to decrease the size, and so the number of inputs/outputs also decreases. So make sure you have enough for your purpose.
Now is the time to take a look at some laptops ...
Mac laptops
portable iMac with Mac laptops we have 3 options:
The first is precisely the Macbook Pro.
My idea is that ... MacBook Pros are the most popular laptops for home recording.
They are ultra-fast
They have many entrances
They have large high definition screens
If you can afford it, take one. Otherwise…
The Macbook and Macbook Air are both in 2nd place, albeit remotely.
They are not that fast, and they don't even have the same number of inputs, but they are extremely thin and light ... especially the Macbook Air!
Here they are:
Macbook Pro - ( price )
Macbook Air - ( price )
Macbook - ( price )
Let's continue with ...
Portable PCs
laptops the one hand, laptops are EXCELLENT ...
As they offer an unlimited number of models to choose from.
On the other hand, though, laptop PCs are AWFUL ... for the exact same reason.
And with that, what I mean is ...
While having many options is a good thing, the more they are, the more difficult it will be:
choose from one of them
be sure you made the right choice
be happy with your own after doing it
And unfortunately in music production, there is no clear winner that stands out from the rest.
As most people rightly think ... the best laptops for music tend to be usually the best laptops in general.
So here are the 5 most popular and best-reviewed options:
HP Envy - ( price )
Asus Zenbook - ( price )
HP Special Edition w / Beats Audio - ( price )
Dell Inspiron - ( price )
Lenovo Yoga 3 - ( price )
Let's continue with ...
System Requirements for the DAW
system requirements dawAn important point worthy of mention, and which is rarely mentioned ...
These are the system requirements necessary for the DAW you have chosen.
Although most computers are compatible with most DAWs today ...
In some rare cases... It is NOT so, so you should always make sure of this.
If you don't have a favorite DAW yet or don't even know what a DAW is, then don't worry about this part.
However, for those who KNOW IT, here are the links to the system requirements for each of the best DAWs available today:
PreSonus Studio One
Cakewalk Sonar
FL Studio
Propellerhead Reason
Ableton Live
MOTU Digital Performer
Steinberg Cubase
Apple Logic Pro X
Avid Pro Tools
Let's continue with ...
3 Essential Computer Accessories
Once you have finally identified the computer, you will have to choose the ACCESSORIES.
For recording studios, the 3 accessories that I recommend are:
a keyboard
a mouse
a monitor
And now let's understand what you want from each of them ...
1. The keyboard
studio keyboardsHaving said that any old keyboard could work ...
Your ideal keyboard should include 3 features:
DAW shortcut markers (marks shortcut) - will help you to store many shortcuts MUCH faster.
Numeric keypad - including LOTS of useful shortcuts for most DAWs.
A wireless connection - to access and control your computer from anywhere in the room.
NOTE: Even if you have a laptop, you might consider buying an external keyboard: p to be very useful.
Here are my favorites:
Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard - ( PC / Mac ) - in addition to having a numeric keypad and wireless connection, this keyboard has a unique feature that you will not find in (almost) any other: it works on solar energy. And this means neither cable nor batteries forever.
Customized Keyboards for LogicKeyboard DAW - ( web site ) - Probably the best known of "marker shortcuts" manufacturer for software, LogicKeyboard has both of customized keyboards that keyboard cover for virtually any combination DAW / imaginable keyboard.
Let's continue with ...
2. The Mouse
Logitech performance mouse main ... any mouse (or trackpad) might be fine ...
With a really good mouse ...
Some programmable buttons can give you access to the most frequently used shortcuts on your DAW without ever touching the keyboard.
This tool alone can speed up your work significantly.
Although there is an almost infinite number of mice to choose from ... I recommend Logitech.com to start your search.
My favorite mouse of their line is the Logitech Performance Mouse MX - ( price ). If you still don't have clear ideas, I recommend you evaluate it.
Some great alternatives:
Logitech MX Master - ( price / reviews )
Logitech MX Anywhere 2 - ( price / reviews )
3. The Monitor
Apple Thunderbolt DisplayWhen you start with home recording ...
You don't immediately understand the value of a REALLY GOOD monitor.
But in the end, after working for a while with one of the poor quality ...
You will notice 3 things:
Low-resolution screens can only display a small number of tracks at a time.
TV screens often have pixels highlighted and are strange to watch closely.
Screens with low refresh rates cannot display level meters in sync with the track.
None of these problems, taken individually, is unbearable. All 3 together will drive you crazy.
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