Welcome to part 1 of "the best computer for audio production.” We are going to be covering a lot of information such as Mac VS. Windows, DAWs, audio interface VS. sound cards and lastly how to build your own system from the ground up. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be tech-savvy. We will break down and define the major system components and the role they play when creating music. This information will help you purchase or build the best possible computer for audio production.
WHERE TO START?
Overall your budget will end up being the huge determining factor in your purchase. Aside from the cost, there are things like compatibility and functionality that you should be familiar with in order to make a sound decision and end up with a system that can handle your production needs.
WINDOWS OR MAC
When it comes to deciding which is better. Yeah, I’m not even getting into this one. The big difference between the two is price. The other thing to consider is the availability of digital audio workstation(DAW) software and plugins.
LAPTOP OR DESKTOP
Simple enough. Do you want portability? If you are touring, if you create anywhere at any time, then a laptop is the way to go. If you are setting up a home studio and plan on keeping the device stationary, a desktop will be the choice for you.
COST
To give you just a little insight as to the cost of a Mac, Windows, desktop, and laptop here are some budget prices on a few different models. Keep in mind these are entry-level base models. The prices only go up from there.
WINDOWS LAPTOPS
Dell Lattitude - E6230
Intel Ci5-3320m Processor
4GB Memory
250GB Hard Drive
Windows 10
Refurbished $164 (USD)
Brand New $229 (USD)
HP Elitebook - 8440P
Intel Ci5-520M Processor
4GB Memory
160GB Hard Drive
Windows 10
Refurbished $159 (USD)
Brand New $191 (USD)
MAC LAPTOPS
Apple 13-inch MacBook Air
Intel Core i5 1.8GHz Processor
8GB Memory
128GB SSD Space
Brand New $899 (USD)
Apple 13-inch MacBook Air
Intel i5 1.6GHz Dual-Core Processor
8GB Memory
128GB Storage Space
Brand New $1099 (USD)
WINDOWS DESKTOP
HP Desktop
Intel Core i3 Processor
4GB Memory
250GB Hard Drive
Windows 10
Refurbished $127 (USD)
HP 6300 PRO SFF Desktop
Intel Core i3-3220 Processor
4GB Memory
250GB Hard Drive
Windows 10
Refurbished $149 (USD)
MAC DESKTOP
Apple Mac mini
Quad-Core 8th-generation Intel Core i3
(3.6GHz)
8GB Memory
128GB SSD Space
Brand New $899 (USD)
Apple Mac mini
6 Core 8th-generation Intel Core i5
(3.0GHz)
8GB Memory
256GB SSD Space
Brand New $1099 (USD)
Keep in mind if you go this route you are operating on a stock sound and video card. The desktops do not include monitors and other accessories. The advantage here is that they are already assembled and have an operating system.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Technology changes daily. While at the current day the average system requirements for most DAWs are about 2-4Ghz Processor and 4-8MB of RAM. If you want to make use of the 100 mixer channels in FL Studio or load up your rack in Ableton, the minimum isn’t going to cut it.
DAW
This will be your next decision. Do you have a DAW already or maybe one in mind? The best way to determine the type of system to buy or build is to base it off of the system requirements of that DAW. The minimum will get you by. Meaning, it performs basic functions. When you start adding things like 3rd party plugin instruments, effects, MIDI controllers, mic or line input recording, your system will need more power, more speed and be able to process more functions at one time.
This is a look at a couple of DAWs and the system requirements for each one.
This is the end of part 1. Now that you have some things to consider and compare. Come back for part 2 as we will be building a computer from the ground up. We wont just tell you to go out and buy this or to go buy that, but we will be educating you on each component and how it relates to audio production.
_Cropped.png?width=1600&name=02%20(2)_Cropped.png)
Your Comments :