A computer that's built for gaming or office work may not cut it when it comes to recording music. At Sweetwater, we've got a massive array of audio-optimized machines. Our custom-built Creation Stations are specifically designed to tackle computer audio. We're also an Authorized Apple Reseller. Apple computers cost a lot more than some PCs, but they're worth their high price when you consider the value you get for your money. Macs get regular software updates that make them more capable.
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Nowadays that virtually all music recording has gone digital…
The first question on every musician’s mind when first starting out with music production is:
Which computer should I get?
Though as I’m sure you already know, there is no “one-size-fits-all” answer.
Because depending on factors such as:
- budget
- processing speed
- portability
YOUR ideal option might be completely different from someone else’s.
Which is why for today’s post, I intend to show you everything you need to know to find the perfect computer/laptop for YOUR setup.
So let’s begin. First up…
Laptops vs. Desktops
More and more these days, as technology becomes increasingly “mobile“…
Desktop computers are slowly becoming a thing of the past.
Yet for music recording, they’re still what all the pros continue to use.
Here’s why:
- They’re generally faster – their larger housing offers room for maximum processing power to meet the high demands of today’s DAW’s and plugins.
- They have more IN’s/OUT’s – which allow you to incorporate larger, more sophisticated routings to keep up with your ever-growing setup.
- They offer greater customization – which let’s you add more RAM, extra hard drives, additional video cards, and more…as necessary.
- They solve the noise problem – by allowing you to keep the tower (noisy) in a separate room for your studio monitors and microphones.
Despite all these advantages, the ONE thing that desktop computers lack is…PORTABILITY.
And in today’s world of DJ’s and mobile studios, the portability of a laptop is a MUST.
Plus…since most of us use a laptop for school/work anyway, it eliminates the need for 2 separate purchases.
Now at this point, I’ll assume you’ve already decided whether a desktop or laptop computer is right for you.
So let’s move on. Up next…
Mac vs. PC
Want to know the easiest way to piss-off a recording geek? Here’s what you do:
If he uses a PC in his studio, tell him Macs are better.
If he uses a Mac, tell him PC’s are better.
Because for some strange reason, this topic incites violent debates…that last forever, and result in no real conclusions.
In fact, I absolutely HATE giving my opinion on this topic.
But here it is anyway:
Personally, I like Macs. Not just for recording, but for everything. And these days, most of the music world (and the rest of the world) agrees.
If YOU agree as well…get a Mac.
So why a PC then? It’s usually 1 of 3 reasons:
- Price – Macs are usually more expensive than PC’s, and not everyone can afford them.
- Customization – computer nerds typically prefer PC’s, since they are much easier to modify/supercharge.
- Windows – some people just like the Windows OS.
If none of these 3 things apply to you…get a Mac.
But whichever side you choose, just know that tons of great music has been created on either one, and this topic isn’t nearly as important as some might have you believe.
Assuming you’ve made your decision…let’s move on.
Up next…
Mac Desktops
With Mac desktops, you have 4 options:
- Mac Pro
- iMac
- iMac Pro
- Mac Mini
Now here’s how they compare:
First, there’s the Mac Pro.
For studio recording, there’s probably nothing better. Peek your head into any pro studio…and odds are, that’s what you’ll find.
And the reason why is because it’s the only model that’s made to be easily upgradable, whichever part you’re looking to switch.
Now, up until not so long ago, the Mac Pro was just overkill for most of us, whether it was in terms of specs, or price.
However…
There is a serious, brand new contender on the desktop mac scene: the iMac pro.
The iMac pro is basically the MOST POWERFUL (yes, way more powerful than the Mac Pro) mac to date, with the added benefit of being an iMac, meaning it’s an all-in-one computer with a monitor built-in.
Now, one look at the base model price and you’ll understand why this model is not for everyone… And don’t even look at the price of the fully upgraded model if you’re faint of heart..
But if you’re looking for the most powerful mac out there and don’t mind making a (very) long-term investment, the iMac Pro will have you covered for — at the very least — the next decade.
Now for the overwhelming majority of us who can’t afford the iMac Pro, the next option is probably the best: the regulariMac.
While not nearly as powerful, the regular iMac is equally as practical for a typical beginner’s setup.
If you can afford it, it’s quite likely the ideal choice for most home studios.
If you CAN’T however, your final option is the Mac Mini.
How many times have your heard someone say:
I want to get a Mac, but they’re too expensive ?
Well the Mac Mini is proof that this is not entirely true.
And quite surprisingly, while the older models were definitely not on par with the iMac or Mac Pro in terms of speed…
The newer models, and especially the boosted ones show surprisingly good performances on the benchmark, and in some cases even outperforms the regular iMac.
It may not have the speed or flexibility of the more expensive models…but it offers ALL the benefits of the Mac OSX, for a very modest price tag.
- Mac Pro – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusicianF)
- iMac Pro – (Amazon/B&H)
- iMac – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusicianF)
- Mac Mini – (Amazon/GuitarC/B&H)
Up next…
![Computer Computer](/uploads/1/2/8/3/128358239/772420492.jpg)
PC Desktops
For those of you guys who build custom PCs…
I have no doubt you know far more about this subject than I do…
So…
If you can assemble something faster and better than a Mac Pro…go for it.
I wouldn’t dare try to convince you otherwise.
If however, you DON’T fall into this category, and you really don’t know much about computers at all…
Then I suggest staying away from PC desktops altogether.
And here’s why:
If you’re NOT a huge PC fan, the only reason to choose a PC for your studio would be if you’re a beginner trying to save money.
And since the main benefit of desktop computer is MORE PROCESSING POWER, it makes little sense to get any desktop that isn’t blazing fast.
So if you only have $500 to spend, you might as well get a laptop, so you can at least have some portability as well.
Having said that, let’s move on…
The 4 KEY Laptop Specs
Since we’ve already established that laptops are…in a way…”less-than-ideal” for music production…
Here are 5 potential issues to look out for:
- Mechanical Noise – if you’re a DJ in a loud club, this obviously doesn’t matter. But in a bedroom studio, it matters a lot. One way to check for this: read a ton of user reviews. Another way: opt for a SSD (solid state drive) with no moving parts, over a traditional HDD (hard disk drive).
- Backlit Keys – in low-light environments such as lounges and clubs, these are a MUST-HAVE.
- Screen Size – you may not think it’s important now, but once you’ve spent some time with any DAW, you’ll quickly see how valuable a bigger screen can be.
- Ports – as laptops get increasingly smaller, the number of ins/outs gets smaller as well. So make sure you have enough to get by.
Now let’s check out some laptops already…
Mac Laptops
With Mac laptops you have 3 options:
- Macbook Pro
- Macbook Air
- Macbook
First, there’s the Macbook Pro.
My best guess is…Macbook Pros are the single most popular laptops for home recording.
- They’re ultra fast
- They’ve got lots of inputs
- They have large screen with detailed display, especially the new 16″ version
If you can afford it, get it. If not…
Then the Macbook and Macbook Air come in TIED at a distant2nd place.
They’re not as fast, and they don’t have nearly as many inputs, but they’re extremely thin and lightweight…the Macbook Air ESPECIALLY!
So there you go. Check them out:
- Macbook Pro – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusicianF)
- Macbook Air – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusicianF)
- Macbook – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusicianF)
Up next…
PC Laptops
On one hand, PC laptops are GREAT…
Because you have a virtually unlimited number of options to choose from.
On the other hand, PC laptops SUCK…for the exact same reason.
And what I mean by that is…
While it’s nice to have options, the more options you have, the harder it is:
- to actually choose one
- to be certain you’ve made the right choice
- to be happy with your choice after you’ve made it
Mac Recording Tool
And unfortunately, for music production, there is no clear-cut winner that stands out from all the others.
But as most people agree…the best PC laptops for music tend to be the best PC laptops in general.
So here are 5 of the most popular and well-reviewed options:
- HP Envy – (Amazon/B&H)
- Asus Zenbook – (Amazon/B&H)
- LG Gram – (Amazon/B&H)
- Dell Inspiron – (Amazon/B&H)
- Lenovo Yoga 3 – (Amazon)
Up next…
DAW System Requirements
One important point worthy of mention that rarely gets discussed…
Is the system requirements for your DAW of choice.
Even though these days, most computers are compatible with most DAW’s…
In some rare cases…they’re NOT, so you should always double check just to make sure.
Sound Recording On Mac
If you don’t have a preferred DAW yet, or don’t even know what a DAW is, then don’t worry about this part.
However for those of you that DO, here are the links to the system requirements for each of today’s top DAW’s:
Up next…
3 Essential Computer Accessories
Once you’ve finally chosen a computer, next come the ACCESSORIES.
For recording studios, the 3 accessories I recommend are:
- a keyboard
- a mouse
- a monitor
Now here’s what you want from each one…
1. The Keyboard
While any old keyboard will do…
Your ideal keyboard should include 3 features:
- DAW shortcut markers – which help you memorize all those shortcuts WAY faster.
- A number pad – which includes a TON of useful shortcuts for most DAW’s.
- A wireless connection – which allows you access to your transport controls from anywhere in the room.
NOTE: Even if you have a laptop, you may still find it worthwhile to buy an external keyboard. That’s how useful they are.
Now here are my 2 favorites:
- Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard – besides having a number pad and a wireless connection, this keyboard has one unique feature that you almost never see: solar power. That means no batteries or cables ever.
- PC – (Amazon/B&H)
- Mac – (Amazon/B&H)
- LogicKeyboard Custom DAW Keyboards – (website) – easily the most well-known maker of software shortcut markers, LogicKeyboard has both custom keyboards and skin layovers for virtually every DAW/keyboard combo imaginable.
Up next…
![Mac recording app Mac recording app](/uploads/1/2/8/3/128358239/509886766.jpg)
2. The Mouse
Again…while any old mouse (or trackpad) will do…
With a really good mouse…
A few programmable buttons can give you access to your most frequently used DAW shortcuts without ever touching your keyboard.
And this one tool can speed up your workflow significantly.
While there are an almost infinite number of these mice to choose from…I suggest Logitech.com as a good place to start your search.
My personal favorite mouse in their line is the Logitech MX Ergo – (Amazon/B&H). If you’re not sure what to get, I highly recommend it.
For some other great options, check these out as well:
- Logitech MX Master2S – (Amazon/B&H)
- Logitech MX Anywhere 2S – (Amazon/B&H)
3. The Computer Monitor
Mac Computer For Recording Music
When you first start out with home recording…
You probably won’t recognize the value of REALLY GOOD monitor right away.
But eventually, after working without one for a while…
You’ll notice 3 things:
- Low resolution screens can only display a small number of tracks at once.
- Flat screen TV’s often look pixelated, and are awkward to view from close up.
- Screens with slower refresh rates can’t display level meters in sync with the track.
Any one of these problems alone is annoying. All 3 together will drive you crazy.
And once that happens, I highly suggest getting a good external monitor.
For a good high-end option, here is an example of something that would work well:
- LG 27″ 4k – (Amazon/B&H)
As an alternative, any standard monitor (such as this one) will work almost as well, such as he HP 27er.
- Click here to compare prices – (Amazon/B&H)
Mac is a great and probably the most stable operating system or platform for computers. It doesn’t matter whether you are a student, businessman or regular internet user, you can definitely start using Mac computer to get the better experience. Let’s assume that you want to record your screen for any reason. For example, you are a writer, and you want to show your readers how to do a particular thing on Mac with a video tutorial. At such moment, you can record your screen using these screen recording apps for Mac. Not all of them are free. However, whatever the price is, that is worth buying.
Best Screen Recording Apps for Mac
1] QuickTime Player
When you have a free tool already installed on your computer, you do not have to search for another third-party tool. From basic to advanced, you can record every kind with the help of QuickTime Player. QuickTime Player is a video player app that you can use to record your screen without any problem. It doesn’t matter whether you want to record your file explorer or browser window or any other app, you can do everything by utilizing this free inbuilt tool. To start using this tool, press Cmd + Space and type QuickTime Player. Open the corresponding result. Therefore, you have to click the File > New Screen Recording.
After that, you will a RECORD button that you need to press. Following that, you should select a region that you want to record. It can be a particular app window, or full screen – whatever you want. After completing the recording, you can find an option to save the video and choose a path where you want to save your recorded video.
2] Snagit
Best Mac Computer For Recording Studio
Although Snagit is a paid application for Mac, you can find a lot of features in this tool. In simple words, Snagit is worth buying. This tool is built to capture screenshot. However, you can use it to record your screen as well since it does that job pretty well and without any lag. This is meaningless to mention anything about the resolution since that depends on your monitor’s resolution. Talking about recording, you would be able to record any app window, full screen, browser window or anything else. There is no limit on time, and hence, you can create as long video as you want with the help of Snagit. Regarding compatibility, you should have macOS High Sierra, Sierra, or El Capitan (macOS 10.11 or later).
Video Recording Mac
3] FimoraScrn
Filmora Scrn is another paid software to record Mac screen without any problem. In case you do not like the Snagit app for your Mac or you think that it costs too much, you can definitely buy Filmora Scrn, which is more affordable. Talking about the price, it costs only $19.99 (one-time payment). The available features of this tool are pretty good and handy. You can find an intuitive design, webcam recording, audio recording, etc. in this tool. This is possible to add watermark to your video with the help of this tool. On the other hand, you can find a basic video editing interface, which you can use to apply basic changes. As per the official statement, you can record video up to 120 FPS without any lag. As mentioned earlier, you can record screen and webcam simultaneously.
4] Apowersoft Screen Recorder
Apowersoft Screen Recorder is a free screen recording app for Mac that comes with no time limit. Being said that, you can record as long video as you want. Being compatible with macOS High Sierra, Apowersoft Screen Recorder has gained much popularity among them, who do not want to use QuickTime Player but want to use a free alternative. Talking about features, you can record webcam, computer screen, microphone, system sound (or both), etc. The best thing about this tool is its user interface, which is neat and clean. You can choose a custom resolution to record video, choose a region and do more with the help of this tool. It also comes with a video file explorer that will let you manage all the recorded videos from one panel.
5] Capto
Capto is another paid, but very affordable screen recording software for Mac, which costs around $29.99 and this is available for macOS 10.10.5 or later version. You can record screen up to 60 FPS. Like any other tool, you can record any app including music player, browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, and more. The highlight of this tool is you can find a video editor to give it a professional touch. Being said that, you do not need any other third-party tool for basic editing. Not only a video editor but also you can find an audio editor. This is important when you captured audio alongside your video and want to edit it accordingly. There is a file manager as well that will let you browse all the recorded files. Another essential thing is you can share your recorded video on various social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, etc. Apart from you can upload video to YouTube, Evernote, Dropbox, etc.
6] Camtasia
If you need a professional video editor alongside a screen recording app, you should not think twice and opt for Camtasia 2018 edition. Although this tool is quite expensive, you do not have to download any other tool after using this one. Talking about the price, it costs around $249 for one license. On the other hand, you should have macOS 10.10 or later version to install it on your computer. When you would try to record your screen, you can find a lot of options like range selection, cursor visibility, system sound recorder, microphone support and more others. The user interface of this tool is pretty good, and you should not get any issue while starting the recorder or editing the video. Also, it renders the video quite fast. Therefore, you do not have to consume a lot of time to export the video from the editor.