Should I get M2 or Intel Mac? (Or windows) for Mixing/Mastering on Pro Tools?

Discussion in 'Computer Hardware' started by Gatedreverb, Jul 16, 2023.

  1. quadcore64

    quadcore64 Audiosexual

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    As far as I know, Apple is using the same base Magic Keyboard across their product range. The exception being the 13" MacBook Pro which replaces the function keys with a touch strip.

    For those interested, the following articles may offer some useful comparisons.
    Also keep in mind that thermals can be improved by doing one simple thing Apple still neglects for some reason. Add thermal strips between the hot/warm spots & the bottom cover. Did this for my Intel based MacBook Air. Have not heard the fan spin-up since doing so 3 - 4 years ago.

    Example procedure from a quick search:
     
    Last edited: Jul 22, 2023
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  2. Havana

    Havana Platinum Record

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    The M1 MacBook Air is fanless.
     
  3. quadcore64

    quadcore64 Audiosexual

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    This works for fanless laptops with metal bottoms as well. The more heat that can be pulled away & dissipated, the better.
     
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  4. WillTheWeirdo

    WillTheWeirdo Audiosexual

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    Go Macbook Air M2 and never look back.
     
  5. Jeff*

    Jeff* Kapellmeister

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    More or less the same for me... from a Win11 5950x to a MBP M2 Max... very glad to have made the switch.
    Pro Tools runs really great, just waiting on dumb dumb plugin alliance to have native AAX silicon... :dunno:

    Edit: heard the fans spin only twice and it was during peak summer days.... just amazing how quiet this machine is
     
  6. Dimentagon

    Dimentagon Rock Star

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    Yeah mate, "just capable" of blowing everything in ancient x86 land out of the water
    And it works amazingly for me (i7 Nuc 64 gig ram win10 1TB m.2 + 8TB Sata SSD). Literally the best of both worlds. But I still prefer a separate screen.
    IMG_8860.JPG
     
  7. kingchubby

    kingchubby Rock Star

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    Go Silicon.
    You don't need the latest and greatest M2 processor in it, IMHO. I have an M1 Max MacBook Pro and the darn thing gets the job done and the darn thing is quieter than a ninja. Personally, I wouldn't go for the Air models. Max out the RAM as much as can afford it. Enjoy your new machine.
     
  8. Grater

    Grater Ultrasonic

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    What is that cool usb hub you have?
     
  9. Bitmonkey

    Bitmonkey Producer

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    Apple Silicon all the way if you're staying on Mac because Apple are already phasing out support for Intel CPUs rapidly and I suspect my 2019 MBP will be out of support in a couple of years. Luckily have a M2 Mac Mini so all is not lost :)
     
  10. Bitmonkey

    Bitmonkey Producer

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    Looks similar to mine which is this and this one supports both NVME and SATA SSD drives so you can avoid paying the 'Apple Tax' for a much bigger internal SSD. I bought the hub and a 2TB NVME SSD for about 190 euros vs 400 euros difference between having a 1TB and 2TB internal SSD when i bought my 2023 M2 Mac Mini:

    https://www.amazon.de/-/en/dp/B096LMGTNG

    Works brilliantly and the mac mini fits exactly on top. There are a few resellers selling similar products so if you search on your local Amazon you should be able to get something similar :)
     
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