Best MacBook for Music Production: Pro vs. Air!

[@djerikfox]

just bought air m3 512/16...and its amazing...runs logic and cubase 13 with no problem, im so happy with it..!!

[@Hi-xs7wm]

Congrats !

[@26254239]

You should upgrade to at least 32gb ram

[@jamesjross]

Thanks - been trying to get this answered - Gunna go with the AIR M3 512/16 - It saves £550 in the UK over the PRO with same specs.

[@barkmonster]

@@jamesjrossAll you get with the M3 Pro is one additional P-core, 2 useless e-cores and a couple of extra GB of RAM. Used 8-core M1 Pro 14” systems are selling for less than the base 8/256 13” Air.

[@luisrangel3296]

I use a 2009 MacBook and it runs like a champ!!

[@arkoverload]

🙌

[@bankbih8003]

How do you get around not being able to use new plugins because iOS won’t update

[@luisrangel3296]

Good morning KZbin land! Hope everyone is having a great weekend. So I up graded it to version 10 and I run an old Logic Pro! Yes I have my limitations, but you will be amazed on how good you get when you know that you only have one EQ one compression one effects and learn how to use those! come to find out you don’t need to spend money on plug-ins unless you have the money to do so! God bless! One day I would love to have a newer MacBook but thinks have been so tough these days! God bless you guys. Hope you guys have a great weekend.

[@dennisselleck1281]

Fuck yeah dude ! I put a ssd and ram into my MacBook Pro 2012 and it’s a beast

[@DJAgentBlue]

@@dennisselleck1281bro I have same MacBook, my battery drains so fast ? Any ideas how ? Have you had the same issue ?

[@morrisfraser7236]

Really good advice here. I’m on M1 studio with a couple of Intel Mac minis running as slaves (orchestral libraries!). Mac silicon has been a brilliant move for music producers and any of those will be fine for most. Your Mac Mini M2 is ironically the sweet spot for ultimate performance if using Logic and Pro Tools. Unbelievably, those two are the only DAWs that don’t use efficiency cores - and because the M3 has more efficiency cores than the M2 you end up with a slightly less capable machine if you’re using Logic or Pro Tools. I use Cubase and Logic mainly and Ableton sometimes. For Cubase or Ableton go M3 but for Logic save some money and pick up an M2.

[@thedemotrackguy]

Slaves???

[@morrisfraser7236]

@@thedemotrackguy Vienna Ensemble Pro links the computers.

[@JimmyMRollins]

I've been looking into getting a 14" MacBook Pro with 36GB RAM. I own a base model MacBook Air M1. I would be nice if I could go with cheaper MacBook Pro and do an aftermarket Ram upgrade but sadly the Apple Silicon chips have the Ram integrated into the chip itself. I want a MacBook that can last me for some years instead having to upgrade so often.

[@rubiooibur8534]

you really don't need more than the base model

[@steffypro]

Now the question is, will the options reviewed, sufficiently handle a powerhouse DAW and regular life computer functions? Storing photos, basic video editing, streaming, etc.

[@umarsrf]

I still using 1TB macbook pro 13 intel 2020 gen 10th

[@micheallarsen8687]

Whats battery like?

[@JoshuaMRichard]

I've got a base level Mac Studio and I'm considering the Macbook Air for a portable rig. I don't plan on producing full mixes with the Macbook so I think it would be good enough to track drums/guitars/vocals etc. in a remote setting. Most likely 6 tracks at a time maximum - Mac Studio would remain my workhorse.

[@telafreeze]

The screen on my 2020 M1 Macbook Pro (16GB 1TB) cracked internally for no reason exactly 3 years after it was purchased. It is a known problem for many people (see Friend & Pareas v. Apple lawsuit) but Apple disclaims responsibility. Would an Air have a more durable screen? Are newer screens more durable?

[@calamity1676]

that's not how it works--if the m1 was always breaking for no reason, it wouldn't be a 4.8 star rated computer. There was probably a reason. Also, even if it does happen to break, the screen doesn't matter if you have a monitor. Finally, one singular lawsuit does not mean its a common problem, just that it happens. Consider things like temperature, moisture, and handling when it comes to the durability of a 3-year old computer.

[@alphapolarfrequency2787]

Which is best for using mainstage,logic,video editing and photo editing does it support pluginsblike Kontakts plugins NkS,and more.main queries are when i play live my main stage should run smooth so ehich one is best for to buy And in budget

[@luisrangel3296]

M1 MacBook Air the $699 from Walmart will handle that for sure!!!

[@infadelakainf]

Appreciate this. Was looking to get a new unit to travel.

[@neuterlovertum]

I'm considering changing from my 16-inch MacBook Pro (late 2019) to a 15-inch MacBook Air because of its lightweight and usability. I would like to know if the Macbook Air 2024 can run live performances on stage smoothly with DP or Ableton LIVE; only one big issue I'm finding the answer.

[@lukasalofs7582]

Hey man did you find something? I own exactly the same Macbook and also want to change over to something more portable and perhaps a little faster as well

[@DaveRaspberry]

What about M3 instead of M3 pro but with 24gb of ram? Isnt that better?

[@26254239]

That’s what I thought

[@psilocypher]

No, because the M3 has less performance cores than the pro, which is what DAWs run on.

[@26254239]

@@psilocypher but prices are way higher than M3 air

[@alphapolarfrequency2787]

Which is best mac mini ,mac book air ,I mac or mack book pro which is good please reply me my from recording to play live which is good

[@TheLordofdrift]

I’m planning on replacing my old 15 YO thinkpad I’ll be using mainly Serato DJ Pro with lots of effects and stems, I would love a MBA 15 m3 but îm concerned by it heating up… any one know ????

[@arkoverload]

I don't know if it'll heat up, but one thing to note is that Apple does have a 14 day return policy, so if it doesn't work out for you in those 2 weeks, you can always return it.

[@DynamicDaniels02]

Hello, I'm trying to buy my 11 yr old a MacBook Air, just to make music using GarageBand band because that's what she has been using on her iPhone. Will the $1099 MacBook Air be efficient enough for that, or should I be looking for more...lol. Sorry for the silly question, but I know nothing about music production...lol

[@arkoverload]

The base model MacBook Air should be more than enough for someone just getting into music production for the first time. Just my opinion though - make sure to ask the Apple Store rep any question you may have before purchasing.

[@Hersongjourneys]

yes. I used a MacBook air for a long time with GarageBand and that is the perfect way to start.

[@DynamicDaniels02]

@Hersongjourneys thx, I got it for her. So far, it's been great

[@ApfelSgt]

To be honest, even an old Ipad will be enough for garage band for a 11 year old! 🤣🙈 But of course, if you could spend more money, then buy an mac book air! So she is save for the future and if she likes to step up to Logic pro, she could do that too! ☺️👌🏼 But i would still ask her, if she loves to making music using the touchscreen! That’s the main question in my opinion! Because if she just likes making music, then Buy an mac book, but if she loves to make music using the touchscreen, then a mac book will be the wrong choice because she can’t do it there! If that’s the case, i would prefer buying an ipad air or ipad pro! 😬 Here she could use garage band just like with her phone but with an bigger acreen and she also could step up to logic pro since they released that last year i think! And because the newer ipad air and i pad pro have the „M“ Chips and nearly the same hardware than the mac books, they’re more than powerful enough! The new Ipad pro for example has the newest M4 Chip! Not even the current mac book air and pro have such an powerful chip! 😅👌🏼

[@ericedsmith]

Hey dude, I just found your channel from this exact decision I’m trying to make. Really informative but I have a question based on plugins. I do as well use Native Instruments (usually only piano) and it’s exactly what’s freezing my MacBook Pro 2019. I use Serum for almost everything else. I’m considering the Air M3 because my budget doesn’t fit a Pro, and to be honest, I just want a laptop that can get me through a session without a 2 minute pause every 5 minutes as I’m purely a hobbyist. I do always aim for high-quality productions but I’m not using any external instruments or heavy software aside from NI. Based on all that info, do you think the M3 will work well? I appreciate the info on the 256 vs the 512 so I’d likely do the 16GB with 256 storage. I hope to hear back!

[@milenaramirez9713]

did you buy the macbook air? Did it work for you?

[@Chronoblades]

if u recording vocals get the air caus fan noise can be an issue even if the pro is pretty quiet its not completely silent and good microphones are very sensitive to noise

[@olexiisokolov]

Yeah, that fact is keeping me from deciding between Air or Pro. I'm choosing it for voice recording. Air is silent, but will the performance be enough for long voice recording and then processing in Aidition, RX ect... I don't know.

[@Chronoblades]

@@olexiisokolov trust me the air’s performance will probably never let you down, hell i’m using RX9 on a very old hp laptop with a bad processor and it kinda works so i’d imagine an m1 / m2 air would be more than enough for your needs

[@RBAudios]

will it be good to buy Used M1 Macbook Air 16gb 256gb for mostly Recording Mixing and Mastering please help here

[@prodbyakkai]

hey friend, did you buy this model? How was your experience?

[@williamouaknine8838]

Is it possible to download plug ins on an external drive?

[@youngjayo6881]

Beginner/intermediate producer here...I'm using Logic Pro and an MPC on a 2013 Macbook pro and it's time to upgrade. Which do you think I should get?

[@temporary_unknown]

That about FL studio? I want to use FL on mac, can it be?

[@YLeerTV]

Yea u can use fl studio on mac now

[@olexiisokolov]

What's the best thing to get for voice recording and processing? Absolutely silent (good for recording) Air on M3 chip or more productive (enough for DAW and plug-ins) Pro on M3 Pro chip? I'm going to use an external audio interface, external monitor, so the number of connectors in the Air is frustrating, but for sound recording the complete silence is very appealing. And it seems that the performance may be enough too.

[@javarnhines4933]

I am an experienced musicans and often create music arrangements on logic with multiple tracks and live audio. I'm currently running on macbok pro 2016 would the pro 2019 16gb be worthy upgraded?

[@Kenny-ux2kj]

Hey, Amazing video! I am new to music production and i want to buy a macbook which can handle music production, but also video and photo editing. Can you maybe recommend to me which macbook would be best? I am trying to start with a "better" setup, so that in the long term i don't have to buy another one.

[@arkoverload]

I’d go with a pro but do your own research and see which option works best for you!

[@MusikalHuman]

any macbook can handle video and photo editing up to 8k certainly 4k and if you're doing youtube stuff it's truly only 1080p so it's a mute point. Unless you are getting massive project loot -- you truly do not need to spend the extra money, it's just wasted. It's like an 80 year old who buys a 120k corvette to drive maybe 65mph. DUMB.

[@traefnb]

anyone with a macbook air 2020 not the m1 know if i could still use logic pro with new plugins and etc?

[@briantopolinski4781]

Yes! I’ve used a 2020 MacBook Air to run Logic for a number of years now. It’s impressive just how well it can do. I was surprised.

[@traefnb]

@ thank you cause i got a number of sources telling me i could run it but my run into a few performances issues and etc

[@GJ11598]

What would you suggest for very basic Reaper recording and normal laptop use. Only thing really pushing the computer is Reaper for what I do besides basic usage. Stuck between MacBook Pro 16/512 or the Air 8/512?

[@CristianOdgers]

MBP 15/512

[@MusikalHuman]

why ask such a ridiculous loaded question........ very basic needs very basic tools.

[@GJ11598]

@@MusikalHuman Why leave such a stupid comment. Came for advise not stupidity.

[@carlospadron5267]

A 2.2 ghz MacBook Pro 2015 with 16 of RAM is fine for music production?

[@Milkynapkin]

would u suggest me m2 chip with 10 gpu and 15 inches or m3 chip with 8 gpu for producing?

[@bobbysbeats5249]

Thanks for that video, just bought a mac book AIR, will try #Cubase

[@Harvay]

Planning on using ableton for producing mainly dnb/garage, I'm debating getting a refurbished M1 Pro or biting the bullet and getting an M3 pro, what would your thoughts be

[@ApfelSgt]

I in my opinion always biting the bullet, but i am pretty sure, that the M1 pro still lasts for a LOOONG time when you mainly produce music! 😬 i produce house and techno in an amateur state, but i have an mac mini with the base M1 chip and even with that, i never ran into an issue! Don’t even have to freeze anything on my project because it’s so powerful! So the M1 pro will for sure do it! ☺️👌🏼 But i would at least buy 16gb of ram! (I don’t know what the older mac book had) But i am a Logic Producer, so it could be different with Ableton of course… but i am pretty sure that if you’re a Hobby/ammateur producer, that it’s more than powerful enough for ableton too! 😌

[@marialondono8086]

What do you think i should get if i just want to mainly focus on vocal production for toplining? Im no pro but i want to be efficient enough that it doesnt frustrate me too much because im not good with technology. I use logic, it's plug ins, izatope and a mic and audio interface. Im leaning towards macbook pro m3 16gb memory or the air m3 16gb memory im so bad at deciding though. Im trying not to spend too much but it it a guess not too much difference

[@arkoverload]

If you're okay with the price difference, go with the pro. If budget is a concern, a MacBook Air m3 should be just fine for what you're doing. Again, do your own research, but that's my opinion.

[@danthonyrashad]

Can you make a video of how to add plugins logic to an external drive

[@joshuanesbit]

i'm thinking of going to an m3 air from my slow 2020 intel pro

[@luisrangel3296]

How much ram you have? Is it for sale?

[@mdhedayethossen5008]

LA 2A , Manley VoxBox

[@elbambinomaloso189]

How would the pro last longer than the air?

[@Blame_Connor]

Better specs means it will take longer to be “outdated”

[@DraiochtDorcha]

battery size if you want a physical reason.

[@jamwithjason3112]

How is the latency with logic at 32 samples? Does the air handle it ?

[@MusikalHuman]

latency is not really noticeable 128 and below....

[@shashidharuppada8757]

MacBook Pro 8GB RAM is sufficient for music production beginners?

[@arkoverload]

For beginners? Sure, but eventually you’ll want to try 3rd party plugins and more challenging projects and that’s where you’ll need the 16GB ram

[@MusikalHuman]

sufficient for a few tracks, but dumb choice --- music needs RAM --- spend the loot!

[@starcasmic6329]

Does the 13inch looks too small for music production?

[@MusikalHuman]

yes.... INVEST or get a Mac MINI with monitor.

[@bestillandknowthatuaregod]

WHAT INTERFACE YOU RECOMEND FOR A HOME STUDIO?

[@alexhandshaw5021]

amazing video thank you

[@Beatsnmotivation]

You think the 14 M1 Pro 10 core with 16 gb ram and 500 gb storage for music production will work?

[@CristianOdgers]

Si

[@cotecan]

But getting an external Drive for your mac air just ruins all portability. Makes no sense

[@arkoverload]

Not necessarily. I’ve seen folks put Velcro on their laptop and SSD drives so that it stays together. Also, if you’re producing music or editing videos, I HIGHLY recommend using an external. You don’t want to lose all your info if your internal drive crashes.

[@teresasilverlight2759]

how does the AIR work with pro tools?

[@arkoverload]

Great question. I’m not sure as I haven’t used Pro Tools in over a decade.

[@SlavaAnimado]

having external ssd is pain in the b&tt, better save some money and buy a laptop with enough storage

[@MusikalHuman]

True that. 1tb mac internal faster hd as well.

[@blackmirror2992]

M2 24gb mac mini for music production? Or should I choose M2pro 16gb mac mini?

[@ApfelSgt]

I would prefer the M2 pro! 16gb is more than enough for 99% of music producers, especially on an Hobby level! And CPU is way more important in this case! But if you’re not a professional, i am pretty sure each version will be more than enough powerful for all your needs! 😅👌🏼 I have an M1 mac and even that is more than powerful for all what i have done with it! 🤣👌🏼

[@MusikalHuman]

m2 pro is beast mode

[@kunalgurdekar]

I want to buy a reliable machine for music production and I'm a beginner so do i wait for mac air m3 or i should buy the mac pro m3

[@arkoverload]

If you can wait for m3 MacBook Air I think that’s the way to go. If money isn’t an issue, can’t go wrong with m3 pro MacBook Pro

[@Hersongjourneys]

if you're a beginner, I would go smaller. If you're working on music every day and have been for a while, go with the pro. If you know this is where you're going to be spending your time, get the better one. If it is just a hobby for here and there, go with the air.

[@kunalgurdekar]

@@Hersongjourneys appreciate your reply, i have a budget of 200k (INR) and i chose to buy pro version 11core cpu 18/512 gigs. Before i thought i should buy a expensive one with 12 core cpu just cuz logic pro only uses p cores so i thought it could be better to get 1 extra core but then i realize that it is just silly of me to throw extra 50k (INR) for just 1 core, then i finally decided to go with the mac m3 pro 11core cpu 18/512 gigs. I'll order in a week, I'm waiting for my exam result it would take something approx 6 days and then I'll buy. Thanks for the comment and have a good day ❤

[@Loneranger670]

Buy a refurbished 2020 MBP - you will find these speced up at i7 quad core, 16GB and 512G storage with 15” screen for under $900

[@mdhedayethossen5008]

Mac Book pro M3 would be better choice

[@rubensaid5715]

Great video!! Keep it up man

[@arkoverload]

Thanks!

[@Serdo70]

Hello friends, I currently have a MacBook pro from 2022 and it's high time for a new one. Do music recording and wants to build beats in the future and edit my music videos myself. As far as I understand it correctly, should I get a MacbookPro M3, or the M3 Max? Best regards

[@Ippiegomas]

So which one better for music production? 2015 MacBook air or 2013 MacBook pro? Just asking 🙌🏿

[@arkoverload]

I wouldn't recommend any Macbook Air for music production that doesn't have an M series chip in it. The earliest version of that would be 2020.

[@Ippiegomas]

@ does it okay if only using stock plug-in Logic pro x?(mabook air)

[@TheReVmatch]

M3 air is more than enough

[@SojournONE]

This is so dumb. Ive been using an Imac from 2007 that i paid $20 for and if i want to update my stuff its going to cost 1k! So stupid

[@キラキラくりくり頭]

Man, Apple products are over priced. I miss MacBooks, haven't had one for a decade, but every time I look into it, I get all excited and end up going "sorry... They charge THAT much??" "It's the go to for pros" ok, it may be good for pros... But I'm a hobbyist. So, nah, it's just out of my price range. The MacBook Pro is like 5 months worth of rent for me.

[@MusikalHuman]

are you a hobbyist who cares about their hobby? get Mac.

[@beatboyheatboy]

I will never buy another overpriced over spec’d MacBook Pro…the one I have now runs perfect but is obsolete because I can’t update the OS any further

[@donalddarko4871]

same... its an absolute joke