Best MacBook for Music Production: Pro vs. Air!

What's the best Macbook for Music Production in 2024? In this video I go into detail highlighting the pros and cons of music production with both the M2 Macbook Air, and the M3 Pro and M3 Max Macbook Pros.
Whether you're a novice, intermediate or professional music producer, you'll get an insight as to which Macbook is right for YOU and how you can even save some money in the process.

[@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

[@alexhandshaw5021]

amazing video thank you

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@CowsGoRawrrr]

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

[@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

[@ALyricVideoGuy]

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!

[@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.

[@bestillandknowthatuaregod]

WHAT INTERFACE YOU RECOMEND FOR A HOME STUDIO?

[@jamwithjason3112]

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

[@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.

[@Beatsnmotivation]

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

[@RBAudios]

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

[@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!!!

[@blackmirror2992]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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?

[@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

[@mdhedayethossen5008]

LA 2A , Manley VoxBox

[@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

[@umarsrf]

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

[@micheallarsen8687]

Whats battery like?

[@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

[@danthonyrashad]

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

[@rubensaid5715]

Great video!! Keep it up man

[@arkoverload]

Thanks!

[@elbambinomaloso189]

How would the pro last longer than the air?

[@Blame_Connor]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@SlavaAnimado]

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

[@TheReVmatch]

M3 air is more than enough

[@mdhedayethossen5008]

Mac Book pro M3 would be better choice

[@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.

[@musicLOVers-lq1cm]

Macbook 2022 air m2 8 gb 256gb sdd good for music production?????

[@THE.MICHAEL.ANGELO]

I ALWAYS recommend 16gb RAM or more for music production. Never go for less than that. You'll run into serious issues with running DAW's and their supported programs and software. 256gb SSD is okay for saving native plugins, VST's, expansions and more. I save them on my native SSD for faster access for processing, mixing/ editing, and mastering within the DAW BUT, when saving your tracks and others, save them on a BIGGER external drive. In other words, any programs, plugins, VSTs and DAW software should be stored on the internal storages. 16gb RAM for the DAW's and software/ programs and the 256gb SSD for plugins, VST's, expansions and so on. Just for that, 256gb is overkill if you're a beginner to intermediate music creator. Even the word, "creator," is a bit sensitive for me. By that, I mean, that there's a whole different meaning in the word, "production." If you're a beat maker and want to compose [even with vocals], 16gb RAM and 256gb SSD is perfect, of course with a big external, however, if you want to get into the whole "production," side of things, which entails everything from composing, arranging, editing, mastering and a whole ensemble of other things, a Macbook Pro MAX (RAM, will be at 48gb, with a 1TB ssd), would be PERFECT. Of course, you'll still need more external storage in time. Some consider it to be overkill, but the more the better, especially if, and when you want to get into the production side of things. Hope this helps.

[@musicLOVers-lq1cm]

@@THE.MICHAEL.ANGELO thank you bro i will go for 16 gb samsung laptop

[@THE.MICHAEL.ANGELO]

@@musicLOVers-lq1cm Any time Fam! Good luck! Looking forward to hearing your music!

[@Eirini.e11]

@@THE.MICHAEL.ANGELOhey! I am finding this and the whole MacBook search a bit overwhelming. I want to make jazz music on it. So I need something more than 16gb RAM. Can you recommend one or two options so I finally decide and order mine? I’m in that situation for about 6 months now and I can’t seem to really clear up to mind to decide.

[@dansh3937]

@@THE.MICHAEL.ANGELODoes MacBook allow installation of free plug-ins?

[@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.