Mac Studio M1 Ultra: How Many Audio TRACKS Can This REALLY Do?

[@trayoibry8246]

Could you please do the same test with the buffer size of 32 or 64 on your audio interface...I think it's more important how many tracks/virtual instruments + some FX in the chain you can play while having the lowest latency possible...before audio drop outs acurre...

[@LonelyRocker]

I could consider a test like this if enough people are interested.

[@ssef3232]

@@LonelyRocker I would highly like to see that test

[@ilikemyrealname]

Another vote for this. I’m incredibly interested in this exact scenario.

[@jackbauer1805]

I would definitely like to see a test at 32, 64, 96 and 128. I would also like to see this test done without duplicate tracks. By that I mean, every track with different vst’s and plugins…. Thanks for the hard work you put in for these informative videos.

[@RaddDronzy]

I vote for this.

[@MichaelSmith-on1ig]

Thank you for the update! This machine is an absolute beast.

[@Rickytee2]

Glad you got to the bottom of the M1 Studio Ultra capacity issue. To be honest I was a bit concerned that just 150 tracks worth of processing was available during the first test. This is really valuable info for those of us that are concidering this machine. The revised track count is much more like the level I was expecting from the M1 Studio Ultra. Great vid Dan . :)

[@LonelyRocker]

And it was a good excuse to make another video on this 😂

[@LonelyRocker]

I did a whole series on this computer. This was one aspect. This was a direct response to my viewers who requested this. Sorry it didn’t resonate with you but I do appreciate constructive feedback so thank you.

[@JesusArmasOficial]

Avid Link to me is that app that every time I update the Pro Tools stuff, I always keep that inactive. By default on Windows it starts with Windows. That processing taken by it is not needed at all! Great video!

[@LonelyRocker]

So true..it's a resource hog for such a small application. And thanks so much!

[@DragonBiscuit]

Great video - I’ve been wondering about just these issues - gonna wait a little longer before I jump to the new architecture - thanks

[@LonelyRocker]

Thank you! Keep in mind these are not issues. Any migration will come with change but these new macs do have the horsepower to get it done in multiple scenarios. Just no upgrades 😂😂

[@DevanSabaratnam]

First of all - Thank You - I am considering getting a Mac Studio Ultra for my home studio and your videos have been really informative. As a software developer and musician though, I am curious as to whether Logic Pro does some sort of optimisation when it detects multiple duplicated tracks with the exact same MIDI/Waveforms and processing chain, and shortcuts the raw processing for each track? I am wondering if things would be different if each track was a separate 'take', though I can appreciate that tracking guitars/bass etc. hundreds of times would take a considerable amount of time. Perhaps minor track changes like little EQ tweaks or panning/level changes just to force Logic to recalculate things during playback to see a more 'real world' scenario?

[@LonelyRocker]

Glad you enjoyed this. Thanks for your thoughts. Maybe there are some efficiencies but it’s hard to say. You’re right. Had I tried to record 500 tracks or even make changes this test would have taken me days to do. I’m not sure the end tally is the message. It’s really the potential of the horsepower. I am considering other tests to try as there seems to be an appetite for it. I will note your thoughts and see what I can do. Cheers!

[@WarrenPostma]

The thing is you’re never going to need 500 tracks. Another test that might be interesting is to pick a particularly CPU heavy effect like a long reverb, and feed different audio to 20 or 100 different reverbs. If the highest quality convolution reverb on Logic with native M1 code can run 100 reverbs, and a non-M1 mac trashcan mac pro can only run 20, that gives you a really interesting ballpark “better than” number. My guess is that the number there is in the range of 3 to 10 times.

[@NateJDrums]

I normally mix 200 track sessions so this is a perfect upgrade. Thanks for the video!!!

[@LonelyRocker]

Those are quite the sessions! My pleasure!

[@larryhudspeth4072]

Im just curious...what are you doing that requires 200 tracks?

[@NateJDrums]

@@larryhudspeth4072 Vocals can be over 75 tracks, then the instrumentation can also get in to the 70-100, especially if its fully tracked out. Not including bussing and groups

[@ottokite]

Thanks for providing all of that detail. Loved that bass track.

[@LonelyRocker]

Thank you so much!! And happy to share!!

[@frankpaws]

I just got that Sonnet Echo 11. Still in box.

[@Slynell1]

This is what I need dawg

[@ANSWERTHECALLOFJESUSCHRIST]

I don't think I've ever totaled 550 tracks combined in all my projects in 20 years of this music-making hobby! 😄

[@LonelyRocker]

Ha!! You and me both!!

[@TruenorthmtGod]

praise Yeshua

[@beebeesmith]

Glad you did this revised video as although I’m not going to use over 150 I regularly use 80 on my existing computer and only recently had problems.

[@LonelyRocker]

I just knew something was wrong! You should watch the follow up to this one ;)

[@TimE_5150]

Great video, I am looking into a new Mac, my mid 2012 isn't cutting it anymore. And I am tired of waiting for the new MacPro. Most likely will go the Mac Studio route. I assume I can use my current apple magic mouse, keyboards and 4K TV?

[@LonelyRocker]

Thnx! Yes. All your accessories will work. I reused mine. Enjoy it!

[@helmanfrow]

Incidentally, Focousrite has essentially disowned their first-gen Scarlett interfaces, which will not be getting software updates for M1. They will continue to work in native mode but will not have a software control panel.

[@LonelyRocker]

I guess it was time for them to move forward. I'm sure we'll see new gear from them....

[@helmanfrow]

@@LonelyRocker Of this I have no doubt.

[@trevordolhan1060]

Great video man. Very instructional. Love your taste in music!!😊😊😊

[@LonelyRocker]

Thanks so much!!!

[@djsugarbear6079]

That's pretty awesome and a great test man. Thanks for this as I'l be most likely getting the same machine for audio and recording with VST's etc.

[@LonelyRocker]

Glad it was helpful! And my pleasure! Hope you grab it. It's been a great upgrade in my studio. Not perfect but WAY better than where I was...

[@stevenlb22]

Great video - is that a custom made stand

[@LonelyRocker]

Thanks! No, it's a glass bistro table. It works great for product shots. It did work perfectly for this :)

[@elbernoffice3152]

great video and cool music too.... thumbs up !

[@LonelyRocker]

Awesome. Thanks so much!

[@witzendoz]

I haven’t got a Mac studio, but I bought the mini m1 when it came out as I thought it was a bargain, I’m having no problems as yet with anything I throwing at it using a presonus studio 4848 via thunderbolt, plus a thunderbolt raid. If the studio had been out I would have jumped on that but the mini has been fine, the only down side of the mini is that it only runs 2 monitors. The mini is a good option for a smaller studio. I use reaper, which is m1 compatible, plus waves, t-racks and nomad plugins. Great video and interesting.

[@LonelyRocker]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it. The M1 is VERY efficient. I almost considered the mini because I was desperate for a new computer. I needed more ports and things like that. So I held on. While the Studio is not perfect, it covered most of what I needed.

[@andyinnes7270]

Thanks for the video. I like your music man!

[@LonelyRocker]

My pleasure!! And thanks so much!! Lots more if it in other videos :)

[@dantemusic885]

Great video! how many tracks should I expect, if I opt for the M1 max version of the Apple Mac Studio? many thanks in advance for your videos! much appreciated!

[@LonelyRocker]

Thank you! That’s a hard number to pin down as it depends on what you are doing with your machine. But, unless you are mixing symphonies, that machine can handle pretty much any session you throw at it and more.

[@osbornebinghamjr.559]

woowwww !! great job sir. now I'm sold

[@LonelyRocker]

Thank you!

[@citytonightproductions]

Great vid! Awesome explanation of Rosetta and the background apps we are not awards of running! I can’t see 98% of us studio geeks ever requiring 500 tracks in a session. That’s not movie production etc. Nice to know these mac studios can handle so much workload and not even burp, I love mine, was a great addition to the studio!

[@LonelyRocker]

Thanks my friend! Glad you enjoyed it! And happy to hear you are enjoying yours :)

[@stanislavshimunov4373]

Hi Dan! You never showed that you got “ULTRA” version of your Mac studio! And that is exactly what I was asking you to do, but you understood it wrong. So please if you are planning to make a next video don’t forget to show viewers “about your mac” section. plus if you will that will be great if you can make the same video tracking 96k 24bit to see how much tracks can you achieve. And thanks for mentioning my name, you made me proud! Dan! May God bless you for all your work!!!

[@LonelyRocker]

Ha! Well, I guess people will just have to take my word for it. Even a screenshot doesn’t prove anything really. With good editing you can own anything 😂😂😂. I am thinking of other tests to do. Seem many are interested in that. And happy to mention you in this video! I’m sure you were surprised to see that 😎😎😎

[@ultrasoundconcept]

GReat Video man, I was hoping you would show us the Project settings and the buffer size you are recording with.

[@LonelyRocker]

Thank you!! I did talk about the project specs! Maybe I spoke too quietly?? :))))

[@thesecristan5905]

As a developer, I found your tests very insightful and helpful. One issue that interests me is the communication overhead between apple silicon native threads and rosetta threads. I would expect that at a certain number of rosetta threads (tools and plugins) the overhead would be less if you run Logic Pro itself in rosetta mode. It would be very interesting to see where this limit lies. My guess is 3 to 4 plugins.

[@LonelyRocker]

Glad you enjoyed this. Not sure if you saw the previous video I did. I reference it in this video. Quite a difference in performance when you compare fully native and blending with Rosetta apps. Keep in mind, Logic, if the newest version, runs natively without exception. But non m1 plugins run outside off that in Rosetta. It’s actually quite efficient. 500 tracks is so beyond needed for most. I’ve had requests for other tests. More plugins. More VSTs. Different buffer sizes and sample rates. I’ll chew on that. Thanks for watching!

[@thesecristan5905]

@@LonelyRocker Thanks again. Seems I didn't get all the details. I will watch the previous video again. The tests you mentioned are very interesting. I will have a deeper look at topics like sample rates and buffer size in preparation. Unfortunately, I'm not a musician and I can't say how much they influence the sound. Subscribed. Keep on rocking!🤘🤘🤘

[@LonelyRocker]

@@thesecristan5905 Let’s be clear. My tests won’t be published in a white paper 😂😂😂. But they are very practical examples. Glad to have you here! Please comment again. Cheers!

[@Cefshah]

Good Info!! 🙂👍 BTW, if you are using an external SSD... which one(s) are you using? (Thanks in advance for any feedback.)

[@LonelyRocker]

Thanks! I'm mainly using a Lacie USB 4 media drive as my external production drive. I also have some thunderbolt drives. I think any decent brand same SSD should do the job but always check the speed of the drive. the higher the better....

[@Cefshah]

@@LonelyRocker Thank you!! 🙂

[@ManInTheAttic57]

Thanks - great video! Very informative and brave of you to tackle such a potentially dodgy subject!

[@LonelyRocker]

Thanks Karl!! I get a little heat but most people seem to appreciate it....just sharing ideas!

[@uptownphotography]

Well done. I do believe that duplication of tracks would make it easier on a DAW and on the Processors to perform, but honestly who in the heck would need even over a 150 tracks in a project. Of course some will say they need that, but I usually clock in around 30-40 tracks and that is pushing my estimate on the high side. I am used to doing analog recording on tape with a large inline modular console (I rented my studio full time for about 10 years back in the 1990s) and we used to get everything done on a 1 inch 16-Track machine running at 30IPS (eventually going to 24 tracks). I did quite a few CDs back then and you can get it done. With today's DAWs at our disposal it's a different world and I think we have a tendency to overlook just how good we have it now. All The Best....You do a great job. Phil NYC Area

[@LonelyRocker]

Thanks so much!! This was mentioned by someone else. There may be some efficiencies because of the repetition. But it just paints a picture. The data is just not white paper ready :). I do believe creativity suffers with too many options. Some of the best records in history were recorded on tape with limitations on tracks and busses. I think that's what is missing in modern recording....thanks for your thoughts!!

[@uptownphotography]

@@LonelyRocker Yes agreed. Just to clarify also, I think you did a really good job testing the performance of the M1. It is like you said, (I'm Paraphrasing) there would be no way you could record 500+ tracks all individually in a reasonable amount of time to do such a test. The way you did the test was a more reasonable method to paint a picture of the M1 performance. All the best Dan......... Phil

[@LonelyRocker]

@@uptownphotography THNX MY FRIEND!

[@J.Livermore]

brilliant Video, thank You!

[@LonelyRocker]

Glad you enjoyed it! My pleasure!

[@LonelyRocker]

🔥🔥🔥Want MORE Mac Studio Tests? I GOT YOU---> kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXLHnH2JrKmIsLc🔥🔥🔥

[@hfranke07]

Great video... thanks

[@LonelyRocker]

My pleasure. And thank you.

[@plasticcreations7836]

Thats more like the result I was expecting. Its good to know but by the time I get a Mac Studio it will probably have an M2. Only recently found your channel, I'll go back and check out your previous videos.

[@LonelyRocker]

Yes, I wanted to get it right this time ;). Glad you found me. Look forward to hearing from you again!

[@timbeaton5045]

Good news...Just checked and Focusrite Control app notes say "Version 3.7.2 of Focusrite Control adds support for Apple Silicon (M1) systems. This version is currently available from the Downloads section of our site (select your product from the dropdown menu)."

[@LonelyRocker]

I’ve learned “supports” M1 doesn’t necessarily mean M1 native. I downloaded the newest version for this video.

[@timbeaton5045]

As I commented in the last video, I thought something was fishy with those results. I will tempt the Comment Gods, here by saying that 500 tracks should pretty well be enough for any project! Although I guess that some pro composers who use full orchestral sample libraries with a track for each instrument, and sometimes a track for each articulation within an instrument may eventually run out. But they are more likely to be going for the Mac Pro when it comes out. Remember the last Intel Mac Pro could top out at 1.5 TB of RAM!!!

[@timbeaton5045]

OK, you may be right. One can only trust them that this is so, although Activity Monitor should tell you!

[@thomaslthomas1506]

@@timbeaton5045 My wife and I just scored a project that was a red hair from 500 tracks. It brought my poor intel Mac to its knees. Her m1 Mac mini sailed thru it.

[@larryhudspeth4072]

Sounds like the guy is referring to midi tracks? When you use live instruments input with microphones...the number of possible tracks drops significantly? Garageband works like that.

[@tuberjunky]

Regarding the final exported project sound quality, I'm using a maxed out imac. My projects are up to 395 tracks. The mix sounds awesome playing out of the DAW, but whatever I do, I can't export it without losing a lot of the dynamics and fullness it originally had. Would a maxed Mac studio make a noticeable difference in the final export sound quality?

[@LonelyRocker]

Your export should not sound any different. Unless there is something going in the export. Double check your settings to make sure nothing is affecting your export.

[@Composercleo]

I will be sure to call the authorities if a week has passed and there is no update.. don’t worry we’ve got you! 😂 Thank you for this video update, being that I also have the Clarett pre, it’s interesting to see that it’s so demanding. Maybe related to the kernel extension security permissions change? I’m sure if focusrite could cut make a driver that supplies native M1 support this utilization could be trimmed.

[@LonelyRocker]

Ha. Thank you. Good looking out! Focusrite just needs a native M1 app. I realized many companies have found “compliance” within Rosetta. I assume this is a middle step to full compliance. Hopefully we will see that soon. Send food! 😂😂😂😂

[@Composercleo]

@@LonelyRocker Just saw this comment haha! Had a good laugh ”and food” 😂Agreed and since that compliance works for them we end up settling, hopefully larger brands like UAD push the native m1 putting pressure on others to follow suit!

[@xiaoyiyingmusic]

I'm doing film scoring gigs, so this update is super great for me. I do need the powerful CPU!

[@LonelyRocker]

Hope it works well for you!!

[@zeeklove3249]

You got to do it with Sampletank, Omnisphere and Halion 6. That's a real test for mac especially sampletank.

[@LonelyRocker]

I'm sure!! I think I'm burned out on tests for now. No matter what I do, there's always another test to try :)))

[@StillPictureProduction]

Thanks for this update. Going to get a Studio soon. Coming from a PC, it’s easy to disable those pesky little things running in the background by right clicking. Is it the same on a Mac?

[@LonelyRocker]

My pleasure. And yes. Once you learn how to do it is easy to monitor and kill background apps. Good luck!

[@Imagineyourmusiccom]

thank you very much for this review, I just subscribed, so what would you recommend for music composition with a lot of orchestral VST instruments in Logic pro? I'm currently working on my Imac pro 2016

[@LonelyRocker]

My pleasure! The thing with this machine and the new M2 version is you need to configure it the best way you can afford because you can't upgrade it. I went Ultra to ensure I'd get many years with this machine. So my recommend would be to configure it with as much as you can afford. Especially if you use a lot of vSTs. Lots of Ram and the biggest CPU config that fits your budget. Good luck!

[@Imagineyourmusiccom]

@@LonelyRocker ok thanks

[@GeorgeAmodei21]

Thank you for making this VIDEO ...my LATE 2017 is finally time to replace. :) ( my Project usually sit around 90-150 Tracks ( w/ lots of processing)

[@LonelyRocker]

My pleasure...hope you enjoy your new machine! :)

[@GeorgeAmodei21]

@@LonelyRocker Thank you :)

[@dasooperb1371]

nice bass guitar tone. can you describe your channel strip and eq settings for both guitar and bass? thx

[@LonelyRocker]

Thank you. I have a bunch of videos on my channel that talks about both bass tone and guitar tone and different products I use. Sift through and see what you can find...

[@MilestonesMusic1]

Now im just curious how this mac does against a Mac Pro 2019 desktop which they have been dropping in price significantly

[@LonelyRocker]

It's kind of an Apples and Oranges comparison. The Mac Pro has so much horsepower but it's fast become old tech...I wouldn't buy one now....it will become obsolete far faster than it should.....

[@MilestonesMusic1]

@@LonelyRocker thanks I was close to buying one but chose to stay on a budget with a Mac mini in the hopes to see if apple will drop any this year. Thanks

[@musicproductionvideos5019]

Was your buffer all the up? Sorry if I missed that.

[@LonelyRocker]

Yes...for this test it was at 1024....

[@adzpana]

Love this video so much as a purchased a Mac Pro this year knowing fully about M1 performance but somehow I didn’t want to move from Intel just yet. So glad I didn’t as mine as rock solid. 7,1 12C 96GB 4TB 2TB AIC w5700x. Running Monterey using Logic Pro latest, Reason 12 and ableton 11 with Push. All my VSTs from NI, isotope and Plug-in alliance no drama. Waves plug-ins i through them in a virtual bin. Oh also Aruria working flawless. Not to mention boot camp which is a must at this point for me. I’m sure apple silicone Mac Pro can’t be expandable as much as 7,1 models with their architecture difference. Currently using 6 of 8 lanes so yeah. Trash can all over again I believe. Keep your vids coming.

[@LonelyRocker]

Thanks!! I really would rather be in the Mac Pro form factor but I realized I rarely add anything inside other than drives. So yes, the squashed trash can is the direction I went. Your machine is a beast though! But all aPple apps will move towards Silicone eventually...

[@anthonylee3311]

So helpful, thank you. You got a subscribe

[@LonelyRocker]

Awesome! Thanks so much...and welcome!

[@manunoyonify]

interesting thx ! what about processor intensive synths like serum, expressive e imagine or arturia pigments ? ;)

[@LonelyRocker]

My pleasure...I've been thinking about doing a virtual instrument test...I'm not a VST guy but I'll figure something out ;)

[@manunoyonify]

@@LonelyRocker can't find that anywhere... I guess Pigment is M1 Compatible and Imagine not yet... Imagine is such a power hungry instrument, as it's a modeling synth. Other modeling vst's such as Modo drum and Modo bass could be of interest for you...)

[@oldtimer666]

@@LonelyRocker PLEASE DO IT. Even i wanna see it Can you do another logic test with third party or stock eq compressor and saturator, reverb and delay on each track and then increase the number of tracks and see how many the cpu can handle? Im on a i9 and even my intel macbook can do 150+ stock vsts easily. I am planning to upgrade to mac studio ultra soon(20 cores) but i cannot find any test on the internet like this and im sure many people are looking for this similar test to see how much load the cpu can handle since we are paying mainly for the cpu only. Would be a great help if you can do another test since investing $4000 is a big deal im sure you will help a lot of people like me

[@dawnpoint]

That's more like it. I thought that initial result was strangely low. PresentDayProduction got an INSANE number of tracks and plugins to run on a base M1 Mini before it crapped.

[@LonelyRocker]

Yes. I’ve run so many different tests and it’s hard to establish a consistent track count as it seems many different variables influence the test. As in this test where I managed the plugins and the use of Rosetta. But it clearly demonstrates the potential of the machine. That was my goal. Thanks for your thoughts!

[@FRANKRICECOLD209]

Nice One Thanks

[@LonelyRocker]

My pleasure!!

[@phikingofficial]

Great informative video. I’d like to know what’s the total amount of plugins did you used including the virtual instruments? You mentioned you have a 64 GB and 2 TB, I’m considering getting a 4 TB and 128 GB Mac studio very soon, would that make a huge difference in processing power and computer performance?

[@LonelyRocker]

Thank you! If you have the budget that would be a great machine...but for most audio production needs that is WAY overkill. That horsepower is best suited to 3D rendering and things like that. You'll have a fast machine but super overkill for audio. If you want to save a few bucks you could skim it back a bit....

[@echo9INE]

Maybe I am doing something horribly wrong in Logic, but I often get error msgs thrown at me for running 10 tracks of VIs (strings, piano, pads, etc) and a few plugins on each track. M2 Max. 64GB Ram. This is with my buffer size set to 512 btw. Thoughts? Tips?

[@LonelyRocker]

It could be a number of things. Could be an incompatible VST. Start a new project and add things slowly to see what might be bottlenecks g your system.

[@echo9INE]

Thanks for the reply. I’ll try that.

[@HEADORGUT]

Yeah, I noticed something off about this bed. That's more like it. Can you try this on Reaper M1 build?

[@LonelyRocker]

Definitely more like it....I'm not a Reaper user so not sure if I can get to that but I am looking at some other tests....

[@djrightonbeat]

Why is the non native stuff even active if you are not using them? You say to kill those ? How do you kill (quit) them. Are they in startup items? Can you explain how to kill them , so they never run? Otherwise everything else was very informative.. thx

[@LonelyRocker]

First, they are not an issue unless you need 500 tracks. So nothing to worry about for most people. But yes, you can remove apps from startup items or simply just close them. I generally don’t like unnecessary things running in the background. Especially plug-in managers. So as a rule I don’t allow them to run at startup.

[@BlackMan614]

I bought the Max. I only run native apps and plugins. No UAD. I was under the assumption all Waves plugins were native at this point?

[@LonelyRocker]

Nice. These machines are most efficient running native apps. I’m running older versions of Waves. Newer versions are native . I have refused to upgrade. I whine about that in another video 😂

[@BlackMan614]

@@LonelyRocker Yeah... I'm new to Waves. Haven't gotten jaded about them, yet. But UAD... high priced dongle to run the plugins. Pick your poison.

[@phikingofficial]

Can you a video about 192 KHz project in protools or in Logic each track full of plugins and see how far before crashing?

[@LonelyRocker]

That could be fun to test….

[@juanjeronemo9573]

Is it possible to run legacy, v9, waves plugins on the mac studio?

[@LonelyRocker]

I actually cover that in my previous Mac Studio video I did...it's linked in the description....you can use the offline installer...BUT...I have been having a lot of weird crashes using non M1 plugins so I have stripped them out....

rookie question here, why do you add 20 identical tracks of each instrument every time ??

[@LonelyRocker]

Simply efficiency for the test...If I had to record ALL of those tracks it would have taken me weeks to make this video :)

[@forfilmmusic]

Thanks you so much for doing this video! I wonder and maybe someone can clarify this. If these were all different audio tracks instead of the drives and computer reaching for the same bass and guitar tracks would it possibly challenge the processor and /or effect drive and playback performance differently? I do a lot of audio post production with 100~150 tracks sometimes happening in a 5.1 session. I wonder if the audio was disparate sources including dialogue from an OMF and then music stems and 1000s of sfx and foley if it would beat the Mac Studio up a little more? hmmmm anyone?

[@LonelyRocker]

Thanks! I actually touched on this in a follow up video. Check this out and then comment again and I’ll give you my full thoughts. And excuse the comedy in this video, there is info too 🤣 Apple Mac Studio M1 Ultra - Music Production Tests You Need To See kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXLHnH2JrKmIsLc

[@forfilmmusic]

@@LonelyRocker awesome - thanks!

[@williamshaneblyth]

I only ever use 20 the Beatles used 2 x 4 track tape machines so good music does not need many track it's all because we think having a bigger whatever is better

[@LonelyRocker]

Demands on production have changed. And of course technology has changed. I've spoken to a lot of guys who do sound for movies. They need hundreds of channels for sound design. For music, some do overdo it. But it depends on what you are doing so it's hard to generalize...

[@AJNAL777]

How many simultaneously tracks can you record at the same time? For example 16 or more different mic inputs recording at the same time?

[@LonelyRocker]

This is tough to test because this is limited by the audio interface. Not everyone will have the same one. And the efficiency will be affected by the interface. I believe it can handle most of what is thrown at it.

[@AJNAL777]

@@LonelyRocker Thank you, makes sense.

[@subramaniamchandrasekar1397]

I recall a DAW software called 'SAW'. Ran on very old PC computers, could record over 40+ tracks on live stages and very very stable. So, for live recording, these new computers should handle that many tracks very easily. The DAWs start to load CPU only when virtual instruments or effects are used. Of-course You must have an interface that supports hooking up to multiple audio interfaces. Or the DAW must support multiple audio interfaces at the same time. Regards.

[@davidasher22]

I was under the impression that if you run Logic in Rosetta then all your plugins are also being run in Rosetta and vice versa. But the way you are explaining it makes me think that you are running Logic native but plugins that aren’t native will switch over to Rosetta even if Logic is running native. Is that correct? I understand how other applications could be either or but the plugins would seem to be determined by what Logic is doing, no?

[@LonelyRocker]

Logic (if it's the newest version) runs native in M1 and any plugins that are not M1 native will run in Rosetta...

[@davidasher22]

@@LonelyRocker well, damn.. I should probably update then. Didn’t realize that.

[@davidasher22]

@@LonelyRocker I just updated and Im not getting the same experience concerning that native/Rosetta thing. Maybe you can elaborate? Is there a setting I need to adjust?

[@timdanyo898]

Those LaCie drives make me nervous. I’ve had many fail on me.

[@LonelyRocker]

I’ve lost a couple too…I Had a G-Tech drive go on me as well. These types of drives can fail. Back up back up!

[@FreestyleGalaxyNMore]

Same... Haha

[@robertl.6919]

Boy... I am a 61 yo sound engineer. We did GREAT records with 24 tracks with some " 8 to 2 " bounces in some occasions like a drum kit mixed on stereo to free some tracks for overdubs. If we didn't have any synchronized external gear, that made a total of 30 tracks. Still wonder if today's 130 tracks sound better than our projects...

[@LonelyRocker]

I really believe that physical limitations kept sessions focused and on point ultimately leading to better products. Without those limitations, projects can become endless tweakfests with so much unnecessary clutter. I did this test because people want to know. But 50 tracks is a BIG project for me. I have really worked to simplify the process. The extra horsepower makes the simpler workflows super smooth...just because you can do 2-300 tracks doesn't mean you should....

[@robertl.6919]

@@LonelyRocker Another amusing fact: I started on 8 tracks. Then 16 tracks...Then 24 in mid '80... 24 tracks was not considered as "limiited" in those days... On the contrary, we never had so much latitude ! More GTR overdubs ! More back vocals ! Labels suddenly saw the studio bills rise like never before as musicians were all over the place with so much tracks that " we lost focus" on the music pleaded the Label Producers... Funny, no ?

[@sohailsamson828]

great info. Actually, I was surprised to know that the RAM you got is just 64 instead 128 but 2TB of hard disk.

[@LonelyRocker]

Thnx! 64gb is far above anything you’d need for average music production or video editing. At least for what I do. It’s more Ram than I’ve ever had in one of my computers.

[@sohailsamson828]

Got it. Thank you

[@beebeesmith]

Sorry I didn’t really finish my comment properly, Rick Brown below covered my concerns exactly. Again I am grateful for your revision and have now ordered a Mac Ultra, now trying to find a suitable “budget” monitor, spent out, that’s what the wife said. 😂

[@LonelyRocker]

Best of luck with yours! I'm sure you will enjoy it regardless of what monitor you will have to settle for ;)

[@mynameismudd1518]

Damn. I guess I need to be doubling my bass to get it to sound that loud!

[@LonelyRocker]

Haha!! It's the only way :))))

[@rjkuser]

Did you get out of the utility room??? I haven’t seen you in two weeks!?!?!!

[@LonelyRocker]

Help!!!! :))))))

[@mikaelrose8638]

912 audio tracks (96k audio tracks) on M1 pro (10 core) running Cubase Pro and the fans didn’t even start to run. Logic ProX is not so efficient as we think.

[@LonelyRocker]

That's crazy!!

[@gloryrow100]

how much ram?

[@LonelyRocker]

I have 64gb

[@tutubeos]

That’s more like it! I thought that the previous test was not that impressive. Now we’re talking 😁

[@LonelyRocker]

I think this definitely paints a clearer picture though many still criticized this test 😝😝

[@tutubeos]

@@LonelyRocker oh gosh, sorry to hear that 🤦🏻‍♂️. I find your videos so good and very informative, keep up the excellent work 😊👍🏼

[@BarbaraKrolOfficial]

Ok dude and what sample rate ?

[@LonelyRocker]

Watch all of my Mac Studio test videos. There are now 3 of them. Sample rates are made very clear....

[@frankpaws]

What was your Sample buffer? Tell me 32 buffers.

[@LonelyRocker]

I said in the video 1024….

[@FreestyleGalaxyNMore]

🤣😂

[@matt_nyc_audioengineer]

As a veteran M1 user, I can happily say that almost all the MAJOR software companies are running natively, at least in Logic.

[@LonelyRocker]

Many are yes. But a surprising few are not. And some claim M1 “ready” when actually they are bound for Rosetta. Good to know which.

[@matt_nyc_audioengineer]

@@LonelyRocker Agreed. I bought the OG M1. Right when they first came out. I knew I was going to have to wait for a little but I was ok with that. It's going to be 3 years in a few months hahaha. I beta test for quite a few companies so I know some of the inner workings and issues that were going on. Believe it or not a lot of the hold up for quite a few companies was iLok. I'm just glad we are finally over the hump and more and more companies are catching up! Thanks for the great content!

[@tronam]

@@LonelyRocker One of the biggest holdups was iLok up until a couple of months ago, but now that their protection system is finally fully M1 native most of the remaining devs are releasing updates.

[@Bcwilderness]

i cant understand my 8700k i7 32gb ram music pc is shitting out with 4 drum vsts running 3.6 base core

[@LonelyRocker]

Clearly something is not right there. Strip it down and add peripherals one by one to see where the bottleneck might be.

[@BeatsbyTheHuman]

Man, the video is cool, but what about that Bass tone man?! That bass sounds mean, and phat in all the best ways! Details please and thank you good sir!

[@LonelyRocker]

Thank you so much. I love me some mean bass! I may have included this plugin in that tone: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4iwpYKEiL-Do7c

[@Mainyehc]

There’s more: when you boot the machine, Rosetta 2 itself doesn’t load, and it only does so after the first Intel-only binary loads. Rosetta 2 actually eats some resources on its own, so the maximum possible performance would be achieved not by just killing off any Intel processes, but by actually removing from the startup items any and all applications which still load those. No one will actually do that and Apple will just kill off Rosetta 2 in two or three years’ time, thus solving that issue the nuclear way.

[@LonelyRocker]

You’re right. Rosetta is a bridge but Apple will expect developers to migrate fully eventually. I agree with your timing.

[@gloryrow100]

How could anyone use that focusrite on a old MacBook?

[@LonelyRocker]

I’m not sure I understand your question.

[@mig_zvm]

How many for the m1 max 32gb GPU 64gb ram version? 🤣

[@LonelyRocker]

Good question!!! ;)))))))))))

[@alemusicgirl]

why no one do a proper test using heavy vst like omnishpere or diva or serum.. why always thos fckin audio trackkk its unfair

[@gassanovfuad]

No you wrong. 24% cpu useage of your focusrite control apps is Per Core usage (not 1/4 cpu power) So if have 8 cpu core, 1/4cpu power is 200% not 24%

[@LonelyRocker]

The point was the overall efficiency compared to my previous test.

[@derHerrMueller2]

Bei meinem m1 ultra ist schon bei 7 instanzen Serum Schluss...

[@derHerrMueller2]

Alle reden immer davon wie schnell der m1 ist, kann ich nicht nachvollziehen. Ein guter i9 pc ist definitiv rund 30% schneller als der M1 Ultra und kostet die hälfte. Wenn man ausschlieslich mit Software Instrumenten und Effekte arbeitet wie ich, ist man auch mit dem M1 Ultra permanent am freezen. Als "Midiverwalter" also mit Hardware Synths reicht wiederum auch m1 Mac Mini. Aus meiner Sicht darf die CPU leistung aber gerne noch drei bis viermal schneller sein als beim 1 Ultra oder intel i9 ....die AMD´ sollen ja richtig power haben...

[@helmanfrow]

Yeah, this is much more like it. I knew there had to be something gone awry with the last test. Maybe change the thumbnail and put a card up pointing folks to this one.

[@LonelyRocker]

Ha...I do link to this one...BUT...I still stand behind that test in a realistic application...because I use plugins that are non-M1. And most likely will for now. My only mistake was not explaining that fact clearly...a bit of an oversight on my part...

[@helmanfrow]

@@LonelyRocker Fair 'nuff.

[@morgonaut]

Resolve 17 IS M1 NATIVE!

[@LonelyRocker]

Thnx for the clarification! I was talking off the top of my head at that moment. I'm usually a little better with the details. Sorry for that error...

[@morgonaut]

@@LonelyRocker it's OK. I'm nicely surprised by your positive reaction. Usually when I correct someone he freaks out and defend his sh!t :)

[@LonelyRocker]

I'm here to share AND Learn. That's what makes it fun. I'm not here preaching. Happy to be corrected if I make a mistake. That's actually the reason I made this follow up video...cheers!

[@MartinMartin-yi9to]

Copying tracks isn't good as your computer isn't outputting 500 tracks but copies of the same few tracks. Add data output and you will cute that number quite a lot. And funny that going from rosetta to silicon native plugs on my M1 didn't do much change. Than again i did the test the proper way buy recording all the tracks and making sure all the plugins were doing their work.

[@LonelyRocker]

Check out my follow up to this video. I addressed that 😎

[@user-cg9yu4gx2q]

great results, in few years with native software full running on m1 it will be even bether,

[@LonelyRocker]

I agree...but hopefully sooner than a few years!! ;)

[@lamasteve6905]

Two M1's are on the way ! M2 right around the corner ! If they can do two chips, they can do 4 ! Apple is pushing ahead and they have the resources ! Small plugin companies are 1% as big as Apple so they are lagging behind ! Developer conference is on so if your plugin company isn't going, they are a lame duck group ! Quick buck and out is all they are ! We have some great software in the industry right now, but it must be kept up to date ! M1 have been out for some time !

[@LonelyRocker]

Actually some good small plugin companies got M1 compliant quite quickly. Fuse Audio Labs, United Plugins just to name a couple. A company has to be committed to the roadmap. Look at Avid. They have the resources but they lag way behind. Is what it is I guess….

[@Holtenstein]

Apple has these throttled to a low temp for both the CPU and Graphic of the M1 Max and Ultra. Once that is unlocked it should be much much faster!! The graphics for instance, are throttled to 30% of the the potential temps and power consumption. Once thats unlocked we will be able to see how fast these really are!

[@LonelyRocker]

Unless they melt down 😂😂😂

[@karann2.027]

you have the 20 core version or the 10 core version? and why is it showing only 16 threads?

[@LonelyRocker]

I have the 20 core version...It has 16 performance cores...that's why it shows 16....

[@oldtimer666]

​@@LonelyRocker Can you do another logic test with third party or stock eq compressor and saturator, reverb and delay on each track and then increase the number of tracks and see how many the cpu can handle? Im on a i9 and even my intel macbook can do 150+ stock vsts easily. I am planning to upgrade to mac studio ultra soon(20 cores) but i cannot find any test on the internet like this and im sure many people are looking for this similar test to see how much load the cpu can handle since we are paying mainly for the cpu only. Would be a great help if you can do another test since investing $4000 is a big deal im sure you will help a lot of producer friends like me

[@WRPierre2]

Maybe an orchestra needs that

[@LonelyRocker]

Even that would be a big orchestra ;)

[@santimaspons]

You are not using all 20 cores! Only 16! You can set all cores in audio preferences. Adjusting buffers improve performance too 🙄

[@LonelyRocker]

I tried so many tests and something always goes wrong. I think the point was made but I gave up on the tests and just use it for my work…and it’s doing the job 😂

[@henkwaaroms6686]

Watch Dom Segales.

[@LTDusersince99]

I wonder, as a human being.. how many tracks do you want to work on at the same time :P you'll end up doing group track i'm sure :P

[@LonelyRocker]

Ha! I think I needed a robot just to do this demo 😂😂😂😂

[@bowen748]

Try stock plugs! Logic plugs are rediculously outstanding. I have FLAWLESS performance. You desire too much.

[@LonelyRocker]

I use some stock plugins too….lately I’ve been using Chromeverb a lot.

[@npinero1]

If music moves to surround sound you would have 100 music tracks.

[@LonelyRocker]

You’re math is better than mine 😂

[@gassanovfuad]

Roseta 2 is soooo effecient. You only loose only 20-25% of the system perfomance

[@LonelyRocker]

My comparisons tell a different story.

[@odalv7278]

🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪😎😎😎

[@thejimmyharry]

It would be more Relevant to use a bunch of over sampled plugins … that’s what everyone is using these days

[@LonelyRocker]

I tried a few tests and then gave up..too many variables ;))))

[@bowen748]

Stick with XP bud.

[@LonelyRocker]

Ha. Right 🤪

[@WeThrowPie]

that clusterfuck of cables and external drives: LOOOOOOOOOL. dude use a NAS.

[@LonelyRocker]

Most of that is not connected to my main machine...and I did note I recently moved and I'm still setting that all up...