Recording Studio Technology - Don't Get Left Behind

[@dannyprecysroadtoforever5234]

I'm still running an 11 year old first gen 6 core I7 on Windows that has never let me down. While it won't run 900 plugins like an M1 I am able to run large sessions with high track counts and plugins with no problem and it's rock solid. I can track at 32 samples with 3.2 RTL and I only use the DSP mixer in my interface for vocals. To be fair the system is overclocked at 4.1ghz with 32gb of ram and all SSD's for storage but it's still an obsolete computer by any standard. My point is that people often feel the need to upgrade without any real benefits other than ego or peer pressure. I'm in Nashville and their are many studios in town that are doing major label projects on Pro Tools systems that well over 10 years old and they are cranking out work every day rather than chasing the latest gear trends. If I had half the time back that I spent on upgrading my studio through the years I would have a lot more finished work at this point in my life. Yes you can buy new gear with money but it will never buy more time.

[@SADwxrld]

"Lessons I've learned and times I've gotten burned"! Can we PLEASE schedule the co-write?! Absolutely love you Barry! Keep em comin, as able

[@RGMDG]

Thanks Berry for your insight. There is a philosophy that "Less is better" meaning if you have less options (not a million plug-ins etc. etc.) it can cause you to be more creative. Limit your options and focus on the REALLY important things like actually making music. I can only speak fro. myself, but as a human (that is how identify, btw), I get sucked into this thinking that if I had X or Y or Z, My mixes would sound so much better. Lies!!! Marketing works!! Digital is great, but isn't it funny how we all want that "Analog" sound. Perfect world=Analog sound with the convenience of digital. I argue, a good song, a good arrangement, recording and Mix (master too) is indistinguishable as to whether it is Digital or Analog. Peace. Keep up the great work Barry. Great to see your channel growing..

[@alfonsowest]

This is a good subject and you got me thinking and assessing my own whereabouts in this thing, GREAT ADVICE! Thank you!

[@BarryJohns]

That’s my goal!

[@jdigital1]

All well said Barry, This has always been my approach, the industry has continued to shift especially over the past decade or so!

[@MrNEWDY]

As a former system integrator/designer, I have always built systems based on price to performance and the rule of diminishing returns, so for myself I spec'd a pretty hefty consumer level machine in 2015 that is just now starting to show it's teeth, particularly with low buffer tracking on large instrument libraries. But I am still astounded when mixing the sheer amount of plugins I can run on 60+ channel sessions. I am moving towards hybrid mixing because I believe if you get the right outboard gear, it might pay for itself over long term plugin updates and keeping compatibility which costs money(because I am skilled enough to repair my own gear, this is not for everyone) But I agree with you, even though my career is no longer based on computer hardware I still keep up to date and the stuff coming out has really compelled me to update, particularly so I can retire my fleet of motu interfaces to get a 1u interface that can do 32IO across thunderbolt with sub 3ms latency during tracking and no hiccups. I am holding out for normalized pricing, supply chain woes to be done, and some approaching standards to become normalized, because when I build again, I don't intend to upgrade for 7+ years like I have with this machine. For anyone wondering my specs: -I7-4790k @5.1ghz on liquid(4ghz stock clocks) -32gb of DDR3 @2400mhz(1600mhz stock) -1tb sata ssd -5tb enterprise spinning disk -1200watt gold thermaltake psu(rebranded delta unit) -r9-390x triple dissipation gpu(eats about 400 watts when rendering videos) Using my discounts at the time I built this system for about a grand, so I am pretty proud of how long it has lasted. My mobile recording rig is a mobile i5 in a thinkpad of similar vintage recording 16 channels at once and it somehow still manages to do it with only 8gb of ram.

[@JimJWalker]

The last real revolution in audio for me came around 2005-6 when a Intel based Core2-Duo Mac book Pro using a Apogee Duet and Ableton Live 6/7 allowed me to record an entire album in the box without the headaches of earlier systems. The only thing since is just more CPU power and track counts.

[@BarryJohns]

In the time, those were good times for Audio, nothing like today, but for the time, yep!

[@afaceintheclouds]

This is awesome man, somebody had to say it. Wish more people would be open minded and embrace what technology is/has been doing for us (atleast the good side of tech) but hey, smart isn't for everyone. Cheers!

[@maddogtungate6740]

Great video Barry

[@GeorgeAmodei21]

We TRUST your Barry! Thank You, George Amodei

[@dean-marr]

Great video. Between 2005 to 2007 I bought 3 uad 1 cards and stopped. I bought a uad 6176 instead. Started buying hardware, pres, mics, compressors, and stopped with dsp. I also bought a m1 mini 699US, insanely fast, more than enough of what I need.

[@oig40203]

Like you, I started recording in the 90's. I had a Tascam 8Track reel to reel and then went to a blackface ADAT in 1994. I transferred to Logic when it was owned by Emagic and have been with Logic ever since. The problem now is that Apple wants us to buy a new computer every two years. They want to update Logic so it will only work with the newest OS, and that OS will only work with the newest Mac. Also, I have spent my money on microphones and good pre's. A U-87 never goes out of date, neither does a 1073.

[@BarryJohns]

It doesn’t work that way with Mac. The only two times it has been an issue in the last 25 years, when they changed from IBM to Intel and in 2020 when they switched from Intel to Silicon. Not once have I ever had an issue with Logic running on any OSX version other than those two times. As far as needing to buy a computer every two year, I’ve been a Mac user since the early 2000’s, and I’ve personally only used three different Mac’s during that period. So I’m confused by your comments.

[@recordman555]

@@BarryJohns You are correct, Barry.

[@nicholasbohannan1673]

I grew up learning Pro Tools, Logic and Ableton but I had absolutely 0 prior knowledge of what analog gear even was. You’re obviously much more knowledgeable when it comes to mixing and Pro Tools etc.. all I’m saying is… I’m 26 years old and when I bought into the UA stuff, I fell in love with the color every plug-in adds. I have all of the Softube and Plugin Alliance stuff. They’re all incredible! Don’t get me wrong! I just feel that UA is trying to show the new guys why the old loved gear was/is loved and cherished so much. I really love what the plugins do but I totally agree with what you’re saying man.

[@Tvaroh]

Barry, I love so much your honest opinions! I'm amateur but can genuinely see how right you are. The new M1 Pro/Max laptops are unbelievable! I was soooo bored by the coolers' noise on my previous macbooks (I do programming for a living). While my new M1 Max is totally silent, even when CPU is loaded. The only way to hear the coolers I found was to run a video game like Civilization 6. And it runs smoothly, with coolers still reasonably quiet, not even comparable with previous Intel ones. I'm so happy about it, it's the best purchase I made in years. Secondly, I upgraded from Apollo x4 to RME Fireface UFX+ yesterday and I'm speechless. Not only because it sounds a little bit better, but the whole range of possibilities it gives. And the price, it's almost equal to the Apollo's price I paid a year+ ago. How come they do it? I don't know but I'm impressed as never. Thank you for the suggestions in your videos, really enjoy them! Cheers.

[@BarryJohns]

Thanks a lot Alexander, really appreciate it! Looks like you made some great changes to your workflow! Enjoy!

[@eugenephillips481]

Great Video!!!

[@garyclement5527]

You making lots of sense, that’s why I study before I purchase. And I appreciate your enthusiasm. Apple is making waves and I can’t afford to keep up, but I’m making better purchase decisions because of a small budget. Thanks for your expertise also.

[@SaccoBelmonte]

In the past, having a good filter VST was a thing..... a filter! (Frohmage anyone?)... and you were on the hunt all the time for new plugins, it was also way more exciting. First time working at 8ms latency, working with Autotune or using the first convolution verb or "Generator" (later Reaktor) for the first time were ground breaking things.

[@righteousone8454]

I remember going from Avid's Mbox 2 (using it as interface and pre-amp) to Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 and SSL Alpha channel preamp, and good lord, I haven't upgraded yet. Saffire Pro 40 is a bit glitchy now with Firewire in Windows 11 and 2023, but the sound is still better to me than modern units. Sound plays huge role in my love for these 2 units, and I won't sell them. Especially when I use U47 clone capsule condenser mic, and SSL Alpha Channel plays so well with it. Can I get cleaner vocals with better converter/interface? Yes, I recently ordered Motu Ultralite MK5 that I will test, but I already returned over 7 units, from Audient ID44, Focusrite Scarlett 18i20, SSL2+ interface, Antelope Audio Zen Go, RME HDSPe, RME ADI-2 DAC FS. Not a single unit out of ones I mentioned beat out Saffire Pro 40 for natural sound and deep rumbling lows and gentle highs I get with Saffire, also that midrange is present. If you like darker sound, almost tape like, then you probably won't like modern devices. Motu MK5 from samples sounds darker, so I am awaiting its' arrival, to see if I can use it as another device for my purposes. WITHOUT selling Saffire Pro 40, or even disconnecting it from my computer. I will route both Motu and Saffire to same computer and have a switchable patchbay between them, when I want to switch interfaces. I recently bought ART TransY 2-channel compressor, and it sounds so well for what I need, I even routed it as Main Out compressor for enjoyment of listening, and I can bypass it easily. What you should look for in the interface: 1. Sound that you like 2. Latency response 3. Stability 4. Driver support in the long run The only reason I have issues with Saffire is because Focusrite stopped writing drivers for it since one of Windows 10 updates. It forced me to increase stable buffer of 64 samples and 96khz to 384 samples or greater, and it only craps out when I play games and have KZbin in the background. It doesn't play well with 2 audio sources at the same time now with Windows 11. Oh, yeah, did I mention that none of the devices I listed could hold 64 samples at 96khz stable, besides of Saffire? Even RME HDSPe which is a PCIE card had gentle clicking (very subtle) at 64 samples. ADI-2 DAC FS was similar at 64 samples. I ran Saffire Pro 40 on 2 core machines such as Macbook Tiger OS for years with no pops and clicks. Motu is very good at drivers and I can't wait to test it. BUT...will I like the sound? Interfaces are like a woman you date, she may not be perfect in everything, but she may be the most perfect for you.

[@ianmiller7901]

I am in New Zealand and have easy access to the the likes of UAD, Focusrite (Scarlett and Clarett) red is available but limited range and very expensive, Motu, Presonus, antelope and RME. There is some limited access to higher end brands but they are extremely expensive here. The issue i am finding is all of the units in the mid range offer DSP UAD, RME UCX2, Motu, Antelope Zen, Apogee duet. The only ones available without DSP are the Focusrite and Presonus. In this mid range say $1500-2800 NZD ($1000-2000 USD) are you still better to go for UAD for the overall package paired with a m1 mac? How does the Antelope Zen range or Apogee compare to UAD? Or is RME UCX2 the best in that price range? There will be a need for low latency tracking of guitars through VSTs so I'm not only focused on vocal chains and mixing.

[@livelikeus4980]

Love the videos! No matter the topic - keep it up

[@kevinlentz7604]

Your awesome

[@FLH3official]

Wise advices about computers. Yes, spec them at the maximum you can afford and keep them for many years. And I would say to keep the old one(s) if they're no not out or order, so you'll be able to use it for simple tasks (text, mail, web, download/upload, printing, etc...) or open old projects which could not be compatible with the new computer (plugins, I/O standards, file format, etc...). Furthermore don't trashing still working things is responsible.

[@Leo9ine]

No, god no. With everything else, yes, but not computers. In late 2022, a mid-range $175 CPU is outperforming the $699 top end CPU I bought in early 2020. Same with RAM, SSDs, hard drives, graphics cards, etc. Buy one good platform, cheap parts, and upgrade frequently. *Does not apply to Apple products, but at that point you enjoy setting money on fire anyway.

[@gigifara9312]

32 buffer is still 5ms of latency for me..... uad with console is often sub 2ms. which is under half the amount of latency. i do objectively notice more comb filtering when singing with 5ms of latency. that is an objective reason why it makes sense to use dsp.... dont get me wrong i want uad to go native but i also always want their near zero latency recording.

[@ericmontgomery5241]

This is a really good video. What would be cool is to expand the conversation to audio hardware. Let's say you purchased an Apogee Symphony I/O. Share some thoughts on how long before updating to the blackface model that has the touch screen?

[@KLOGHL]

I told myself. I'm not upgraded anymore. I have all the analog gear and all the plugins i need to get the sound i want. I'm just not going to keep spending money. I'm done upgrading. Everything is going to A.I. I still like to mix my own music. What do you guys think.

[@138productions]

I'm all for moving forward. How do you move forward (make equally applicable) the setup I have now as I move to an M1 format. I currently have an SSD osx drive, an audio recording drive(SATA), an SSD sample drive (I am a virtual instrument composer), a second SSD drive for virtual instruments (to open up bandwidth?), and 64Gig of ram. I use a 55inch screen for my monitor. How do I move this to an M1 successfully? I appreciate your passion and your drive. You are my biggest fan (I couldn't resist the "That Think You Do" quote!)

[@BarryJohns]

Funny😂. Now on to some advice. Your M1 will come with an incredibly fast SSD so make sure you get 1TB Minimum. Next, I’m about to do a video on putting together an incredibly fast NMVe SSD that gets over 3,000 mb read/write speeds. That can be for your sample libraries and you audio. Save your spinning drive and put it in an external USB C enclosure and use it for backups. Pair it all with an OWC Thunderbolt 4 Dock (I have a video about that one too)

[@itsmebarz9859]

Your studio talks are great! your m1 compatibility video was spot on, thank you so much Barry! much love from LA!

[@JoseTorres-zh8eo]

Well said.

[@thatb7708]

Could your M1 Pro handle a realistic complete final mix session using only Acustica Audio plugins yet? Or are we still a few years away from that

[@BarryJohns]

I do get asked that question, sadly, I don't own any so I can't test that.

[@thatb7708]

@@BarryJohns fair enough! I personally believe the point we’ve all been waiting for is when the speed of the average prosumer computer is no longer a meaningful bottleneck to plug-in companies In the sampled instruments world, I think we’re still not particularly close to true audio realism. But in the mixing world I think we’re very close, and AA is the only obvious hurdle I can see right now

[@gordieman]

Tell 'em like it is Barry!

[@rockchunk9417]

Middle of last year I stared changing direction I’m slowly moving away from plugins and buying hardware 1 because it has a resale value 2 even the majority of the clones of the late great hardware sound better than the plugin versions 3 I don’t have to deal with recalls , it’s just my music 4 my computers life span just doubled its now a glorified tape recorder 5 my hardware never stops working due to software updates Obviously there are some plugins I will not be able to replace with hardware my reverbs spring to mind , but on the whole it has been good due to not having unlimited 1176’s /pultecs to put across my mix and I’ve got to use what I have got more sparingly , also it has brought down the number of tracks I use which has made me concentrate more on song writing and just using what is needed and not putting more in just because I can

[@ezrashanti]

Your gear WILL require $ to maintain. More gear, more $

[@fauzybima2826]

@@ezrashanti yup I think about that too

[@dean-marr]

Same with me. I spent on hardware pres, compressors and Neumann mics. 6176, 2 api 512 an 550a, buss compressor, tlm 103 and km 184, la3a, and good guitars. Eliminates need for so many plugs. Bang on completely agree

[@danielkisel5661]

Not only will plugins get better but CPUs will also allow us to work at higher Sample rates meaning less latency (zero latency for plugins that use oversampling and won't need it anymore) more headroom meaning less aliasing from analog plugins and saturators and wider sweetspot. I'm already expermenting with 192KHz and using plugins that either had internally no oversampling or up to 4x oversampling now will be at zero latency and possibly sound better just have to keep in mind the manual supersonic filtering to clean up mess above 30KHz before it gets out of control and eventually becomes aliasing again, but other than that it sounds deeper!

[@KLOGHL]

Back in the '60s and '70s. they did not have all of the technology we have now. and their music sounds better than ours. it's not about what you got. it's how you use it. don't get me wrong I'm still learning to.

[@willieelliott352]

Speaking of technology, Barry ... What do you think the BEST TRUE PEAK LIMITER PLUGIN is, or is it possible to get those results with a different plugin ?

[@judon4908]

Hopefully the interface companies will redirect the resources they used to spend on DSP research to A/D D/A conversion and compete with each other in that area.

[@kingech_B15]

Everything you said is true.

[@austinnichols7939]

waves plugs always sound great to me.. uad never sounded good enough to justify the cost and the limitations but they need to remove the limitations and offer more i can run plugs on my antelope interface but i only use it on the front end waves sounds great cubase pro/protools 2022

[@mrflynn01]

I always wait for a sale to purchase UAD plug-ins.

[@austinnichols7939]

@@mrflynn01 you still over pay.. save your money buy a mercury bundle..

[@mrflynn01]

@@austinnichols7939, I wouldn’t piss on waves if I were on fire!!!

[@austinnichols7939]

@@mrflynn01 watch your language on Mr Barrys Channel

[@clonekillerz]

I guess you’re happy paying that wup 😂

[@klauth_Yksyn]

Honest question for the creators out there...I wonder how the music that's produced will sound (what trends...etc.) when computer technology far exceeds any processing demands.... I mean, what will we sound like when, we are truly limitless? How will it end?

[@587583922]

FWIW, HD Native came out in, what 2010. No, it probably couldn't run big professional sessions tracking 30+ channels of a band all at once. But, they saw the writing on the wall even back then.

[@BarryJohns]

I owned and used an HD Native card along with an Omni, 2 192 I/O’s, Apogee AD/DA 16’s for over 8 years after leaving TDM. Only stopped using it in 2020. I have tracked countless projects with that system over those years. I’ve tracked up to, let’s see, 39 sources at one tim was the most I ever did. All this tracking, with headphone mixes, tracking with Reverb, etc. I did this on a 12 Core mac pro, and I never had a single, I mean a single issue with latency, never ever ever, not one single time, neither tracking, overdubbing, and certainly not during mixing. My average session is 80-100 tracks or so. All worked flawlessly.

[@garyclement5527]

I’m trying to decide if I need to purchase the Apple MacMini M1 now or settle for a Apple iMac 2019, 27” 5k, and wait for the Apple M2 chip to get here. I’ll be using Logic ProX.

[@BarryJohns]

I’d wait for the MacMini Pro that’s supposed to be released this spring. No way I’d buy an Intel Mac right now. It will not be sellable later.

[@zonarecordingstudio]

What about the mac pro tower

[@JimCardoza]

The upgraded intro!!

[@BarryJohns]

That was re-recorded by one of my viewers, great job huh?

[@mrflynn01]

Who played the guitar on the opening track?

[@BarryJohns]

His name is in text at the bottom of the theme song video.

[@keysbythenumbers]

Barry, I heard mixed signals from you on this one. I am thinking about an M1/M1 Pro laptop or Macmini vs. an i9 Windows PC tower. But the performance margin you stated you get from the macs makes me think the Mac updat isn’t worth trading in my i7 Mac MBP. I like having a ton of plugins and VIs open on my sessions. Can you recap a bit about your viewpoint on which you think gives better performance, thanks.

[@BarryJohns]

I’m confused by you understanding of the video. The Apple M1/M1Pro/M1Max are off the charts powerful. The challenges are short lived, many of them experienced at first have already been resolved. What you may be thinking of is that some of the VI makers and a few plug-in makers are not silicon approved yet. That’s a matter of time, I suspect less than 6 months. I’m not having any real issues, but I don’t do a lot of VI work. Now that’s out of the way. I don’t ever recommend upgrading a computer unless the one you are using can no longer get the job done. Otherwise wait to upgrade until you are at that point, by then you can get the most recent version that’s out at that time. The M2 is around the corner, and the M2Pro/Max will likely be later this year. So that’s why it’s worth waiting if what you have is getting the job done today. Make sense?

[@streetlife20]

I like this guy lol!

[@BarryJohns]

Thanks!

[@chizzulwinduh1941]

UAD should be absolutely crapping themselves, they are in real trouble. They've known for years and sat on their arses doing nothing. They're going to need a big loss leader really soon. their marketing has worn thin and they are really looking at the abyss. In all honesty, with their prices, they deserve it. UAD are not the only ones who should be worried.

[@Hermiel]

DSP itsn't dead, it just went home.

[@Mrfpsara]

Right now, every developer is blaming m1 support on pace! Making it sound like they are ready and waiting for pace to give them the green light…can’t wait till pace release the excuse that everyone is hiding behind, I will think twice now before buying anything from these developers…

[@mrflynn01]

Protools / Paris

[@djsayeed]

Convincing me more and more to get rid of my Apollo X8

[@BarryJohns]

I’m not saying get rid of it if you are already invested. I do recommend being very cautious if you ever desire to add more DSP, aka, satellite.

[@djsayeed]

@@BarryJohns Understood… I have an Apollo Twin MKII as well so DSP is not an issue for what i do. I just have an acquired taste for the Clarett.

[@Mrdalejo2]

@@djsayeed Here just like you with also the satellite 3 OCTO, Apollo X and X8.

[@bobgulian1858]

I think you went over this in another video. Is the horse not quite dead yet?

[@BarryJohns]

There are a few points in this that have come up before, however they were done so in a different context. Keep in mind, not everyone watching my videos Watches all the other. Also, this subject is so very important for most people. So there it is…..

[@bobgulian1858]

@@BarryJohns Guess "Don't get left behind" clickbait title turned me off. I agree with your point. Ironically, the PC audio engineers (the die-hard ones anyway) will turn to DSP and UAD doesn't care a whit about their PC customer base. Luna is Mac only. And while I'm on the subject of Luna, it has some serious rendering delay problems, at least on Intel Macs.

[@BarryJohns]

@@bobgulian1858 there is probably one phrase that drives me insane, and that’s click bait, I have never and never will ever do clickbait. I could care less if people watch or not. I am truly doing this to help people.

[@bobgulian1858]

@@BarryJohns Sorry, I shouldn't have used clickbait. However, I'm in situation a lot of people are in, investing a lot of money in DSP, chasing after those great (some of them anyway) plugins and supposed zero-latency. I guess I wish you had just left off the "Don't Get Left Behind". Makes it sound more urgent than it actually is, after all, the non-DSP part of UAD stuff, the DAC and ADC converters, clock synchronization, the native processing of UAD plugins and completely native processing by Luna of native plugins are all going to benefit from M1 and M2 also. You;d be a fool to buy a satellite at this point, but a not a UAD interface.

[@brandonwilliams966]

Let's get to it!!!!! 💫

[@michaelperez5273]

Yesterday someone posted & said a 2012 macbook pro is still the best laptop to buy today 😂

[@BarryJohns]

Wow, just wow!

[@mrflynn01]

It’s gonna cost about 50k on the low end of things.

[@sharonraizor2839]

Your autofocus is struggling in this video. Great content though!

[@BarryJohns]

Yea, I had it set wrong, sorry.

[@dwpix]

Great video! Your focus did lose you a few times.

[@BarryJohns]

I hate it when I let that happen. I’m still adjusting to the new lens. Also, I can’t wait for the Sony A7S III to finally be back in stock, I need Eye Autofocus for Video that my A7III doesn’t have. My Canon EOS R has it, I just prefer the Sony for Video.

[@dwpix]

@@BarryJohns The wide aperture you are shooting at gives a lovely shallow depth of field, but it does make critical focusing a challenge…

[@dwpix]

@@BarryJohns You might look into controlling your color temperature while shooting. All of your videos color is nice, but your most recent video (about your new external drives) is way too cool/blue. That is a function of color temperature. You can either adjust the color temperature in your camera, or the color temperature of your lighting. Not a complaint- I think your contributions are a breath of fresh air.

[@BenKash308]

I believe you need the M1 Max for the 64gb of RAM

[@BarryJohns]

Out of all the research I’ve done, for audio and video work, there is absolutely zero need to buy M1 Max, as you’re not gonna see any, or incredibly very little performance gains going from the pro to the max for audio and video work. Additionally, ram does not work anywhere near the same on Apple Silicon that it has previously. If you think you need 64 GB RAM, you only need 32 GB at the most, on Apple Silicon. Things just work completely different than they ever have in the past, and people need to understand that. Otherwise, they’re going to spend way more money than they need to on Apple Silicon.

[@BenKash308]

@@BarryJohns No what I’m saying is you can’t get 64gb on a M1 Pro. You had stated save your money and get the RAM. You can’t do this on the new M1’s. I agree with you that 32gb is just fine on the new Macs.

[@BarryJohns]

@@BenKash308 I never said add RAM to a certain point, go from 8-16 or 16-32. I see zero need or advantage to having more than 32GB Ram on Silicon, it’s basically the equivalent of 64gb or more RAM.

[@BenKash308]

@@BarryJohns I never said you said anything lol I’m simply saying if you WANT more RAM on the M1 you’ll be paying a premium. I’m not debating how much RAM is necessary for one’s own audio needs.

[@Spidouz]

@@BenKash308 I just received my MBP 16 Max 64GB 8TB… but I’ll be honest, not everyone working in audio would need this specs. If you’re working on a 50-100 tracks audio projects, you can easily get the M1 Pro with 32GB and it will be fine. You only need M1 Max if you want 64GB RAM and you only need 64GB RAM if you’re using A LOT of Sample Players such Kontakt, Eastwest Opus, UVI and such with plenty of sample libraries for some Composer template with a thousand of tracks. Technically the M1 Max is the same CPU than the Pro for audio. The Max is mainly to get more GPU, and faster SSD bandwidth, which could be great if you work on video or 3D. Not much for audio, the M1 Pro is already very powerful for audio. To be fair, even a regular M1 MacMini or MacBook Air could be great if you’re using like 50 tracks for a full band with plenty of overdubs here and there. The M1 already packs a lot of punch… the Pro/Max are really for the next level for video, 3D, but not a must have for music stuff if you don’t need 64GB RAM. Also, it will depend on how long you plan to keep your MBP. If you plan to replace it in the 3 years (or less), then you don’t even need 32GB RAM, you probably can get by with a 16GB setup… if you plan to keep it for 3 to 6 years, then I would recommend to use as much RAM as you can, meaning 32GB for M1 Pro or 64GB for M1 Max.

[@KLOGHL]

If they wanted to. they could make a computer that could run every plug in from 1990 to 2022. But they're trying to make money. and i get it. they have to feed their families to.. but they could if they wanted to. just saying.