Replacing my 9 year old MacBook Pro for DJ software with an M1

[@priyonjoni]

If you prefer to get the MacBook Air M1 brand new, check this out: amzn.to/3M0II2B

[@DJSelphi]

This has been my dj laptop after upgrading from a 2011 13” mbp and so far it’s a beast…I do wish the screen was bigger sometimes and had more ports, but it really is amazing when it’s light and easy to travel with

[@djtmajorsd]

Really appreciate this video. I’ve been on a 2012 for a long ass time. I customized the specs really well, but it’s reaching its limits. Been debating an M1 or M2 but didn’t want to spend a fortune. I keep a 2016 fully spec’d out MBP at home, but I like you don’t want that one getting a drink spilled on it because it would be a huge loss. And it’s overkill for DJ’ing. (Funny we actually discussed it back when I was going to buy it, on IG lol) Anyway this video really sold me on the refurb MB Air. Thanks man!

[@velanche]

Good choice! I came off the late-2013 MBP and was seriously considering an M1 Air, as I never would have on an Intel Air. I ended up with a pretty spec-out M1 MBP, but I still think the M1 Air will make a lot of DJs happy. Smart move on the Apple refurb: it’s highly regarded and folks can save some bucks. As for that debate, internal all the way. Thanks for the video!

[@DCVibeEntertainment]

m1 laptops are good they dont ever lag or overheat

[@JB-vh8qt]

ReLoop Laptop Stand - has a USB hub built in with power through for the laptop. Plug the laptop charger into the stand and USB-c straight into Air. Gives you 4 USB-2/3 ports.

[@mingusx3440]

Thanks for the video and please keep us updated on its performance.

[@priyonjoni]

You got it!

[@ElsewhereWithAdam]

"I save the box in case I ever sell it, which I never do" I feel seen.

[@priyonjoni]

Yup, never.

[@knate22]

You can use an external nvme.2 ssd with an external thunderbolt 3 enclosure and it’s pretty much the same as storing music internally.

[@TyraFromSaigon]

My dad always used to buy refurbished high end electronics and now I understand why.

[@MrDJMikieMike]

I purchased a hub from Amazon it has 4 usb ports, Ethernet port, sd slots and power pass through, they just had it on sale for $79 bucks. I love it.

[@thumpydj]

I use a Satechi USB-C On-the-Go Multiport Adapter with my M1 with the mixer and hub plugged into the laptop, then phase and Akai AFX + charger plugged into the adaptor if needed.. It's not a powered hub but I've never had a problem with it. I like it because it has a short and long cable option. It's also got a range of other connections if needed for non-djing things...

[@mikeywisniewski]

Finding a solid gig-worthy “pro-level” usb-c hub is my main issue with the M1 MacBook Air. I eventually sold my M1 and got the M2 just for the extra USB-C + MagSafe Power port. Initially I used a U-Green Hub with the M1, but I always felt frustrated by the extra short cable, especially when the laptop was high in a stand. Couldn’t justify the Reloop USB-C stand or Cal Digit docking stations because they’re too expensive to carry around backups. So I went back to my trusty Anker 7-port powered hub with a longer detachable cable (plus USB-C to USB adapter). I’ve now seen cables with the Anker USB-B super-speed port that go direct to USB-C plug. In the meantime, I went with the M2 and just keep the Anker as backup.

[@priyonjoni]

Thanks for the tip! I hear ya on the hub. I knew that going into this. My laptop stands in my studio are rigged up with USB C hubs with detachable cables but the price doubled for these hubs since I got them 😩.

[@hollywoodthedj1673]

If you can give me a link for the anker hubs you use that would be great!

[@djstretchtone9851]

I like external SSD's too. I can't wait to hear what external powered USB hub you choose. I wish I could buy a 6 TB external drive with 3 two Terabyte partitions out of the box formatted in FAT32 all set and ready to go.

[@PhiMobileSounds]

I went to putting my music to internal once I had issues with random disconnects with my damaged Lacie hard drive thumderbolt cable. Also was one less thing to carry. I do not use other laptops to DJ from other than my own so I had no need to have my library portable. … One vote for local storage w/ backups of course.

[@willynelson4091]

They sell usb c extension cables and I highly recommend getting a 3-6 foot one, this allows you to get the hub down by the controller and not hanging off where everyone can see it, THEY ALSO have extensions with a 90 degree on one side

[@IamDjCorrect]

My mac book burned out, so I was using an intel Mac Air. Had some trotle problems, no fan, would warm up and stop Serato. Now I have a Mac book pro 14" M1 and OMG! Reason I went to Mac book, was to have a video editor option on demand. Otherwise I would probably got the Air M1. I also consider a Pc after 15years using Mac, but in the end I went with what I am used to work with. Nice video man!

[@djovercut]

Oh yes I use this exact laptop for DJing (and on-the-go production for that matter), its great. Only "caveat" I've heard about is it doesnt have the MAGSAFE plug, but I prefer to not wire things in a way where it would trip people anyway. :)

[@1CrazyDJ4U]

That 2013 Macbook Pro Retina has GPU issues. I have a 2014 Retina and a friend of mine has a 2015 and have no issues;

[@MrDJMikieMike]

The hub I got goes under the backside of your MacBook Air. It was worth every penny. I will have to get you the name of it. I referred it to my buddy that just bought a MacBook Air who is a photographer and he bought it instantly and couldn’t thank me enough.

[@michaelrandall6184]

Man your videos have helped me so much. As a dj, I bought this exact model in the summer (8 RAM, 512 GBs) - got a great deal. I love the laptop but recently became concerned when some said the 16 RAM is the high performance level that would make users feel safe with the new Serato 3.0 Stems. So I was feeling panicked. But feel much better after your recommendations.

[@simplfi4616]

Thanks again PJ! We miss you is Detroit.❤

[@williamrivera6818]

Thanks for the vid I have a Mack book air 2015 it’s time to move on with a 2020 mack book air I use it only for dj sarato pro works perfect I’m in love with it

[@FlyCasual1]

I use a 2013 MBP and it’s great, love it. I also use Serato on an M1. 10 years of use you just need it serviced mate! I left mine on Mojave and never updated anything. Works perfect

[@priyonjoni]

Mojave will render some DJ applications as well as device drivers to be inoperative for my setup. Not to mention the new Serato Stems requires heavy computer power.

[@1401krys]

I was waiting for a video like this from you,thanks for making my final decision

[@spellz6616]

Just bought me a 16 inch 2021 MBP M1 pro coming from a 2013 MBP so the difference is gonna be BIG

[@rlcarrcarr3095]

So your saying I can buy a 512 GB OR 128 GB AND BUY A 1 TB Ext SSD PLUS A DONGLE and I can do stems with no Problem ?

[@stilo8505]

Ya

[@angelorude]

Solute ! I am looking forward to see what external hard rive you are going with!

[@priyonjoni]

I don’t use hard drives anymore. I actually use an SD card.

[@hollywoodthedj1673]

@@priyonjoni …Wait what SD card is actually that big to hold thousands of songs?

[@josegarcia6616]

@@priyonjoni can you let us know which SD card?

[@priyonjoni]

I use a a 512GB samsung. My library is only 350GB.

[@heinzgame6400]

As a user of 2012 MBP i might wait for all the apps to optimize to the new chip than jump in..

[@adamdjxclusivesa8191]

I have the exact same one I use as a backup MacBook air m1. I also have the 2019 MBP 1-9 16 inch as my primary. Both are great machines!

[@honestpitch7477]

which one is better? i9 or M1 Air for the Serato DJ?

[@mukeey]

I switched to the same mba. Its amazing, i love it!

[@machael]

Look for the “Satechj USB-C On-The-Go 9-in-1” awesome hub, exactly what you are looking for with power passthrough and detachable cable, it even comes with both a short and long cable. Never had any problems with it.

[@djmirwais]

Best Choice! The Air M1 is Great 👌

[@djcricket879]

I would never leave my music on a MacBook always on external SSD because if MacBook Pro gets damaged your music is gone but with a SSD you always keep a second backup copy so if one is damaged oh well plug in backup problem solved 😂🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@jmoak311]

I just bought a refurb too! Was running Big Sur forever and I couldn’t figure out why serato ran so poorly. Update my my now backup to Ventura and both are running well!

[@feature25]

Hey, looking at getting the M1 certified refurbished as well. Wondering how it handles STEMS on serato

[@CARLOSVIDAL1114]

good video brother, I have a problem with serato dj pro that the audio spectrum is not fluid for me, it slows down ... and I have seen that it has happened to several with the m1, I have a macbook air m1 2020 ... I would appreciate your help. . THANK YOU

[@knate22]

Ure 100% accurate on the sotter for the gpu. Apple replaced my logic board as a result years ago.

[@jordanmills1106]

im in exactly the same boat so this video is golden im looking at the m1 max mbp buts its 3 bags here in the uk

[@djkenny1202]

Have Serato 3 I bought online last week, I want to use my 13 Pro, no desire to pay a subscription. A few years ago I already had the hard drive replaced. If I needed to replace with the Air refurb, can I use an older Serato box?

[@priyonjoni]

Only if your Serato interface is the Reloop or Denon one. Rane has discontinued driver support a a little while ago.

[@johneccles9051]

Yep I have just up grading my 2017 air to a m1 air

[@DJMacBryson]

I use the basic specs M1 Macbook Pro. Does the job also. Use the Ugreen 10 in 1 USB C adapter

[@priyonjoni]

I’ll check that hub out!

[@chriswerner6557]

Do you store your music on a external hard drive or do you store all your music on the laptop. I back up all my music a external hard drive but I store mine all on entry Mac Book. Looking at a M2 or M3 Macbook pro. Any advice Thank you

[@peacepuffz]

The 2015 13" 3.1Ghz i7 16 GB is a good option for some one starting up, expect to pay between $300 & $375 on ebay depending on if you get a 500 GB's or double. Cool thing about the 2015 is it has 2 x USB.

[@priyonjoni]

2015 is no longer supported by macOS. The reason they are in the $300 price range is because many folks are getting rid of theirs.

[@peacepuffz]

@@priyonjoni You can patch it. I meant for newbies on a budget really & Monterey is fine at the moment. Cheap machine if some one spills a beer on it it doesnt matter. I have a new mac book pro as well but no way i'm taking it out to bars & clubs just let.

[@radatan1]

Are your wave forms moving smoothly using the M1 MBA with Serato? Mine seems to not move smoothly as I’ve seen on other laptops

[@johnamba1031]

Same here! I'm using serato dj pro with my base model M1 MBA + SB3, i tried to reach out serato about this matter but they didn't resolved it. Surprisingly, Rekordbox DJ runs smoothly especially the waveforms are super smooth as silk.

[@williamrivera6818]

By the way I love your video’s I give you 5 star’s you the man with great info thank you may the Force be with you

[@DCVibeEntertainment]

I got my m1 air from micro center brand new for 850$. phenomenal laptop no need to buy the pro. i take it to gigs and even on trips plug in your ddj 400 or sb3 + two ION 120 watt speakers and have aparty in the woods :P laptop will power the sb3 for like 10+ hours

[@ceedub5640]

A warning djing with externals. I have a M1 & M2 MP + music on fastest Sandisk Extreme Pro 4TB SSD. I have a huge library and crates - It lags so bad in Serato, loading tracks, navigating thru folders etc. Never had a problem with my music internally on my old 2012 MBP. With music libraries getting bigger it makes sense to go external, but be warned it will never be a fast and efficient than keeping your music on local drives, I bought 2 newM macs thinking it was the RAM or cores, nope, it was just the external hosting music causing all my delays and headaches. Solution, i just bought a Mac Air M2, 2TB, 24G - and will store music locallly.

[@ceedub5640]

@priyonjoni - thanks for the video, Never in my life would i have thought we EVER could DJ off a Mac Air!! bless bro

[@priyonjoni]

I have an old video of the slowest possible scenario with an external drive, which is using an old school hard drive. I compared loading a track from internal vs external and the difference was negligible. Today, I see no performance increase having it internal. Here’s my video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4K0dp-cfpWXiNksi=e6T2Kw5bjKeeHCWD Perhaps maybe you can specify the performance benefits you’re claiming because when it comes to loading a track and playing it in Serato, I don’t notice a difference between the two.

[@DjGCue71]

i have a mid 2012 mac book pro that won't take updates as well as the new Serato updates. it is a beast and still works like new but what is the difference on an M1 & M2?

[@TheSethGZ]

Were you able to get the computer layout the same on you new Mac as your old Mac?

[@mulukukulyfedj]

My question is, is the MacBook air m2 256gb Good for serato dj pro video mixing without over heating?

[@DjInTheGrooveAlexBarrios]

Good evening Joni! I have an issue with my m2 macbook bro for some reason my xs2 controller is not working properly with my Mac. For some reason it's not beat Matching. Don't know what to do in this case 😢

[@Christm76]

DELL-D6000S I would recommend for home but mobile version small and compact , have a look at Kensington UH1400P USB-C Mobile Hub.

[@priyonjoni]

Will look into it!

[@dnl_xr]

Why not the new macbook air with the m2 and the magsafe? :)

[@hollywoodthedj1673]

That one is probably more expensive and he just wanted to keep the price low!

[@UniverseChild777]

Hey a year later would you still recommend the Air, maybe M2 for DJing? Thanks

[@priyonjoni]

I prefer the older M1 bc it has better thermal than the M2 MacBook Air. But both been great for the folks using it.

[@thireshannaicker4078]

Got an MacBook Air 2017 i5 for $385 . I haven’t tried it with Serato yet. My windows asus i5 works very well with Serato. Would you recommend the MacBook Air 2017 to dj with Serato?

[@djantonymous]

Can it handle Vedio mixing probably without any buffering

[@WideTrends]

Good morning, Recommended macbook pro laptop for flx10, please is MacBook pro late 2019 i7 OK? Or can I please have the list of macbook pro models (years) that will work nicely with flx10

[@priyonjoni]

I generally recommend Apple Silicon models (M1, M2, M3) because Intel models will overheat, especially the 2016 to mid 2019 models with pool thermals.

[@Massmp46]

Hi Pri don’t know if you’ll see this but just wondering how you getting on with the Mac Air. Thinking of replacing my 2012 pro as it’s starting to show its age now. But like you don’t want to spend a fortune on a Mac to take to mobile gigs. I use ddj 800 with rekordbox. Thank Pri your advice is always the best. 👍👍👍

[@priyonjoni]

My M1 is the best $1000 I ever spent for a laptop. It replaced my 2013 MacBook Pro that cost $2600.

[@Massmp46]

@@priyonjoni Thanks Pri looks like I’ll be investing then 👍👍👍

[@djwalkerfemaledj]

I’m thinking of getting a MacBook Pro 8 gb and 256 SSD Refurbished for DJing from Apple? Is okay 8 GB 256 SSD Enough for DJING?

[@djaztlan3271]

What hub did you end up buying for your new air?

[@laker1281]

“New laptop smell” 😂

[@ragingozz4056]

ANKER has great port hubs, however not sure if they have detachable cords. I bought mine new in 2020 when I found out rekordbox and serato worked properly on the M1 Chip. I love mine, but keep in mind I haven't updated to Ventura. So I'm not sure how DJ software works on that OS. I'm going to wait a bit.

[@josegarcia6616]

Hello Pri Yon. Can you let us know which adapter/dongle you ended up picking to use for live gigs?

[@priyonjoni]

Sure thing! I got this one amzn.to/3V6t6OK Additionally, I got a longer USB type C cable that can handle power pass through to go with it since the one included is kind of short. amzn.to/3U2cOVE

[@josegarcia6616]

@@priyonjoni the first link is not working. Seems to be from an order you placed.

[@priyonjoni]

amzn.to/3tUGZDo

[@josegarcia6616]

Thank you sir. 🙏

[@DJShellingz]

does it stutter on heavy usage on serato? im considering the M2 because of the shape

[@DJTeddyJetts]

Ahhh, I see. You KNEW this beta was coming lol.

[@MAPLEmedaddy]

I started with a MSI 2013 laptop for DJ software, I had the laptop for sometime and only needed it to carry me through learning how to DJ and such. This year I upgraded my DJ stuff and bought a 2022 M1 Macbook Air after realizing my MSI laptop was taking ten minutes to load Serato lol needless to say it takes me less than 10 secs to load Serato now, so it was definitely worth the upgrade. Also internal saves from having to carry around extra weight lol

[@djantonymous]

Quick how is it using Serato dj pro & video dj

[@thedjnamedves]

Enjoy, hope to hear about your 6 month review

[@priyonjoni]

Will do! Marking it on my calendar.

[@panadubbristol]

Today I just bought a M2 2022 MacBook Pro but all my MIDI controllers are USB. Does anyone have an idea which could be the best Thunderbold 3/4 to USB Multiport?

[@praveenshm]

Air Dont have fan so any heating issues?

[@danielpinto6729]

Please try out dj serato pro software

[@stavrosgeo9913]

Hello! I have Ventura on my Mac book air and Serato is lagging!! Serato support is a waste of time...

[@priyonjoni]

As Serato and several DJ software developers announced, cautioning everyone not to update to Ventura until a compatible update is released.

[@NarendraCoryatt]

So I would like a follow up on how this machine has held up especially for gigs where there is humidity and just 8GB of RAM as there is the debate of getting the 16GB version. The reason I am asking as this or the pro are my candidates for consideration from my 2015 and 2017 (the 2017 has some issues but work and I don't like it.).

[@priyonjoni]

I haven’t taken it out to a gig yet but every video where I’m using DJ gear that followed this one, the M1 was being used. 8GB RAM is plenty unless you’re spinning music video.

[@NarendraCoryatt]

@@priyonjoni well that's good feedback as I don't do video. I live in the Caribbean though so how it handles heat is also a concern

[@DynMarkMusic]

Does it overheat because MacBook air doesn't have cooling fans

[@priyonjoni]

Not at all. It doesn’t even get near as hot as the intel chips. That’s one of the huge differences with Apple Silicon.

[@DeeJayJNR]

What OS will you use on this 2020 M1 Air?

[@1401krys]

Are you still using it???

[@priyonjoni]

Yup

[@slimer240]

I just found out I cannot use my pioneer ddj sx2 controller on it because I updated the ventura update and it's not supported with serato.. so now either I need to upgrade to a different setup or who knows.. probably going to look into usb driven decks like a club kit

[@priyonjoni]

Both Pioneer DJ and Serato made several announcements before Ventura was released not to upgrade your macOS until a compatible version of device drivers and DJ software are released. If you did upgrade to Ventura; you can roll it back if you backed up your system using Time Machine. Did you backup using Time Machine before updating to Ventura?

[@buddhimmi]

I'm confused wether get a MacBook pro or a MacBook air?

[@jmoak311]

Is there a way to keep both of my serato libraries identical on my main and backup MacBook? So when I add new songs to one with cue points etc. it transfers to the other. I assume I can run migration assistant periodically but wondering there is another option?

[@priyonjoni]

I solved that issue by using an external, and copying the contents to another external as a backup. I can use it on any computer with Serato without the need to take the time to transfer anything.

[@spyderbuz7204]

Hello @Pri Yon Joni, Big fan of your great work, I'd love to have the old MacBook as a gift i wouldn't mind, i really need a laptop, as far as it can run the new serato dj pro 2.6

[@priyonjoni]

I’m planning on fixing the soldier joint and converting it into a Windows server for my network.

[@spyderbuz7204]

@@priyonjoni okay that's a Good Idea, i understand

[@weynnetarranza7304]

Please make again a review on your laptop when you're using a dj software especially when you mix mp4

[@priyonjoni]

Not much to review. Works great with rekordbox and serato with no issues. I don’t use MP4 since I don’t mix video, only music.

[@JRthepyroguy]

Gotta try serato 3.0. See how the laptop handles it.

[@priyonjoni]

Check out my latest video. I’m using the M1 with stems

[@earvinflorenzaquino5190]

Is it running smoothly in stems for Rekordbox or Serato?

[@priyonjoni]

All DJ software.

[@djhavickofficial]

**XMG ULTRA 17 vs macbook ** best dj laptop showdown

[@priyonjoni]

According to XMG, their best DJ laptop is the XMG DJ 15 because the hand picked parts were tested to result in the lowest possible DCP latency. Making it the best PC to handle 1ms buffer in Serato. They have a video where they have 4 DJ software running simultaneously as a stress test.

[@stavrosgeo9913]

Guys please help me.... I got a mac book air with m1 chip and Serato has laggy wave forms..do you know how to fix it?

[@priyonjoni]

Serato has a really good support system. They can help you using the following link support.serato.com/hc/en-us/requests/new

[@sense321]

Is that MacBook Air 13 inch?

[@priyonjoni]

Yes. It’s an M1

[@djextrodinare9495]

What size is that new M1 you got ??

[@priyonjoni]

13”

[@djextrodinare9495]

@@priyonjoni Thank you 🙏🏽. For some reason I was thinking 🤔 I would have to have a MacBook with a bigger screen, bigger than 13”. No I see I don’t

[@sense321]

On the mba M1 Is 8gb memory enough for scratching or should I go with the 16gb?

[@priyonjoni]

All my recent videos where you see my scratch with serato, I’m using an 8GB M1

[@sense321]

@@priyonjoni ok thanks

[@makoman112]

How is it holding up?

[@priyonjoni]

It’s been my main go-to laptop since posting this. Every official Pioneer DJ USA product video, I’ve used this laptop as well.

[@joeladkins7083]

Thanks for the response. I’m looking at getting one as well. I was a bit thrown by the m1, m2 and now m3. I feel the m1 would be sufficient.

[@djbro12]

how to connect rane sl3 on macbook air m1

[@BellaMichel]

I'm hoping someone may be able to help. I want to get a beatpad for my M1 Macbook Air and I've heard some folks mention that some of the beatpads don't work too well with the M1 chip but maybe this has been resolved? Does anyone have a recommendation of what kind of beatpad I should get? I'd say something under $1000 ideally. I should mention my preferred DAW is Ableton Live. Thanks ahead of time! :D

[@priyonjoni]

It’s best to ask the manufacturer of the “beat pad” you’re considering.

[@SuperBubba360]

My MacBook pro 2015 mass deletes music files multiple times a year. Anybody else have this issue? 1000s of songs will be missing.

[@NexuJin]

That's pretty neat find for DJ laptop! There are cons and pro about storing your music on external storage. I think internal storage will have one less point of failure, compared to relying that your USB ports and USB hubs are working, and that your external drive didn't suddenly died on you (SSD has a thermal range of 0C to 70C). Also frees up another USB port that you can use for an audio interface or more USB MIDI devices. External music storage is only a pro if you intend to runs your collection with another machine running the same OS. This interchanable idea has some hickups if you switch between OSX and Windows machine. As your path would be incorrect ( / vs \ ) depend on your original OS. Another point for internal is that internal SSD (non SATA) can be so much faster these days than external. Browsing a huge library and loading their data is noticable faster.

[@priyonjoni]

I used external for 10 years, using thunderbolt hard drives. Never had a disconnection ever.

[@priyonjoni]

Also, I have no issues switching between windows and Mac with it. I even use drives that are formatted HFS+ instead of exFAT or FAT32.

[@bigdaz7272]

Damn Pri you looked about 12 unboxing your Macbook Pro :)

[@priyonjoni]

I was 31 in that video 😆

[@bigdaz7272]

@@priyonjoni wow

[@alfonsodegregorio2723]

TI COSIGLIEREI Mini Hub di archiviazione SSD ad alta velocità da 480 GB USB-C Multiport Gigabit Ethernet, 4K HDMI (60Hz), USB-C Pass-Through, compatibile con macOS, iPadOS e Windows 10 OS. (NEO SG4-Space Gray)

[@shashankmongrel]

my 2015 MBP still good for Dj'ing but pretty bad for Vdj'ing

[@djrez2107]

Bro i would have sold you my Macbook Pro M1 13" for like 700 if i knew you needed a lappy

[@priyonjoni]

I specifically wanted an Apple refurbished and 512GB storage.

[@djrez2107]

@@priyonjoni understand. This model is EXACT one i had. Except this is pro model vs air. Same thing, pro just has the fan..

[@migsmegoy1359]

👍☺️🔥

[@jesslucio3104]

Reloop standhub

[@DjFirestarr]

who buys a AIR as a replacement LOL

[@priyonjoni]

An officially product demonstrator for Pioneer DJ 😉.