Should You Buy The MacBook Pro for Music Production?

[@BryantFC]

Hi, just wanted to comment on here because this has been the most informative video out there on YT regarding actual real world tests on the performance of the new M1 pro chips for music production. So I wanted to give my personal experience so far. I produce mostly EDM as well and was struggling at trying to figure out which model to jump to from my 2018 MacBook Pro 15 inch Touch Bar. Mine was the base model 2.2 i7 6 core and 16 gb of ram. For example, one of my most heaviest projects in Ableton 10 was struggling to get by even at the highest buffer setting of 2048. I was using heavy CPU plugins on the majority of the channels ie UADx plugins, Plugin Alliances SSL4000s for bus, Arturia plugins etc. Fans would kick on like crazy and it ran super hot during those kind of sessions. Was running about 60 channels. I kept debating between the base model 14 8c over the 14 inch 10c or 16 10c. Are those two extra cores really going to give me a true noticeable differences in performance ? At this time, one of our big box retailers is selling the 14 inch base for 1599 USD. The other two models (14/16 10c albeit the 14 10c doubled the internal SSD and the 16 inch was the 512) were going for 2099. I couldn’t justify the price for that extra “20” percent or so in processing power. 

I opted for the base 14inch 8 core like the one you have and the performance in Ableton 11.1 with the same plugins updated for silicon blew my mind. I could play the same project back.. at 128 buffer and my CPU is hitting an average of 60 percent with no audio stutter. Tossing Ozone 10 on the master only increased the CPU to another 5 percent. As a stress test, I also took Spire, increased the polyphony voices to 16, had it play a 5 chord note, on top of SSL4000G plugin, UADx LA2A and Lexicon reverb and it still played 50 instances of it at 128 with ease. My CPU was at 90 but realistically.. you are not going to be doing something like this on an actual project. 

Ableton 10 with this heavy project on m1 pro 8c performed easily at 128 buffer with average of 82% CPU. Ableton 11.1 running in Rosetta ran the project at 71% CPU at 128 buffer. Ableton 11.1 natively with updated plugins ran at 60% CPU at 128. Fans never kicked on. 

That is crazy. 


 This video helped me immensely by saving money and still providing an incredible performance for my workflow. Thank you! So for anyone who is deciding between the various models, the base 14 inch 8 core will def be way more than enough!!

[@Upwards._]

That’s awesome! Glad I could help!

[@smokey5100]

You got some good production brodie

[@Upwards._]

Thanks Dude!

[@BretSnyderMusic]

Thanks for the review! I'm a Spitfire user (30+ of their libraries) and their proprietary (non-kontakt) engine greatly taxes my maxed out 2013 mac pro. Some of my sessions beach ball for 10 minutes before opening. BBC Orchestra uses the Spitfire engine so I'm glad you tested that out. How many instances of the Spitfire engine can the Macbook Pro handle before beach balling?

[@Upwards._]

No worries! Honestly, I've never actually really experienced a beach ball, if I do, I just turn up the buffer size and it fixes the problem. I think I've managed to use 60+ instances and had no problems at all with a buffer size of 64. Hope this helps!

[@BretSnyderMusic]

@@Upwards._ thank you for the reply. I'm used to mixing between 256-1024 buffer, and will be ordering an m2 air, so that should be a huge upgrade. Thanks!

[@pedrosilvaproductions]

@@BretSnyderMusic The buffer should only be a problem to you if you're recording due to latency and that's the only issue you might have. Any decent enough machine can handle a lot of tracks even at 128 buffer. If you're mixing you can get away to put 1024 buffer because it doesn't really matter much

[@the_Crypto_Soul]

Do you feel like the 16gb of ram is limiting you at all? Also can you plug into dual monitors with the 14" base model?

[@Upwards._]

Nope not at all and yes you can plug into dual monitors with the 14” base model. Hope this helps!

[@ThePoliticalMusician]

I just bought the 16 inch M2 Max with 96GB of unified memory to help me with using scoring software and Vienna Symphonic Library. I heard that 32GB will easily do the job but VSL’s sound samples and plugins are extremely demanding.

[@wujekjerry1188]

total overkill music production is not closely as demanding as 3d motion graphics etc

[@blueser100]

By far the best video of this type out there. Gorgeous music. I wish I could make tracks like these. You helped me make my decision to get a new M1 MB Pro instead of the Air. Thx.

[@Upwards._]

Glad I could help!

[@D0x1511af]

@@Upwards._ MBA still give good performance btw....this M1 still a lot 3rd party VST didn't support in native M1

[@nucentury08]

Just Upgraded from a 2020 M1 MBP ran my Studio like Butter Apollo X6 UI Now using a 2023 14inch MBP M2 PRO Chip It Eats anything and everything you throw at it.

[@Upwards._]

It is an amazing machine for sure

[@farid.2972]

Did you have any performance issues with the M1 and whats about battery life?

[@arizonateac]

was looking forward more to hearing your songs that the preformances..... you make amazing music man

[@Upwards._]

Ayeee thanks mate!

[@kadenotebook]

3:39 I would love to hear the full song ..... I freaking loved that drop and would love to know where I can listen to the full song also, great video !!! keep up the good work mate 😄

[@Upwards._]

Thanks!! It’s actually an unreleased song that’s still in the works! Glad you like it tho!!

[@kirkcosta]

Most useful video out there showing the actual real world performance.. Just picked up the m1 pro macbook and wondering if it's still performs well in 2024 also do you use external ssd? I've gone for a 1TB version hoping that will I cover my vsts

[@Upwards._]

Thanks! Yes, I still use this as my everyday laptop, still runs perfectly well! I use an external drive for video editing but not for Logic Pro plugins

[@RestlessLightning]

I just picked up. A 2018 MacBook Pro i7 is this a good starter Laptop for a newbie

[@njkumar1958]

Suggest to me is 14inch best or 16inch best for running the internal CPU fan and all I am planning an M2 pro-16-inch but I am confused between 14 and 16 inches. also ram16GB or 32GB

[@mchulpayev]

Hey! Great demonstration. Can you please tell me what are your thermals running those projects or while working on a project?

[@Upwards._]

Thanks! The laptop was barely warm the whole time, no fan noise as well.

[@mchulpayev]

Interesting. I have the same rig. When i load about 7+8 Arturia synths, on each channel some 3,4 pluggins (reverb, rc-20, uad native plugins) processor heat can go up to 58-59c, while being slightly warm in the top of the keyboard.

[@dcarmich00]

What shortcut key were you using at 3:53 to zoom out all tracks quickly?

[@Upwards._]

Just click Z to zoom out in Logic Pro X

[@juancruzfiad8001]

Great video! In the video use 16gb or 32?

[@Upwards._]

Thanks! 16gb

[@njkumar1958]

Is it 16 GB ram? 2TB hard drive? MacBook Pro 14' (M1 Pro)???

[@Y.C.I_Productions]

Amazing production, great review and a awesome listening experience.

[@Upwards._]

Thanks!!

[@closerau]

Hey mate, Awesome video, do you happen to use Komplete on your MBP at all? Is 16GB ram enough to run it do you think?

[@colorfuldragoon7136]

On point, great tests. The best review!

[@Upwards._]

Thanks! Appreciate it!

[@conrow1157]

Is it nice to work in logic with the 14 inch?

[@Upwards._]

Yes it’s perfect!

[@JorgeCamachoCompositormx]

Man this review is the best, really

[@Upwards._]

Thanks!

[@josuastangl7140]

Thank you for your tests. Seems to be fine with 16GB. What about more CPU intensive plugins? How many instances of Soothe can it run?

[@Upwards._]

Hi there, I don’t have soothe, but I can tell you that it runs heaps of Spitfire libraries super smoothly

[@josuastangl7140]

@@Upwards._ thx, I think it'll perform great. Thank you for your help!

[@markahmadieh7003]

Thanks for the video! We're you running logic through Rosetta? Or all your plug-ins already M1 compatible?

[@Upwards._]

No worries! I was running Logic natively with all the plugins running native except for Native instruments

[@louloup4246]

Good video ! Really complete about one subject ! On many time to load a project . Interesting . It should be evident that the other workflow test will be very good. That are : Test to load kontakt bank . Big ! Time to import complex projects Time to freeze all a project Time to bounce 8 stems with all channels effects . I think they will be good . But i think i have not seen . Maybe an other video ? Also the idea to compare with best laptop for exemple asus scar or razer blade . Just in term of this King of performance . After that for me benchmark is killed and we just play with details. Thanks . And the best for you .

[@louloup4246]

It was time to import complex chain effect on a track ! Not complex project you have done that ! It s perfect.

[@mmhcreates]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@JimmyWayne7]

2tb better for the long term investment ? or 1tb is good enough til the next buy? what you think the cost ratio would be optimized ?

[@Upwards._]

I reckon if you don’t need super fast storage, you could go with 1tb and buy extra external ssds when you need them

[@jouhajohnny]

Buy a external hdd/sdd instead 😁

[@josuastangl7140]

@@Upwards._ is yours 500GB or 1TB? 500GB, right? Is that enough?

[@Upwards._]

@@josuastangl7140 500gb, a bit small but if all you’re doing is music production, it is enough

[@josuastangl7140]

@@Upwards._ thank you, I also do video editing which will eat into storage, but thanks you helped a lot

[@lucienlai7822]

Can m1 macbook pro 13-inch do these same project?

[@TheRickymak]

Are you using an external ssd for the orchestral libraries? They all fit on internal 512gb ssd? Thanks

[@Upwards._]

Nah, everything’s on the 512gb ssd

[@ravitube1000]

thanks for your hardwork and knowledge bro....keep doing these type of comparision videos.... rocks....

[@Upwards._]

No worries, thanks dude!

[@scorpthe]

Man, where can I listen to song from 'test #3'😍???

[@Upwards._]

Coming…. Still in the works!

[@sergiorojas1243]

Super video man, thanks so much for this review and for helping the music producers community!

[@Upwards._]

No worries!!

[@mancavelegostudios9711]

Hey I just bought an M2 13.3" Mid 2022 16bg ram, 2 TB, Macbook Pro with the M2 chip. Does the M2 chip have similar performance to M1 Pro? Like, are they almost the same cause the M2 is a newer release? Could I have at least a 100 tracks without hesitation?

[@farid.2972]

M1 Pro ist better than the M2 but youre still fine so try it out

[@epicusmusic]

@@farid.2972 why is the M1 better that M2? Makes no sense ^^

[@farid.2972]

@@epicusmusic M1 PRO!!!

[@epicusmusic]

@@farid.2972 naaah, M2 max

[@nickbaptiste3047]

Really love the reverb processing on "Get this right".what verbs and delays did you use to get that lush vocal sound??

[@Upwards._]

Thanks! I used a lot of Raum from Native Instruments. Great plug-in for reverb!

[@Hi-xs7wm]

Excellent video !

[@Upwards._]

Thanks!

[@socialplinker2234]

Excellent review and beautiful music. Thank you.

[@MirceaLazar]

Wow, really nice music, really neat production!

[@Upwards._]

Thanks!

[@brandoncrabtree7273]

yoooooo your productions are amazing! thanks for the info brother!

[@Upwards._]

No worries!

[@probablyawake]

Great review!

[@Upwards._]

Thanks!

[@bishopchalik8561]

Very beautiful music. I wish I had your talent

[@Upwards._]

Thank you!!

[@bishopchalik8561]

One question I assume you used this same computer to edit this very video as well?

[@Upwards._]

Yep!

[@gamobeats.]

is the m2 better than the m1 pro so that i can add more ram? or would it be better to just get the 14 inch 16gb and 1tb.

[@Upwards._]

M1 Pro is way better then the M2. Go with the 14 inch model

[@gamobeats.]

@@Upwards._ cool! do you download all your files onto an external? im going to get the 1tb but should i download my program on the external instead?

[@1jz_gte]

@@gamobeats. I would like to know this too

[@farid.2972]

@@gamobeats. Put programms on you internal and the libraries etc. on an external usb c drive

[@tallboybeats5447]

Great content , you deserve more recognition 🔥

[@javiescobargonzalez]

hello, I want to use heavy kontakt libraries type noire piano or piano colors with buffer size 32 or 64 at most. Is it possible with this computer without crackling in the audio? Thanks a lot

[@Upwards._]

Yep you can definitely do that on this computer!

[@javiescobargonzalez]

@@Upwards._ what external card do you use? Is it possible to use one with Usb or is thunderbolt necessary to have the buffer low? Thank you very much

[@Upwards._]

@@javiescobargonzalez I just use a Scarlet Interface and it does the trick!

[@javiescobargonzalez]

@@Upwards._ Your videos are incredible with exquisite editing. 6 months ago I bought your same model of Macbook and I couldn't be happier. Audio crashes are over for me. Thank you so much

[@Upwards._]

@@javiescobargonzalez no problem! I’m glad to hear that I helped you! That’s why this channel exists, to help everyone find the right gear and technology for their needs!

[@robbiemusic]

How many tracks are midi vs audio bounced? Audio is not as taxing on cpu

[@Upwards._]

Hi there! The last project was 90% midi

[@themultimusicman]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Upwards._]

No worries!

[@hdrghcftyhh2439]

Ty for the helpful review! Just out of curiosity, what did you use for the automated panning from left to right on the percussion during the last orchestral piece? You're a great producer! Thanks

[@Upwards._]

No worries! I use a free plugin called pancake which does the panning!

[@carlobarrera6344]

Amazing production

[@Upwards._]

Thanks!

[@cemsahin8874]

And what about the fan noise ? Does it kick in ?

[@Upwards._]

Not at all during my testing for this video. I’ve only ever heard it when pushing the MacBook to its absolute limits, rendering 8k etc.

[@blueser100]

Which notation model controller are u using in the video?

[@Upwards._]

Novation Launchkey Mini

[@Valeria-tt3vj]

What year should the macbook be from?

[@Upwards._]

Mine is the 2021 model

[@lpn369]

So undecided on which one to get I'm definitely grabbing the 14 M1,,, BY THE WAY Dope shiii Brother, video&beats 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@propman1823]

Brother do you thnk M3 will be better than M1 and 2

[@Upwards._]

More info here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHezeq2CidySl5Ysi=3NarJQJAaLztJF_q

[@Goldjunge]

I NEED that Background ;D

[@AceArty23]

If you don’t have an external display do you think the 14” is enough screen real estate? Great content 🔥

[@Upwards._]

Thanks! I reckon 14 inches is a comfortable size for producing music. I use it at school all the time with no issues!

[@chumza7498]

how much ram do you have

[@Upwards._]

16GB

[@kennethjackson4858]

Looking for a new MacBook M1 Pro, but will the 16gb ram be enough of get the 32 ram? You’re using the 14”. Besides the price would the 16” make a difference? Wanted to ask about the 1tb. Is that for storage for what? Your video was great! Hot I hear from you before I buy. Thanks ahead!

[@Upwards._]

Hi there, thanks! 16GBs of ram has worked out well for me, but if you have the budget, go for 32GB. The only difference between the 14 and 16 that I think is important would be battery life and better speakers. 1tb is for storage, where you store all your samples, daw and virtual instruments/plugins.

[@kennethjackson4858]

Listening to your video again and wondering, you mentioned using Final Cut Pro, which I would like to add for doing my own documents. Thinking of getting the Mi MacBook Pro with 32 ram and if I can 2tb. I have to save for that, but I think I’ll try and get it. Reading what I said I wanted to get, would a MacBook Pro Max make a difference. Are you using the 16” or 14” in this video? Have great Holidays and happy 2023.

[@ThePoliticalMusician]

I’d get 32GB of RAM to be safe if you haven’t already made the buy.

[@djdave212]

Anyone have any ideas what processor it is m1 or max

[@Upwards._]

It’s the M1 Pro chip

[@GabrielXDrums]

Those vocals in Leaving You were mixed so nice, Illenium vibe

[@Upwards._]

Thank you so much! That’s great to hear as that’s what I was trying to achieve!

[@GabrielXDrums]

@@Upwards._ I got myself one of these, about four days ago, it’s still unopened as I’ve been wondering if I should return it because I miss the money..but the money comes and goes as they say right…do you think I’ll get years and years from one of these? Replacing my old 2014 which is super loud when I’m working on Logic projects or just about anything 🥶😰

[@lucienlai7822]

Doing great

[@H-4-D3423]

Can you order an Apple 16GB Mac Mini M2, run these exact tests again and post the vid here and then send the unit back to Apple!! :) :D Gr8 vid, easy likes on your series...

[@Upwards._]

I will see what I can do!

[@ogLogLogLogL]

A lot of this script was clearly Apple-produced copy.