Today here at Music Production Headquarters we will be talking a little bit about computers for music production, and the 3 key things to look at regardless what type of computer you are looking at. This is a continuation of our music production equipment series which is aimed to get you started with all the vital parts of music production.
Before we get started I understand getting the biggest and best computer however slower computers can still get a lot done. I currently run with an Intel core duo, with 4 gigs of ram and an Intel SSD along with 3 other hard drives for backing up, I also use a Hackintosh that was formerly a custom-built windows PC. I just upgraded to a Mac Mini check out why and how here.
The following is for someone who is planning to do most of their work “inside the box”. This is also a general guide for laptops and desktops for music production. Either is alright depending on your wants / needs.
Before even considering looking at computers take a look at what your DAW (digital audio workstation) minimum requirements are.
For example here is my daw of choice Pro Tools 10 minimum system requirements.
Ram: How it works and why it is important.
First off what is ram? No it is not a type of truck,or a football team, it is a acronym for Random Access Memory. Think of ram as short term memory and a hard drive as long-term memory /storage.
When there are applications running the processor will store them in the ram. Once the program is closed the application will be wiped from the computers short term storage or ram, and is stored on the hard drive. Now think about if you had more short term memory for yourself how much more efficient would you be? The same concept applies when it comes to computer.
The first thing to look at is ram. If you have the funds max out your ram it is dirt cheap and will help your computer run faster for longer. It will also allow you to open more plugins at one time allowing for bigger mixes without your computer crashing.
Having more ram has other uses outside of audio production as well. You can open more programs and do more processing.For example I have Evernote open along with a few tabs in Chrome while Pro Tools sits in the background along with a handful of other applications and I am only using 3 gigs out of 4. Now if I am mixing a 30-40 track session with a lot of plugins and virtual instruments I will close everything I can or I will run out of ram and my computer will become non responsive.
CPU / Processor
The processor is like the brain of the computer or the producer on the session. It does all the computing and organizing it tells other things what to do and has a vision of what needs to happen for given processes.
Like I mentioned I currently run an Intel core duo. For the most part it does the job however if I was looking at a new computer the minimum I would recommend is something like an Intel I3 to help future proof my investment. I got the Intel core duo 5 years ago there is no way I can recommend that today.
Hard Drives
The hard drive is where the computer store things long-term like recording sessions, applications, session documents, and custom plugin settings. Without enough storage you cannot save anything. The minimum storage I would recommend is 500 gigs. 250 gigs for your operating system and 250 for your music production / session drive.
Hard Drive Speed
The last thing I would take into consider is the speed. I would get a drive with at least 7200 RPMS. For my main operating drive I would seriously consider a SSD (Solid State Drive) drive. I got one not long ago and it is AMAZING. The single best computer purchase I have made in the last 5 years. Remember though that the SSD drive should not be used to store sessions on long-term.
Bonus Tip Regarding Hard Drives and Music Production
If you only have 1 drive I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND partitioning your hard drive into two sections,
1 section for your operating system and 1 section for your sessions.
After that all sessions should be saved to the session drive and all things regarding the operating system saved to that drive. By doing this you are able to keep your operating drive running smoothly by keeping clutter to a minimum.
I would also get a backup drive it is not required but it is suggested to get at least one backup drive I currently have 3. If you want you can read about my backup system that saved 300 gigs of sessions here. If it is not backed up in 3 locations it’s not really backed up.
Operating systems Windows VS Mac Vs Hackintosh?
There is a lot of debate about which operating system to use. It really depends on your workflow and what you intend to do. For example I planned to intern and do work in commercial studios. Every commercial studio I have been in uses a Mac.
When I went to school for audio production they used Macs because it is what the industry uses. It is also why I use Pro Tools. I started out with a Mac Book Pro for school and started playing with the Hackintosh idea which is what I am using. Check out Lifehacker’s article on Hackintosh builds for more info about that.
After the Hackintosh experience I plan to look at a Mac mini like this one. I understand I will pay more for it but it will just work which is why I like my Macs. If windows operating system is your thing and it gets the job done for you that is awesome as well. An operating system is just another tool to get the job done.
Other Considerations
One other thing to consider is how many inputs and outputs you have for connecting. How will you connect your monitor, keyboard and mouse or audio interface along with all of your USB and other connected items.
One other thing to consider is how many inputs and outputs you have for connecting. How will you connect your monitor, keyboard and mouse or audio interface along with all of your USB and other connected items.
What I am using currently
Here is an external hard drive I am using currently. It also serves as a portable drive for recording as it is an external hard drive.
Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex Desk 1.5 TB USB 2.0 External Hard Drive STAC1500100
The SSD Drive I am using and love!
Intel 520 Series Solid-State Drive 120 GB SATA 6 Gb/s 2.5-Inch - SSDSC2CW120A3K5 (Reseller Kit)
What I plan to upgrade
Here is the hard drive I plan to upgrade to once I am doing more location recordings and more sessions at studios in Nashville.
G-Technology G-DRIVE Q 2TB External Hard Drive w/ eSATA, USB 2.0, Firewire 400, Firewire 800 Interfaces 0G00203
Here is one of the Mac mini Servers I was talking about. I would plan to manually upgrade the ram to 8 gigs if not more. Or hopefully by the time I am ready for an upgrade it is standard.
Apple Mac Mini MD389LL/A with Lion Server (NEWEST VERSION)
Update like I mentioned I already upgraded to a Mac Mini check it out here