I’m only 15 so just bear with me on this, lol. So right now I’m currently using an HP laptop with Windows 8 on it for producing music, and it does a pretty good job. But i see all my favorite producers using Macs and only a few using PCs. I mean, I wanna use a mac for production because of its specs and performance, but the only problem is, there’s no full version of FL Studio on Mac, and that bothers me. On PC I can use FL with no problem. Macs have an Intel processor and it’s really amazing. On my HP laptop, however, there’s an AMD processor and when it comes to CPU usage, its pretty high whenever I’m DJing with Virtual DJ (using the Traktor demo and works like a charm) and it tends to get a bit high when producing sometimes, but this has only happened occasionally. I’m in the process of having a PC built and I want to use it for music production. Has a good processor (Intel Core 2 Duo) and graphics card (don’t remember the model exactly). It’s practically free because my stepdad and I are building it. Macs are really good and smooth too, but a bit overpriced in my opinion. I just want the best machine for music production. Please let me know what y’all think. Thanks!
I think you get more computer for the money when you roll with a PC. Also PC’s can be both AMD or Intel based. That being said I have an ancient 2007 MacBook with incredibly dated specs and it works like a charm! It’s also MUCH more stable than my 2014 PC gaming laptop with phenomenal specs, and when you’re out gigging reliability is key. Honestly I would build a cheap desktop if all you want to do is production. Good luck in your search!
Windows or OS X does not really matter in your case. There are some nice things about Mac’s, but why would you want a Mac only because “your favorite producers use them”? Even more when the software you are using is not even available on a Mac?
If you are not traveling than just get a windows. Laptops obviously are more expensive than desktop PCs, because you need smaller parts, which are harder to build. However note that for music production and DJing you don’t need a good GPU (graphics card). There are not graphic intensive tasks involved (unlike video editing or video gaming). Also this is where you can save A LOT since the two most expensive parts of a PC are the CPU (procesor) and GPU (graphics card). You will want a decent amout of RAM, but 4 GB probably you won’t need more than 4 GB since in music production 32-bit structure is still very common and it only allows 4 GB (more will not be used). If you are serious about music production try to get a good CPU (i5 or i7) and just leave the graphics card. The motherboard will probably have some onboard graphics, wich will be good enough.
Core 2 Duo’s are over 4 years old :-S look at at getting at least an i3/i5/i7 and I would recommend at least 8gb of ram, despite some music apps being 32 bit, when producing you often end up having 2 or 3 programs open at once e.g. DAW / Recorder Editor / Midi software etc ..and it will be of benefit.
Stability and Longevity, I can’t imagine a six year old windows PC even capable of running the latest OS and software (fast), but my old Macbook does
I run a 2010 Macbook and it runs Traktor, Ableton, etc fine.
If I had a 5 year old PC laptop, it would probably run nothing(I just don’t know how to keep them things running good overa course of a few years though, I’m not saying the machines suck because they don’t.)
IMO, it’s a matter of budget and priorities. It looks like the OP is basically using hand-me-down hardware and trying to keep to a near-zero budget. And you do get more for your money, at that level, running Windows.
Up a step or two to buying modern hardware, and a hackintosh becomes a very enticing proposition as long as you know what you’re doing (and FWIW, my hackintosh has been my smoothest and most positive experience with OS X, more so even than my pile of Apples).
But the important thing, if you really want to do it, is that you have something that works the way you want to, not that you’re dreaming about a machine you either can’t or won’t afford.
I think OS X is better. But, not having it doesn’t mean you can’t produce. And, really, that’s more to do with the fact that I hate windows with a passion than anything else.
Also, apparently the next version of FL Studio is going to have an OS X version. So, in a couple years, that’s probably worth revisiting.
Most project studios (bedroom and basement type set ups) I know run macs. They are easy to maintain and even older models generally have enough power to make beats and dance tracks. Logic is also a huge deal for what you get even if you don’t use it as a primary DAW and is only available on Mac.
The Real Studios I have seen run custom built Windows set ups with Protools HD linked up with PCI cards. I’m talking giant SSL mixers and racks of outboard gear type places. I’m guessing they have in house IT support who keep the PCs well oiled machines though. At the end of the day either one is capable. Personally I hate having to fiddle with PC type things when creativity hits so I prefer the mac.
