# Using the new Mac Mini instead of MBP for live performances **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Created:** [June 15, 2010, 2:48pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/using-the-new-mac-mini-instead-of-mbp-for-live-performances/11879 "2010-06-15T14:48:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![V-Hoff](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/v-hoff/32/11759_2.png) [@V-Hoff](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/V-Hoff)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 2:48pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/using-the-new-mac-mini-instead-of-mbp-for-live-performances/11879/1 "2010-06-15T14:48:43Z")
**Using the new Mac Mini instead of MBP for live performances** Hey guys, I’m thinking about a mobile setup using the new Mac Mini from apple, what do you think about it? > **[Mac mini](https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/)** > > The new, smaller Mac mini with the M4 or M4 Pro chip. Built for Apple Intelligence. Now with front and back ports. They are small then the early version and so powerful as the macbook pro 13’ is. I’m trying to imagine a case with the Mac Mini and the FWire Audio Interface bellow a controller of choice (VCI, SCS.3, BCR3000, etc). All the cable connections between these 3 parts would be done inside this compact case, and the audio interface (for mixing externally or internally) would be going out the case to the house mixer. As a lot of clubs will be ready for mobile DJs soon, we will not need to bring a screen to the club, we will alredy have a real monitor there (I hope so). If there is no monitor in the club, I can use a portable screen and prepare the case to acomodate that screen the way I like it. This way, even on the smallest booth I can fit my computer, audio interface and a medium-size controller in the same place and all will be pre-connected to the Mini. All I would need to do will be connect the audio-interface to the house mixer and my headphone to the AI. What do you guys think about it? ---
**Author:** ![pilmat](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/pilmat/32/13583_2.png) [@pilmat](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/pilmat)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 3:05pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/using-the-new-mac-mini-instead-of-mbp-for-live-performances/11879/2 "2010-06-15T15:05:28Z")
The advantage of a laptop is you get the screen keyboard and mouse. The Mini is cool, but I don’t see how useful it would be in a club environment without the keyboard and mouse, even if the club has a monitor (and why would they if all DJ’s bring their laptop?). Not trying to poo-poo your creative idea, just my 2 cents. Phil. ---
**Author:** ![photojojo](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/photojojo/32/14618_2.png) [@photojojo](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/photojojo)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 3:14pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/using-the-new-mac-mini-instead-of-mbp-for-live-performances/11879/3 "2010-06-15T15:14:13Z")
> [@pilmat](#): > > The advantage of a laptop is you get the screen keyboard and mouse. The Mini is cool, but I don’t see how useful it would be in a club environment without the keyboard and mouse, even if the club has a monitor (and why would they if all DJ’s bring their laptop?). > > Not trying to poo-poo your creative idea, just my 2 cents. > > Phil. I agree, it’s a great idea and you may be able to implement it where you play, but for the most part I think the laptop is just better. That said you can get a Mac Mini and a screen for much cheaper than a MBP. ---
**Author:** ![DJPhaidon](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/djphaidon/32/14663_2.png) [@DJPhaidon](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/DJPhaidon)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 3:30pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/using-the-new-mac-mini-instead-of-mbp-for-live-performances/11879/4 "2010-06-15T15:30:10Z")
could do it somewhat like this > **[custom traktor controller with internal 7" vga screen mod](https://forum.djtechtools.com/showthread.php?t=5489)** > > Clone Thing by Spinor \< click to download > > "How to use it? > > You see a list with regions to clone (initially it is empty). Below the list there are some fields to enter new regions. > > 1. Enter the name of the window you want to clone, but instead... I do think that you will still need a screen though, cause I wouldn’t depend on a club for a working mixer, let alone a computer screen ---
**Author:** ![MiL0](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/mil0/32/12337_2.png) [@MiL0](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/MiL0)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 3:33pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/using-the-new-mac-mini-instead-of-mbp-for-live-performances/11879/5 "2010-06-15T15:33:55Z")
would work well if you picked up a Samsung U70 or one of these to go with it: [http://kohtek.com/Lilliput-7-Um70-Mini-Usb-Monitor/M/B000AYHY7I.htm?traffic\_src=GB&utm\_medium=CSE&utm\_source=GB&id=uk](http://kohtek.com/Lilliput-7-Um70-Mini-Usb-Monitor/M/B000AYHY7I.htm?traffic_src=GB&utm_medium=CSE&utm_source=GB&id=uk) would arguably be a more portable solution than a laptop. ---
**Author:** ![Karlos\_Santos](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/karlos_santos/32/13263_2.png) [@Karlos\_Santos](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/Karlos_Santos)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 3:40pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/using-the-new-mac-mini-instead-of-mbp-for-live-performances/11879/6 "2010-06-15T15:40:42Z")
> [@MiL0](#): > > would arguably be a more portable solution than a laptop. How..? still need Mac / Screen / Mouse /Keyboard plus all the leads & cables to connect it all up with power. That seems like a half hour setup alone not including the audio card an controller. It would have to be connected and flightcased for it to be a portable as a laptop. Jus my 2p ---
**Author:** ![sarasin](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/sarasin/32/12614_2.png) [@sarasin](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/sarasin)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 3:48pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/using-the-new-mac-mini-instead-of-mbp-for-live-performances/11879/7 "2010-06-15T15:48:25Z")
> [@Karlos\_Santos](#): > > How..? still need Mac / Screen / Mouse /Keyboard plus all the leads & cables to connect it all up with power. > > That seems like a half hour setup alone not including the audio card an controller. > > It would have to be connected and flightcased for it to be a portable as a laptop. > > Jus my 2p But thats what the HOFF said! 🙂 In a case etc. I dunno…if i needed to make a plan on a budget…i could see this working…if you can get the bits cheaper …or if you WANT a DIY solution. Else…i would just get a laptop. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![V-Hoff](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/v-hoff/32/11759_2.png) [@V-Hoff](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/V-Hoff)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 3:51pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/using-the-new-mac-mini-instead-of-mbp-for-live-performances/11879/8 "2010-06-15T15:51:20Z")
Why we need a keyboard and mouse to perform as a DJ? If we still need a keyboard to do it maybe we are lacking controls… And remember, you don’t need a physical keyboard to search your music by keyword, we can use any X/Y pad and a virtual keyboard on the screen I’m just trying to eliminate a painfull setup time, a mess with cables and a lot of the “twitter look” of djing with a laptop… ---
**Author:** ![Karlos\_Santos](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/karlos_santos/32/13263_2.png) [@Karlos\_Santos](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/Karlos_Santos)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 3:54pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/using-the-new-mac-mini-instead-of-mbp-for-live-performances/11879/9 "2010-06-15T15:54:49Z")
Yeah im addressing the “portability” quote from MiLo. Its gonna be a nightmare in the gig bag with all those separate parts and also so many items that can fail on the night or need replacing more often that a laptop. Im merely thinking from a practical view point. > [@V-Hoff](#): > > I’m just trying to eliminate a painfull setup time, a mess with cables and a lot of the “twitter look” of djing with a laptop… Yeah that would be my concern… ---
**Author:** ![V-Hoff](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/v-hoff/32/11759_2.png) [@V-Hoff](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/V-Hoff)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 3:56pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/using-the-new-mac-mini-instead-of-mbp-for-live-performances/11879/10 "2010-06-15T15:56:54Z")
> [@pilmat](#): > > ..even if the club has a monitor (and why would they if all DJ’s bring their laptop?)… Maybe it’s the inverse. All DJs bring their laptop because all the Clubs aren’t prepared for the Digital Age. I know two really small clubs (one at São Paulo, and another at Santos) that have a monitor screen at the DJ Booth, and we are talking about Brazil, the “big taxes country”. ---
**Author:** ![V-Hoff](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/v-hoff/32/11759_2.png) [@V-Hoff](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/V-Hoff)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 4:04pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/using-the-new-mac-mini-instead-of-mbp-for-live-performances/11879/11 "2010-06-15T16:04:09Z")
> [@Karlos\_Santos](#): > > Yeah im addressing the “portability” quote from MiLo. > > Its gonna be a nightmare in the gig bag with all those separate parts and also so many items that can fail on the night or need replacing more often that a laptop. > > Im merely thinking from a practical view point. > > Yeah that would be my concern… Right now I have two korg NanoKontrols, a Oxygen 8 V2 and a Numark DJIO to connect to my laptop, they are all USB and my laptop has 4 USB slots, if I add another controller to the setup I would need a USB hub, so more cables and connections to the setup. If I mix externally I would need more 2 (or 4) RCA cables. :eek: With a Mini and a customized case I can even put a USB HUB inside it to duplicate my USB connections. With the M-Audio Profire 610 at it’s side, I can create a table on top of it and accomodate my Oxy8 and two korg nanos side to side. Man, this way I would only need 18´´ (45 cm) of space on the booth and all my cables would rest inside the case, or next to it. Sometimes I don’t practice because I feel too lazy to setup all my geek DJ setup and that’s a shame on me, but I would be less lazy if I could automate the setup time better. ---
**Author:** ![pilmat](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/pilmat/32/13583_2.png) [@pilmat](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/pilmat)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 4:10pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/using-the-new-mac-mini-instead-of-mbp-for-live-performances/11879/12 "2010-06-15T16:10:06Z")
The mouse and keyboard can be totally eliminated from your DJ set, but shit happens (CRASH) and it is at those times when you may need them. How could you even start Traktor without either? OK you can have them load on start up, but restarting your computer is a crappy way to have to re-start Traktor if you have a problem. I would be afraid to gig without them! Phil. ---
**Author:** ![JesC](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/jesc/32/10376_2.png) [@JesC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/JesC)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 4:34pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/using-the-new-mac-mini-instead-of-mbp-for-live-performances/11879/13 "2010-06-15T16:34:12Z")
BT keyboard and mouse, I know I’ved heard from a ton of people not to have that & wifi on during your set. But any mac users, chime in here…have you had any problems with wifi or bt being on during your set? ---
**Author:** ![pilmat](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/pilmat/32/13583_2.png) [@pilmat](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/pilmat)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 4:44pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/using-the-new-mac-mini-instead-of-mbp-for-live-performances/11879/14 "2010-06-15T16:44:49Z")
I only gig house parties, and don’t bother turning off wi-fi, but do turn off BT. When I practice at home I’m lazy and leave it all on with no problems with Traktor. But where do you use a mouse in a DJ booth? I suppose the 1200 platter would be available, LOL. Phil. ---
**Author:** ![TABS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/eada6e/32.png) [@TABS](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/TABS)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 4:57pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/using-the-new-mac-mini-instead-of-mbp-for-live-performances/11879/15 "2010-06-15T16:57:31Z")
Use one of these ![](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/uploads/techtools/original/3X/c/b/cb17b0fe2b99220368c03b27ddc76f1f3264d635.jpeg) Then a mini desktop, screen… You could unpack all this, have it hooked up in running in less than a minute. Or betetr yet…use a korg nanopad as your mouse. ---
**Author:** ![space\_monkey](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/space_monkey/32/14148_2.png) [@space\_monkey](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/space_monkey)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 5:11pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/using-the-new-mac-mini-instead-of-mbp-for-live-performances/11879/16 "2010-06-15T17:11:28Z")
I was about to start a new topic on this very issue. My LT video card died last week and I am not going out to spend 700USD+ for a replacement. Thus far i’ve looked at all-in-ones like this but am also leaning towards building my own plexiglass case and micro ATX system. The KB and touchpad posted above looks like a really good compromise for input. I think we’ll be seeing more systems like this in the coming years. (EDIT: More systems for use in DJ’ing i mean.) ---
**Author:** ![V-Hoff](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/v-hoff/32/11759_2.png) [@V-Hoff](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/V-Hoff)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 5:47pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/using-the-new-mac-mini-instead-of-mbp-for-live-performances/11879/17 "2010-06-15T17:47:09Z")
> [@pilmat](#): > > The mouse and keyboard can be totally eliminated from your DJ set, but shit happens (CRASH) and it is at those times when you may need them. How could you even start Traktor without either? OK you can have them load on start up, but restarting your computer is a crappy way to have to re-start Traktor if you have a problem. I would be afraid to gig without them! > > Phil. I agree with you, shit happens, but to resolve the shit all we need is a mouse or a XY pad, right? You agree with me that we can use a virtual keyboard on the screen for those things that we cannot do only with mouse, right? So, we only need a XY pad, no keyboard needed… ---
**Author:** ![V-Hoff](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/v-hoff/32/11759_2.png) [@V-Hoff](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/V-Hoff)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 5:50pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/using-the-new-mac-mini-instead-of-mbp-for-live-performances/11879/18 "2010-06-15T17:50:50Z")
> [@TABS](#): > > Use one of these > > ![](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/uploads/techtools/original/3X/c/b/cb17b0fe2b99220368c03b27ddc76f1f3264d635.jpeg) > > Then a mini desktop, screen… > You could unpack all this, have it hooked up in running in less than a minute. > > Or betetr yet…use a korg nanopad as your mouse. That’s really nice, but I think the keyboard will completely ruin my idea of a non-geek setup and no-“twitter look” 😛 ---
**Author:** ![djproben](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/djproben/32/14259_2.png) [@djproben](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/djproben)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 6:04pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/using-the-new-mac-mini-instead-of-mbp-for-live-performances/11879/19 "2010-06-15T18:04:21Z")
you could keep a bluetooth keyboard in a bag and only pull it out if necessary. Same with a mouse, or if you have an XY pad on one of your controllers that doubles as a mouse, even better. I think this is a good idea if you find the right case and screen – and I wouldn’t want to use Traktor with only a 7" screen. In the end though a laptop will be a lot less hassle to set up, but since when did people around here just do things the easy way? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![pilmat](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/forum.djtechtools.com/pilmat/32/13583_2.png) [@pilmat](https://forum.djtechtools.com/u/pilmat)\ **Post date:** [June 15, 2010, 6:07pm UTC](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/using-the-new-mac-mini-instead-of-mbp-for-live-performances/11879/20 "2010-06-15T18:07:05Z")
> [@V-Hoff](#): > > I agree with you, shit happens, but to resolve the shit all we need is a mouse or a XY pad, right? > You agree with me that we can use a virtual keyboard on the screen for those things that we cannot do only with mouse, right? > So, we only need a XY pad, no keyboard needed… Ahh, I’m a bit slow today, now I see where you are going with this. Personally it is not for me, but I know you are an IT guy and are probably a lot more flexible/at-ease with this stuff. So yeah, I can see your path as a viable solution. From a purely economical point, the set-up makes sense. But from a long term practicality, I’m would need to see how you get on with it. Maybe by just adding the above keyboard/mouse solution for at home use it would be just fine. I like these thinking-out-loud threads. They get the creative juices flowing and also make me realize how “conventional” I have become in my old age! Keep it up V-Hoff! Phil. [Next page](https://forum.djtechtools.com/t/using-the-new-mac-mini-instead-of-mbp-for-live-performances/11879.md?page=2)