Last Updated on September 7 by Monty Python
Until the last couple of years, I used to be highly against using laptops as music production equipment. They just weren’t reliable enough.
I know some of the nicest laptop computers match the features of some very nice desktops, but I have run into a lot more issues with laptops. With that said, the laptop computers that are coming out now are not only powerful but seem to be more reliable as well.
See Also: Top 10 Best DJ Lights
Table of Contents
CPU Speed – Do I Need The Most Powerful Computer?
The one with 3.0 GHz dual main chips? Alternatively, will a Pentium 4 2.0 GHz chip suffice? This is the most tempting tad to every computer buyer. It seems like there can be an obsession with buying the fastest computer.
A fast processor is bound by multiple things – including the amount of Memory, the hard disks, and the bus quickly, and so on.
What good is a four key processor system (like the Apple Mac PC Pro) if you work with 512 MB of memory and a hard drive that spins at 4200 RPM? I could promise that your sound production software (ProTools, Logic, Digital Performer. Cubase,) won’t work that great at all.
See Also: Top 10 Best Guitar Amps Under $300
Multiple core processors such as the Intel Xeon workstations. The quad-core workstations -it is a kind to having four processors in your system! This adds a great deal when you are using virtual musical instruments.
Yes, a faster CPU (or multiple CPUs) can be beneficial, but it is not the primary factor. RAM and Hard Drive speed is usually more important. Let’s say this best laptop for music production
See Also: Top 10 Best Synthesizer Keyboards Under $500
RAM (Random Gain Access to Memory)
Think of RAM as a short-term storage bank or investment company for your computer. Whenever your computer is performing multiple tasks – like editing and enhancing audio or making use of effects. It transmits all of this information from the hard drive, to the memory, back again to the hard disk, and so on.
If you have less RAM, the computer decreases. Especially when executing intensive tasks. Please note, that we are seeking to explain this in the easiest dialect possible to people that might not have any notion of computer lingo. So computer nerds, don’t flame me music production equipment.
Try to add just as much RAM to your system as it allows.
See Also: Top 10 Best Drumsticks for Electronic Drums
HARD DISK DRIVE Speed
As I stated earlier, when you are dealing with any software, the computer transfers all information from the RAM to the HDD, and backward and forwards.
What is hard drive acceleration? It is the RPM- sometimes it spins per minute. When you look for hard disks at any store, you will see these terms “5400 RPM” or “7200 RPM” The faster the drive, the faster the computer can access information and utilize it.
Nowadays 7200 RPM drives are more than adequate for music development/recording needs. I can run a complete 32 track program with plugins on my laptop’s 4200 RPM drive. However, for best performance. I claim that you have a 7200 RPM hard drive.
What if you need more tracks- there is an ad that I was focused on the best laptop for music production, and the job ran up to 256 monitors.
See Also: Top 10 Best Acoustic-Electric Guitar Under $300
Mac (Apple) or Computer?
I used a MacBook, so you might think I am biased. I likewise have an AMD Athlon 64 system. Both computer systems have 2 GB of ram installed, but the MacBook comes with an advantage as it includes 2 cores.
You might be one particular “Mac vs Computer” folk who cannot make up their minds. The sole reason I switched to the apple PC is that its operating system.
Windows, for me, always crashes and thus wasting time somewhat than focusing on making music. Together with the Mac, I could work, and I cannot keep in mind when my Macshas crashed.
In the long run, it is all a matter of preference when choosing the best laptop for music production.
How to Minimize Guitar Setup Cost?