I'm would like to begin producing and my existing computer is not powerful enough to run Logic Pro or Pro Tools.

I am leaning towards buying an Apple--I like the idea of using a laptop in case I decide to start using Serato or Tracktor, etc. and need the portability. I know the laptops are more expensive but I think it would be worth it to have the option.

I spoke with someone who also uses logic and he recommended a Macbook Pro with either the i5 or i7 processor. I was hoping to get by on either a regular Macbook or Macbook Pro 13" but he said the processors that come with those are not ideal for Logic Pro.

So this is the machine that I would be looking at:
2.53GHz Intel Core i5
4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x2GB
500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm
SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
MacBook Pro 15-inch Glossy Widescreen Display
$1999

I could get a refurb with only 2.4 gigs and 320 GB Hard Drive for around $1500. Are the refurbs any good?

Just wondering what your opinions are for a new computer purchase.

Also, is it recommended that you change the soundcard for a new Macbook Pro? I am still learning how the equipment will hook up to the computer so forgive me for my newbie question.

Thanks!

Last edited by SinghVP on Jul-05-2010 at 23:44

Personally I think youll be alright with the standard Macbook.

I'm on a 3.06Ghz Core 2 Duo with 4 GB of RAM and a 500gb HD, I haven't had any problems at all. Thats not to far off of what your looking at.

As far as refurb stuff, Ive never bought anything refurbed from Apple however I have from other companies like Sony. Never had any problems, it's almost like buying a brand new model. Prob has a warranty too, so no need to worry.

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logic runs fine on my 13" macbook pro.
my biggest complain is that 13" is actually abit too small.

quote:

Originally posted by SinghVP I'm would like to begin producing and my existing computer is not powerful enough to run Logic Pro or Pro Tools. I am leaning towards buying an Apple--I like the idea of using a laptop in case I decide to start using Serato or Tracktor, etc. and need the portability. I know the laptops are more expensive but I think it would be worth it to have the option. I spoke with someone who also uses logic and he recommended a Macbook Pro with either the i5 or i7 processor. I was hoping to get by on either a regular Macbook or Macbook Pro 13" but he said the processors that come with those are not ideal for Logic Pro. So this is the machine that I would be looking at: 2.53GHz Intel Core i5 4GB 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2x2GB 500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm SuperDrive 8x (DVD�R DL/DVD�RW/CD-RW) MacBook Pro 15-inch Glossy Widescreen Display $1999 I could get a refurb with only 2.4 gigs and 320 GB Hard Drive for around $1500. Are the refurbs any good? Just wondering what your opinions are for a new computer purchase. Also, is it recommended that you change the soundcard for a new Macbook Pro? I am still learning how the equipment will hook up to the computer so forgive me for my newbie question. Thanks!

No offense, but I personally do not think you're ready to buy equipment yet.

For instance, "Leaning towards apple" to run logic.

You can only run logic on a mac - it's not been available for PC for 10 years now.

In another thread you were asking what's the difference between logic and pro tools, and someone had to explain what a VST was to you.

Don't get me wrong, it's great that you're asking questions, but your questions are worded such that I think you'd be better off doing a little more research before spending a serious amount of money on kit.

Again, another example is the person who told you about the processors not being ideal for logic - it all comes down to what you are trying to do. If you're going to do major productions, with tons of samples, loads of FX and high track counts then they may be somewhat underpowered, but for someone just starting out who has never done music production before, it's going to be a long while before you get close to maxing it out.

You also have to consider other factors such as the screen size (13" gets really small really quick when producing) and other equipment: monitor speakers, audio interface etc.

And if you're thinking protools, then the only way you can go with a laptop is PTLE and I'm not sure if you know really why you want this and truly what it's used for.

My advice is to add up everything you need before buying as this will affect the questions you ask and the way you purchase equipment.

You're going to need an audio interface at some point (even though the built in cards will do OK for a beginner) and you're going to need monitors or at least decent producing headphones, then there's the software.....

I think one of the standard laptops will be fine for you just starting out and I would consider the refurbs as they come with the same warranty.

quote:

Originally posted by DJ RANN No offense, but I personally do not think you're ready to buy equipment yet. For instance, "Leaning towards apple" to run logic. You can only run logic on a mac - it's not been available for PC for 10 years now. In another thread you were asking what's the difference between logic and pro tools, and someone had to explain what a VST was to you. Don't get me wrong, it's great that you're asking questions, but your questions are worded such that I think you'd be better off doing a little more research before spending a serious amount of money on kit. Again, another example is the person who told you about the processors not being ideal for logic - it all comes down to what you are trying to do. If you're going to do major productions, with tons of samples, loads of FX and high track counts then they may be somewhat underpowered, but for someone just starting out who has never done music production before, it's going to be a long while before you get close to maxing it out. You also have to consider other factors such as the screen size (13" gets really small really quick when producing) and other equipment: monitor speakers, audio interface etc. And if you're thinking protools, then the only way you can go with a laptop is PTLE and I'm not sure if you know really why you want this and truly what it's used for. My advice is to add up everything you need before buying as this will affect the questions you ask and the way you purchase equipment. You're going to need an audio interface at some point (even though the built in cards will do OK for a beginner) and you're going to need monitors or at least decent producing headphones, then there's the software..... I think one of the standard laptops will be fine for you just starting out and I would consider the refurbs as they come with the same warranty.

Thank you for your response. Sorry for the newbie questions but I've found that there are not many sites and threads that really explain each compnent of a studio in very basic terms. They seem to assume you have certain level of knowledge already which I don't. I've done quite a bit of reasearch in the last few days and have a better idea of how everything works together.

From what I understand so far I would be using mostly VST plugins instead of external synthesizers and instruments. So I will need a midi controller (leaning towards novation remote sl 49 or the akai), an interface (thinking about the focusrite saffire pro 24) and a pair of quality monitors.

What do you think of this setup? I feel like the best way to learn is to just get started, watch tutorials, and learn from others.

Thanks!

As i clearly stated in the other thread: You do not need any VST to start with as Logic and Ableton have great included instruments. Learn those first and then go on. Or if you choosing Reason then u cant even use VST. Dont worry about VSTs for now, you will have enough to use and learn. Also when it comes to midicontrollers: U dont need that either, its just a tool to help people work faster, but in your case it will be too much to learn at the same time so wait with that too.

My advice #1:
- Decent workstation PC with a nice sized screen
- Soundcard, Monitors, Headphones
- Ableton

Advice #2:
- Apple iMac or Macbook Pro
- Soundcard, Monitors, Headphones
- Logic

In both case the computer will cost you about 1000-1200USD. Ableton or Logic: around 500USD. Soundcard (example Echo Audiofire 4): 300USD. Monitors: This will maybe be the most difficult part of the purchase. U gotta decide your budget first and you shouldnt buy anything under 500USD imo (yamaha hs50). If the budget is to high you can wait with soundcard and monitors and just get decent headphones to start with but i recommend you to save for proper monitors, its the most important device of your setup. And I gotta say it again: Dont get VST and midicontrollers to start with! You´ll have planty to learn before you are ready.

Good luck.


edit: oh and if u decide on macbook pro 13" wait for the new version with i-CPU.

man i wish i got such good advice when i first started out.
would save me alot of bullshit.

Singhvp - you're going around this the right way - just keep asking specific questions. Everyone on here will help you as much as we can. Yes, the TA humor makes you grow a thick skin pretty fast but no where on the intarwebs is going to be as useful.

You can already see the questions you're asking are getting more educated and you'll be able to make better decisions becuase of it.


Palm's (or whatever those numbers mean) advice is great - apart from I would have the mac as the primary choice - Logic is fantastic and osx is just so low maintenance.

Logic has so much bundled with that it will literally take you a couple of years to truly master everything that comes with it, so don't worry about all the other stuff.

I started out on PC producing just over 10 years ago and now use mac and haven't looked back.

Both Palm and I use the Echo audiofire 4 and it's flawless as well as cheap.

You will need either good headphones (search for the 1,000,000 threads on here for the best suggestions) or good monitors. The rest of the kit can wait but either of these is essential and will speed up you learning curve dramatically and train your ears way faster than say using crap headphones or a hifi.

If monitors, get some good but inexpensive monitors: JBL LSR 2325p for $400 or Yamaha HS80's for a little more (only if you have a decent size producing room though as they don't work well in small rooms unlike the JBL's I listed).



Another option is to go for the new 13" macbook (with the i-cpu's) and get a second larger screen for working at home - trust me a 13" screen by itself is going to become a pain for full time production and you can get large nice screen for pennies these days.

Rann and 19503, I truely appreciate your advice and patience. I will probably go with a mbp 15" because I'd like all daw options available such as logic as well as the option of portabillity. I can always purchase a larger seperate computer monitor if the screen proves too small. The imac's with the same processor are not any cheaper anyway...although those 21"+ screens are beautiful.

As for the sound card:
In what way does the audiofire 4 differ from an interface such as the saffire pro 24? I know I'd only be hooking up the monitors to these for now but if the studio grows in the future how will they adapt? I'm pretty weak on my understanding of interfaces except for that they allow you to hook up instruments and synths to the computer for use in the daw.

Headphones:
I just have sony mdr-v700's for DJing. Will these be sufficient? I remember reading some threads that mentioned another sony that was more for working in the studio. I'm assuming that type of headphone is what I'd need?

Monitors:
I kind of guessed this would be the easy part so I haven't done too much research on these. I know that you want to look for balanced monitors with a 'flat' response across all frequencies. I was in a GC and the guy really recommended the Mackie MR5 which were on sale for 150 each. Given the $400-$500 (I'm assuming per pair?) price range you both spoke of I'm assuming these Mackies might be on the cheaper side. 500 for a pair is within budget so I'll have to research these soon.

VST Plugins:
It makes sense that I should wait to start loading up on the plugins. One less thing to learn out of the gate.

Midi Controller:
I'm assuming this controls both the external plugins as well as the built in Logic plugins. Even if I am not using external plugins, wouldn't the controller make it easy to create music even with the internal logic plugins? For example...creatively...wouldn't it be more expressive to use the controller instead of a mouse and keyboard? Is it really that complicated to use the contoller out of the gate? Don't get me wrong...I'm perfectly happy not using it to start out with but I was just wondering.

Thanks again for your help. I really feel that I'm getting somewhere!

RANN and palm are on the money regarding everything basically.

I'd buy a good computer now but leave the midi and soundcard till later if I were you. You may decide that you don't like the whole music production thing anyway and neither of those things has great resale value.

You should probably have a close look into the differences between PC and mac though, I don't think a mac is neccesarily essential or even better than a pc, so I'd check my options there if I were you. Not going to start a debate on which is better, just saying that you should do some research.

The monitors are the hardest part actually. I wouldn't buy any for at least a year and a half after you start producing. You have a lot to learn and headphones are cheaper and better quality in the price range your looking at. You'll get more out of a $200 pair of headphones than you will out of a $500 pair of monitors IMO. Especially if your room isn't treated. you should get AKG 240s. They're pretty much standard around here, built like a tank and they have a nice flat response.

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In regards to midi controller, forget about all the knobs and sliders. In a live environment, these are essential, but in a production studio, all you will really use is the piano keys.

You might think that you will be using your controller to control all the synth and FX parameters of each plugin but in reality, you will use the mouse for all these tasks because it is too much hassle to assign knobs and sliders to each plugin (which you will keep changing constantly and having to re-assign anyway).

So a midi controller isn't essential but I personally do think it is much more fun to be able to play on a keyboard than drawing the notes in with a mouse.

Just don't think you need to spend extra money for a controller with lots of knobs and sliders because you won't use them. At least not for a long while anyway, by which time you will have a better idea of the controller you need.

I agree with Kit to leave the monitors for now. And the soundcard.

There is nothing to be gained from buying everything straight away. Essentially to begin with, just get a decent computer and a daw. Use headphones or hi-fi speakers.

Then after spending time learning the basics, you will know if a midi keyboard is beneficial to you (some people don't bother with them).

Then after more time, think about a better soundcard/audio interface and monitors. You'll know by this point which audio interface would be best for you in terms of ins and outs etc. You'll also know by now if production really is for you, and will therefore be willing to spend a lot of money on monitors, which are very expensive if this turns out to be little more than a passing hobby.

In a nutshell, just get the absolute essentials to begin with then slowly add other stuff as and when you see fit. Many on here will know only too well how easy it is to buy certain things early on without fully understanding what they were buying and regretting it afterwards.

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Thanks guys for all your input. Looks like the consensus is the macbook pro and a pair of good headphones to start with. Much cheaper than my original plan! I think this way ill have a setup that I can add to in the future. cheers!