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ubtguitarist · 10-12-2009, 02:21 AM

Recently I decided to switch over to mac for audio production, but I am in the process of selling my laptop http://www.musicradar.com/forum/showthread.php?t=47349 (if you're interested) I was just wondering which macbook would be best for me. I am planning on working with Logic Studio 9, Sibelius 6, and Guitar Rig 3, while running dual screens. I already have a MIDI keyboard and have an Mbox on its way, as well as a MIC, to do some composition and some recording of guitar/vocals. Now how much horsepower do I need to be able to do those things. Can I get away the 13 inch macbook pro, or should I go for the 15 inch(which I would probably have to get used to afford it,) or even just the regular 13 inch macbook? I'm also aware that a new generation of Macbooks are on the way for the holiday season, and do you think I should probably wait?

Thanks for any advice

Gdoubleyou · 10-13-2009, 12:00 AM

All of the current Macbooks and Macbook Pros have enough cpu power to run Logic well.

You have to decide what your budget is and what features you need, don't buy extra RAM from Apple.

For best performance add an external Firewire drive for your audio.

I own a black Macbook that is connected to a 19 inch Samsung monitor, and MOTU 828.

Don't know how different the new models will be, but they will probably show up early next year, or sooner.

WhoAreYou · 10-13-2009, 09:15 AM

Has anyone got a good link or somewhere that compares Logic Pro v Express? I don't think I will ever need Pro, but it would be nice to see the major differences.

Gdoubleyou · 10-13-2009, 06:18 PM

Logic Express 9 is actually the same as Logic Pro 9 - without the following features:
- DAE/TDM support
- DAP (distributed audio processing with Logic Node)
- Surround
- EVP88
- EVB3
- EVD6
- Sculpture
- Space Designer
- Delay Designer
- Linear Phase EQ
- Match EQ
- Multipressor (there is only the 'Preset Multipressor' as in LE7)

The price of the added content, would be more than the price of logic studio.

jim_branning · 10-15-2009, 01:24 PM

dunno if the OP is in uk but jigsaw in notts sent out some macbook deals today, they have a few sale and refurbs on their site right now - www.jigsaw24.com

ubtguitarist · 10-15-2009, 10:03 PM

To tell you the truth, I just installed Sibelius 6 and Logic 9 on my old 2006 Intel core duo imac, and to my suprise it runs everything perfectly. i even played both demo songs on logic and sibelius at the same time to see what the cpu would run at, and it was doing just fine. perhaps an upgrade for me isn't so necessary at the moment. I still have a ton to learn before I probably decide to upgrade, so i dont see myself running into any hardware limitations just yet. Also those intel core i7's are insane, so i will probably hold off until they become integrated in the mac lines. With that much power I would find it impossible to find any limitations whatsoever.

echosonic · 10-16-2009, 07:44 AM

Good stuff! My 07 Macbook Pro also performs really well with L9. As has been said, you can run L9 on virtually any core 2 Duo Mac, certainly those of the past 3 years.

I would wait a little as the rumble is that the new iMacs will incorporate the Nehalem mobile quad CPU which will make it fly.

I'm saving for the quad Mac Pro ...

10-12-2009, 02:21 AM	#1
ubtguitarist Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 23	Best Macbook for me? Recently I decided to switch over to mac for audio production, but I am in the process of selling my laptop http://www.musicradar.com/forum/showthread.php?t=47349 (if you're interested) I was just wondering which macbook would be best for me. I am planning on working with Logic Studio 9, Sibelius 6, and Guitar Rig 3, while running dual screens. I already have a MIDI keyboard and have an Mbox on its way, as well as a MIC, to do some composition and some recording of guitar/vocals. Now how much horsepower do I need to be able to do those things. Can I get away the 13 inch macbook pro, or should I go for the 15 inch(which I would probably have to get used to afford it,) or even just the regular 13 inch macbook? I'm also aware that a new generation of Macbooks are on the way for the holiday season, and do you think I should probably wait? Thanks for any advice Last edited by ubtguitarist : 10-12-2009 at 02:39 AM.

10-13-2009, 12:00 AM	#2
Gdoubleyou Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Kirkland WA Posts: 502	All of the current Macbooks and Macbook Pros have enough cpu power to run Logic well. You have to decide what your budget is and what features you need, don't buy extra RAM from Apple. For best performance add an external Firewire drive for your audio. I own a black Macbook that is connected to a 19 inch Samsung monitor, and MOTU 828. Don't know how different the new models will be, but they will probably show up early next year, or sooner. __________________ G-Dub Studio G-fx http://www.studiog-fx.com

10-13-2009, 06:18 PM	#4
Gdoubleyou Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Kirkland WA Posts: 502	Logic Express 9 is actually the same as Logic Pro 9 - without the following features: - DAE/TDM support - DAP (distributed audio processing with Logic Node) - Surround - EVP88 - EVB3 - EVD6 - Sculpture - Space Designer - Delay Designer - Linear Phase EQ - Match EQ - Multipressor (there is only the 'Preset Multipressor' as in LE7) The price of the added content, would be more than the price of logic studio. __________________ G-Dub Studio G-fx http://www.studiog-fx.com

10-15-2009, 01:24 PM	#5
jim_branning Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 2,963	dunno if the OP is in uk but jigsaw in notts sent out some macbook deals today, they have a few sale and refurbs on their site right now - www.jigsaw24.com __________________ Free Music Space & Homepages for all - Check it out! http://www.7161.com/

10-16-2009, 07:44 AM	#7
echosonic Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: http://www.last.fm/ music/venona+pers Posts: 5,061	Good stuff! My 07 Macbook Pro also performs really well with L9. As has been said, you can run L9 on virtually any core 2 Duo Mac, certainly those of the past 3 years. I would wait a little as the rumble is that the new iMacs will incorporate the Nehalem mobile quad CPU which will make it fly. I'm saving for the quad Mac Pro ... __________________ Guitars, effects, a computer, Logic Pro, effects, some more effects ... oh and some effects. www.myspace.com/venonapers www.myspace.com/echosonicmusic <<<< Album available here

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10-13-2009, 09:15 AM	#3
WhoAreYou Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 10	Has anyone got a good link or somewhere that compares Logic Pro v Express? I don't think I will ever need Pro, but it would be nice to see the major differences.

10-15-2009, 10:03 PM	#6
ubtguitarist Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 23	To tell you the truth, I just installed Sibelius 6 and Logic 9 on my old 2006 Intel core duo imac, and to my suprise it runs everything perfectly. i even played both demo songs on logic and sibelius at the same time to see what the cpu would run at, and it was doing just fine. perhaps an upgrade for me isn't so necessary at the moment. I still have a ton to learn before I probably decide to upgrade, so i dont see myself running into any hardware limitations just yet. Also those intel core i7's are insane, so i will probably hold off until they become integrated in the mac lines. With that much power I would find it impossible to find any limitations whatsoever.

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