AKARSH SHEKHAR
How to Get the Perfect
Computer for Music
Production ?
In order to set a benchmark for your computer ’ s specs , you should primarily focus on the requirements of your DAW . While the manufacturers may list their “ minimum ” requirements for the software , you ’ re unlikely to be able to use your software to its full potential with the minimum system specs . Let ’ s take a look at the most accessible computer specs and shed some light on what to look for .
Processor
Your processor is the brain of your computer and it determines your system ’ s capabilities . Capabilities such as : how many virtual instruments you can run , how many tracks you ’ ll be able to have in your sessions , how quickly offline bouncing occurs , and so on . Considering this , most audio engineers would recommend getting the most powerful processor available for your chosen computer .
Can I upgrade my computer ’ s processor later ?
If you ’ re going with a Windows PC , you may be able to upgrade the processor in the future if you decide you need more processing power . If you go for a Mac device , upgrading your processor won ’ t be possible . If you are planning to buy a Mac device , try to get one with the fastest possible processor at the time of purchase . Then you won ’ t need to consider a more powerful CPU for years , regardless of which platform you ’ re on .
RAM
No matter what you ’ re doing with your computer , the mantra has always been “ the more RAM , the better .” RAM , or random-access memory , allows your computer to hold data for immediate access . More RAM means more audio tracks , more sample-based instruments , more simultaneous tasks , and faster overall system performance . RAM is definitely a lot easier to upgrade than a CPU , but you will be better off if you add as much as possible from the beginning .
Can I upgrade my computer ’ s RAM later ?
It depends — you ’ ll want to confirm this for the specific computer you ’ re looking at before you commit to it . Most likely , you ’ ll be able to upgrade the RAM on any Windows PC that is suitable for music production . On the Mac side , some models support RAM upgrades by the user , some can be upgraded but only by Apple , and some models have soldered-in RAM and cannot be upgraded at all .
Onboard storage — hard disk drive or solid-state ?
Onboard storage is extremely important . You must choose between an old-school hard disk drive or a solidstate drive . Solid-state drives are much faster when it comes to accessing files — your system will boot up quicker , applications will be faster , and tasks will take less time . Since solid-state drives have no moving parts , they ’ re more tolerant of bumps and drops than hard disk drives are . While hard disk drives are less expensive and support larger capacities , most media professionals will agree that the performance benefits of solid-state drives leave hard disk drives way behind .
Should I Get a Desktop or a Laptop ?
Unless you are setting up a mobile recording rig or want to be able to produce music anywhere at any time , you ’ ll definitely want to consider whether you really need the portability a laptop provides . As a general rule , a laptop is going to cost more than a desktop computer of comparable power and often will not offer as many ports or upgrade options . Many laptops will make fine music-production machines , but if your laptop ends up parked on the desk in your studio , then you ’ re not making the most out of it . If you ’ re not sure whether your music-production computer really needs the portability of a laptop , consider your budget and take a look at what a desktop computer would offer you in terms of power for the same price .
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