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Q: Best Macbook/iMac for Logic Pro X?

Hi there,

 

I currently have a late 2014 iMac with the low-end 1.4 ghz processor. As a wannabe musician, I use Logic Pro X. Of course having a slow processor, everytime I load in multiple track parts or anything it says "system overload". I've tried everything to adjust settings, blah blah, and I want to buy a new Mac, that's that. But which one? Should I wait until they release the new ones next month?

 

I was thinking of getting the 3 GHZ iMac Retina but would also maybe like a macbook pro, but I know I need something with lots of processing power so that I can smoothly create and work with track parts, stems, projects, etc. without it crashing nonstop. Does anybody have any input for which type of iMac/Macbook Pro I should purchase so that I can run Logic without it crashing nonstop?

 

Thanks!

Posted on Sep 22, 2016 7:20 AM

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Q: Best Macbook/iMac for Logic Pro X?

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  • by Indyuser,

    Indyuser Indyuser Sep 22, 2016 8:15 AM in response to Feeling X
    Level 4 (2,235 points)
    Audio
    Sep 22, 2016 8:15 AM in response to Feeling X

    The iMac will run it quite well. The key is make sure you get enough memory (at least 16GB, more if you can afford it) - There are a lot of other factors related to parameters that can affect performance as well.  With new ones coming out you possibly can get a deal on the current ones.

  • by ralph220,

    ralph220 ralph220 Sep 23, 2016 7:28 AM in response to Feeling X
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Audio
    Sep 23, 2016 7:28 AM in response to Feeling X

    Synth instruments use more CPU than audio tracks.  So, if you tend to have many software instruments, I'd opt for more CPU power.  RAM is good for everything.  If you have large sample libraries, moving those to SSD will help (internal or external).

  • by oingo boingo,

    oingo boingo oingo boingo Oct 1, 2016 8:36 PM in response to Feeling X
    Level 1 (97 points)
    Audio
    Oct 1, 2016 8:36 PM in response to Feeling X

    Pimp your computer, suggestions below. :-)

     

    If you are looking for a new computer, then I would focus on those two points as well: It's the memory and the speed of the hard drive. Processing power is secondary.

     

    I am running Logic X on a 2011 MacBookPro and it works just fine.

     

    1) Maximum memory. Go to a good 3rd party RAM website that tells you how much memory you can install. Apple will actually lie to you (sad fact). When I checked for my laptop, Apply stated 8GB max. I called the helpline of a RAM store and they checked the model number of my laptop and stated 16GB. The advice was correct and I now run 16GB in my machine.

     

    2) Get a solid state hard drive. I thought my laptop was nearing the end of its life span, but then i got a 1TB solid state drive. Installed it myself (with good advice from said good 3rd party parts website), with a $30 screwdriver kit and a backup/restore with TimeMachine. Absolutely worth it, the speed difference was amazing!