Pre Sales Question:
Is the new 2018 mac mini powerful enough for proffesional audio production ( to run Logic Pro X, Studio One Pro, etc), if configured: i7, 32GB ram, external Thunderbolt 3 Lacie 2TB SSD, 256GB internal SSD?
That's what the specs say, no reason to doubt it. As for Intel 630, it is the latest generation, consequently more powerful than the discontinued second-generation (2011) HD 3000. The Mac mini does not offer discrete graphics i.e. a built-in graphics card, however the software specs do not mandate it. As long as you don't plan on expanding to video-editing, lack of a graphics card should not be an issue.
That's what the specs say, no reason to doubt it. As for Intel 630, it is the latest generation, consequently more powerful than the discontinued second-generation (2011) HD 3000. The Mac mini does not offer discrete graphics i.e. a built-in graphics card, however the software specs do not mandate it. As long as you don't plan on expanding to video-editing, lack of a graphics card should not be an issue.
Being able to perform the tasks required will likely not be an issue.
What may be an issue is noise from the cooling fan for a studio/mastering
environment. There have been some complaints in previous Mini versions
by those using them in studio environments about the noise generated
when the processing goes full max. Whether that would be an issue on
the new Mini, I am not sure.
One of the boasts of the new mini when it was introduced by Apple is its much-improved fan and related heat handling which it achieves with bigger vents, bigger fan and associated improved circulation of air. The result is an extremely silent machine, something I can personally attest to, and is also proven by lack of any (?) complaints in that regard on this board.
Have you had all cores of the CPU cranking 100% for extended periods
of time, which the apps the OP was speaking of will do?
Also, noise is relative. For an average user in a normal environment,
the Mini noise could be masked by environment but in the "sound box"
environment of a recording/mastering room, any noise will be obvious.
Nelsoncolt's asking about the suitability of the mini for sound editing, not playback, not even recording, all of which will be on dedicated audio equipment outside the mini. And yes, noise is relative. The mini is quieter than all prior minis. Not noise-free, but significantly quieter.
"Nelsoncolt's asking about the suitability of the mini for sound editing, not playback..."
How does one edit without playback? Plus, audio editing is more than just
splice this chunk of audio to another, it is also fine tuning mixes, altering tones,
cleaning up noise, etc. So, a silent environment is a must.
Err, how about studio-quality headphones? It’s not rocket science. Additionally, Nelsoncolt’s configuring his mini with an 8th generation, 6 core, hyper-threading i7 chip. It’s not going to hit 100% as easily as it’s predecessors. More gain, less pain, bigger fan, bigger vents, less noise, all good.
Actually yes. I need to record, edit, mix, master and then convert to .wav, .mp3, .mp4...etc. I run my own home recording studio and the goal is to use Logic Pro X or Studio One Pro to record/produce my own country music for sale on itunes and in CD format. That’s why I was asking if the mac mini configured as: i7, 32GB ram, external Thunderbolt 3 Lacie 2TB SSD, 512GB internal SSD would be up to this task. So? 🤠
Thank you so much! Very appreciated! Now I am happy!
Awesome thank you!
mac mini 2018 audio production
