Ridiculously powerful. Seriously creative.
Not very popular amongst music producers is the Mac Mini, but to be honest one of the best choices for music production. When it comes to expansion, you can expand the memory of the Mac mini later down the line, but that’s about it. It has the ultimate quality and is seen in the industry as the best mac for music production. It has a 27-inch screen and quickly will bring everyone’s attention with its beauty and modern design. The image quality is sharp, precise and allows colors to ‘pop’ right off the screen. Like the Mac mini, the Mac Pro doesn't come with a display, but that doesn't stop it from being a great desktop computer and one of the best Macs for music production. The Mac Pro comes with a 3.5 gigahertz processor, and you can choose between a 6-Core and 8-Core Intel Xeon E5. Like the Mac mini, the Mac Pro doesn't come with a display, but that doesn't stop it from being a great desktop computer and one of the best Macs for music production. The Mac Pro comes with a 3.5 gigahertz processor, and you can choose between a 6-Core and 8-Core Intel Xeon E5. Not very popular amongst music producers is the Mac Mini, but to be honest one of the best choices for music production. When it comes to expansion, you can expand the memory of the Mac mini later down the line, but that’s about it.
NewLive LoopsFor spontaneous composition.
Live Loops is a dynamic way to create and arrange music in real time. Kick off your composition by adding loops, samples, or your recorded performances into a grid of cells. Trigger different cells to play with your ideas without worrying about a timeline or arrangement. Once you find combinations that work well together you can create song sections, then move everything into the Tracks area to continue production and finish your song.
Remix FX
Bring DJ-style effects and transitions to an individual track or an entire mix with a collection of stutters, echoes, filters, and gating effects.
Logic Remote
Control features like Live Loops, Remix FX, and more from your iPad or iPhone using Multi-Touch gestures.
NewStep SequencerPure beat poetry.
Step Sequencer is inspired by classic drum machines and synthesizers. Using the Step Sequence editor, quickly build drum beats, bass lines, and melodic parts — and even automate your favorite plug-ins. Add sophisticated variations to your pattern with a wide range of creative playback behaviors. Use Note Repeat to create rolling steps, Chance to randomize step playback, and Tie Steps Together to create longer notes.
Logic RemoteTouch and flow.
Logic Remote lets you use your iPhone or iPad to control Logic Pro X on your Mac. Use Multi-Touch gestures to play software instruments, mix tracks, and control features like Live Loops and Remix FX from anywhere in the room. Swipe and tap to trigger cells in Live Loops. And tilt your iPhone or iPad up and down and use its gyroscope to manipulate filters and repeaters in Remix FX.
Multi-Touch mixing
Control your mix from wherever you are in the room — whether that’s next to your computer or on the couch — with Multi-Touch faders.
Pair and play
Use a variety of onscreen instruments, such as keyboards, guitars, and drum pads, to play any software instrument in Logic Pro X from your iPad or iPhone.
NewSampler
We redesigned and improved our most popular plug-in — the EXS24 Sampler — and renamed it Sampler. The new single-window design makes it easier to create and edit sampler instruments while remaining backward compatible with all EXS24 files. An expanded synthesis section with sound-shaping controls brings more depth and dynamics to your instruments. The reimagined mapping editor adds powerful, time-saving features that speed the creation of complex instruments. Use the zone waveform editor to make precise edits to sample start/end, loop ranges, and crossfades. And save hours of tedious editing with new drag-and-drop hot zones.
NewQuick Sampler
Quick Sampler is a fast and easy way to work with a single sample. Drag and drop an audio file from the Finder, Voice Memos, or anywhere within Logic Pro X. Or record audio directly into Quick Sampler using a turntable, microphone, musical instrument, or even channel strips playing in Logic Pro X. In a few steps, you can transform an individual sample into a fully playable instrument. And with Slice Mode, you can split a single sample into multiple slices — perfect for chopping up vocals or breaking up and resequencing drum loops.
NewDrum Synth
This powerful but easy-to-use plug-in creates synthesized drum sounds. Choose from a diverse collection of drum models and shape their sound with up to eight simple controls. Drum Synth is also directly integrated into the bottom of the Drum Machine Designer interface — giving you a focused set of sound-shaping controls.
NewDrum Machine Designer
Redesigned to be more intuitive and integrated, Drum Machine Designer lets you effortlessly build electronic drum kits. Apply individual effects and plug-ins on each discrete drum pad to experiment with sound design and beat-making in new ways. You can also create a unique layered sound by assigning the same trigger note to two different pads. To help you quickly edit sounds, Quick Sampler and Drum Synth are directly integrated into the Drum Machine Designer interface.
DrummerCompose to the beat of a different percussionist.
Using Drummer is like hiring a session drummer or collaborating with a highly skilled beat programmer. Create organic-sounding acoustic drum tracks or electronic beats with the intelligent technology of Drummer. Choose from dozens of drummers who each play in a different musical genre, and direct their performances using simple controls.
Compositions and PerformancesYour studio is always in session.
Logic Pro X turns your Mac into a professional recording studio able to handle even the most demanding projects. Capture your compositions and performances — from tracking a live band to a solo software-instrument session — and flow them into your songs.
The ultimate way to record.
Seamless punch recording. Automatic take management. Support for pristine 24-bit/192kHz audio. Logic Pro X makes it all easy to do — and undo. You can create projects with up to 1000 stereo or surround audio tracks and up to 1000 software instrument tracks, and run hundreds of plug-ins. It’s all you need to complete any project.
Get the most out of MIDI.
Logic Pro X goes beyond the average sequencer with an advanced set of options that let you record, edit, and manipulate MIDI performances. Transform a loose performance into one that locks tight into the groove using region-based parameters for note velocity, timing, and dynamics. Or tighten up your MIDI performances while preserving musical details like flams or chord rolls with Smart Quantize.
Industry-leading tools
As your song develops, Logic Pro X helps organize all your ideas and select the best ones. Group related tracks, audition alternate versions, and consolidate multiple tracks. Lightning-fast click-and-drag comping helps you build your best performance from multiple takes.
Smart Tempo
Go off-script and stay on beat with Smart Tempo, a way to effortlessly mix and match music and beats without worrying about the original tempo. Record freely without a click track. And easily combine and edit MIDI and audio tracks — from vinyl samples to live instruments to multitrack audio stems — with constant or variable tempo.
Flex Time
Quickly manipulate the timing and tempo of your recording with Flex Time. Easily move the individual beats within a waveform to correct drum, vocal, guitar, or any other kind of track without slicing and moving regions.
Flex Pitch
Edit the level and pitch of individual notes quickly and easily with Flex Pitch. Roll over any note and all parameters are available for tweaking.
Track Alternatives
Create alternate versions of a track or multiple grouped tracks, and switch between them at any time to audition different options. Create, store, and select from different edits and arrangements of track regions to make it easier to experiment with various creative ideas.
Takes and Quick Swipe Comping
Click and drag to choose the best sections of each take to create a seamless comp, complete with transition-smoothing crossfades. Save multiple comps and switch among them to pick the one you like best.
Track Stacks
Consolidate multiple related tracks into a single track. Use a Summing Stack as a quick way to create submixes. Best tv for mac mini. Or create layered and split instruments.
Project Alternatives
Create as many alternate versions of a project as you’d like, each with its own name and settings but sharing the same assets — efficiently saving storage space. Load any version to make changes without compromising your original.
Track Groups and VCA Faders
Manage large mixes with Track Groups and VCA faders. Assign any selection of channels to a track group, then control the levels or other parameters of all tracks in the group from any single channel in the group.
Automation
Easily capture changes to any channel strip or plug-in parameter. Just enable automation, press Play, and make your changes.
Even more pro features in the mix.
Logic Pro X is packed with incredible tools and resources to enhance your creativity and workflow as you sharpen your craft — even if you’re a seasoned pro.
Graduate from GarageBand.
Logic Remote. Touch and flow.
MainStage 3
Sound as great onstage as you do in the studio.
Education Bundle
Five amazing apps. One powerful collection.
If you’re looking for the best Mac for music production – get a Mac with minimum Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD. Macs are among the best music-making laptops.
As a beginner or pro music producer, you’ll love the above iMac Pro 27-inch for composite video or mus productions. Its Retina 5K display is thin (5mm), in-built CPU, and built-in speakers.
If you’re a traveling producer, get a sleek, light, and compact Mac. MacBook Pro 13-inch is excellent for on-the-go music production (when you’re traveling). Read Also: Good camera for music videos.
Reviews: Top 9 Best Mac for Music Production in 2020
1. MacBook Pro 16-inch – Best Mac Laptop for Music – #1 Pick
This portable MacBook Pro 16-inch comes is a beast for audio engineers and musicians. Has improved speakers plus high-quality display – you can upgrade to 8TB of storage plus 64GB Ram.
MacBook Pro 16-inch comes with a 16GB RAMp plus a 6‑core i7 processor. This gives a pro performance since minimal monitoring and recording projects could choke it.
Sneak Peek:
- Processor: 8-core i9 processor
- Storage: 1TB storage (SSD)
- Memory: 16GB RAM allows smooth multitasking
- Screen size: 16-inch display Retina
- Design: 0.61 inches thick
- Ports: USB 3.1 Gen 2; 4 Four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) for DisplayPort and Charging; and 40 Gbps Thunderbolt
- Headphone Jack: 3.5 mm
In addition to high portability, this MacBook Pro has a large screen and will also effectively run the DAW software plus plugins with little latency – great video editing laptop.
I tested this MacBook Pro’s low-latency performance using Ableton Live in Pro Tools and stand-alone with excellent results. It has pro ports – (4) 40Gb Thunderbolt 3 that also act as USB‑C connections.
Despite that, the 16-inch screen can’t compare to the 27-inch in iMac Pro, MacBook Pro is significantly better than most Macs when it comes to less software clustering for music production.
MacBook Pro 16-inch has a Touch Bar that’ll work great with Logic Pro X. You can use its six operation modes, and you can use it as a MIDI controller (with a plugin) or quickly move through the tracks.
However, this MacBook Pro has limited USB ports besides the 4 USB-C ports. Therefore, you’ll require a different cable or dongle to connect any USB-A peripherals.
MacBook Pro also has a 6-speaker system that will overshadow your headphones plus studio monitors- plus it as the “Force Cancelling” woofers – check these affordable noise-canceling headphones.
With an 8-core i9 processor, 1TB SSD, and 16 GB RAM, this MacBook Pro is great for music production. Its studio-quality mics plus 6-speaker surround – sharp treble, crisp and pronounced bass.
On graphics, the MacBook Pro 16-inch comes with its onboard Intel chipset (plus man AMD chip) that’ll become functional when during low demand for visual performance.
On microphones, this Mac has three mics, and thus your calls will be much clear – including on iPhone with better sound fidelity and improved noise reduction.
2. Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch Space Gray – #2 Pick
Mini Mac For Music Production
Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch is similar (with Touch Bar to improve music making productivity) to Apple 15″ MacBook Pro but with a smaller sized display and some trade-offs in features.
The machine has an Intel Core i5 (2.4GHz) style quad-core processor. Further, the SSD (Solid-state drive) type of storage you can easily (and quickly) navigate various music or audio files.
New features include the True Tone display, Hey Siri, and an improved Magic keyboard – just like in MacBook Air with the physical Escape key and essential travel being 1mm.
Sneak Peek:
- Processor: 8th-Gen (quad-core) Core i5
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- Screen size: 13-Inch (Brilliant Retina)
- Design: 14.9mm thick
- Ports: 4 Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C)
- Headphone Jack: 3.5 mm
But with the highly portable 13-inch MacBook Pro (thin and light), I can now work at coffee shops, trains, or planes. This Mac has analog modeled plugins and fabulous mixing headphones to allow fast editing tune vocals and drums while traveling.
The MacBook Pro has a silicone layer below every key, and thus you won’t experience stuck keys. With its 2560 * 1600 pixels’ True Tone display is colorful, bright, and sharp in resolution. It has Intel Iris 655 Plus graphics, which are awesomely helpful for video and photo editing.
Presets for quick conversions are also available.There are various pros and cons associated with using the MP4 converter Mac.Pros:● A wide array of input format supports converting almost all types of files.● It comes with advanced control features.● Presets for quick conversion.Cons:● It reminds of potential virus risk during installation.● It supports limited output formats.● Only the first four minutes are supported during the Live preview. 
In addition to decent quality conversions, Handbrake also supports advanced features like adding subtitles, adding audio tracks, setting and customizing frame rate, changing video codec, adjusting chapters, and others.
Increased portability – While editing my band’s drums and tracks, I would suffer from the cold fluorescent lights. This made me seek increased portability of my music-making machines and devices. Its Thunderbolt 3 will support 2 – 5K displays and a 40GB/s data transfer for music-making.
With the True Tone technology, your display will change the panel of Mac’s white balance to match the color temperature. Therefore, you’ll have better viewing when making music for an extended period.
With the new T2 chip to allow full disk encryption for secure booting and for storing data in the SSD. Further, the Hey Siri will allow you to use your voice to change settings while producing music. It has 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports and the 720p HD camera (Face-time) to allow better video calling.
Ample SSD Storage – It has 128GB SSD storage to allow power-efficient and high-speed memory. Therefore, you can start multiple apps or import huge files very fast. The 13-inch MacBook Pro comes with two speakers that’ll offer you balanced and abundant audio. Further, it has a 58 watt-hour battery that will guarantee a more extended power supply for the laptop.
The 13-inch MacBook Pro comes with fast processors for recording or handling various audio work. For the 2018 MacBook Pro, you’ll get an additional Ram and a 2TB SSD.
MacBook Pro is the top music production laptop, performing & recording. Your DAWs, API, or sub-systems (CoreAudio) must be super responsive.
3. iMac Pro 27-inch – Best Studio Mac for Audio Production – #3 Pick
iMac Pro 27-inch is great for large video or audio editing projects, including 4K & 8K plus for VR simulations and 3D rendering. You’ll get a powerful iMac to record and produce with most DAWs.
For your home studio, I recommend this iMac Pro 27-inch as it has many USB and USB-C ports plus adequate power to run your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software easily.
Sneak Peek:
- Processor: 8-Core Xeon w
- Storage: 1TB storage (SSD)
- Memory: 32GB RAM upgradable to 64GB / 128GB
- Screen size: 27-inch display (diagonal) + its Retina 5K
- Design: 5-mm-thin
- Ports: 4 USB 3, 4 Four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C),
- Headphone Jack: 3.5 mm, four mics, Stereo speakers
The Radeon Pro Vega 56 graphics (with 8GB HBM2 memory) are great for music and video editing. The 5-mm thin screen and built-in CPU won’t take much space and will display vast information compared to the 21.5-inch model.
You’ll get an SDXC slot and the headphone mini-jack that’ll allow the production of fantastic sound from your internal stereo speakers. In addition to the Mac Pro features, this iMac Pro has a 5K retina that’s simple to set up.
After giving an update to the Logic Pro X, this iMac Pro is even better for production. Logic Pro X now supports eighteen processor cores (named 36 threads). It can now run many plugins plus tracks and sample libraries.
The iMac Pro will easily handle 12 times more plugins in real-time DAW working compared to the previous iMac model. The machine will export multi-track sessions about five times faster.
Further, Sculpture & Amp Designer are better in this iMac Pro and will thus give about 12 times more performance. Also, you may connect two additional 5K monitors to your iMac Pro.
The iMac Pro is a multi-purpose Mac like for music production, video editing, VR, 3D, or 2D design work. In addition to having SB 3 ports, this Mac has 4 USB-C – maybe connect an external SSD drive.
This iMac Pro has higher-bandwidth connectivity and advanced graphics technologies that will enhance your music production on this desktop computer.
For sound designers, film engineers, voiceovers, podcasters, and music producers, here’re the consideration to make while selecting your Apple’s iMac Pro.
However, the many peripheral ports are positioned at the rear end of the iMac Pro, which will be difficult to access regularly. So, get a USB hub for iMac the easy to access at the bottom of the display.
iMac Pro’s 8-Core Xeon w chip is excellent for handling music production. This includes multitasking, editing, and selecting multiple music tracks, as shown in the video below.
4. Apple MacBook Air (13-inch Retina display – Latest Model)
The MacBook Pro vs. MacBook Air for Music Production debate came up lately on an apple discussion. It has Thunderbolt 3 ports, a Retina display, a new trackpad and keyboard, and a modern Intel processor. Apple has maintained the 12 hours battery life, which is great for music production while traveling.
Compared to the old MacBook Air, this laptop has achieved a 30% upgrade on its Graphics performance. It has a 128GB SSD storage to take 1 GB/sec and 2 GB/sec in write and read speeds, respectively. This is blazing fast for a laptop its size.
MacBook Air Retina display comes with a 2560×1600 resolution (with DCI-P3 color gamut). This is four times better compared to the older MacBook Air. It has black bezels, lighter (2.75 pounds), and thinner – just about the size of the MacBook Pro. It has Touch ID, which provides the real ESC key and Function keys. The T2 processor allows audio processing, disk encryption, secure booting.
MacBook Air has a new butterfly-switch keyboard with a silicone membrane for a quieter typing experience. This is because MacBook Air has low travel and prevents dust. Further, it has louder speakers with bass response. It also comes with the modern Force Touch trackpad that is easy to click and is more substantial.
Apple has done away with the MagSafe connector, SD card reader, USB-A ports. Instead, MacBook Air adopted USB-C charging and has two Thunderbolt 3 connectors (40 Gbps). Due to a lack of USB-A connectors, you’ll need to purchase a dongle.
5. Apple MacBook Pro Retina 2015 Core i7 2.2GHz
Macs are still a favorite with music-makers & DJs. Apple 15″ MacBook Pro Retina is robust, has many USB ports, MagSafe present, and no noisy butterfly keys. Further, It’s compatible with many DAWs that are optimized to work with the Mac OS. Therefore, there are fewer performance issues or crashes.
But, why didn’t I include the MacBook Pro 2016? Well, MacBook Pro 2016 has a decorative touchpad – whose application is not fully utilized for music production. But get some hard-drives for great studio work.
Also, the 2016 model lacks the MagSafe connector, Firewire sockets, and USB ports. MacBook Pro 2016’s Touch-Pad may allow faster access to the tempo, record, stop and play controls on the Ableton Live.
Apple 15″ MacBook Pro will comfortably run sessions with many plugins and tracks running actively. This is because it has superior 16GB RAM and processing power (quad-core Intel Core i7). But this Mac has some noise fans that could disrupt your recordings – if you’re doing this in the same space.
SSD storage (256GB) for large-sized files: Also, Apple 15″ MacBook Pro uses SSD storage (256GB), and thus you can easily store the large-sized files without slowing the machine. The base model has 8GB RAM and a 3.6 GHz processor (dual-core) that’s making.
Here’s how different music producers use their Macs. (1) Traditional production – Record music tracks via mics & instruments and finally mix. (2) DJs and performing musicians will use their Mac in recording and producing tracks and yet in playing. (3) Lastly, hip-hop artists and EDMs use DAW with Best Laptops For FL Studio, MIDI-keyboard controllers, & sequencers. Check a review video.
6. Apple MacBook MLHC2EA 12-Inch Laptop with Retina Display
This MacBook MLHC2EA is also lightweight (just 2 pounds) and is thin in build. You’ll find it very portable for your on-the-go music production, in addition to offering high performance.
With a native resolution of 2304 x 1440, LED backlights, and uni-body design that makes it highly compact. It has one USB-C port for both connectivity and power needs – thus, you might need a dongle.
So, for your recording studio work, you’ll need to know the considerations to make for the MacBook MLHC2EA that’ll capture your original sounds and audio.
Further, there is a wide selection of plugins and software available for Macs for recording music. Also, with MacBook MLHC2EA, you’ll get adequate storage space and peripherals for studio work.
Innovative and smart people (including music producers) love working with Macs. Well, Macs are workhorses, beautiful, trendy, and dependable – also try these best keyboard workstation.
Considerations in Best Mac for Music Production?
1. Hardware Support Ports
Finally, get a Mac that has appropriate ports to work excellently with your hardware in the additional gear you’ll connect to the computer.
For example, the Mac must have a USB-A port for connecting your MIDI controller keyboard plus a USB-C for connecting musical instruments and audio interface.
Further, you’ll require some MIDI interface, good production headphones, and studio monitors. Also, get large-screen MAC like the 27-inch iMacs for better working space.
Sound professionals will use “out of the box” audio through virtual instruments and sampled sounds while creating sounds. Other professionals will record the sound with acoustic instruments and voices while using microphones with their audio interfaces.
2. Mac with Audio Software
The Mac you choose must work seamlessly with your digital audio workstation (DAW). So, get a machine has above average compute specifications.
For example, the minimum MAC requirements for Ableton Live 10 are 4 GB RAM and Intel Core i5. Also, for Logic Pro X, get a mac with a minimum of 63 GB storage space and 4 GB RAM.
For your MAC, check these Ableton’s guidelines on MAC specifications for producing music. But most DAWs won’t need unique graphics cards.
Get multiple SSD internal storage, an Intel i7 or i5 multi-core processor, and 16+ GB of RAM. Check requirements for Audio plugins like the OmniSphere synthesizer – require 2.4 GHz+ RAM.
3. Macs are Reliabile and Stabile?
Considerably, Mac will be more reliable and stable than windows computers. For music production, you want a laptop with adequate RAM and CPU that won’t max out.
So, I confirm that Macs will offer a reliable and stable recording environment. However, secure a dedicated production Mac to avoid inefficient processes running in the program’s background.
For example, you might need to disconnect your internet and uninstall programs like Whatsapp or Facebook from the MAC. Also, have the audio software loading from a separate partition.
Further, to reduce possible compatibility problems, avoid upgrading to a new macOS version too soon. This must also be the case with updates with other plugins and production software.
Best Music Production For Mac
On reliability, ensure that the battery life will be excellent to work great when unplugged in coffee shops and portable gigs.
Mac Music Production Software
4. Creative Space Support
The computer must give you adequate space to display and utilize your creativity. So, the Mac computer must have little frustration and friction while you’re producing the music.
For example, some windows computers tend to delay starting up before they’ve fully installed many software updates – this can’t happen with Macs.
Further, you might require to work simultaneously with many plugins, a mixer window, and tracks. Get a Retina display that’s large enough to show the necessary extensive details.
Finally, the production room must be soundproof to avoid noise pollution while also isolation space from external noise – and hence such sound won’t be picked by the studio mics for vocals.
Conclusion
On storage, you’ll require a Mac with enough internal disk space for your current projects. But you’ll need to transfer other files to an external SSD storage – about 500 GB.
Also, ensure that the room’s surfaces and shape are appropriate so that they won’t negatively affect the sound’s EQ during the recording sessions. I recommend the iMac Pro 27-inch as the Best Mac for Music Production.