The good news for beginners is that there’s a solid chance you can start recording with whatever laptop you already own. In the event you’re looking for a new laptop for music production, we’ll check out some of the most popular choices.
Understanding Music Production Computers
Music production can put a lot of stress on computers, but exactly how much power you need depends on how you’re using it. Low-latency multitrack recording, for example, requires more power than recording a one- or two-input podcast. Mixing 100+ channel sessions with tons of plugins needs more brainpower than minimalistic productions. The best advice is to get the most power you can afford, so the laptop can grow with you over the years. Here are the primary specs to keep an eye on:
- Processor: Multi-core processors delegate power for multitasking. These days it’s uncommon to see any less than 8-core processors.
- Memory: RAM. If you intend to use a lot of plugins and virtual instruments, go for the highest RAM you can afford. A good minimum for music production is 16GB.
- Storage: Shoot for an SSD for fast recording, playback, and file acquisition. Music production software and files can take up a lot of space, so you’ll probably want no less than 256GB (which can fill up fast!). You can always expand with external drives if necessary, which is a good idea for backup anyway.
- Connectivity: What peripherals do you have? Make sure the laptop has the appropriate ports, or consider expanding its connectivity with dongles.
Should I Use Mac or Windows PC laptops for My Audio Work?
Mac is the go-to platform for creatives as well as the industry-standard for professional studios; the operating system is incredibly stable. You’ll find little to no restrictions in terms of software and hardware compatibility, and you’ll also be able to more seamlessly import/export sessions and files between other Mac computers in a studio setting. The biggest drawback is that MacBooks are generally more expensive than PCs, and there isn’t really any room to upgrade the components down the line.
If you’re comfortable on Windows, that’s fine! PCs are more than capable for music production, and these days there aren’t many software or hardware compatibility issues anymore. Most major plugins and DAWs are cross-platform, so no problem there. PCs are generally more affordable and certainly more upgradeable than Mac computers, you’ll just want to make sure it has high-quality parts to keep up with the strain of music production.
Best MacBook for Music Production
1. Best Budget Option: MacBook Air
The MacBook Air is about as budget-friendly as new Apple machines come. The baseline model features the M1 chip with an 8-core processor, 8GB RAM (which you can configure up to 16GB), 256GB SSD, and two Thunderbolt 4 ports. It’s also lightweight if maximum portability is an important feature for you.
2. MacBook Pro 13″
A well-specced 13″ MacBook Pro sports an 8-core CPU courtesy of the Apple M1 chip, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and two Thunderbolt 4 ports. This is a quality midrange laptop for music production with enough juice to handle home studio tasks. You’ll more than likely need to expand its connectivity, as two Thunderbolt ports fill up fast.
3. Best Professional Option: Apple MacBook Pro M3 16″
The Apple MacBook Pro M3 16″ stands out for music production with its impressive performance and sleek design. Powered by the new M3 chip, it offers incredible speed and efficiency, making it ideal for handling demanding audio applications. The 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display ensures sharp and vibrant visuals, essential for detailed audio editing.
With up to 64GB of unified memory and up to 8TB of SSD storage, it provides ample space and power for large project files. Its six-speaker sound system and studio-quality three-mic array enhance audio playback and recording. The long battery life ensures uninterrupted work sessions, a significant advantage for producers on the go.
Best PC Laptops for Music Production
1. Best Budget Option: Microsoft Surface Laptop 4
The Surface Laptop 4 is great laptop for music production on a budget. The 13.5″ model is configurable up to an Intel i7 processor, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD. Connectivity includes a single USB-A and single USB-C port, which you will likely need to expand with accessories.
2. ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15
The ZenBook Pro is a fantastic PC for creators. Choose from powerful Intel i7 or i9 processors, up to 32GB RAM, and 1TB SSD. It also includes a ScreenPad in addition to the main display, so you can split workflow between two monitors right on the laptop itself.
3. Best Professional Option: Razer Blade 17 Studio Edition
Razer is known for gaming, but their Studio Edition laptops pack a mean punch for creators. This beast comes with a 14-core Intel i9 processor, 32GB RAM, 1TB NVMe storage, two Thunderbolt 4, one USB-C with power delivery, and three USB-A ports. This is by no means an inexpensive laptop, and is likely overkill for many. But if you’re looking for the best current-gen laptop, it’s certainly up there.
4. Dell XPS 17 (9730)
The Dell XPS 17 (9730) is a powerhouse for music production, combining robust performance with a stunning display. It features a 13th Gen Intel Core i9 processor and up to 64GB of RAM, providing exceptional multitasking capabilities. The 17-inch 4K UHD+ display offers incredible clarity and color accuracy, crucial for precise audio editing.
With options for up to 8TB of SSD storage, it ensures quick access to large audio files. Its advanced thermal design keeps the system cool under heavy workloads. The integrated Waves MaxxAudio Pro enhances sound quality, making it a great choice for audio professionals who demand top-tier performance and reliability.
5. Lenovo Yoga 7i 16″ WUXGA 2 in 1 Touch-Screen Laptop
The Lenovo Yoga 7i 16″ offers a blend of power and versatility, making it suitable for music production. It features an Intel Core i5-1335U processor and 16GB of RAM, providing smooth performance for audio software and multitasking. The 16-inch WUXGA touchscreen delivers clear and responsive visuals, essential for detailed track editing.
With 512GB of SSD storage, it provides sufficient space for music projects and fast file access. The convertible design allows seamless transitions between laptop and tablet modes, accommodating various production workflows. The Dolby Atmos speaker system ensures high-quality sound, enhancing the audio production experience with immersive audio playback.
Conclusion: The Best Laptop for Music Production
Best Overall: MacBook Pro 14″
Finally, the best laptop for music production overall is the MacBook Pro 14″. It combines high-quality components and professional-level performance in a reasonably affordable package. The baseline second-tier offering features the Apple M1 Pro chip with a 10-core processor, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD as standard — all of which is further upgradeable.
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