20th July 2012
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#1 | | Gear maniac
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 229
Thread Starter | Need a new Mac. Considering Mac Mini.
After reading this thread: Which Apple Mac computer should I get for my music production? (2012)
...and with my 2009 Core2Duo MacBook Pro getting down to its last leg, I'm considering moving to a Mac Mini. For reference my current machine has a 2.8ghz Intel Core2Duo and 4GB of RAM.
I'm curious what the GS consensus will be on my processing power needs: I'm currently running Logic 8, and will likely upgrade to 9 or 10 (hopefully) in the near future. I frequently record one track at a time, but will go as high as three at a time on certain sources. I record drums via Superior Drummer 2.0, but I don't leave the MIDI live in the session. I bounce everything out and save the MIDI as a safety net in case I want to change something down the road. I frequently have in the neighborhood of 24 tracks running per session once everything is recorded. I run a variety of plugins, but nothing super intensive. Outside of the common Logic plugin culprits I also run Airwindows Console2, BussColors3, Desk3, and ToTape2. I've also been using Stillwell Bombadier, The Rocket, and DDMF 6144 plugins. I use Ozone5 after I've bounced everything out to a stereo mix in a separate session. Definitely nothing too crazy. I work almost exclusively on my own stuff as a composer, but I do my own mixing, and very occasionally will record and mix stuff for other people.
It's worth mentioning that my current Core2Duo machine runs everything just fine, but after about an hour the fan really gets going and I find Logic crashing more frequently. Even then I can work around it by freezing tracks... but alas... I feel its days are numbered.
So what's the thought? Would a 2.3ghz i5 and 16GB of RAM (upgraded via OWC) be better than a 2.8ghz C2D and 4GB of RAM (i.e. my current machine)? At $599 plus the cost of RAM that seems like an amazing deal. Would I really only see a benefit if I went up to the i7 model? For my needs I think the quad core server version would be overkill, but if it would be necessary... Please lend me your thoughts and I shall insert them into my brain hole. Thanks!
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20th July 2012
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#2 | | Gear maniac
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 164
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i7 server is not overkill, it is smoother.
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20th July 2012
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#3 | | Gear maniac
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 229
Thread Starter |
Obviously it would be smoother, but given my performance needs, I'm not sure the cost (nearly double) is worth the gains.
As I stated in my initial post, my 2.8ghz C2D with 4GB of RAM is very nearly getting the job done right now. That computer has a bench score of mid 3,000's to low 4,000's. Even the lowly 2.3ghz i5 has reported scores in the high 5,000's to the low 6,000's. My understanding of bench tests (very limited) tells me that memory isn't factored in unless you're pushing the limits of what you have on tap, so my 4GB compared to the potential 16GB (on any model Mini) alone will be a huge increase.
I guess I'm just being frugal. My studio processing needs aren't likely to increase dramatically over the next few years, so I'd hate to spend extra money for something I don't need. Don't get me wrong; Driving a race car to the grocery store is fun, but if a sedan will get the job done for half the cost...
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21st July 2012
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#4 | | Gear maniac
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 229
Thread Starter |
Any Mac Mini users want to chime in? Computer spec savy folks?
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21st July 2012
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#5 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,258
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If you're getting a Mac Mini get the server one. Not that much expensive but way faster.
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21st July 2012
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#6 | | Gear interested
Joined: Jan 2011 Location: Paris
Posts: 25
| Quote:
Originally Posted by Silky Smoove  Any Mac Mini users want to chime in? Computer spec savy folks? | Hello,
I'm a Mac mini server user, running logic 9, duet 1, 8GB ram. I work with BFD2 via midi, a lot of processing, usually between 30 to 50 audio tracks + 16 bus. Never had a cpu issue, never had to freeze tracks for the moment.
The fan is very quiet.
The only problem I have is the GUI bug with logic and lion.
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21st July 2012
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#7 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,351
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Apple hasn't updated their desktop machines recently but its PR department essentially confirmed that the iMac will be getting a refresh before Xmas. No word on the Mac Mini but I assume it will be refreshed with new processors and USB 3.0 in a matter of weeks as well.
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22nd July 2012
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#8 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,651
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i5 will have 4 cores when using logic
i7 will have 8 cores, due to the turbo boost and hyper threading.
the more power you have, the lower the latency.
Its worth it!
__________________
27" Imac 2.93 ghz I7 12GB ram OSX 10.6.5,
MacBookPro 2.4 ghz duo 4GB ram,
Mackie Onyx 1640I, Motu Ultralite Mk3,
LA610 Solo, Logic Pro 9.1.6 DAW
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22nd July 2012
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#9 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,258
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All current I5 CPUs have hyper threading.
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22nd July 2012
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#10 | | Gear maniac
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 229
Thread Starter |
Does anybody have any benchmark scores for the current run of Mac Minis? All I can find is 2011 scores. Anything is going to crush the 3,200 that my current laptop scored when I tested it yesterday.
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22nd July 2012
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#11 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 653
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Mini server (quad i7) logic user here. Best bang for buck Mac there is.
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23rd July 2012
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#12 | | Gear maniac
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 164
| Quote:
Originally Posted by Silky Smoove Does anybody have any benchmark scores for the current run of Mac Minis? All I can find is 2011 scores. Anything is going to crush the 3,200 that my current laptop scored when I tested it yesterday. | Current Mac Minis are 2011 models.
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23rd July 2012
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#13 | | Gear maniac
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 229
Thread Starter |
That would explain the lack of 2012 numbers.
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23rd July 2012
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#14 | | Gear maniac
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 163
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I have the current base model mac mini and it runs logic 9 very well. I didn't buy it as an audio computer, but my G5 is pretty much done so I started using it.
Had I thought a bit harder when I bought the mini 6 months ago when my g5 was fine, i would have gotten the server model. 2 reasons... Preinstalled dual 7200rpm drives, and the quad i7 chip.
Edit: as soon as the new mini server is released, I am getting one for sure!
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J. Dickinson
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23rd July 2012
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#15 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,325
| Quote:
Originally Posted by phas3d All current I5 CPUs have hyper threading. | Are you sure about that ?
iirc the imac i5 uses a desktop cpu that does not support Hyperthreading.
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23rd July 2012
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#16 | | Gear maniac
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 229
Thread Starter |
I've been doing more research, and it seems like the base model would work just fine for my fairly light needs, but the consensus also seems very strong towards the server model. I'll probably end up with the server model very soon.
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23rd July 2012
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#17 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 627
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I'm curious to know how well one of these would work with an HD Native system now that Apple and Magma have officially qualified the Thunderbolt expansion chassis.
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23rd July 2012
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#18 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,325
| Quote:
Originally Posted by Silky Smoove I've been doing more research, and it seems like the base model would work just fine for my fairly light needs, but the consensus also seems very strong towards the server model. I'll probably end up with the server model very soon. | Your needs will more than likely change.
Hang around here long enough and they will  | |
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23rd July 2012
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#19 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,351
| Quote:
Originally Posted by Silky Smoove Does anybody have any benchmark scores for the current run of Mac Minis? All I can find is 2011 scores. | 'Cause there aren't 2012 models out yet. Mac Mini Buyer's Guide: Know When to Buy Your Mac | |
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23rd July 2012
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#20 | | Gear nut
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 76
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Do you think there's an update coming up for Mac Mini/Server?
I may be looking to buy one soon.
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23rd July 2012
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#21 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,351
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No one really knows. But look at that link I posted.
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23rd July 2012
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#22 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,258
| Quote:
Originally Posted by Macky Are you sure about that ?
iirc the imac i5 uses a desktop cpu that does not support Hyperthreading. | The I5 CPU in iMac is the only one that doesn't support hyper threading. All macbook pros and mac mini I5 CPU's have hyper threading enabled. Since the iMac is expected to be refreshed soon maybe the next one will have that feature too. I hope they will anyway.
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23rd July 2012
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#23 | | Gear maniac
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 229
Thread Starter | Quote:
Originally Posted by skira | Very helpful link. Thanks for sharing!
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24th July 2012
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#24 | | Gear nut
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 94
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ran sessions off my macbook (2007 white model) for almost five years until it just recently died and i began the debate your having. I chose the iMac 2.7GHz with 4G RAM. I run logic 8 and pro tools 8 with various midi instruments,about 10 tracks of audio, various plugins (waves, etc...) with no issues. Opened the box, powered it on, installed software...was back recording the next day.
just make sure it justifies your needs...but i believe any of the new macs will do what you need it to do with ease. I am very happy with the upgrade and impressed how little trouble (one slight error with Logic after pro tools installed) everything was to get flowing.
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24th July 2012
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#25 | | Gear Head
Joined: Jan 2008 Location: Myrtle Beach, SC
Posts: 30
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I'm running the current model Mac Mini Server with Logic 9 - the machine screams! All of my processing is done in the box, all guitars use Amplitube 3 and drums are Steven Slate Drums 3.5 (which runs in Kontakt player). So nothing is 'pure audio', meaning every track requires some real-time processing. Amplitube 3 most definitely consumes some CPU cycles. My point is that I'm a guitar glutton, sometimes there are as upwards of 16-20 guitar tracks (lncluding bass, which is also using Amplitube) all using Amplitube in real time at it's high resolution audio setting. I've rarely had to freeze any tracks - only if I'm still tracking and have a tone of Ampliube-enabled tracks running already. I don't like setting my recording i/o buffer any higher than 128 (usually try to keep it at 64), so freezing tracks does help in that regard.
My point? A regular Mac Mini might well meet your needs but a Mac Mini Server will meet them better. Between the processor and the additional internal 7200RPM drive, it's MORE than worth the additional cost!
BTW - I know, that many guitar tracks can be overkill. I do it because it's fun so no hating on the gluttony please ;-)
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29th July 2012
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#26 | | Gear maniac
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 171
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I recently upgraded from a 2009 MacBook Pro to a Mini Server, which I promptly upgraded to 16GB RAM before I even powered it up. This machine absolutely KILLS the older MBP in performance.
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29th July 2012
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#27 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Oct 2003 Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 700
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On the Apple site, you can configure the $800 model with an Intel i7 2.7GHz quad processor, which is way faster than the Server model (2.0GHz), and it's only an extra $100. That makes it cheaper and faster than the Server model, albeit without the extra HD.
I would keep the internal 500GB drive and get an external 1TB FW 800 OWC drive for audio. Also at OWC, for another $110 you can get 12GB total.
That seems like a better overall unit than the server model.
__________________
Ron...
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29th July 2012
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#28 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Mar 2012 Location: Los Feliz/Hollywood
Posts: 547
| Quote:
Originally Posted by Macaroni On the Apple site, you can configure the $800 model with an Intel i7 2.7GHz quad processor, which is way faster than the Server model (2.0GHz), and it's only an extra $100. That makes it cheaper and faster than the Server model, albeit without the extra HD.
I would keep the internal 500GB drive and get an external 1TB FW 800 OWC drive for audio. Also at OWC, for another $110 you can get 12GB total.
That seems like a better overall unit than the server model. | I just checked that. Its dual core i7 2.7 upgrade not a quad core. In Benchmark testing the quad core 2.O I7 server chip beat the dual core 2.7 i7 chip.
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29th July 2012
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#29 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Oct 2003 Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 700
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Oops! I missed that. Thanks for the correction. Too bad the server unit CPU can't be upgraded.
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29th July 2012
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#30 | | Lives for gear
Joined: Sep 2009 Location: los angeles
Posts: 2,660
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Keep in mind that the Mac Mini i5 & i7 are *mobile* versions of the CPUs and not the *desktop* versions.
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