Apple Mac advice for music studio - Pro Logic

[gtg93]

Hi All,

 

Looking for some advice on an Apple Mac.

 

I've been asked to get some prices for an Apple Mac for a professional recording studio - it's needs to be able to run Logic Pro X.

 

The recording studio has had in the past the top of the range iMac 27" i7 all singing all dancing machine. Through some personal problems, the owner of the studios has lost possession of the mac (husband has left and taken it) and she is now in hospital so has had a rough time.

 

The owner is also a vocals coach and does a lot of work with a lot of kids and has really helped them develop their skills etc and put a lot of time into them. As a way of helping her out now, all the parents want to raise some cash and help her replace the mac and buy the software and get her back on her feet for when she comes out of hospital - hence buying the top model might be a bit of a struggle.

 

I was wondering if either of the mac mini models would suffice? Buy Mac mini - Apple (UK) obviously there's a huge price difference and judging by apple's tech specs sheet it should run Logic ProX - Technical Specifications - Apple (UK) but having no experience of the software and the fact it's going to be used professionally I wouldn't want to say for certain.

 

Cheers for any help.

[truebluesteve]

The Mac Mini is fine - we use one to run OX Server for imaging and profile management and its fine. Its worth making sure it has at least 8GB RAM as it can't be upgraded afterwards. You'll need to add the costs for a decent monitor, keyboard and mouse (Apple ones possibly) and maybe a VESA mounting bracket to keep it off the desk.

[Quackers]

Whilst i don't know about Logic Pro, i would say get the Mac from Apples Refurb store Refurbished Mac - Buy Refurbished Mac Products - Apple (UK) if they have a model you are after in stock.

 

I have bought over 60 Macs from there, you cannot tell they are refurb, they look brand new apart from the box which is a special refurb one. Generally its a Mac thats been dead on arrival, like bust backlight on a Macbook, its returned, customer gets a new one, Apple fix the faulty one and pop a new shell on it and its as good as new and you get to save some cash.

[ICTDirect_Dave]

If it's for a professional studio I'd stick with an iMac if that what they're used to. They run quiet and you already have the big screen.

A Mac Mini will certianly run Logic Pro, but until you know how demanding their recordings are and how many instruments they need to simulate in sequencing it's impossible to know just how well the mini will perform.

 

Personall I'd want a workstation level machine in there, but again this doesn't help with the screen.

[Joanne]

I think whatever she gets she will be incredibly grateful for. I'd definitely look at buying a refurb or 2nd hand...

[Davit2005]

I run Logic Pro 9 on an old Core2Duo Server (2.66 wih 8GB ram) with plenty of tracks/effects/Instruments going on and it has no problem.

 

There are a few LogicPro Forums, threads etc talking about the Mini. I do find mine to be a bit loud fan wise but that maybe because it's old and the server version.

 

But as others have said check the re-furb apple route.

[gtg93]

Thanks for the helpful advice everyone, - I didn't realise the refurb store existed. I think that'll be the way forward.