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Nowadays that virtually all music recording has gone digital…

The first question on every musician’s mind when first starting out with music production is:

Which computer should I get?

Though as I’m sure you already know, there is no “one-size-fits-all” answer.

Because depending on factors such as:

• budget
• processing speed
• portability

YOUR ideal option might be completely different from someone else’s.

Which is why for today’s post, I intend to show you everything you need to know to find the perfect computer/laptop for YOUR setup.

So let’s begin. First up…

Laptops vs. Desktops

More and more these days, as technology becomes increasingly “mobile“…

Desktop computers are slowly becoming a thing of the past.

Yet for music recording, they’re still what all the pros continue to use.

Here’s why:

• They’re generally faster – their larger housing offers room for maximum processing power to meet the high demands of today’s DAW’s and plugins.
• They have more IN’s/OUT’s – which allow you to incorporate larger, more sophisticated routings to keep up with your ever-growing setup.
• They offer greater customization – which let’s you add more RAM, extra hard drives, additional video cards, and more…as necessary.
• They solve the noise problem – by allowing you to keep the tower (noisy) in a separate room for your studio monitors and microphones.

Despite all these advantages, the ONE thing that desktop computers lack is…PORTABILITY.

And in today’s world of DJ’s and mobile studios, the portability of a laptop is a MUST.

Plus…since most of us use a laptop for school/work anyway, it eliminates the need for 2 separate purchases.

Now at this point, I’ll assume you’ve already decided whether a desktop or laptop computer is right for you.

So let’s move on. Up next…

Mac vs. PC

Want to know the easiest way to piss-off a recording geek? Here’s what you do:

If he uses a PC in his studio, tell him Macs are better.

If he uses a Mac, tell him PC’s are better.

Because for some strange reason, this topic incites violent debates…that last forever, and result in no real conclusions.

In fact, I absolutely HATE giving my opinion on this topic.

But here it is anyway:

Personally, I like Macs. Not just for recording, but for everything. And these days, most of the music world (and the rest of the world) agrees.

If YOU agree as well…get a Mac.

So why a PC then? It’s usually 1 of 3 reasons:

1. Price – Macs are usually more expensive than PC’s, and not everyone can afford them.
2. Customization – computer nerds typically prefer PC’s, since they are much easier to modify/supercharge.
3. Windows – some people just like the Windows OS.

If none of these 3 things apply to you…get a Mac.

But whichever side you choose, just know that tons of great music has been created on either one, and this topic isn’t nearly as important as some might have you believe.

Assuming you’ve made your decision…let’s move on.

Up next…

Mac Desktops

With Mac desktops, you have 4 options:

1. Mac Pro
2. iMac
3. iMac Pro
4. Mac Mini

Now here’s how they compare:

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First, there’s the Mac Pro.

For studio recording, there’s probably nothing better. Peek your head into any pro studio…and odds are, that’s what you’ll find.

And the reason why is because it’s the only model that’s made to be easily upgradable, whichever part you’re looking to switch.

Now, up until not so long ago, the Mac Pro was just overkill for most of us, whether it was in terms of specs, or price.

However…

There is a serious, brand new contender on the desktop mac scene: the iMac pro.

The iMac pro is basically the MOST POWERFUL (yes, way more powerful than the Mac Pro) mac to date, with the added benefit of being an iMac, meaning it’s an all-in-one computer with a monitor built-in.

Now, one look at the base model price and you’ll understand why this model is not for everyone… And don’t even look at the price of the boosted out model if you’re faint of heart..

But if you’re looking for the most powerful mac out there and don’t mind making a (very) long-term investment, the iMac Pro will have you covered for the next decade or so.

Now for the overwhelming majority of us who can’t afford the iMac Pro, the next option is probably the best: the iMac.

While not nearly as powerful, the regular iMac is equally as practical for a typical beginner’s setup.

If you can afford it, it’s quite likely the ideal choice for most home studios.

If you CAN’T however, your final option is the Mac Mini.

How many times have your heard someone say:

I want to get a Mac, but they’re too expensive 🙁

Well the Mac Mini is proof that this is not entirely true.

And quite surprisingly, while the older models were definitely not on par with the iMac or Mac Pro in terms of speed…

The newer models, and especially the boosted ones show surprisingly good performances on the benchmark, and in some cases even outperforms the regular iMac.

It may not have the speed or flexibility of the more expensive models…but it offers ALL the benefits of the Mac OSX, for a very modest price tag.

• Mac Pro – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusicianF)
• iMac Pro – (Amazon/B&H)
• iMac – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusicianF)
• Mac Mini – (Amazon/GuitarC/B&H)

Up next…

PC Desktops

For those of you guys who build custom PCs…

I have no doubt you know far more about this subject than I do…

So…

If you can assemble something faster and better than a Mac Pro…go for it.

I wouldn’t dare try to convince you otherwise.

If however, you DON’T fall into this category, and you really don’t know much about computers at all…

Then I suggest staying away from PC desktops altogether.

And here’s why:

If you’re NOT a huge PC fan, the only reason to choose a PC for your studio would be if you’re a beginner trying to save money.

And since the main benefit of desktop computer is MORE PROCESSING POWER, it makes little sense to get any desktop that isn’t blazing fast.

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So if you only have $500 to spend, you might as well get a laptop, so you can at least have some portability as well.

Having said that, let’s move on…

The 4 KEY Laptop Specs

Since we’ve already established that laptops are…in a way…”less-than-ideal” for music production…

Here are 5 potential issues to look out for:

1. Mechanical Noise – if you’re a DJ in a loud club, this obviously doesn’t matter. But in a bedroom studio, it matters a lot. One way to check for this: read a ton of user reviews. Another way: opt for a SSD (solid state drive) with no moving parts, over a traditional HDD (hard disk drive).
2. Backlit Keys – in low-light environments such as lounges and clubs, these are a MUST-HAVE.
3. Screen Size – you may not think it’s important now, but once you’ve spent some time with any DAW, you’ll quickly see how valuable a bigger screen can be.
4. Ports – as laptops get increasingly smaller, the number of ins/outs gets smaller as well. So make sure you have enough to get by.

Now let’s check out some laptops already…

Mac Laptops

With Mac laptops you have 3 options:

1. Macbook Pro
2. Macbook Air
3. Macbook

First, there’s the Macbook Pro.

My best guess is…Macbook Pros are the single most popular laptops for home recording.

1. They’re ultra fast
2. They’ve got lots of inputs
3. They have large screen with detailed display

If you can afford it, get it. If not…

Then the Macbook and Macbook Air come in TIED at a distant2nd place.

They’re not as fast, and they don’t have nearly as many inputs, but they’re extremely thin and lightweight…the Macbook Air ESPECIALLY!

So there you go. Check them out:

• Macbook Pro – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusicianF)
• Macbook Air – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusicianF)
• Macbook – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusicianF)

Up next…

PC Laptops

On one hand, PC laptops are GREAT…

Because you have a virtually unlimited number of options to choose from.

On the other hand, PC laptops SUCK…for the exact same reason.

And what I mean by that is…

While it’s nice to have options, the more options you have, the harder it is:

• to actually choose one
• to be certain you’ve made the right choice
• to be happy with your choice after you’ve made it

And unfortunately, for music production, there is no clear-cut winner that stands out from all the others.

But as most people agree…the best PC laptops for music tend to be the best PC laptops in general.

So here are 5 of the most popular and well-reviewed options:

• HP Envy – (Amazon/B&H)
• Asus Zenbook – (Amazon/B&H)
• LG Gram – (Amazon/B&H)
• Dell Inspiron – (Amazon/B&H)
• Lenovo Yoga 3 – (Amazon)

Up next…

DAW System Requirements

One important point worthy of mention that rarely gets discussed…

Is the system requirements for your DAW of choice.

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Even though these days, most computers are compatible with most DAW’s…

In some rare cases…they’re NOT, so you should always double check just to make sure.

If you don’t have a preferred DAW yet, or don’t even know what a DAW is, then don’t worry about this part.

However for those of you that DO, here are the links to the system requirements for each of today’s top DAW’s:

Up next…

3 Essential Computer Accessories

Once you’ve finally chosen a computer, next come the ACCESSORIES.

For recording studios, the 3 accessories I recommend are:

• a keyboard
• a mouse
• a monitor

Now here’s what you want from each one…

1. The Keyboard

While any old keyboard will do…

Your ideal keyboard should include 3 features:

1. DAW shortcut markers – which help you memorize all those shortcuts WAY faster.
2. A number pad – which includes a TON of useful shortcuts for most DAW’s.
3. A wireless connection – which allows you access to your transport controls from anywhere in the room.

NOTE: Even if you have a laptop, you may still find it worthwhile to buy an external keyboard. That’s how useful they are.

Now here are my 2 favorites:

1. Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard – besides having a number pad and a wireless connection, this keyboard has one unique feature that you almost never see: solar power. That means no batteries or cables ever.
   • PC – (Amazon/B&H)
   • Mac – (Amazon/B&H)
2. LogicKeyboard Custom DAW Keyboards – (website) – easily the most well-known maker of software shortcut markers, LogicKeyboard has both custom keyboards and skin layovers for virtually every DAW/keyboard combo imaginable.

Up next…

2. The Mouse

Again…while any old mouse (or trackpad) will do…

With a really good mouse…

A few programmable buttons can give you access to your most frequently used DAW shortcuts without ever touching your keyboard.

And this one tool can speed up your workflow significantly.

While there are an almost infinite number of these mice to choose from…I suggest Logitech.com as a good place to start your search.

My personal favorite mouse in their line is the Logitech MX Ergo – (Amazon/B&H). If you’re not sure what to get, I highly recommend it.

For some other great options, check these out as well:

• Logitech MX Master2S – (Amazon/B&H)
• Logitech MX Anywhere 2S – (Amazon/B&H)

3. The Computer Monitor

When you first start out with home recording…

You probably won’t recognize the value of REALLY GOOD monitor right away.

But eventually, after working without one for a while…

You’ll notice 3 things:

1. Low resolution screens can only display a small number of tracks at once.
2. Flat screen TV’s often look pixelated, and are awkward to view from close up.
3. Screens with slower refresh rates can’t display level meters in sync with the track.

Any one of these problems alone is annoying. All 3 together will drive you crazy.

And once that happens, I highly suggest getting a good external monitor.

For a good high-end option, here is an example of something that would work well:

• LG 27″ 4k – (Amazon/B&H)

As an alternative, any standard monitor (such as this one) will work almost as well, such as he HP 27er.

• Click here to compare prices – (Amazon/B&H)

Order Acoustica Mixcraft 6 Home Studio Edition HERE for the cheapest price available:

Acoustica Mixcraft 6 Home Studio Edition: http://amzn.to/1yt2KcW

Hey guys, ODi Productions here with a recommendation article on what I believe are the best music recording software for beginners on both Mac and PC. If you watched my video on “How To Record Vocals at Home in 3 Easy Steps”, then you know that music software is the last part of a recording setup. In this article, I’m going to recommend 2 different programs that are perfect for amateur rappers and singers who are looking to start recording their own vocals at home. I’ll start off with my recommendation for Mac users, since I believe that this is the best music software for beginners overall.

Best Music Recording Software for Mac: Apple GarageBand (Free)

Best Music Recording Software for Mac is Apple GarageBand

For Mac users, the best music software for beginners is easily Apple’s GarageBand, which comes free with every Mac. No other music program really comes close to GarageBand in terms of user interface and simplicity. But don’t let GarageBand’s price-tag or simple looks fool you. When it comes to strictly recording vocals or instruments, this free program almost rivals its big brother, Apple’s Logic Pro ($199.99).

In GarageBand, recording and editing audio is extremely simple, not to mention it comes with a lot of high-quality effects and plugins that can really improve your sound.

Some of GarageBand's high-quality effects and plugins.

And if you don’t know how to use any of these plugins, GarageBand comes with factory presets that you can just slap onto your recordings to instantly improve your vocals or instruments. It doesn’t get much easier than that.

GarageBand comes with many factory presets for vocals and instruments.

(Of course, if you want a truly professional sound, you’re going to need some mixing and mastering by an audio engineer. But you can always record your vocals in GarageBand, and then just send your unedited recordings to the audio engineer.)

For Mac users, the beauty of GarageBand is that you probably already have it, so go ahead and start using it! Now that brings me to my recommendation for PC users…

Best Music Recording Software for PC: Acoustica Mixcraft 6 Home Studio ($49.99)

Best Music Recording Software for PC is Acoustica Mixcraft 6 Home Studio

The reason I chose Acoustica Mixcraft for the best music recording software for PC is because it is the closest thing to Apple’s GarageBand right now. Mixcraft has a pretty simple interface, although not as pretty as GarageBand, it still gets the job done for basic recording. Also, at a price-tag of $49.99 for the Home Studio edition, Mixcraft is one of the most affordable choices for PC music software on the market right now.

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Mixcraft's interface is not as pretty as GarageBand's, but it gets the job done. (Source: acoustica.com)

Similar to GarageBand, Acoustica Mixcraft comes with a variety of good-quality effects and plugins that can really help improve your recordings if you learn how to use them.

A list of some of Acoustica Mixcraft 6's factory plugins. (Source: acoustica.com)

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Luckily, Mixcraft also comes with some factory presets to choose from, but I personally believe GarageBand’s presets and plugins are much higher quality for vocals.

Mixcraft also comes with factory presets, although not as good as GarageBand's (Source: acoustica.com)

Either way, you can always record your vocals in Mixcraft, before sending them to an audio engineer for mixing and mastering.

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Buy Acoustica Mixcraft Here

Acoustica Mixcraft 6 Home Studio Edition: http://amzn.to/1yt2KcW

That wraps everything up for thisarticle! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to help you out.

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