FelixWeb Posted June 7, 2020 Share Posted June 7, 2020 For 11 years I'm working with an early 2009 MacPro, which can't be updated beyond El Capitan. So for a couple of years now I'm stuck with what I have and can't update Logic nor other plugins like Kontakt etc. I have to invest into a new system and wonder what your recommendations would be. Since my projects demand a high number of virtual instruments which need sufficient RAM (48-64GB), need multiple monitors for film scoring/editing, and multiple SSD drives for storing and for sample/streaming content, I guess a Macbook is out of the question. The new Mac Pro is certainly something I would love to have, but the configuration I need would easily make this a $15000 investment just for the computer. That is a little too much for me right now. In my desperation I was even considering leaving Logic behind (after 30+ years) and move to Cubase on a PC, but I would rather not do that and stick with Logic. Maybe you can give me some information about what you are working with or any recommendation would be appreciated! Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
des99 Posted June 7, 2020 Share Posted June 7, 2020 iMac Pro? I wouldn't go with a regular iMac for really serious audio use as running lots of VI's will just ramp the fans up making it a pretty miserable audio experience... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TelecasterTubes Posted June 7, 2020 Share Posted June 7, 2020 I could not find what I needed from Apple so I build my own. Not to difficult and lots of guides online, but when (if) Apple starts to implement there own CPU this might get a bit tricky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triplets Posted June 7, 2020 Share Posted June 7, 2020 For 11 years I'm working with an early 2009 MacPro, which can't be updated beyond El Capitan. I have the same computer as you do. I converted it into a 12-core that runs Mojave and the latest Logic. You have to buy two de-lidded Xeon CPUs, a metal capable graphics card, and do a motherboard firmware update to transform it into a 5,1 so it can run High Sierra and Mojave. I put OSX Mojave on an SSD in the spare DVD bay with a mounting kit from OWC and a USB 3.0 Pcie card and a new airport/bluetooth chip to have Airdrop All said and done the cost at current prices was around 700-800 bucks. I don't have Thunderbolt, but don't need it at the moment. If you need Thunderbolt a Mac Mini is the cheapest route, if you have monitors already. Buy a Thunderbolt 3 dock from OWC and your peripherals are covered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musos Posted June 7, 2020 Share Posted June 7, 2020 To FelixWeb: I was in a similar position, using an old 2008 Mac Pro that had no easy upgrade path. Anyway, I wanted more speed and power. I bought a 2018 Mac Mini with nice specs and I'm really delighted with it. Check if you can configure one to your needs (RAM, SSD size etc) - maybe that's the efficient and budget-friendly option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
art Lowell Posted June 7, 2020 Share Posted June 7, 2020 I upgraded my 1012 Macbook by doubling my RAM and having my Hard Drive replaced by an SSDrive. The drive really sped things up, and I've eliminated most of the moving parts (except for the DVD driver). It should be almost immortal. I wish I could afford a Mac Air because of its light weight, but I can't. I haven't heard anything about how an Air would handle Logic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Nahmani Posted June 8, 2020 Share Posted June 8, 2020 I haven't heard anything about how an Air would handle Logic. I have used an older model MacBook Air for years, it handles Logic surprisingly well!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kerochan Posted June 8, 2020 Share Posted June 8, 2020 art Lowell said: I upgraded my 1012 Macbook by doubling my RAM and having my Hard Drive replaced by an SSDrive. The drive really sped things up, and I've eliminated most of the moving parts (except for the DVD driver). It should be almost immortal. I wish I could afford a Mac Air because of its light weight, but I can't. I haven't heard anything about how an Air would handle Logic. I also have a Macbook Air 2016, great with Logic, a friend of mine has one with Logic too, all great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FelixWeb Posted June 8, 2020 Author Share Posted June 8, 2020 Thank you all for your responses! I looked at every suggestion and learned a lot about the many ways things can be done. I came to the conclusion, that for me an iMac Pro is the best way to go. It is still pricier than I would have wanted it to be, but it is also my livelihood and a good investment (I hope). I just have to work a little more Again, thank you so much for all your suggestions! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triplets Posted June 8, 2020 Share Posted June 8, 2020 FelixWeb said: I came to the conclusion, that for me an iMac Pro is the best way to go. Remember you're paying for a graphics card you don't need and the 2019 27-inch iMac with an i9 chip beats the 10-core base model iMac Pro. You can't upgrade the Ram on the Pro, it's sealed shut. And you're paying a 1000 bucks more for a less powerful machine. You can add Ram later on the 27-inch iMac and save 400 bucks from Apple ram prices. The iMac Pro has 4 Thunderbolt ports against the 2 of the iMac. If that is the deciding factor for you worth a 1000 or more bucks, then don't listen to me. https://everymac.com/ultimate-mac-comparison-chart/?compare=all-current-macs&highlight=0&prod1=iMacIntel083&prod2=iMacPro001&prod3=iMacIntel078 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redgreenblue Posted June 8, 2020 Share Posted June 8, 2020 Yeah, the latest non-pro iMac is a fabulous machine. You’ll have it for years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Studio162A Posted June 9, 2020 Share Posted June 9, 2020 I have an iMac i9 with 2TB SSD & 40 GB RAM. It is, for me at least, an astonishingly powerful piece of hardware. Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FelixWeb Posted June 9, 2020 Author Share Posted June 9, 2020 Thanks for or the additional information! Even more for me to consider. I guess 2 Thunderbold ports are fine. My audio interface is going to be the "PreSonus Quantum 2626 Thunderbolt 3". I'll gather some more info on the 2019 iMac. Saving some money is a good thing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triplets Posted June 9, 2020 Share Posted June 9, 2020 FelixWeb said: I guess 2 Thunderbold ports are fine. My audio interface is going to be the "PreSonus Quantum 2626 Thunderbolt 3" You obviously wanna use one dedicated port for the Quantum. And if you're not using Thunderbolt external HDs you can always grab a Thunderbolt 3 Dock for other peripherals for the second port: https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/docks/owc-thunderbolt-3-dock We use this dock at the studio with a 2019 iMac and only 1 usb port is empty! https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/owc-thunderbolt-3-pro-dock Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FelixWeb Posted June 9, 2020 Author Share Posted June 9, 2020 Thanks! The Thunderbolt 3 dock is definitely a must if I go with the 2019 iMac Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FelixWeb Posted June 9, 2020 Author Share Posted June 9, 2020 I was reading about the 2019 iMac and I'm definitely interested, but couldn't figure out how much SSD storage is possible. I need a minimum of 3TB but better yet 4TB. Would an external SSD also be sufficient for sample streaming?. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triplets Posted June 9, 2020 Share Posted June 9, 2020 Yeah, the 2019 iMac tops out at 2TB. Apple SSDs are very expensive. You can grab an external USB 3 SSD for your streaming for sure. It'll be cheaper as well. If you really need 4TB of SSD space maybe this: https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-External-USB-C-Portable-Solid/dp/B086WN8WFF/ref=psdc_3015429011_t3_B01NC1RI61 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FelixWeb Posted June 9, 2020 Author Share Posted June 9, 2020 Thanks for the link and your valuable information! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
des99 Posted June 9, 2020 Share Posted June 9, 2020 I came to the conclusion, that for me an iMac Pro is the best way to go. Remember you're paying for a graphics card you don't need and the 2019 27-inch iMac with an i9 chip beats the 10-core base model iMac Pro. You can't upgrade the Ram on the Pro, it's sealed shut. And you're paying a 1000 bucks more for a less powerful machine. I recommended the iMac Pro not because it's absolutely the most powerful iMac available (it depends on the specs you choose of course), I recommended it because as an audio machine, it's cooling system is *way* superior to a regular iMac, which is essentially laptop internals with only slightly better than laptop cooling. Remember, with iMacs, the fans are right there, in front of your face, between your monitors, and you can't move them. Sure - if you're not doing heavy CPU projects - like tracking a band and not using many plugins, then more or less any machine will be quiet. But if you're into stressing the machine, lots of plugins, lots of VI tracks, over a long period of time, the CPU's get hot, the fans kick in. Also - the base model of most of the "Pro" machines isn't great value, I recommend going up a level if possible. Also note the iMac Pro's are a few years old now (the regular iMacs have had a rev since then) so it might be possible to get a revision at some point, which is worth bearing in mind (these are expensive machines). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FelixWeb Posted June 9, 2020 Author Share Posted June 9, 2020 Darn! I didn't think of the fan being right in front of you. And my projects are indeed CPU hungry (full VSL orchestras, multiple instances of Electri6ity, Kontakt, BFD3 etc.). Right now my old MacPro's are in an isolation box, but that's of course not possible with the iMac. Back to the drawing board Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musos Posted June 9, 2020 Share Posted June 9, 2020 Another thing to confuse you... It's possible that Apple will announce some new hardware on WWDC soon. (Rumours talk about a new iMac Pro) Might be an idea to wait a little. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Nahmani Posted June 9, 2020 Share Posted June 9, 2020 Another thing to confuse you...It's possible that Apple will announce some new hardware on WWDC soon. (Rumours talk about a new iMac Pro) Might be an idea to wait a little. I am really hoping they do. Haven't bought a new Mac in a long while and it's about time for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FelixWeb Posted June 9, 2020 Author Share Posted June 9, 2020 The Mac world is truly confusing and aggravating at times! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
des99 Posted June 9, 2020 Share Posted June 9, 2020 The Mac world is truly confusing and aggravating at times! Indeed it is! What's the alternative though..? *shudderletsnotgothere* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TelecasterTubes Posted June 9, 2020 Share Posted June 9, 2020 HACKINTOSH!! And I won't say it again.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triplets Posted June 9, 2020 Share Posted June 9, 2020 I didn't think of the fan being right in front of you. We use a 2019 i9 iMac in the studio with Final Cut and 4K footage. This machine is very quiet, and FC can tax any machine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FelixWeb Posted June 9, 2020 Author Share Posted June 9, 2020 It is truly challenging finding the right Mac .... lots to think about Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
triplets Posted June 9, 2020 Share Posted June 9, 2020 It is truly challenging finding the right Mac .... lots to think about Very true. It takes time to research the right computer for your needs and with the right price. You have to consider the peripherals being connected and if you prefer a computer separated from its monitor. If you like a separate monitor, the Mac Mini is your best starting point. If it doesn't work you can change it later, but the initial expense is not so high. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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