Apple Silicon for Logic--16GB enough for samples?

[scottmichaellewis]

I know there have been topics that overlap somewhat with this, but what I'd really like to know is if anyone has any version M1 and comfortably run Logic while using some sample libraries. I don't mean Hans Zimmer level multi-orchestral stuff, but at least, say, five or so instances of something like Studio Strings and/or Garritan Personal Orchestra.  

I ask because I've seen many people touting that the new Apple chips use RAM incredibly efficiently. But I did an experiment the other night where I opened one of my more complex (but mostly audio tracks) projects, then added an instance of Garritan with 3 or 4 instruments, then both Studio Strings and Horns, a couple Alchemy instances, and NI's Ethereal Earth on my current (Intel) Macbook that has 16GB RAM. I figured that this is about as intensive a project as I'm likely to create any time soon. This Franken-project seemed to run fine, but I noticed that Activity Monitor showed that I was using 13.5GB of RAM and it had swapped something like 500MB and was caching something like 2.5GB. I'm guessing this is a sign that I should go for 32GB, but I'd be happy to be proven wrong--as much for having many more options of where (and when) to get a 16GB machine as for the extra $400. 

Does anyone have an M1 with 16GB that they've been projects with several sampler instruments on and, if so, how has it gone?

Thanks for any help.

[scottmichaellewis]

PS: the new forum software is quite funky. Changed my name, no record of past posts, has me living on another continent, I've never heard of "my" website, and can't change my profile because "Save" is hidden under an advertisement.😑

Edited April 22, 2022 by scottmichaellewis

[Bullfitta]

I'd say 16 should be fine.....

[tommypiper]

Go for 32 anyway.  I have 32 on M1 Pro.  You could save by going for a Pro instead of Max (or Ultra...) chip, btw...  Pro is base and still plenty of power....  I have not had chance to test anything yet but that's my experience so far...  The $ spent will be worth your time and worry-free workflow.  Greater scheme of things, just do it.  I'm sure it can work to some greater extent much better with 16 than previous chips, etc. and meet most use cases, etc, but you may be doing projects later that you didn't anticipate, and so on.... if you can... go 32.

[David Nahmani]

On 4/22/2022 at 9:04 PM, scottmichaellewis said:

PS: the new forum software is quite funky. Changed my name, no record of past posts, has me living on another continent, I've never heard of "my" website, and can't change my profile because "Save" is hidden under an advertisement.😑

For any forum related issues, please click "Contact Us" at the bottom of the forum and let me know your username and the issue you're getting, and I'll fix it. It looks like you have created a new user account which is why you have no record of past posts, but I can help you recover your old account. As for living on another continent, there is known issue with the migration to the new forum software that changed some of the profile fields, so you're not the only one. But yes, please do contact me and I'll sort you out!