Buying a Music Production Computer - PC or Mac? AVOID THESE 5 MISTAKES!

Summary

The video, hosted by Jacob from Personas, provides a guide for selecting the best computer components for audio production. It addresses common mistakes buyers make, such as relying solely on CPU core count, overspending on RAM and storage, and neglecting single-core performance for low-latency monitoring. Jacob emphasizes the importance of balancing core count, clock speed, and thermals, as well as considering RAM, GPU, and SSD configuration. He also advises against cutting corners on power supply and cooling, which could affect future upgrades and noise levels in a studio environment.

Takeaways

• 💻 Don't always choose the lowest option in computer configurators; it may not be optimized for your specific audio needs.
• 🧠 Core count isn't everything; for low-latency audio work, single-core performance and base clock speed matter more.
• 🎹 Multi-core CPUs are great for playback-heavy projects, but for real-time monitoring or virtual instruments, focus on single-core efficiency.
• ⚙️ RAM is important but don't overestimate how much you need—analyze your current usage and leave some headroom.
• 🖥️ Graphics cards matter in audio production, especially with hardware acceleration; don't rely on integrated graphics alone.
• 💾 Invest in SSDs for your operating system and sample libraries to improve performance, but don't overspend on large-capacity SSDs for simple file storage.
• 🔌 Choose a power supply with enough capacity for future upgrades to avoid limitations later.
• 🎛️ Avoid noisy fans in studio computers, as they can disrupt recordings and create unnecessary background noise.
• 🔗 Consider I/O needs such as Thunderbolt or USB ports and ensure your motherboard supports your hardware requirements.
• 📦 If you don't want to build your own audio computer, consider companies that specialize in custom audio PCs, like Digital Audio Networks or PC Audio Labs.

Q & A

What is the first mistake people make when configuring an audio computer?

The first mistake is always selecting the lowest options in a PC or Mac configurator, which can lead to overspending without gaining significant performance benefits for audio production.

Why is focusing solely on the core count of a CPU not ideal for audio production?

While core count is important for playing back large numbers of audio tracks, a higher core count doesn't necessarily improve performance for tasks like low-latency monitoring. For those tasks, single-core performance and base clock speed are more critical.

When is high core count important in an audio computer?

High core count is important when you need to play back many audio tracks simultaneously at higher buffer sizes, such as with large orchestral libraries. However, it doesn't help with low-latency, real-time monitoring or virtual instrument performance.

What role does RAM play in a digital audio workstation (DAW)?

RAM is important for increasing headroom, allowing you to load multiple plugins and handle large sessions without lags or crashes. However, it doesn’t significantly impact low-latency monitoring or live virtual instrument performance.

How can you determine the right amount of RAM for your audio computer?

You can check your current RAM usage by monitoring the maximum load in your Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) when running large sessions. Then add a little headroom to that figure to determine the ideal RAM amount for your needs.

Why shouldn’t you overlook the graphics card in an audio computer?

Modern DAWs like Studio One 5 use hardware acceleration, meaning some tasks are handled by the GPU, freeing up the CPU for audio processing. Having a decent graphics card improves performance, but you don’t need a top-tier card for audio work.

What is the recommended storage setup for an audio computer?

Your operating system and sample libraries should be stored on fast SSDs for better performance. Large storage needs, such as media file backups, can be handled by traditional hard drives. It's also important to have at least 2TB of SSD space to maintain optimal performance.

Why is selecting the right power supply important for an audio computer?

A small power supply can limit your system’s power draw and prevent future upgrades. Choosing an adequate power supply from the start ensures better performance and upgradability.

What are the consequences of choosing cheap fans for an audio computer?

Cheap fans can produce a lot of noise, which can interfere with audio recordings in a studio setting. Investing in quality, low-noise fans ensures a quieter and more professional recording environment.

What are some other components to consider when building or buying an audio computer?

Aside from the CPU, RAM, and storage, you should also consider the I/O options, such as Thunderbolt or USB ports, especially if you have specific hardware needs like a Thunderbolt interface.

Outlines

00:00

💻 Buying a Computer for Audio Production: Avoiding Common Mistakes

Jacob introduces the topic of buying a computer for audio production, emphasizing the importance of making informed choices. He shares how many users, like his friend James, struggle to find the right computer components for audio work. Jacob advises against selecting the lowest-tier components in configurators, as it often leads to underperforming machines despite high costs. He shares a personal anecdote of people buying expensive computers, only to be disappointed when they cannot achieve low-latency monitoring.

05:02

🔢 Core Count vs. Single Core Performance: Choosing the Right CPU

Jacob explains that many users make the mistake of focusing only on core count when selecting a CPU, assuming that more cores automatically equate to better performance. He highlights that while core count is important for handling multiple tracks or large sample libraries, single core performance is crucial for low-latency tasks like playing virtual instruments. He cautions against overpaying for high-core CPUs that might not offer the best real-time audio performance, emphasizing the need for balance between core count and single-core speed.

10:02

🧠 Understanding RAM and Graphics Needs for Audio Workstations

Jacob discusses the importance of choosing the right amount of RAM and a suitable graphics card for audio workstations. He clarifies that while RAM helps with multitasking and preventing crashes in sessions with heavy plugin usage, it does not aid low-latency performance. He recommends monitoring current RAM usage to gauge how much is needed. He also notes that graphics cards, though often overlooked in audio production, play a growing role due to hardware acceleration in modern DAWs. A mid-tier GPU is generally sufficient.

💾 Hard Drives: Choosing the Right Storage for Audio Work

Jacob advises on selecting the right storage options, warning against both overspending and underspending. He explains that while media files and backups don’t require fast storage, the operating system, sample libraries, and project files should be on high-speed SSDs for optimal performance. He stresses the importance of having enough SSD space (at least 2TB) to maintain high performance. Cutting corners on storage capacity or speed can lead to slow performance and regret in the future.

🔌 Avoid Cutting Corners on Power Supply and Cooling

Jacob outlines the risks of skimping on essential components such as the power supply and cooling system. A small power supply limits upgradability and could force additional costly upgrades later. He also highlights the need for quiet fans in studio environments, as noisy cooling systems can interfere with recordings. He concludes by advising buyers to ensure they have sufficient connectivity (e.g., Thunderbolt, USB ports) for their peripherals, warning against saving money by compromising on essential features.

🎶 Trusted Options for Pre-Built Audio Computers

For users who aren't tech-savvy and don’t want to build their own computer, Jacob recommends pre-built audio computers from Digital Audio Networks (Europe) and PC Audio Labs (USA). These companies specialize in optimized audio PCs that offer excellent thermals, low noise, and reliable performance for digital audio workstations (DAWs). Jacob encourages viewers to leave comments if they have any other suggestions or feedback and wraps up the video by inviting them to check the provided links for more details.

Keywords

💡Core Count

Core count refers to the number of individual processing units within a CPU. In the video, the speaker emphasizes that while a higher core count may be beneficial for handling many audio tracks, it is not the sole factor in determining performance for audio production tasks. For low-latency work, single-core performance is often more important.

💡Single-core Performance

Single-core performance measures how well a CPU can handle tasks that rely on a single processing thread. The speaker highlights that for low-latency monitoring or playing virtual instruments, single-core performance is crucial because these tasks cannot be distributed across multiple cores. A CPU with fewer cores but higher single-core performance may be more suitable for audio work.

💡Low Latency Monitoring

Low latency monitoring refers to the minimal delay between inputting a sound and hearing it processed in real-time. In the video, the speaker explains that low latency is essential for live performances and real-time audio effects. Achieving low latency requires powerful single-core performance and efficient system configuration, rather than just focusing on the number of cores in the CPU.

💡Block Size

Block size refers to the amount of data processed in one go by an audio workstation (DAW). Smaller block sizes reduce latency, making them ideal for live performances or monitoring, but they require more CPU power. The speaker advises that lowering block size to 16 or 32 samples improves real-time performance but stresses that this depends more on single-core speed than core count.

💡RAM

RAM (Random Access Memory) provides temporary storage for data that a computer actively uses. In the video, the speaker explains that RAM is important for increasing a system's capacity to handle multiple plugins and large sessions without crashing. However, it doesn’t significantly impact low-latency tasks, so overestimating the necessary amount can lead to unnecessary spending.

💡Graphics Card (GPU)

A Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) handles rendering images, video, and animations. While GPUs are not typically associated with audio, the speaker mentions that modern DAWs may use hardware acceleration from GPUs to free up CPU resources, improving overall system performance. Selecting an adequate GPU can thus enhance audio production indirectly by reducing CPU load.

💡SSD (Solid State Drive)

An SSD is a fast storage device that significantly speeds up data access times compared to traditional hard drives. The speaker stresses that SSDs are critical for audio production because they can quickly load sample libraries, operating systems, and audio sessions. Fast drives improve workflow efficiency by reducing boot times and the delay in accessing files during a project.

💡Thermals

Thermals refer to the heat management within a computer, which impacts the CPU's sustained performance. The speaker points out that poor thermals can lead to overheating, forcing the CPU to slow down to prevent damage. Efficient thermal management is essential for ensuring that high-performance CPUs can maintain their speed during demanding audio production tasks without creating noise from cooling fans.

💡Power Supply

The power supply provides electricity to all the components of a computer. The speaker explains that choosing a weak power supply can limit a system’s upgradability and performance, especially when running high-end components for audio production. He advises users to invest in a robust power supply that supports future upgrades to avoid limiting the system’s power draw and stability.

💡Thunderbolt Interface

Thunderbolt is a high-speed data transfer technology often used for connecting external devices such as audio interfaces to computers. The speaker mentions that for users with Thunderbolt-enabled audio interfaces, it’s essential to choose a motherboard with Thunderbolt connectivity to ensure optimal audio performance and expandability, stressing the importance of not overlooking this feature during the build.

Highlights

Don't always select the lowest options in computer configurators for audio production.

Avoid focusing only on CPU core count; single-core performance is crucial for low-latency monitoring.

High core count CPUs like Intel Xeon may not always be better for audio; consider base clock speed and thermals.

Single-core performance is essential when using low block sizes (e.g., 16 or 32 samples) for real-time monitoring.

For virtual instruments or real-time effects, prioritize CPUs with high base clock speeds over multi-core counts.

RAM is important for handling multiple plugins and playback, but it does not improve low-latency monitoring.

Monitor RAM usage during large sessions to determine realistic needs; avoid overspending on excess RAM.

Graphics cards are more important than you might think for audio, especially with hardware acceleration in modern DAWs.

Invest in fast SSDs for your operating system, sample libraries, and active project files to boost performance.

Avoid overspending on large SSDs for archiving; use them for essential tasks like fast access to sample libraries.

Ensure your power supply has enough headroom for future upgrades to avoid costly replacements later.

Noisy fans in a studio computer can ruin recordings; invest in quiet, high-quality cooling solutions.

Consider the input/output needs, such as Thunderbolt or USB ports, and choose a motherboard that supports them.

Custom-built audio PCs from specialized dealers like Digital Audio Networks and PC Audio Labs can offer optimized performance and low noise.

Finding the right balance between CPU performance, RAM, graphics, and SSDs is key to building a powerful and efficient audio computer.

Transcripts

hi everybody this is Jacob from personas

and today I want to do a bit of a

different video I'd like to do a bias

guide for you people interested in

getting a new computer for audio whether

it's PC or Mac that's entirely up to

your own preference but there's a couple

of rules that you should follow

regardless of your operating system

platform I got the idea for this video

from my buddy James who's currently

doing just that trying to build a new

audio computer and he asked me what kind

of parts to shop for and for me this is

something that's quite natural I'm a bit

of a geek and I like to select computer

parts but I realize that's not the

reality for most people they just want

to focus on their craft and make sure

that once they get the new machine it's

perfectly suited for what they want to

do and quite often the solution for that

seems to be to just take all of the

lowest boxes in a PC on Mac configurator

for instance I'm right here on the

apple.com website and you can see that

you have a lot of different processor

options you might not know which one the

best is for audio right away so I've

seen a lot of people just always take

the lowest box here and yeah stack that

thing up well to over fifty thousand

dollars or something like that just

because they wanted to make sure that

it's good for audio production

ironically when they got the machine

they found that they were still not able

to do low latency monitoring at low

block sizes of their favorite virtual

instruments and they were very

frustrated about it they thought I spent

all this money onto a new computer why

don't I get the benchmarks or the

results in my everyday work that I was

expecting that is because they were only

taking the lowest box in their

configurator that's kind of the first

mistake to avoid don't always take the

lowest box in these configurators same

goes for Windows computers of course

right here I would have the PC

configurator from digital audio networks

in Germany also there are a lot of

people that just always go for the

lowest option even though there might be

a much better option for what they want

to do which is also much less pricey and

this leads me straight into mistake

number two that I see a lot of people

make when they try to decide on a new

audio computer they always look only at

the core count of the CPU that they're

trying to get like they see there's a 28

core Intel Xeon here in the Mac Pro

configurator that's 7 000 bucks more

expensive than the 8 core base model

that must be better for audio there's no

way that the 28 core isn't better for

audio than the 8 core bass line right

well it really depends on what you're

trying to do are you trying to play back

hundreds of tracks of contact Vienna

symphonic orchestra library or a

Spitfire audio and you can do that at a

higher block size you don't need any low

latency monitoring then yes core count

is King but if your requirements are

entirely different for example you want

to have very low block sizes for ultra

low latency monitoring you want to have

great response when playing a power

hungry virtual instrument live you don't

want to feel any delay as you're hitting

the keys

that's when you cannot rely on core

count because one channel of audio or a

virtual instrument that you're

monitoring can only be processed by one

CPU thread at a time so even if you have

28 64 cores available if one of these

cores doesn't bring the performance you

need then you don't get any performance

benefits so what I'm saying is that if

you want to have the ability to play

back a lot of tracks and you want to put

your block size as low as possible like

16 32 samples then you need to not only

look at the core count you also need to

look at the single core performance and

the base clock like the base gigahertz

not just the turbo boost because that

can't be sustained for a long period of

time of your next CPU you can also see

that here in the benchmarks I mean you

have a thread Ripper at the top of the

list when it comes to multi-core scores

absolutely slaughtering everything else

but when you click on it you see that

the single core score is just a fraction

of that and when you compare that to a

CPU with just 8 cores then you'll notice

that you get much better single core

performance meaning much better low

latency monitoring capacities on the

much cheaper CPU so if your goal was to

set your block size to like 16 samples

and play the diva or the UE Hive or some

of these performance hungry synthesizers

or do real-time monitoring of autotune

effects then this much cheaper Intel CPU

would totally beat that threat Ripper

now of course I'm not biased towards

Intel in any way shape or form I mean

there's fantastic Rising processes where

you get amazing core counts and great

bass clocks all I'm saying is that you

shouldn't just look at the amount of

cores and assume that's a great CPU for

audio you need to find that sweet spot

between great bass clock great single

core performance great thermals so that

the CPU fan doesn't have to spin up so

much and create all this noise in the

studio and core count so that you can

play back many tracks without any issues

the third mistake that I see a lot of

buyers of a new audio computer make is

that they invest too much or too little

into their RAM and graphics

now before we can say how much RAM you

should put into your new audio computer

let's first get on the same page Why Ram

is useful or necessary in a Daw like

Studio One

well Ram is really important to increase

your Headroom meaning that you have more

capacity to load multiple plugins at

once without any lags or crashes that

you can hit playback on a session with a

lot of time stretching and Pitch

shifting going on but RAM does not help

you when you want to play your virtual

instruments at low block sizes if you

want to put low latency mode on then Ram

isn't really all that helpful and I see

that a lot of users generally

overestimate the amount of ram that they

need in their system a great strategy to

get a bit of a feel for how much RAM you

would need is to open up the activity

monitor in Mac OS or the task manager on

Windows and just see what your maximum

load of RAM is when you run as many apps

or the biggest session that you have

then just calculate that plus a little

bit of Headroom and then you're probably

pretty close to a very realistic Ram

figure of course you shouldn't have too

little Ram because that would severely

limit your navigation and your playback

in the session but you should also not

spend too much on it because chances are

that big chunks of it you'll never

access the same issue I see when it

comes to picking a graphics card here

users often underestimate the graphics

card they need because they do an audio

right that has nothing to do with

Graphics well but in times where Studio

One five uses Hardware acceleration on

Mac for instance more and more of the

tasks that were traditionally handled by

the CPU are now being taken on by the

GPU which leads more of the CPU capacity

for the actual processing of audio so

don't cut Corners here you don't need a

high class top of the line graphics card

but you shouldn't go for integrated

Graphics either the fourth mistake that

I see time and time again when people

purchase an audio computer is that they

invest too much or too little into their

hard drives a great example for

overspending would be to have an 8

terabyte SSD which really costs a

premium just for archiving media files

and as an external backup that is a

total waste any hard drive can take

these kind of tasks but your sample

libraries all the stuff that you need to

access as quickly as possible your song

folder your operating system needs to be

on very fast hard drives because

especially on the operating system side

that really makes such a huge impact on

how quickly your apps start how quickly

your computer boots and so forth so if

you can't afford eight terabytes of ssds

that's completely fine but reserve one

SSD at least for your operating system

and if at all possible have another SSD

drive for your songs and Sample Library

content please don't try to cut any

Corners here because you might regret

that at some point in the future also

make sure that you don't just set the

capacity of your SSD drive at the lowest

minimum like let's say 500 gigabytes at

least two terabytes would be preferred

because you always need a little bit of

free space on this drive to yeah have it

working properly at the fastest speed

possible which leads me straight to the

fifth and final mistake to avoid when

buying a new audio computer and that is

cutting the wrong Corners especially

where it's so yeah annoying because it

could have been easily prevented I give

you an easy example a small power supply

not only does this artificially limit

the amount of power draw of all the

components but also it severely

restricts you when it comes to

upgradability down the line because if

you calculated everything just at that

base power draw level and then you want

to upgrade a component a couple years

later then you also have to always

upgrade your power supply this is a lot

more expensive than if you've just gone

for the proper power supply in the first

place same goes with noisy fans don't go

with the build that's you know just

equipped with the cheapest fans possible

after you put in some premium parts I

mean it's a studio computer it shouldn't

ruin all of your recordings by having

this noisy fan it's kind of whiny

running in the background right also

consider the i o that you need if you

have a thunderbolt interface then don't

start cutting Corners at your main board

by going for one that doesn't have any

Thunderbolt connectivity don't save the

money at the wrong end consider the

amount of USB ports that you need and

make sure that you choose the

motherboard that provides that now if

you're

using who just wants to focus on music

and is not too tech savvy you don't want

to build your own audio computer with

your own preferred parts then I highly

recommend digital audio networks if

you're based in Europe or if you're over

in the US PC audio Labs both companies

are specialized in audio PCS and

computers that are tested and shipped

made to order with great thermals

fantastic low noise performance and just

specs that makes sense for digital audio

workstation I'm going to add links to

both of these dealers in the video

description I hope that these tips are

helpful in your next purchase when you

go for a new audio computer whether it

be PC or Mac these are just of course a

couple of my own experiences

recommendations if you have anything you

disagree with or that you would like to

add please add it here in the comments

below we love to read your comments and

see you next time

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