Home Recording Academy: What Computer is Best for a Home Studio?
At a recent product launch event, Apple introduced its new line of iMacs, which are now only 5 mm thick, a reduction of 80 percent off the previous iMac model. Additionally, they are eight pounds lighter than their predecessor. While the iMacs weren’t particularly thick to begin with, these new models will save even more space on your recording desk.
We figure this new product launch is as good a time as any to take a look at one of the quintessential home recording questions: what computer is best for a home studio? I’ll start out by saying that there is no answer to this question – however, you can find the computer that is best for your needs.
Mac vs. PC
Ah, the eternal computing question. I’ve known engineers that would never go near a PC, while a good friend of mine that is one of the best live audio engineers in the world won’t touch an Apple product with a ten foot pole. Just like in nearly every other area of computing, both PC and Apple have advantages depending on your needs.
To start with on the Apple side, it’s fairly amazing that an iMac can be considered for studio use. Just a few years ago, the processor speed required to run a Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) that uses so much processing power was far beyond the scope of an iMac, and Mac users had to go with a Mac Pro tower. But iMacs and even many MacBook Pro laptops can now handle many home studio uses, though the more powerful Mac Pros are found in many professional studios.
One great advantage to the PC side is that those with the technical know-how can build their own PCs that are extremely powerful while costing very little. Just be advised that, as with any PC, there can be issues with hardware compatibility depending on which components are used.
Which DAW are You Using?
One choice that may solve your Mac vs. PC debate is which DAW software you want to use. We’ve covered the differences in many of the top DAWs in a different installment of Home Recording Academy, and what each can do for you.
Some software, such as the ever-popular Pro Tools, has both Mac and PC compatible versions, though some are only available for use on one platform or the other. Logic, for example, is only compatible with Macs since it is made by Apple. Cakewalk’s SONAR, on the other hand, is only available for PCs.
The Final Decision
Again, it’s important to note that the most important factor in deciding what computer is best for your home studio comes down to your specific preferences and needs. Most computers being produced today will have the power and space required to run recording software, as long as they have the correct hardware inputs for your DAW hardware control and are compatible with your favorite recording software, you should be ok with nearly any computer that fits your needs. You will also want to get a new VPN (virtual private network) to protect your computer. You can choose the top VPNs and find out what is best for you.
A final aspect to consider, however, would be to attempt to purchase a computer that allows an easy way to upgrade RAM. If you do find performance becoming a little sluggish, one of the best ways to speed it up is to add more RAM.
Sage Audio Membership Letter
There are countless cut-rate studios, AI services, and generic audio memberships offering “wiz-bang audio-magic services” — we do not offer these services.
We are not AI mastering. We are not SaaS (Software as a Service).
We are a long-standing niche audio engineering company staffed with seasoned professionals and have been providing audio engineering services for over two decades.
We listen to each client’s specific needs and then execute them with professional acumen.
We’re acutely focused on creating personalized results for each client’s specific needs, which can only be achieved with customized audio engineering services via personal working relationships.
If you’re not familiar with our company, review our studio and public history on Google here.
If you want to hear the quality of our work, review our portfolio here.
If you want to read certified reviews from customers who use our services, go here.
In short, we’re a niche audio engineering company that has stood the test of time, consistently providing personalized audio engineering services every day for over two decades.
If you’ve made it to this point in this letter and are looking for customized audio engineering services with personalized customer service specific to your needs, then you’ve come to the right place — so let’s get started.
We offer four distinct service options so you can customize your membership to match your specific needs.
After reading through each service option, if you have questions, email us directly at [email protected], and we'll personally answer them.Mastering$150 / month
- 5 Mastering Credits / month. (Unused mastering credits accrue in your account every month, and members can purchase additional mastering credits for $30 / credit)
- Your dedicated mastering engineer will create personalized masters specific to your needs.
- Unlimited Revisions — we’re not happy until you’re 100% happy with every master.
1-on-1 Mixing Feedback$150 / month
- 5 Mixing Feedback Credits / month. (Unused mixing feedback credits accrue in your account every month, and members can purchase additional mixing feedback credits for $30 / credit)
- Receive Personalized 1-on-1 mixing feedback directly from us tailored to your specific mixing goals.
Education$150 / month
- Mixing Course: Unlimited Access to our In-depth 23-video mixing course, including 8 genre-specific walkthrough sessions.
- Mastering Course: Unlimited Access to our In-depth 19-video mastering course, including 8 genre-specific walkthrough sessions.
Community
- All service options include exclusive access to the thriving Sage Audio Community.
All-in-One Membership$300 / month 50% Discount Notice: $150 / month
- The ‘All-in-One’ membership option includes all services listed above.
- 50% Discount Notice: Currently, you can join the ‘All-in-One’ membership for the continually discounted price of $150 / month. Reserve your continually discounted ‘All-in-One’ membership here.
VIP Service$4,500 / year (Email us to apply: [email protected])
- Bump yourself, your studio, or production management team to the front of the line and get all your service needs attended to first.
- Get exclusive access to the private VIP lounge reserved for VIP members only.
