Focused on the 5 best laptops for music production. For most of us a laptop in 2022 the size to performance ratio these devices have, has never been this good for music production and mixing specifically. The speaks from ram to storage to these new M1 Pro Chips, I mean even preferred desktop users a restarting to consider the switch. But I know, Mac Computers aren't for everyone and even though they are fantastic for music production. There are quite a few windows laptops out there ready to compete. Today we're going to have a look at a few laptops I deem perfect for music production and mixing tasks.
So, when it comes to picking a laptop for music production and mixing, the key specs you want to focus on is RAM, Storage and Processing power. RAM is important as it allows for your computer to transition quickly between tasks, speed up response time file conversion mix down, and allows for more recording and midi tracks. Without sufficien’t RAM, you may experience crashing, freezing, and multiple unnecessary errors.
Best Laptop For Music Production 2022 |
Even though I believe you should always be working off an External Hard Drive, internal storage is also very important virtual instruments and sample libraries take up a lot of space. And in most cases, these will be stored on your laptop. Compared to a Hard Disk Drive, SSD storage is also the better way to go as it's quieter due to its faster properties reducing recording latency. And your CPU Processor is the defining component. Choosing the right CPU can speed up your workflow a lot tasks, like generating synthesizer sounds and effects like reverb and delay, are very heavy tasks for a processor.
So, whichever laptop or computer you end up getting these three specs (RAM, Storage, Processor) are top priority. Now, most laptops on today's list are pretty expensive. But I want to remind you guys, that there are a few great second-hand laptops out there especially if you're on a tight budget and you still want good specs. I know there is a lot of risk when buying second hand and it's not necessarily for everyone. So maybe we should move on to a few more recent models.
5 Best Laptops For Music Production
1. MSI Katana GF66
The first laptop we're going to have a look at that's great for music production is the MSI Katana GF66 costing around thirteen hundred dollars. This gaming designed laptop offers great performance with an i7 Processor, 16 gigabytes of RAM, and 1 terabyte of SSD Storage.
MSI GF66 Gaming Laptop, great option for music production |
In terms of build quality, the Katana GF66 does have an all-plastic design, that might feel a little cheap. With as light flex on the screen and keyboard. The size is not too big or too small for music production. Coming with a 15.6-inch screen. When it comes to the ports for your midi keyboard and audio interface. The Katana GF66 offers three USB-A and one USB-C connections, including an HDMI and ethernet input. In terms of look specs and price, the MSI Katana GF66 is definitely a great option for music production.
2. Apple MacBook Pro 14 Inch with Apple M1 Pro Chip
Since apple is at the forefront of technology most of the time. There's no surprise that their new M1 Pro laptops have made the list. Starting at two thousand dollars for the MacBook M1 Pro 14 inch and 2500 for the M1 pro 16 inches. These new MacBook’s offer great processing power with the M1 Pro Chip. On the 14-inch model, RAM starts at 16 gigabytes with 512 gigabytes of SSD storage. Which is already good for music production? These specs are upgradable though offering a maximum of 32 gigabytes of RAM and a total of 8 terabytes of SSD storage.
Apple MacBook M1 Pro, Apple M1 Pro chip with 8‑core CPU and 14‑core GPU |
If you have 8 terabytes of storage on a laptop, this size you can get rid of these. Regarding connections for your audio interface and midi keyboard unfortunately, these powerful machines only offer USB-C ports, most midi keyboards, and USB audio interfaces still connect with USB-A connections. So, an external USB Hub will be needed for these music making tools. Unlike the previous MacBook’s, these new MacBook M1 Pro’s do include an HDMI port. So, if the 14 inches screen is too small for you, an external monitor is a great alternative. I actually, recently bought myself a 14-inch M1 Pro and for music production, it's absolutely fantastic switching back to pc for a second.
3. ASUS VIVOBOOK PRO X16
The next laptop worth having a look at is the ASUS VIVOBOOK PRO X16. Costing around 1700 dollars. This laptop offers 32 gigabytes of RAM an Amd Ryzen 9 processor and 1 terabyte of SSD storage.
ASUS VIVOBOOK PRO X16 4K Display OLED |
ASUS VIVOBOOK PRO X16 Laptop is offered in both a black and white color. Coming in a full aluminium body with minimal screen and keyboard flex. The 4k display is offered in a 16-inch size, which is perfect for those of you not using an external monitor. In terms of connections, the VIVOBOOK PRO X16 offers three USB-A and one USB-C ports an SD Card Reader and HDMI for an external display. When looking at the size, Specs, and Screen of this laptop, for music production it's definitely a good pick.
4. Alienware X14 Gaming Laptop From DELL
Another great Gaming Laptop with perfect specs for music production tasks, are the Alienware X14 Gaming Laptop from DELL. Costing around sixteen hundred dollars. This laptop comes with 16 gigabytes of RAM, a 12th generation intel core i7 Processor, and 512 gigabytes of SSD storage. This laptop is also upgradable. Costing a total of 2200 when fully specs out.
Alienware X14 Gaming Laptop From DELL |
In terms of look and design, I think, Alienware X14 Gaming Laptop looks awesome. The all-white design, with the light blue accents. Looks really clean mixed with the charcoal gray keypad. All the ports are on the back, including 3 USB-C ports, 1 USB-A, port Micro-SD card reader, and HDMI port for an external display. If you're looking for a laptop that is going to stand out, the Alienware X14 from DELL will do just fine.
5. Apple MacBook Pro 16 Inch With M1 Pro MAX Chip
Now the final laptop that is probably the best for music production in 2022 is the 16-inch MacBook M1 Pro MAX. Costing around three and a half thousand dollars.
Apple MacBook Pro 16 Inch With M1 Pro MAX Chip |
The MacBook M1 Pro MAX comes with 32 giga of RAM, one terabyte of SSD storage, and the M1 Pro MAX Processor. These specs can be upgraded to 64 gigabytes of RAM and 8 terabytes of SSD storage making this laptop super powerful. But, also crazy expensive. like I mentioned with the M1 Pro 14, the build of these laptops is super solid. And the biggest 16-inch screen also helps if you aren't using an external monitor. The ports are also very similar to the M1 Pro 14, with an HDMI port and three USB-C ports. So again, make sure you have a USB-C Hub for these. In terms of power, size, and build, no laptop has been able to compete yet.
So, that brings this article to an end focused on the five best laptops for music production. that you can get for music production in 2022. Thank you guys so much for your stay and I will see you for another one next time.