Hey Enthusiasts.

I’m being having my arm more or less twisted to force me to buy a macbook. Granted, with brands like lenovo shutting down on urp and arch Linux these days having a list of show-stopping issues longer than your phone’s scrolling ability, uh, why not. Meh tho.

Local corner shop still has 'pro in M1pro/16GB ram or M2"basic"/8GB ram for not unaffordable prices. Single Core benchmarks puts the M2 at maybe 10% better than M1pro, but Multicore and “Metal” (???) says M1pro is better than M2 basic, sometimes by a lot (geekbench).

I don’t understand benchmarking, especially with such variation in results.

I need a machine able to play 12 tracks of 16bits .wav files + some effects (Ardour) and / or output video in 1080p on 2 outputs + some gimmickery (Isadora). Or you know, run qlab like everybody else, with fades and envelopes and stuff.

Which one should I buy?

  • @joneskind
    5•11 months ago

    My dear dude!

    Regarding your question, go for the M1 Pro. Despite having a little less single-core power, it will have immensely more graphic and multicore power, which you might seek regarding your usage of a computer. If you want/need to use Linux on it, you will use VM software that will make good usage of the extra ram and extra cores.

    Now, since you’re also into music software, you’ll be glad to discover that Apple products, from iPhone to iPad to Mac, come with a free software called GarageBand that is batshit crazy for a free software (you can download it on the Mac AppStore if it’s not pre-installed). I remember switching from Windows/Ubuntu in 2007, discovering this piece of software with the Real Time Audio kernel of then Mac OSX Leopard, plugging in my guitar and enjoying zero-latency analog effects. You’ll get a good range of Digital instruments too, which you can control with a master keyboard (I bought a Kawai ES back then). Every GarageBand project can then be imported into Logic Pro, if you want to go for the professional audio suite.

    Welcome to macOS. I hope you’ll enjoy the ride!

    • ReallyZenOP
      3•11 months ago

      Thanks! I don’t know GB, but I’ve seen people around me use it heavily.

      I’ve been working with macs since a long time - goes with the job. I know they’ll work great also with my stuff like midi keyboards (I have so many…) and Live and, and.

      I’ll see tomorrow if what’s on the counter is actually available. Thanks again, your enthusiasm is heartwarming!