Anyone using 14" version of the new MacBook Pro for Final Cut Pro? Also, is a Max version necessary for FCP? Thanks
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14" for FCP?
- Thread starter themaestro
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Either machine (14" or 16") will be useful for FCP as both the M1 Pro and M1 Max are derived from the same silicon design. Both have appropriate hardware video encoders. Both have really ample GPU compute for 3D effects.
Unless you're editing multiple streams of 8K simultaneously, the M1 Pro with benefit for most use cases.
FCP has become so optimized that it will run on basically any Mac with a newer OS. It's just the "Pro" Macs offer a bit more in terms of visual and audio quality, the aforementioned dedicated video encoders, etc.
Edit: I've been a FCP user since 2017.
Depends on what you want to do. I used to use my MBP 2017 TB 13“ with and for FCPX and it worked pretty well.
The only thing that might become a problem is the display size, but I doubt it. The machine itself even with a Pro should be capable enough for rather extensive 4K editing. Probably even 6k, but you can look at some examples and experiences for this on YouTube.
The only thing that might become a problem is the display size, but I doubt it. The machine itself even with a Pro should be capable enough for rather extensive 4K editing. Probably even 6k, but you can look at some examples and experiences for this on YouTube.
Screen size will have no effect on Final Cut Pro. The MacBook Pro 13" screen shows everything.
The requirements for Final Cut Pro comes down to the type of edits you will be doing. If you're editing 1080p videos, then no. The M1 Max is not necessary. if you're working on multi-cam 8K mixed with 4K RED videos with color correction, lighting edits, 10-Bit format. Then Yes. I'd say the 32-Core GPU of the M1 MAX will make video edits smoother.
The requirements for Final Cut Pro comes down to the type of edits you will be doing. If you're editing 1080p videos, then no. The M1 Max is not necessary. if you're working on multi-cam 8K mixed with 4K RED videos with color correction, lighting edits, 10-Bit format. Then Yes. I'd say the 32-Core GPU of the M1 MAX will make video edits smoother.
I have a M1 MacBook Air 13" and spec wise there is no issue in my FCP setup. I think the newer chips will be amazing on both 14 and 16". Having said that, I still prefer my older 2018 15" MacBook Pro due to the size. I find the bigger chassis of the 15" allows my hands to fit more comfortably beside the trackpad. It's a more relaxed fit ergonomically. Also, the bigger display is also appreciated. That's why I've been holding out for the 27" iMac refresh. It does make some difference with FCP, but especially with Lightroom where you have lot of things present.
Also, I'm not sure what kind of projects (size) you will be doing and what your workflow and portability requirements are, but you may want to consider larger storage options as well.
I use an external SSD for editing with FCP whenever I'm doing any large projects. However, when I'm doing small projects, I'll sometimes just do them straight off the internal. It's so nice being able to move the laptop around without worrying about the SSD and dongle hanging off.
Also, I'm not sure what kind of projects (size) you will be doing and what your workflow and portability requirements are, but you may want to consider larger storage options as well.
I use an external SSD for editing with FCP whenever I'm doing any large projects. However, when I'm doing small projects, I'll sometimes just do them straight off the internal. It's so nice being able to move the laptop around without worrying about the SSD and dongle hanging off.
Thank you all for your advice. I was thinking of opting for 2TB storage. That sufficient? I'd say 4k video is the max for me, if that at all.
Yes, 2TB should be good enough unless you have very large data rate files with long lengths, in which case you'd already know this requirement, so I think you're good. I keep all my finished files and completed projects on an external spinning drive. I only keep lightweight documents on my computer. Music and movies are on separate drives.
The point of the bigger internal drive is not so I can keep everything else there, but rather just to have working space for a project or two of FCP and Lightroom. The big internal means I can keep everything project related on my internal drive and still have a decent amount of space left on my internal for 'emergency.'
If you need additional storage, external SSDs are getting better and cheaper. Black Friday is the best time to pick up storage.
In the past, I've taken files and projects on USB drives to BestBuy or Apple Store and opened them up on various MacBooks (13" and 15") and iMac (27" and 21.5") just to see how they look and how I feel about it. Doing so really helped me make up my mind and clear up any confusion.
The point of the bigger internal drive is not so I can keep everything else there, but rather just to have working space for a project or two of FCP and Lightroom. The big internal means I can keep everything project related on my internal drive and still have a decent amount of space left on my internal for 'emergency.'
If you need additional storage, external SSDs are getting better and cheaper. Black Friday is the best time to pick up storage.
In the past, I've taken files and projects on USB drives to BestBuy or Apple Store and opened them up on various MacBooks (13" and 15") and iMac (27" and 21.5") just to see how they look and how I feel about it. Doing so really helped me make up my mind and clear up any confusion.
I haven't gone that far but I have went to BestBuy to see the Mac I want to buy up close and in person. It's hard to judge size or fit and finish through images or videos on a website; sometimes you just have to see it in the real world.
This is all super advice, thank you for sharing experience. It's more likely i would use for audio such as Pro Tools than video but I'd like the option of video editing.
I've seen the 16" in a store. It looks super and is similar in size to my current 15" Mid 14 retina. However I'm leaning towards the 14" for more portability.
I've seen the 16" in a store. It looks super and is similar in size to my current 15" Mid 14 retina. However I'm leaning towards the 14" for more portability.