M1 MacBook Pro 16 - Logic Pro, clamshell mode, fan noise?

[Peter_M]

Hi,

I've wondering if my next Mac system should be a stationary one, or simply buy a MacBook Pro 16. I highly value a quiet work environment, and being able to compose and work at home with a completely silent system is very important to me.

Question is, do MacBook Pro machines in clamshell mode get hotter, and produce more fan noise? From what I have read, the M1 MacBook Pro 16 is running silent (or near-silent) during normal operation.

If I could use a fully specced out MacBook Pro 16 in clamshell mode at home, doing large and intensive Logic Pro projects with no noticeable fan noise - and also use it as a regular portable, that would be great. However, my main concern is fan noise (considering Mac Mini and Mac Studio are silent).

Any advice from people who use their M1 MacBook Pro 16 in clamshell mode, with Logic Pro (or a similar program like Cubase etc.), would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[jabbr]

I use Logic frequently in clamshell on my 14". On really heavy sessions there is just faint whisper of the fan, talking tons of plugins running at 32 sample buffer. The 16" will probably be silent nearly always.

 

[Peter_M]

Thanks of the reply. Yeah, I've read that the 16" runs quieter under load than the 14" model. Definitely leaning towards the MacBook Pro, though I'll probably wait until the M2 Pro/Max models come out.