Pro or not for running Logic Pro?

[williamh]

Does anyone have experiences running Logic pro on either Macbook Pro or Macbook? (I'm looking at 2.0 Core Duo model with 1Gig of ram)

I won't do any graphic stuff. The computer is mainly for recording, arrangement and mixing. I use Logic Pro only, not using any program like Reason, Protool..etc.

I need some advice. Either go for Pro or not pro.

 

[doowrehs]

Have a look at the thread here:

http://www.bigbluelounge.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=30016

 

[mopppish]

Some people over at Gearslutz have also reported exceptional audio software performance on the Macbook, but I don't know how many talked specifically about Logic or not. A lot of people will say that their Macbook is handling sessions (some say Logic, some say Pro Tools) that their old dual 1.8-2.0ghz G5's are starting to choke on, so I would say that you can expect at least comparable performance to the current low-end Powermac. Not too shabby.
The thing is, it's possible that integrated graphics will make a DAW with too much eye candy LOOK like it's running chunky, but in reality there is plenty of processing power to keep the software running smoothly. I'm sure that with the RAM maxed out in the Macbook (since giving it more RAM DOES in fact affect graphics performance) you wouldn't even notice any problems.
For the record, I use Logic Pro 7 on my ibook sometimes. I did a small mix on my imac G5 and took it over to school on my ibook to finish, and it still ran fine. I had 8 24-bit tracks going with a couple plug-ins on each (one of which was Space Designer) and the CPU meter was at about 25%. Granted, that's lousy performance, but this is an IBOOK we're talking about! I was happy that the session even opened!
OK, I'm exaggerating a little bit...

 

[milo]

Does anyone have experiences running Logic pro on either Macbook Pro or Macbook? (I'm looking at 2.0 Core Duo model with 1Gig of ram)

I won't do any graphic stuff. The computer is mainly for recording, arrangement and mixing. I use Logic Pro only, not using any program like Reason, Protool..etc.

I need some advice. Either go for Pro or not pro.

Logic runs great on all the intel boxes, there have been some benchmarks on the official apple Logic boards. I haven't seen specifics on the macbook, but based on the results of the duo mini, it will likely perform almost as well as the MB pro. Unless you need the bigger screen (don't forget it supports a second one) or other specific features, I'd take a serious look at the MB and spend the extra money on ram, external FW drive, and other goodies.

The graphics makes no difference on performance or screen redraws in an app like logic, my mini looks every bit as good as my G5 quad.

 

[Maxiseller]

The only thing I would say in contrast is RAM usage.

It totally depends on what you use logic for of course. In my case it can be anywhere from 10 - 100 soft synths, effects and other plug ins and of course a sampler.

If this is you, a macbook is just not going to cut the mustard and you'll need a mac pro (when they arrive) just purely because you can use like...64GB ram (if you need it!)

On processor alone, the macbook is a great machine. But other factors do limit its usefulness in a studio. You'll have to get an external hard drive if you're using more than a few tracks at a time (which alters your "on the road" experience) and probably an external display as logic is screen hungry.

Just MHO

 

[williamh]

Thanx guys!

this computer is for portable purpose only...so I'll go for the Macbook and max out some stuffs.