Recording Studio: Running UA Apollo X TB3 Network on a Mac Studio M1 Max

[GrievousAngel]

In a recording studio setting, running a UA Apollo X TB3 Network w/ 3 UA TB3 devices (X8p + X16 + X8), I am looking at Mac Studio M1 Max 10 Core (64Gb memory, 1TB SSD) but not sure if 32 Core GPU is beneficial?

In this DAW the graphic demands (20 or 32 Core GPU) are mostly determined by LUNA (Track #) and the number of active UAD plugins and which display monitor is used. I think that accurate.

With Mac Studio described above, should op for 20 or 32 core GPU? I'm leaning toward the 32 Core to be safer for a ~$200 adder. So the M1 Max options would be 64GB, 1TB SSD, 32 Core GPU. Most of y'all agree?

What about the older mini Mac M1 (with prefered options)? Last years iMac w/ 27" display? New iMac w/ 24" display?

Others opinions? What may be the better 'performance versus cost' this application? This Mac would be dedicated to this purpose.

Thanks,
B. Johnson

 

[Chancha]

LUNA does take use of GPU power but it is questionable if 32 vs 24 cores is all that much of a difference since 24 is already quite a high core count. It may depend on your current or future projects, but it is unlike to see a hardline bottleneck sitting above 24 but somehow can be served by 32.

In practical terms, since you are already doing custom config in 64GB and 1TB, an additional $200 is just a safe bet in case it will actually help. But this is threading closer to the price and config of the base Ultra which gives you 48 GPU cores, and more importantly doubling CPU cores will defo helps audio in many many years to come.

I think if you need seasoned UA users to report real world usage you may need to wait weeks or months. So it depends on how flex your budget is or how urgent you need such a machine. The M1 mini may very well be adequate but it is not a good timing to buy one now IMO.

 

[GrievousAngel]

Thanks for your speedy reply Chancha! You have a logical approach by waiting a few weeks. I'll check with UA forum often as well.

Who out there are using M1 Mac machines?

Which M1-based Mac(s) should I checkout for this application? I like the Studio however you must invest in monitor display(s), where as iMacs (of course) include a monitor. At that point of decision, it becomes a budget-based or cost vs. performance required decision. With this in mine, I need to re-visit UA Forum as Chancha suggested.

Later

 

[aurora_sect]

Hey, Apollo Rack x6 user here. I went with 32GB RAM and 24 GPU cores--just base Max with 1TB SSD. So far so good but I haven't gotten into Luna yet. Looks interesting but I'm so comfortable in Logic.