Apple products have always been versatile, especially the MacBook. Its portability, all-in-one design, battery life optimization, and versatility make this device a crowd favorite.
About 47% of American consumers use a MacBook. Similarly, the Apple Mac generated USD 7.5 billion in revenue in quarter two of 2024. It also holds 9% of the market share in the personal computing industry.
But how does this translate to a novice music producer? Well, you can use this brilliant device to make music. For example, a London-based artist named George Pringle produced his single Carte Postale on his MacBook using DAW software and his home studio. Would you like to do the same?
In this blog post, we’ve discussed everything you’ll need to know about producing music on a Mac device.
According to Produce Like A Pro, Apple computers have become a standard in various creative industries due to their uncluttered and reliable operating systems. The music industry uses this device because of its efficient software integration and robust hardware.
Every musician will say that MacBooks are common devices that aid in music production. You can record, edit, mix, and master music files seamlessly on a Mac.
AppleInsider notes that producers will need a Mac with faster chips to ensure a smooth and speedy workflow. Apple Silicone and Intel-based devices can work well enough. However, the best model for music production would be the device with an M1 or M2 chip and 16 GB of RAM.
Even then, you’ll need DAW software to perform the tasks. Examples include Logic Pro and Ableton Live. These have a powerful and intuitive user interface to process your inputs. As a result, you get to create electronic beats, record live instruments, mix tracks, etc.
You’ll also need some physical tools to aid your music production journey on a MacBook.
A survey by Ditto Music notes that at least 60% of musicians use AI tools to make music. However, you don’t want that, do you? That’s why you’re looking for things to help you create raw and ‘human’ music on a MacBook.
In that case, you must buy the following tools:
Your MacBook cannot digitally record audio from the source without the right tools. Similarly, you’ll need a proper output to aid your production journey. That’s where headphones, speakers, and microphones come in.
Here’s why you should get these tools for your Mac:
Headphones: They provide detailed monitoring that helps mix and edit audio files in isolation. Hence, you should choose an open-back for mixing and a closed-back for recording.
Microphones: These can capture sound with precision only if they have the right polar patterns and frequency response. Choose dynamic mics to record live performances and condenser mics for studio sessions.
Studio Monitors: Speakers will give you an accurate sound representation for balanced mastering and mixing. Choose a monitor offering a flat frequency response that you can adjust.
The first thing to do is get an audio interface for Mac. This market will grow at a 5.76% CAGR between 2023 and 2033, proving its demand and popularity. That means you’ll have multiple audio interfaces to choose from.
To find an interface compatible with MacOS, you must follow these tips:
Look for a product compatible with Thunderbolt 4 ports for high transfer speed and lower latency.
Check the number of inputs and outputs the interface will offer for your monitoring and recording setup.
Find high-resolution converters if you want to record acoustic instruments and vocals.
This is actually a ‘no-brainer.’ However, many music producers use the diverse range of virtual instruments with their DAW software. The thing is, these offer exceptional music quality, but they don’t have that ‘human’ touch.
Thankfully, physical instruments can enrich compositions because they offer expressive capabilities and unique textures. Unlike the presets in virtual instruments, here you can use knobs and fingers to tweak the tone and beat.
Ideally, you should go for the following ones:
Electronic and programmable synthesizers to create classic, pop, and futuristic sounds
Drums give your track the rhythmic foundation that varies between electronic steps and acoustic kits.
Guitar (acoustic, bass, and electric) to provide an intricate rhythmic strum
All in all, music producers can create exceptional audio files using a MacBook. However, they’ll need some essential tools for that, including an audio interface, musical instruments, studio headphones, etc.
With these, you can harness a MacBook’s full potential for music production. For instance, these intuitive interfaces can enhance recording quality and facilitate creative expression. You also get to ensure accurate sound monitoring.
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