What is the best Computer
for Recording Music?
What are the minimum requirements for your computer for recording? What is the recommended requirement for a computer for music production? Music computers need to have a fast processor and lots of memory. The computer music software you use will have a minimum requirement.
For instance, the minimum requirements for Cubase 7.5 are:
For Macintosh
- Mac OS X Version 10.8/10.9
- Intel dual core CPU
- 2 GB RAM
- Display Resolution 1280 x 800 pixels
- CoreAudio compatible audio hardware
- 8 GB of free HD space
- DVD-ROM dual-layer drive
- USB port for USB-eLicenser
- Internet connection required for activation, account setup and personal product registration.
For Windows PC
- Windows 7/Windows 8
- Intel or AMD dual core CPU
- 2 GB RAM
- Display Resolution 1280 x 800 pixels
- Windows compatible audio hardware
- 8 GB of free HD space
- DVD-ROM dual-layer drive
- USB port for USB-eLicenser
- Internet connection required for activation, account setup and personal product registration.
As you can see from this, the minimum is a very low spec computer! You really need to get a computer that has a lot more power and memory.
Choosing The Computer? What should you look for?
These recommendations will help.
Processor (CPU)
The speed of the CPU is an important factor in how well the programs run on the computer. Get the fastest processor you can afford.
Recommended Processors:
Intel Processor
- Intel Core i7-4930K Processor (12M Cache, up to 3.90 GHz)
AMD Processor
- AMD FX 8-Core Black Edition FX-9590
Mac
- Mac Pro Quad-Core 3.7GHz Intel Xeon E5 with 10MB L3 cache and Turbo Boost up to 3.9GHz
- Mac Pro 6-Core 3.5GHz Intel Xeon E5 with 12MB L3 cache and Turbo Boost up to 3.9GHz
RAM (Memory)
The Computer Music Software that you use will need The most memory you can get. 4GB is all that windows 7/8 can use. If you want to use more you will need a 64-bit system then you can have 8GB. But for windows 8 you an have 128GB on the64-bit system.
Recommended Memory:
- 4GB
Hard Drive
It is best to use two hard drives One for the software. One for the audio recordings. This will help the stability of the system and help prevent crashes. Especially if you try to run many tracks at the same time. Or use lots of effects.
When selecting the hard drives, you need to consider the:
- Size of Hard Drive
- Spindle Speed
- Seek Time
- Buffer Size
- Interface Type
Minimum Recommended Specification:
- 1000GB
- 10,000 rpm
- 8ms
- 32 mb
- SATA
If the computer is to be in the same room that you are recording you will need a very quiet computer.
You can build the computer yourself and then get the system that you want.
