THE ADVENTURE BEGINS
 |
| New Mac Studio 20 Core with 128GB DRAM and 4TB SSD |
UPDATE: It is now eight-months since the Mac Studio 20-core machine arrived here at High on Technology. To stress the internal 4TB SSD I've ordered and installed some additional big applications. Superior Drummer from Toontrack was recently joined by the gigabyte-sized Orchestral collection and the hefty East West Choir library along with the revised Arturia V-Collection X and new virtual-synthesizers by GForce. This computer continues to turn in excellent reliable performance.
As I've noted in other reviews, with this machine adjusted to just 32-samples (1.1ms of latency) I can easily run 20-different synthesizers, all live (no frozen tracks), and move between them while composing without fear of crashes or system problems. No need for tricks or short loading instruments, I simply load and go, the system just works.
The Mac Studio combined with the Presonus Thunderbolt converters continues to deliver incredible realtime audio throughput across the 32 audio outputs. Virtual instruments on this system feel "realtime" meaning you push the key down on the keyboard and instantly hear the sound without latency or delay effects (just like playing my DX7 or Prophet 6 hardware synthesizers).
The 20-core Mac Studio with extra DRAM and SSD were unquestionably the most expensive computer I've ever purchased for myself but this hardware has opened the doors to so many new composition ideas I have to say, it was worth the cost.
Additional update tidbits are scattered throughout this review.
ORIGINAL REVIEW STARTS HERE
For my DAW I've been using an Apple Black Cylinder computer since April of 2016. I ordered it from Apple and it has been a reliable digital servant since its arrival in my studio.
I've just ordered a new Mac Studio, 20 core model with 128GB of DRAM and 4TB internal SSD. It won't be here for 2-3 weeks but it will be the exact configuration I've been dreaming of. In this REVIEW I'll take you along for the whole experience.
- Will Apple deliver on time as promised?
- Will the machine be great?
- How will I connect all the older USB things like dongles, keyboard and mouse?
- What about an external hard drive or SSD for music projects to live on?
- How will it perform on my virtual synthesizers?
- Which Mac OS will be installed? Monterey OS12 or Ventura OS13?
Come along for the upgrade ride and find out the answers to these questions and more.
 |
| Projected delivery date from my order |
