Best Tablets And Computers For Recording & Editing Music
Guest post by Nicky Elkins, staff writer for BBGeeks & AndGeeks
In
today’s music industry, having the ability to record and edit your own music has become practically essential. However, having the correct
computer or tablet to do so is very important in facilitating the creative process itself.
There are several different types of computers and tablets on the market these
days, so it can sometimes be difficult to tell what is best for your needs.
When picking out your next laptop or tablet, consider what it is you will be primarily
using it for and then pick the best one for that use. Here are some of the
better tablets and computers you can use to record and edit your music.
Professional M Series by MusicXPC
The
Professional M Series laptop was designed specifically for music production and
editing. The computer comes with an Intel Core i7 Mobile Quad-Core Processor,
giving you enough power to run your recording and editing software. It comes
with a 500 GB hard drive, which can be upgraded to 750 GB, giving you more storage
for your songs. The laptop comes with internal memory that varies depending on
the model you get; it comes with 4GB, 8GB, or 16B. Of course, if that still
isn't enough storage, you can always get an external hard drive. The M Series comes with 5.1
Realtek ALC662 HD sound with Intel's High Definition Audio, and is lightweight
and portable. The M Series also runs Windows 7 operating system and has
multiple inputs and outputs, such as USB, HDMI, and a Multi-Card reader. This
is a great laptop that can be used not only for your music production, but for
everyday tasks as well.
The
Thinkpad W530 is a powerful machine that can help you create the perfect sound.
This laptop has a second generation Intel i7 processor and runs Windows 7
operating system. Depending on the model you get, this laptop can come with up
to a 1TB hard drive, or up to a 180GB Intel solid sate drive (SSD). This ultrabook weighs almost 6 lbs,
so you can easily travel with it. The W530 is a fast computer with RapidBoot
and InstantResume, and comes with Dolby Home Theater v4 audio for a quality
sound. It has several different inputs and outputs, as well as a
Multi-Burner/DVD CD Multi-Rec optical drive. This is a fast and powerful
machine that can handle several types of production software.
The
iMac can be a great addition to any sound recording
studio. Like the others, it comes with an Intel i7 Core Processor and you can
add up to 16GB of DDR3 Memory, or you can opt to get a 256GB SSD. The iMac is an all-in-one
desktop computer that has no tower. It comes with many connections on the back
of the monitor, like the audio line out, and the optical digital audio line
input. Using this desktop keeps your cords to a minimum by using Bluetooth
wireless connections for your magic mouse or track pad and keyboard. You can even
hook up portable, wireless speakers for a clearer sound. The iMac has enough
power for industry standard music production and editing software, as well as
video editing and production programs.
Many
musicians don't normally think about tablets when it comes to their
productions, but the Motorola Xoom is a very powerful contender when it comes
to portable music production. The Motorola Xoom uses the Ice Cream Sandwich
version of the Android operating system. It has an ARM 1GHZ Dual Core Processor
and up to 32GB of internal storage. For a tablet, the Xoom has quality audio
and supports most of the popular audio file types. While there is no CD drive,
there are many connections that you can use to download or transfer music.
There are many apps on the Android market that can be a quick fix to audio
production on the go. This tablet is a good option for the traveling musician
who can't carry a ton of equipment.
The
Eee Slate seems to be the best of both worlds when it comes to portable
computing. It has an Intel Dual-Core i5 Processor as well as 4GB of internal
memory. The Slate runs Windows 7 which can run software intended for desktops
as well as some apps for sound production. Currently though, the Eee Slate doesn't have a lot
of touch screen applications it can use. It comes with an HD Audio CODEC and stereo
speakers. The tablet has many inputs and outputs for USB, HDMI, and audio
connections. It comes with a stylus, Bluetooth keyboard, and the option to use
a USB mouse, letting you use it as a laptop if you need to. This is a very
useful device for someone who wants the operating power and capabilities of a
laptop, but wants something portable like a tablet. The Eee Slate has plenty of
RAM and storage options letting you run quality audio software.
This is not helping at all. Recording music doesnt require much powerhouse like editing video. Your article shouldve been about software not hardware to make sense
Try running 80 tracks of audio with 40 plugs at the same time and youll see how much performance is necessary. Not too much mention faster render times.
This article should mention the best system is a custom built PC that way you can assure your getting the highest quality components. Computers manufacturers always skimp on fans, power supplies and memory.
Yeah I agree. If you search for custom DAWs on gearslutz and other forums, you’ll see two highly recommended builders (at least for the US): Studiocat and ADK.
I completely agree with you.The properties of the computer given here are suitable for Recording & Editing Music and daily uses.
It’s also far, far cheaper to build your own machine. For me, that’s been the only way to go.
Rain Computers has a laptop and a few desktops that are specifically configured for audio (and video) production. The livebook (laptop) has gotten some good reviews.
http://raincomputers.com/products/livebook-a2/?ref=md
It very much depends on how you make music, friend. If you do make effects digitally on your computer then you need a lot of power. If you record an acoustic guitar and a vocal with no effects, then you don’t need power. Don’t forget that you are not the only person that reads this.
hey if you know is there any tablets besides ipads that I can plug my guitar into I cant find answers im reaching out to anybody
tfsongs4u@hotmail.com
This is exactly the information that I needed! Thank you so much for this informative article! I appreciate your knowledge and research!
It is pretty frightening that this author doesn’t know the difference between a hard drive and RAM.
“The laptop comes with internal memory that varies depending on the model you get; it comes with 4GB, 8GB, or 16B. Of course, if that still isn’t enough storage, you can always get an external hard drive.”
then later:
” Like the others, it comes with an Intel i7 Core Processor and you can add up to 16GB of DDR3 Memory, or you can opt to get a 256GB SSD.”
Yikes! Proofread, or get an editor, or something. That’s bad.