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MacBook Air for Digital Djing and Production?

Home :: General Discussion :: MacBook Air for Digital Djing and Production?Reply

MacBook Air for Digital Djing and Production? Posted on: 16.07.2013 by Bulah Pizzolo I am just beginning to setup my gear for Djing and also wanna go for production in the near future. Why do I not see so many MacBook Air's out htere but a lot MacBook Pro's? I do have a MacBook Air today but more for daily business e.g. I personally like the small size (11"), less weight but it seems I am missing some significant points. I understand that a MacBook pro is naturally with more power and options for USB, Thunderbolt connection etc, but is that all about? Thanks for your help!
nayit ruiz jaramillo 17.07.2013	Originally Posted by makar1 I can't stand using any computer that has an outdated spinning mechanical disk as its primary hard drive. Everything happens so slowly, and Traktor takes long enough to load already with several thousand tracks in its collection. I have the patience to wait, I'm doing other setup stuff whilst the collection loads. Originally Posted by makar1 The only benefit of the Pro now is the cheap storage options. This isn't a benefit for me. It is a requirement. Originally Posted by makar1 The Air gives you much faster performance with the stock drive, higher screen resolution, longer battery life, and being just over half the weight of the Pro isn't something to sneer at. Well I realise all that but, and I repeat makes little difference to a Traktor user. DJing without the PSU is a no-go for me, ever. Weight really is of no concern I believe this is so misleading when you actually consider the weight of a 13" MBP and the fact that In a case, in a bag with all your peripherals... add a bag of sweets or a water bottle and you have undone the weight saving. All your points are good, added up they sound great. Individually they make little difference to a Traktor users experience. Originally Posted by makar1 Buying a brand new
Rolanda Clodfelder 21.07.2013	Originally Posted by noah1i8 a macbook air will not have enough processing power for production, unless you're doing very basic stuff with only a few tracks and little automation. It is possible, but there will be tons of jitter on playback Sorry mate thats complete bullshit. The Air is a more than capable machine since they introduced the Core Series processors back in the 2011 model - agreed the pre-2011 underpowered C2D models were almost useless. However the new Air is 100% as speedy as the 13' Pro for 95% of tasks (and even moreso at others due to the SSD and better graphics card).
Alphonso Deitchman 18.07.2013	Originally Posted by Karlos Santos If you need all 4 decks open and Global section for FX then I would say you need the 15", unless you can rely on the controller for visual feedback. The 13" Air fits all that onscreen nicely, given that it has the same screen resolution as the base 15" Pro.
nayit ruiz jaramillo 18.07.2013	Originally Posted by Timbo21 Why no 15 again? For my personal use I just don't need a 15". I only really use 2 decks and simple sampler usage so i hide decks C & D , hide all the mixer elements and the Global Section. I still use my 15" but mainly as an internet machine in the house (the big screen is better for looking at trainers :-). I just got used to a 13" and now I find 15" to be cumbersome. If you need all 4 decks open and Global section for FX then I would say you need the 15", unless you can rely on the controller for visual feedback. I just dont need all the screen space.
Edwardo Rothenberger 17.07.2013	Originally Posted by Karlos Santos I will never buy a 15 again. Why no 15 again?
nayit ruiz jaramillo 17.07.2013	Originally Posted by makar1 I can't stand using any computer that has an outdated spinning mechanical disk as its primary hard drive. Everything happens so slowly, and Traktor takes long enough to load already with several thousand tracks in its collection. I have the patience to wait, I'm doing other setup stuff whilst the collection loads. Originally Posted by makar1 The only benefit of the Pro now is the cheap storage options. This isn't a benefit for me. It is a requirement. Originally Posted by makar1 The Air gives you much faster performance with the stock drive, higher screen resolution, longer battery life, and being just over half the weight of the Pro isn't something to sneer at. Well I realise all that but, and I repeat makes little difference to a Traktor user. DJing without the PSU is a no-go for me, ever. Weight really is of no concern I believe this is so misleading when you actually consider the weight of a 13" MBP and the fact that In a case, in a bag with all your peripherals... add a bag of sweets or a water bottle and you have undone the weight saving. All your points are good, added up they sound great. Individually they make little difference to a Traktor users experience. Originally Posted by makar1 Buying a brand new
Nedra Fresneda 17.07.2013	Originally Posted by deevey This would be my primary concern with considering the current crop of Macbook Pro's, so here's hoping for an updated "something" in the fall. I desperately need to replace my aging 2009 MBP (which I use for every conceivable task) Same boat here but probably not as desperate =). Maxing HDD and RAM did bring back life to this one and Mavericks is way more energy efficient.
Rolanda Clodfelder 21.07.2013	Originally Posted by noah1i8 a macbook air will not have enough processing power for production, unless you're doing very basic stuff with only a few tracks and little automation. It is possible, but there will be tons of jitter on playback Sorry mate thats complete bullshit. The Air is a more than capable machine since they introduced the Core Series processors back in the 2011 model - agreed the pre-2011 underpowered C2D models were almost useless. However the new Air is 100% as speedy as the 13' Pro for 95% of tasks (and even moreso at others due to the SSD and better graphics card).
Catheryn Babadzhanov 19.07.2013	a macbook air will not have enough processing power for production, unless you're doing very basic stuff with only a few tracks and little automation. It is possible, but there will be tons of jitter on playback
Ana Butt 18.07.2013	Also guys you can map to keyboard to flick open Browser menu, thats what I do, I dj with Acer Aspire V5, great laptop for traktor, but havent tryed it yet fully on Ableton, I do believe it will perform OK, also that touchscreen i find useful for traktor EDIT there are many acer aspire v5, not gonna bother with exact product code, but specs are i3 processor, 6gb ram, 700gb hd, and HD display along with decent HD video card
Branden Wentler 18.07.2013	Been using an Air 13" for almost a year now and it's been great to me. I typically run Traktor and Maschine simultaneously w/o a hitch. I also use an extrnal mixer so I am able hide some of Traktor's mixer elements. I have Ableton installed and have ran it while routing Traktor's audio signal with no real performance issues either. Can't vouch for the production capabilities though--that would depend on how complex your projects are. My initial concern over screen size diminished after a few sessions. Plus, the only time im looking at the screen now-a-days is to find a track or double-check loop sizes...or read the damned sample slots I can never seem to memorize by color. Either way I'd recommend wtv bang for buck setup that fits your wallet. I ultimately had to upgrade the SSD in the Air and wager that you can find a cheaper solution from Apple's current line up of laptops.
Armanda Yankauskas 18.07.2013	all can say about complaining bout screen size is that we did DJ without looking at waveforms before. screen size discrepancies should not be of concern, but i agree with 15 being too big in general. it wont fit on the little fold out table of a seat on a plane, so umm... yeah, its too big haha
nayit ruiz jaramillo 18.07.2013	Yeah I meant a 15 MBP compared to a 13 MBP. Even on a 15 MBP I cannot see enough of the browser. That's why I hide everything.
Alphonso Deitchman 18.07.2013	Originally Posted by Karlos Santos If you need all 4 decks open and Global section for FX then I would say you need the 15", unless you can rely on the controller for visual feedback. The 13" Air fits all that onscreen nicely, given that it has the same screen resolution as the base 15" Pro.
nayit ruiz jaramillo 18.07.2013	Originally Posted by Timbo21 Why no 15 again? For my personal use I just don't need a 15". I only really use 2 decks and simple sampler usage so i hide decks C & D , hide all the mixer elements and the Global Section. I still use my 15" but mainly as an internet machine in the house (the big screen is better for looking at trainers :-). I just got used to a 13" and now I find 15" to be cumbersome. If you need all 4 decks open and Global section for FX then I would say you need the 15", unless you can rely on the controller for visual feedback. I just dont need all the screen space.
Bulah Pizzolo 17.07.2013	Wow .. didn't thought about so much feedback. A lot of pros and cons for both, the MBP as well as the MBA. Just to make it even more complex: I would like to go with Native Instruments Maschine as well. I hope the next update (MK3, 2.0 or whatever they will call it tomorrow), will be with Traktor integration as well. I guess this will make it even more reasonable for a MBP. What do you believe?
Doreen Schurle 18.07.2013	If someone sold an affordable 21" tablet, I'd be all over that shit. EDIT: The HP Slate 21 would've been an option if they'd thrown an Atom in there instead of a Tegra, but as it stands, the closest alternative is the Samsung Ativ One 5 Style, which doesn't have a battery.
Edwardo Rothenberger 17.07.2013	Originally Posted by Karlos Santos I will never buy a 15 again. Why no 15 again?
Verlene Geevarghese 17.07.2013	If you plan on getting the Air, buy it upgraded as your options are slim on upgrades later. RAM is out of the question and replacement SSD's cost an arm and a leg. With that in mind a 13" Retina with 256gb/8gb and 2.5ghz i5 is 1600 bucks (from Best Buy). By comparison the 13" Air with the 1.7ghz i7 256/8gb is 1549 (from Apple, to my knowledge you can't get this configuration from anyone else but them). So you're looking at 50 bucks more for the Retina display. A little more heft, but in my opinion not enough to be a deal breaker. As alluded to earlier, if considering serious production a loaded 13" standard Pro has tons of guts and gets you in the same price bracket. The native resolution, while low, wasn't much an issue TO ME since I had my machine plugged into an external display at home. Even on my retina now, it scales to 1280x800 just with quadruple the pixel density and it doesn't bother me one bit. That's not to suggest it won't bother you. I can at least scale out my resolution, you obviously wouldn't have that option on a standard 13" Pro. I personally found the standard Pro 15" too cumbersome to carry around when I was shopping for my first Pro, and it help when trying to justify the price increase. So having said that, I would consider purchasing a base Air foolish, and when you compare the price of upgraded Airs to it's brethren in the same price bracket there are better options.
nayit ruiz jaramillo 17.07.2013	Originally Posted by makar1 I can't stand using any computer that has an outdated spinning mechanical disk as its primary hard drive. Everything happens so slowly, and Traktor takes long enough to load already with several thousand tracks in its collection. I have the patience to wait, I'm doing other setup stuff whilst the collection loads. Originally Posted by makar1 The only benefit of the Pro now is the cheap storage options. This isn't a benefit for me. It is a requirement. Originally Posted by makar1 The Air gives you much faster performance with the stock drive, higher screen resolution, longer battery life, and being just over half the weight of the Pro isn't something to sneer at. Well I realise all that but, and I repeat makes little difference to a Traktor user. DJing without the PSU is a no-go for me, ever. Weight really is of no concern I believe this is so misleading when you actually consider the weight of a 13" MBP and the fact that In a case, in a bag with all your peripherals... add a bag of sweets or a water bottle and you have undone the weight saving. All your points are good, added up they sound great. Individually they make little difference to a Traktor users experience. Originally Posted by makar1 Buying a brand new
Nedra Fresneda 17.07.2013	Originally Posted by deevey This would be my primary concern with considering the current crop of Macbook Pro's, so here's hoping for an updated "something" in the fall. I desperately need to replace my aging 2009 MBP (which I use for every conceivable task) Same boat here but probably not as desperate =). Maxing HDD and RAM did bring back life to this one and Mavericks is way more energy efficient.
Ulysses Vittetoe 17.07.2013	Originally Posted by Patch Air>Mac≥PC DISCLAIMER: this is based on ZERO experience of MBP's or Air's... Haha I love this. Pizza is delicious! Disclaimer: I've never eaten pizza.
Rolanda Clodfelder 17.07.2013	Originally Posted by makar1 Buying a brand new
Alphonso Deitchman 17.07.2013	I can't stand using any computer that has an outdated spinning mechanical disk as its primary hard drive. Everything happens so slowly, and Traktor takes long enough to load already with several thousand tracks in its collection. The only benefit of the Pro now is the cheap storage options. The Air gives you much faster performance with the stock drive, higher screen resolution, longer battery life, and being just over half the weight of the Pro isn't something to sneer at. Buying a brand new
Brunilda Kora 17.07.2013	Air>Mac≥PC DISCLAIMER: this is based on ZERO experience of MBP's or Air's...
nayit ruiz jaramillo 17.07.2013	For me to spec an Air to the equivalent of my 13" MBP it would cost something like
Rolanda Clodfelder 17.07.2013	I absolutely do not see the point in constricting yourself with an Air when a Pro is , in real terms cheaper. Actually its not, the pro is $100 more expensive for the non-retina 13'/8gb, where the retina is $300 more expensive with the same 256/8gb configuration. Both the retina and non-retina have a lower spec graphics card than the current Air Lineup, however the pro's can surpass them in processing power. Just saying .... I know, there will be Air users that will defend them to the hilt ** there is something freakishly satisfying as a user about being able to run heavy duty apps on a laptop as light and small as an Air - even on a 13' macbook I used to get some funny looks from clients when I would run virtual networks of 4 or 6 clients / servers in Parallels to demo software.
nayit ruiz jaramillo 17.07.2013	I absolutely do not see the point in constricting yourself with an Air when a Pro is , in real terms cheaper. If you are using it for Traktor (as someone said production requires "more grunt") then why bother cus the SSD ill be faster but, with Traktor how much are you gonna notice And if someone says "its lighter" oh please. I know, there will be Air users that will defend them to the hilt but, if you are buying new, now why buy something that you may regret down the line. 13" MBP FTW everytime. I would never buy a 15" MBP again (and I've got 2). The 13 setup correctly is perfect for Traktor.
Rolanda Clodfelder 17.07.2013	The 13' Regular pro is starting to show its age with its 1280x800 display. Resolution is higher on a macbook air (11 and 13) than a Regular 13' Pro so you can actually fit more on the screen Speed between the two is almost the same these days (since they got rid of core processors), theres a better graphics card in the Air now too, and the SSD speeds things up alot. No Reason the Air is not a viable performance machine, however for production (rendering etc..) a lil more grunt is always nice. If I needed portability I'd go with a 13' Air for sure, if I want a lil extra ooomph I reckon the 13' Retina is worth the price. While the 11' is capable in every way, screen is just a wee bit teeny tiny to be comfortable IMHO.
Danae Dumler 17.07.2013	Originally Posted by b1sh0p You listen to music, not watch it. ^^^^+++ well said!
Danae Dumler 17.07.2013	I just up/down graded to an 11" and will watch this discussion and post here as I use it. Haven't used Traktor much lately though to be honest as I've been getting way back into vinyl, but I have a gig in a couple weeks where I plan to use the 11", we'll see how it goes.
Ara Tima 17.07.2013	Originally Posted by enorjy ive seen carl craig and loco dice use macbook air for djing, so its plausible I've been using a 13inch Macbook Air to DJ with for years. It's more than plausible. They are easily fast enough. Screen size doesn't take long to get used to if you go with the 13 inch, it only becomes a bit cramped with more then 2 decks running. 11inch though might be a different story.
Ulysses Vittetoe 16.07.2013	You may not enjoy it at first, but it's certainly doable and you'll get used to it.
Nedra Fresneda 16.07.2013	I've been DJing and producing with a 13" for quite a few years now, totally possible. Wether it will work for you or not it's just a matter of personal preference.
Elna Delpizzo 16.07.2013	Originally Posted by b1sh0p It's definitely got the power. Screen size isn't a huge issue IMO. As long as you can see the font to select tracks, you're golden. You listen to music, not watch it. This is what I was believeing... Ive never had a power issue with the Air as Ive ran multiple processor heavy graphics programs at the same time and still seems to have some decent life in it. I dont have any real world experience trying to use Ableton at a standing height as its always right in front of me. Glad to know I can keep running this computer and focus my money and efforts on other aspects. Thanks OP for making this thread. Learned something on my first day here.
Sonja Roybal 16.07.2013	It's definitely got the power. Screen size isn't a huge issue IMO. As long as you can see the font to select tracks, you're golden. You listen to music, not watch it.
Rochel Papillion 16.07.2013	ive seen carl craig and loco dice use macbook air for djing, so its plausible
Sherell Hubiak 16.07.2013	Originally Posted by mdcdesign Tiny screen. DJing on a 13" screen is bad enough for me; eventually I'm going to upgrade to a Dell XPS18 tablet. I agree.... 15" at least. It would work.... not sure if you could hook up an external monitor. Might be a good idea. They're cheap enough.
Elna Delpizzo 16.07.2013	Ill be following this thread as well... I too am just starting out and already have a 13in. Air. Seems to perform screwing around with Ableton, but Ive never used any midi controllers or anything.
Doreen Schurle 16.07.2013	Originally Posted by sw84244 I am just beginning to setup my gear for Djing and also wanna go for production in the near future. Why do I not see so many MacBook Air's out htere but a lot MacBook Pro's? I do have a MacBook Air today but more for daily business e.g. I personally like the small size (11"), less weight but it seems I am missing some significant points. I understand that a MacBook pro is naturally with more power and options for USB, Thunderbolt connection etc, but is that all about? Thanks for your help! Tiny screen. DJing on a 13" screen is bad enough for me; eventually I'm going to upgrade to a Dell XPS18 tablet.

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MacBook Air for Digital Djing and Production?