Time to upgrade my Windows 11 machine to which Mac mini ?????

[NoBadMojo]

Does not use them well, in what sense? FWIW, the bulk of PC users running Studio One/Srudio Pro have all the tracks, and plugins they need. Ok, I'll speak on myself. Years of creating 40 to 60 plus tracks (and please disregard those one thousand track weenies, which doesn't apply) and I never had an issue, freeze, or other. I never quite understand the buy more option, when the reason isnt so clear. At least to me, and I may not have all your needs understood. A DAW typically isnt multi core dependent at all. Video ir gaming intensive, can be. So where's your issue? On reading about S1 doesnt use cores well? Hoping you dont furnish some examples Ive seen where these users barely scratch the surface of what is truly required in real world use of production or making actual music on their own. Instead, they're typically about running a Mac Mx with the same audio repeated a few thousand times or other nonsense. Just saying.

Sure, could be a great option! The M series Macs are outstanding. And can be had for cheap (new or used). Lots to like. Be sure your peripherals will all link the way you want them to, though. Hope it works out, but if you have a Dell and Linux way of going right now, your solution to getting a new computer (or music system) could be to choose either PC or Mac.

Does not use them well in the sense that it does not use them well, as stated by people knowledgeable about this sharing that info with actual results to back up what they say. That is what attracted me to the M2 Mac Mini because all iterations of that model have more than 4 primary cores which is more than the m4, but a knowledgeable person here suggested that the performance cores of the m4 are much much faster than the m2's negating that advantage. I suggest that the buy more option happens more with Mac Mini's because who wants to be stuck w. a machine that doesn't have enough ram. That's one good thing about Windows machines (especially workstations) because you can very easily just buy more ram and storage and such and easily slam it in there

As I;ve stated all along, I do not want another Windows machine for a number of reasons and getting Linux to work with the vst's I use is not tenable, so that seems to leave MAC Mini <for me>..what remains to be determined is which one and there is no way to tell until the m5 emerges on the Mac Mini. I do need some decent resources because amp sims seem to use a lot of resources as do certain other plugins. My old workstation is well obsoleted and I would be foolish to throw a bunch of money at a Windows machine..given everything going on.very likely I;ll just go with a base m5 new and that should serve me well for a number of years

 

[Vocalpoint]

I would be foolish to throw a bunch of money at a Windows machine..given everything going on.very likely I;ll just go with a base m5 new and that should serve me well for a number of years

The bottom line is - you will be throwing money away - one way or another. The real questions are "how much" and "how often".

While a fine machine - do remember - that buying a Mac mini is simply throwing money at a hermetically sealed - un-upgradable (and quickly depreciating) asset - until Apple relegates it as obsolete and forces you do it all over again in 3-4 years.

Here's the actuals on possible Mini target hardware that will allow an install of Tahoe (OS26) as of March 10, 2026:

Not exactly sure why that 2020 machine is listed and I am guessing there were no Minis of note in 2021 or 2022 - but it appears this unit is now a three (maybe 4) year cycle - tops - if you expect to run the latest OS

Your call of course.

VP

 

[NoBadMojo]

huh? Macs depreciate more quickly than Windows machines? Not unless you buy an already depreciated windows machine

Mac mini's are hermetically sealed?

You should know that upgrading a Windows machine is <often> not as simple and easy as it sounds. Sure, it is easy to upgrade ram and storage, But the CPU? That is something that needs upgraded to stand some real test of time. Likely the chip wont fit in the existing motherboard and if it does, it will draw more power...ooops I need a bigger power supply....and ooops, this thing gets hot..I need another fan in there.....errrr..maybe I should put a liquid cooling system in there

The subject of this thread is what Mac should I buy to replace a Windows machine..you have anything to offer along those lines? I think I have plenty of accurate info as a result of this thread. My thanks to those offering up viable advice. I think we can stick a fork in this thread...it's just turned into 'fanboys'

 

[BobF]

Everyone please refrain from attempting to steer the OP away from his/her platform of choice. Thank You

 

[Vocalpoint]

Mac mini's are hermetically sealed?

Have fun getting in there to change anything out.

You should know that upgrading a Windows machine is <often> not as simple and easy as it sounds. Sure, it is easy to upgrade ram and storage, But the CPU? That is something that needs upgraded to stand some real test of time. Likely the chip wont fit in the existing motherboard and if it does, it will draw more power...ooops I need a bigger power supply....and ooops, this thing gets hot..I need another fan in there.....errrr..maybe I should put a liquid cooling system in there

It actually is - as easy as it sounds - if you are comfortable and familar with how to actully do this.

I can decom and rebuild a PC from scratch in an hour.

And of course - if you want to do it right - you plan.

There is no discovering "I need a bigger power supply" over here. That would have been addressed months before acquiring (or repurposing) parts.

VP

 

[Vocalpoint]

Everyone please refrain from attempting to steer the OP away from his/her platform of choice. Thank You

Bob

Respectfully - if we are going to be "on point" - this is a Studio Pro community "support" forum - designed (I thought) to discuss Studio Pro.

It is not designed to be a non-stop shop for platform and hardware recommendations.

The OP asked a question and like it or not - conversations (sometimes one with differing opinions) will arise.

TBH - what was the OP expecting? To just have Mac Mini users drop by and sell him on his question?

If OP wants a Mac - go get one. This question is not Studio Pro specific and does not need a discussion really.

At best - it might find a better home in the Lounge.

VP

 

[Number6]

I'd just add I've got an I9-9900K with 32gb and it feels as speedy as the day I bought it (2018) on the latest version of Windows 11. I mostly use less than 50% of my resources. Nothing I throw at it feels sluggish. The thunderbolt audio interface runs great straight off the motherboard. I'm also running Mac Catalina on it, I don't really need to upgrade the OS, but one day I may upgrade to Monterey (it is possible).

The only thing I'd ever want to upgrade is my graphics card so I could get better performance with MS Flight Simulator, and I made sure from the beginning I had a decent power supply in case that happens, although it would hardly make my DAW run faster.

It's 7.5 years old, I don't see any necessity to replace my PC which I built to be future proof. I've got a feeling it could last another 7.5 years.

 

[TimC340]

While I'm primarily a PC user, I do have one Linux machine (Ubuntu) and my dear old (2015) Intel MacBook Pro. The MBP runs FSP8 just fine, and is quite capable of running a decent session of up to 15-20 tracks with a modest number of plugins without complaining. I haven't tried to push it to see when it gives up, but it seems no worse than my 2019 Dell XPS 13 with a far better CPU and more RAM. The point is that the much-trumpeted built-in obsolescence of Macs is far less of an issue than it seems if you're happy to continue with the last version of OSX that your machine is compatible with when it eventually gets dropped by Apple. Mine's on Monterey (IIRC), which is a couple of years old now, but it works just fine. An M2Pro Mac Mini will undoubtedly give many years of good service.

 

[Number6]

Bear in mind Studio Pro minimum Technical Specs · macOS 12.4 (Monterey) or higher required.for Fender Pro. That OS was released in May 16, 2022.

You can upgrade to Monterey if your Mac is a 2015 or newer model (or a 2013/2014 MacBook Pro).

Otherwise you can't. So OS lifespan is about 10 -12 years (maybe), assuming you are an early adopter.

External hardware compatibility may be a different story.

 

[lokeyfly]

Everyone please refrain from attempting to steer the OP away from his/her platform of choice. Thank You

I think its a good idea when someone politely presents the case of the last few years, what the lifespan of recent M series Apple Macs have been (with an example as a reference), its helpful. It's not insistent, not challenging, and it's purely offering an option. After which, everyone can go on about their business. My position was on core usage, and proving that out. Something tailored more in the way of video and gaming advantages (largely).

When the OP responds with

You should know that upgrading a Windows machine is <often> not as simple and easy as it sounds. Sure, it is easy to upgrade ram and storage, But the CPU? That is something that needs upgraded to stand some real test of time. Likely the chip wont fit in the existing motherboard and if it does, it will draw more power...ooops I need a bigger power supply....and ooops, this thing gets hot..I need another fan in there.....errrr..maybe I should put a liquid cooling system in there

There's no need to present the possability of non fitting CPU's, P.S. upgrades, and just utter nonsense as a response to prove I dont know what kind of point. Let's remember, the OP presented multi core as a DAW benefit, based on what somebody said. Of which we do not know who. To state any support of that claim is reasonable (although some actual link will help). Dissing some other platform, isn't.

The subject of this thread is what Mac should I buy to replace a Windows machine..you have anything to offer along those lines? I think I have plenty of accurate info as a result of this thread. My thanks to those offering up viable advice. I think we can stick a fork in this thread...it's just turned into 'fanboys'

For example, less of this (above).

"Accurate info as a result of this thread"? Where? I think we can all respectfully move on, and maintain rational points of view without being warned about steering any platforms. Still, the OP chooses to describe "fan boys", which I wouldnt exactly protect name calling. That's music radar stuff. Perhaps a little respect by the OP is what's really in order.

We needn't name call, NoBadMojo. So lets respectfully proceed. We'll leave the options (something we do here) out. You have a good plan of waiting for the M5 Mini, or a good used deal in order. It's your choice, and should work out.

 

[BobF]

VP made a good point. Moved to the Lounge.

It might serve all concerned better if a new thread were started (in the Lounge) "Win PC vs Mac - Pros/Cons"

That would offer great potential for point/counterpoint ... as long as it remains civil

 

[TimC340]

Bear in mind Studio Pro minimum Technical Specs · macOS 12.4 (Monterey) or higher required.for Fender Pro. That OS was released in May 16, 2022.

You can upgrade to Monterey if your Mac is a 2015 or newer model (or a 2013/2014 MacBook Pro).

Otherwise you can't. So OS lifespan is about 10 -12 years (maybe), assuming you are an early adopter.

External hardware compatibility may be a different story.

I didn’t actually know that! So FSP8 is the last version of the DAW my old MBP will run. That’s not really surprising, I guess - and I don’t think I’ll worry about ever upgrading the DAW in that particular box. It owes me nothing! I may finally retire it next year and pick up the 2027 version of the MB Neo, which should have the A19 CPU and 12Gb RAM. Not as a serious productivity or music machine, but should be more than capable of letting me tinker while on my fairly rare trips away.

 

[ChrisByrd]

I bought a M2 Mac Mini Pro with 16GB ram and a 512GB ssd when new and it's plenty powerful enough for Studio Pro, Cubase Pro and Logic Pro. I use a lot of NI plugins which tend to be resource hungry. I've also got a Windows 11 laptop with 16GB of ram and have no problems sharing Studio One and Cubase files between the MAc and the laptop.

 

[Vocalpoint]

Here is another reason why Macs "can" be a gamble...

Apple discontinues the Mac Pro with no plans for future hardware - 9to5Mac

It’s the end of an era: Apple has confirmed to 9to5Mac that the Mac Pro is being discontinued. It has...

9to5mac.com

Not applicable to this specific thread/scenario - but another solid illustration of how Apple will promote something as the "be-all and end-all" one moment (2019) and then quickly relegate it to scrap heap the next (2026)

VP

 

[tpittman]

Here is another reason why Macs "can" be a gamble...

Apple discontinues the Mac Pro with no plans for future hardware - 9to5Mac

It’s the end of an era: Apple has confirmed to 9to5Mac that the Mac Pro is being discontinued. It has...

9to5mac.com

Not applicable to this specific thread/scenario - but another solid illustration of how Apple will promote something as the "be-all and end-all" one moment (2019) and then quickly relegate it to scrap heap the next (2026)

VP

I'm not surprised Mac did that with what the imac and mac minis are capable of. My little 2018 Intel 1TG 64gb ram along with a nice 4tb Hub that as added ports. Even tho it's not an M series it's quite the package in a "small package". Between the mac mini and hub I have 7 USB Ports One (1) USB-C high speed from mac mini to hub. Two (2) - 3.0 high speed USB A Ports. Four (4) USB A ports. Four (4) Thunderbolt 3 Ports. Hdmi Port, SD Card slot and Ethernet port. All in a small compact, powerful unit. On my end it don't surprise me after having a mac mini there not much need for a "take up a bunch of room Tower" I still do have an old Tower 2011 that has 4 drive slots. I have those loaded up with ssd to back up music, pictures, video ect. I actually did the Open Core Hack on it. It runs Fender 8 Pro. I don't use it for recording but did want to see if Open Core Worked. Seems to me Apple seen the writing on the wall for the Tower units

 

[DavePorter33765]

The 2025 M4 Pro Mac Mini I have is a real workhorse. It functions very well and is extremely reliable…and essentially silent. All the major DAWs work extremely well with it (We use FSP, Logic. Luna, Cubase, Nuendo and Pro Tools here). We purchased 1 TB SSD and 64 GB RAM to future proof it when we bought it. The M4 Pro version has three Thunderbolt 5 ports and 2 USB C Ports. The M5 Mac Minis are rumored to be coming out soon, so if you can hold off that will be an even more powerful computer.

 

[tpittman]

The 2025 M4 Pro Mac Mini I have is a real workhorse. It functions very well and is extremely reliable…and essentially silent. All the major DAWs work extremely well with it (We use FSP, Logic. Luna, Cubase, Nuendo and Pro Tools here). We purchased 1 TB SSD and 64 GB RAM to future proof it when we bought it. The M4 Pro version has three Thunderbolt 5 ports and 2 USB 4 Ports. The M5 Mac Minis are rumored to be coming out soon, so if you can hold off that will be an even more powerful computer.

And I totally am all in with what you are saying. I don't like that Mac has made their computers pretty much non-upgradable.
So, I will also "Future Proof" my mac mini similar to what you did. It will be a bit before I make my move. That will give me plenty
of time to know exactly what I will end up getting. Thanks for the heads up on how your M4 is working

 

[LiveFromPFD]

I'm a happy Mac user and from what you've said, a base level Mac Mini would serve you well for years. Great bang for the buck if you already have a mouse, keyboard and display.

I have the original Mac Mini M1 bumped to 16gb and 1TB SSD bought in 2020. Its not my main studio computer but it runs cameras, lighting, and audio bridge for main studio computer so video/audio is synced. I can bring up SO7/8 sessions on it and it works very well. Still runs great. I don't see needing to update it anytime soon. I don't regret its cost (I think it was $1200 when I got it) or its longevity. Its been running 24x7 the entire time.

The new M4 Mac Mini, even the base model, I would think would be an excellent purchase. I upgraded my 6 year old Intel MacBook Pro laptop to an M4 Pro last year and its wonderful.

My first Mac (at least in the modern era) was a Mac Mini in 2008. I bought it to try out GarageBand and have a "dedicated" computer for music creation, being an all Windows guy then. No regrets, though as it goes without saying, no platform gets it right all the time.

 

[tpittman]

I'm a happy Mac user and from what you've said, a base level Mac Mini would serve you well for years. Great bang for the buck if you already have a mouse, keyboard and display.

I have the original Mac Mini M1 bumped to 16gb and 1TB SSD bought in 2020. Its not my main studio computer but it runs cameras, lighting, and audio bridge for main studio computer so video/audio is synced. I can bring up SO7/8 sessions on it and it works very well. Still runs great. I don't see needing to update it anytime soon. I don't regret its cost (I think it was $1200 when I got it) or its longevity. Its been running 24x7 the entire time.

The new M4 Mac Mini, even the base model, I would think would be an excellent purchase. I upgraded my 6 year old Intel MacBook Pro laptop to an M4 Pro last year and its wonderful.

My first Mac (at least in the modern era) was a Mac Mini in 2008. I bought it to try out GarageBand and have a "dedicated" computer for music creation, being an all Windows guy then. No regrets, though as it goes without saying, no platform gets it right all the time.

I appreciate your comments on the mac mini M1. I am very glad to hear the M1 still has it. That gives more
to look at although I likely will stay in the M4 - M5 area just because at my age I want to make sure as much as possible
that this will be the computer that basically lasts until I can't do it anymore. I have had such incredible good luck
with macs after spending two years fighting with Windows. I cannot tell you what a relief it was to plug in the Mac and it just worked. I was then finally able to get back to making music and that felt good. I finally did realize the
old saying: "Once you have a mac you won't go back" With that being said I use Window 10 for business stuff and it seems to do great but, for music / video I'll be on a mac. I am not whatsoever trying to knock anyone using Windows. There are plenty of good folks here using windows and getting nothing less than excellent results

 

[NoBadMojo]

OP here. Lots of good info here. I;m def gonna buy a Mac mini just as soon as the m5 comes out and I can see what happens in the used market. I may just buy a new m5...if I get a few years out of it, it will be a very cheap quality investment. I;ll use it just for music production like I do with my Win11 workstation.

One thing that baffles me is how people are so into how little desktop space the Mac Mini's take up. workstations take up no desktop space being a tower. I;ll probably just keep the Mac mini on top of the tower..ha

My plan is to buy a Mac mini and keep the workstation cooking and use that as a file server (not for music). It's got several ssd's in it. It dual boots into Win11 and Linux Zorin. I;ll likely remove the windows from it at that point as it will have no value. I'll just use the Mac mini for making music like I do with the workstation. I;ll get an enormous performance boost and no longer have to deal w. Microsoft any more