What Computer/Hardware to Buy For My Budget And Specific Needs (Which Includes Compatibility With An MP3 Player)

[The_Arcane_Pigeon]

Hi All.

I currently use a Chromebook for non-recording needs. I find it annoying, its getting up there in age, and I want to start recording music on a different device, so I need to figure out what I'm looking for in terms of a laptop/machine. I already have an old audio interface my friend gave me. I guess I should add that I have a condenser mic with phantom power, a small midi keyboard, electric guitar, acoustic guitars, some indigenous instruments and singing bowls etc.... and the necessary cables etc...

I scarcely know where to begin. I'm posting this thread really so I can start narrowing down what I'm looking for. I'm feeling a lot of overwhelm

I'm obviously looking for a machine (preferably a laptop) that supports music recording software. I don't even know anything about DAWs really, so I don't know if i'm looking to use Ableton, Logic or something simple like Garage Band. In an ideal world I'm looking for something that is really intuitive for simple stuff so I can get my feet wet and then mess with more complicated features as I learn. I have no idea if people use cracked versions or just pay for DAW software or how much software costs.

I also feel like I might want to avoid using really modern laptops/operating systems because technology has come to tend to become more and more cumbersome and annoying. See: Chromebooks. I don't want to have to connect to the internet for purposes that I really shouldn't have to. I don't want my laptop talking to me or adding too many bells and whistles. So if I'm looking to buy older models I need to know how to buy ones (refurbished perhaps/maybe used) that are very reliable with long life, where to buy them/shop for them. ETc... I'm looking for something as simple as it can be. I do not want to spend more than 700 dollars on a laptop/computer. I would just get a macbook but apple products are really expensive. I'm wondering: Are there other laptop models/brands/Operating Systems that musicians really tend to dig? I did consider a Mac mini but i'm not sure it would work for the following need:

One of the other (very important) purposes of this machine is for me to be able to download MP3s (safely) on the computer and then upload the music onto a mp3 music player. That might seem unrelated perhaps, but it's really not. It's very critical that I find a machine that can help me both record music, preferably in the least complicated way possible, and enable me to have the mp3 downloading/uploading ability going on too. I originally was dead set on getting a used MacBook or a Mac Mini so I could transfer my iPod library onto a machine and back onto a newly purchased ipod in case my current one stops working. But now I'm not married to that idea, especially considering how difficult that process is now that apple phased out itunes. I don't even know how people are downloading MP3s anymore. If you have mp3 hardware to recommend/knowledge of which ones are compatible with which types of machines etc.... that would be helpful. I don't know anything about handheld mp3 player hardware other than Ipods.

I guess I'll just add that I used to use Linux. I don't think I want to go that route. So I dunno... and old windows OS? I have no idea.

So many factors. So much overwhelm. Thanks to anyone who can help me start to narrow down the search.

Best,
The Arcane Pigeon

 

[bouldersoundguy]

An old OS is just going to be progressively less compatible with available hardware and software. I wouldn't go that route. Using a current OS isn't going to be any more annoying, all things considered.

You don't need a super high end computer to do audio work until you start doing a ton of simultaneous tracks and effects.

Any decent DAW will require learning a fair bit to get started, but once you learn the basics, you can do a lot. Then you can add new skills as you need them.

MIDI is its own set of skills. Maybe save that as a separate job to do once you get the DAW basics down. Some DAWs are better at MIDI than others.

I think most computers can download mp3 files and load them on a player, assuming the player is still supported by a modern OS. There are pro media players now that easily handle wave files, so maybe that's a better idea than some old mp3 device. What are you using it for?

 

[TalismanRich]

A good basic laptop with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD is the starting point. 12th to 14th Gen Intel Core 5 or 7 processors will be plenty. AMD Ryzen 7s would be an alternative.

I've been using Lenovo for years. My daughter has HP laptops. Most current laptops have little if any expandability. My Lenovo (10th Gen I7) can take more memory and I added a second SSD as well. Newer ones have the memory on the motherboard, so you can't add more. Go for 16GB, as memory requirements are not going to go down. With NVME drives, you can clone the old drive to a newer larger drive if you need to. 512GB should be plenty for most things, and if you find you are doing lots of projects and need space, you can get a 4TB USB drive for $120 that will last you for years.

For DAWs, you have choices. I use Reaper. I have a couple of older entry level versions of Cubase. They were fine but limited. Reaper, at $60, is a steal. You can try for no charge (full version) for 60 days and it will continue to work after that (just with a nag screen). It's got a good support system (LOTS of Youtube tutorials). You can go basic for just recording and mixing with a bare minimum of plugins, or get at complex as you want (it's customizable if you want to go that far).

A few hours ago, I was working on a 25 track mix with 6-8 plugins on my ancient 4th generation I5 system with 12GB. No problems at all. You can import and export mp3, flac, wav, OOG Vorbis, AIFF, etc.

 

[bouldersoundguy]

I'll second the suggestion of Reaper. It does pretty much whatever you need.

 

[Slouching Raymond]

The trouble with trying to use old computers an OS is compatability.
Sometimes the hardware is just not up to it, and you have to get something faster to avoid getting clicking all over your recordings.
If you try to install a newer OS, it may refuse to install on this piece of c**p hardware.
The interface drivers may only work with a specific old OS, like Windows XP.

I'm currently using a mid-price quad core i5 laptop, which is capable for daws. and not too pricey.
Also I've been using the cheaper version of Cubase daw, which is pretty damn good for ~$100.
You may have to get a new cheap interface as well as a PC, if your interface doesn't work.

 

[The_Arcane_Pigeon]

A good basic laptop with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD is the starting point. 12th to 14th Gen Intel Core 5 or 7 processors will be plenty. AMD Ryzen 7s would be an alternative.

I've been using Lenovo for years. My daughter has HP laptops. Most current laptops have little if any expandability. My Lenovo (10th Gen I7) can take more memory and I added a second SSD as well. Newer ones have the memory on the motherboard, so you can't add more. Go for 16GB, as memory requirements are not going to go down. With NVME drives, you can clone the old drive to a newer larger drive if you need to. 512GB should be plenty for most things, and if you find you are doing lots of projects and need space, you can get a 4TB USB drive for $120 that will last you for years.

For DAWs, you have choices. I use Reaper. I have a couple of older entry level versions of Cubase. They were fine but limited. Reaper, at $60, is a steal. You can try for no charge (full version) for 60 days and it will continue to work after that (just with a nag screen). It's got a good support system (LOTS of Youtube tutorials). You can go basic for just recording and mixing with a bare minimum of plugins, or get at complex as you want (it's customizable if you want to go that far).

A few hours ago, I was working on a 25 track mix with 6-8 plugins on my ancient 4th generation I5 system with 12GB. No problems at all. You can import and export mp3, flac, wav, OOG Vorbis, AIFF, etc.

Okay. Well, based on some suggestions by my friend, I am considering getting a 2018 MacBook pro, probably refurbished I guess? It meets the specs you're talking about. I guess in that case I'd be looking at Logic as DAW? Don't know if Reaper runs on Macbooks/Sequoia. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

 

[The_Arcane_Pigeon]

An old OS is just going to be progressively less compatible with available hardware and software. I wouldn't go that route. Using a current OS isn't going to be any more annoying, all things considered.

You don't need a super high end computer to do audio work until you start doing a ton of simultaneous tracks and effects.

Any decent DAW will require learning a fair bit to get started, but once you learn the basics, you can do a lot. Then you can add new skills as you need them.

MIDI is its own set of skills. Maybe save that as a separate job to do once you get the DAW basics down. Some DAWs are better at MIDI than others.

I think most computers can download mp3 files and load them on a player, assuming the player is still supported by a modern OS. There are pro media players now that easily handle wave files, so maybe that's a better idea than some old mp3 device. What are you using it for?

I'm not in a rush to use the midi. It's definitely something i'd tackle further down the road.
I'm looking to use the mp3 device just for listening via wired headphones. I like having the option of having an mp3 player with built in speakers.
Your guidance led me to ask my friend the right questions. I'm leaning towards using some version of Sequoia on a 2018 or newer MacBook pro.
I guess I'd want to probably use either garage band or logic in that case.

 

[The_Arcane_Pigeon]

The trouble with trying to use old computers an OS is compatability.
Sometimes the hardware is just not up to it, and you have to get something faster to avoid getting clicking all over your recordings.
If you try to install a newer OS, it may refuse to install on this piece of c**p hardware.
The interface drivers may only work with a specific old OS, like Windows XP.

I'm currently using a mid-price quad core i5 laptop, which is capable for daws. and not too pricey.
Also I've been using the cheaper version of Cubase daw, which is pretty damn good for ~$100.
You may have to get a new cheap interface as well as a PC, if your interface doesn't work.

Okay. The interface I have is pretty old.
Apparently they're not that expensive nowadays if I have to get a new one?

"The trouble with trying to use old computers an OS is compatability.
Sometimes the hardware is just not up to it, and you have to get something faster to avoid getting clicking all over your recordings.
If you try to install a newer OS, it may refuse to install on this piece of c**p hardware."

And yeah... considering getting an 2018 or newer MacBook pro to run Sequoia on.

 

[rob aylestone]

You are flowing all over the place. We are swinging from ultra basic stuff like mp3 playback that is safe, to now macbooks of in apples opinion, vintage legacy age.

Your needs are modest. Mp3 capability is built into everything, and even has free software like audacity that can edit it.

You can buy a brand new interface for very little now that performs very well.

Your knowledge and ability seem a bit low, so buying ANY computer for you is risky. My advice? Buy a cheaper brand new one from a chain who offer support and a warranty aimed at newcomers. If you know about them, you can buy macs with m1 chips at good prices but you are on your own. Same with ex-gaming windows machines. Brilliant, if you understand them.

ALL computers used for music have pretty basic demands now, compared to just a few years ago.

Processor speed is rarely now an issue. Interfaces run without clicks. DAWs are really good, all of them. They just match different people’s needs.

ALL computers will randomly cause grief. You sorting it is the variable. My expensive mac threw a wobbly yesterday. My stable Cubase crashing three times. The cause? My Roland subscription had renewed. Cubase did not know and was using old credentials. Solution, close cubase, restart mac, restart rolands app, sign in again and only then restart cubase. No fault really, but a broken chain. Windows 10 and 11 have been doing updates that mean lots of my stable apps are wobbly. Most i fixed, two require software updates not available.

Making music requires you to update your computer savvyness, and not just grab random correct advice, out of context.

Music now rarely requires cutting edge. Cheaper ones designed for cash stuffed gamers are normally great for audio. My advice? Whatever size hard drive you think you need, double it! Install something that lets you backup. Apples is built in. When you mess up, you can simply fix it! My first cubase system was in 1994 on an atari with black and white screen. Im still on Cubase because I like it. It is not the best, just the best for me. Windows from 95, apple and windows from the G5 days. All fine, just different. I still google fixes when i break them. Welcome to the whacky world of computer music.

 

[Steenamaroo]

Don't know if Reaper runs on Macbooks/Sequoia. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

Reaper runs on damn near anything.
That would be my recommendation too for cost, simplicity, how lightweight it is, community/support, and compatibility.

 

[ecc83]

Well! I WAS going to wax lyrical about how my son runs Samplitude Pro X3, Reaper and Cakewalk on a pretty basic Lenovo T430 and does very well with it! But then you went and spoiled it all by saying you are getting a mac!

I wish you all the luck in the world friend.

Dave.

 

[rob aylestone]

The mac thing is quite straightforward now. Mac computers assume you are an idiot. they decide what is best for you - if you get them, you can take charge. Windows assumes you are an expert, and you can take charge if you dare. if you plug an empty, brand new drive into a mac, it asks you if you want to use it as a drive, but if you have not already set up a backup. it says "do you want to use this as a backup drive?" if you say yes - it automatically backs it up without you getting involved. When you buy a brand new, or erased mac, it asks if you want to restore it from a backup. If you say yes, you plug in your backup drive and a short while later, your new computer has all your old files, passwords and settings - that does NOT happen in windows. The only pain of owning macs is being told your two year old computer is old and scrap, when you break things. PCs can be fixed with zillions of after market parts from ebay and amazon. Fitting an after market new battery into a macbook is something for steady hands. In the studio here at the office - music is all PC, back at the home studio it is all mac. makes no difference in real terms at all. I have my old G5 mac running the very latest OS here in the office, but the PC is faster - that's all.

 

[ecc83]

The Lenovo E590 W11 laptop I have bought for my son does not have a removable battery. That worried me a bit but, I found a YT procedure for replacing it and it does not look too arduous a task? You have to 'tell' the machine you are going to remove the battery first and then it all shuts down.

OP seems to be keeping the make and model of his "very old" interface close to his chest? A mac might not run it anyway? In my experience (from Win 95 up) I have never had a PC OS, AI combination that would not work. I am a big fan of MOTU.

Dave.

 

[Papanate]

Okay. The interface I have is pretty old.
Apparently they're not that expensive nowadays if I have to get a new one?

"The trouble with trying to use old computers an OS is compatability.
Sometimes the hardware is just not up to it, and you have to get something faster to avoid getting clicking all over your recordings.
If you try to install a newer OS, it may refuse to install on this piece of c**p hardware."

And yeah... considering getting an 2018 or newer MacBook pro to run Sequoia on.

Get a Mac Mini with the M4 Chip and at least 24 gb ram ($1000 refurbished) - Intel Macs are phasing out and on the last leg of life. Use Logic Pro ($199) or start on Garageband (which is free with all Macs) and get a simple inexpensive Interface like a Behringer UMC204HD ($109 USD) or a Scarlett 2i2 Ver 3 used ($150 USD) - but basically stop wasting your time vacillating on what you think you should get - you get a Mac and you can do everything you want and more.

 

[TalismanRich]

Get a Mac Mini with the M4 Chip and at least 24 gb ram ($1000 refurbished) - Intel Macs are phasing out and on the last leg of life. Use Logic Pro ($199) or start on Garageband (which is free with all Macs) and get a simple inexpensive Interface like a Behringer UMC204HD ($109 USD) or a Scarlett 2i2 Ver 3 used ($150 USD) - but basically stop wasting your time vacillating on what you think you should get - you get a Mac and you can do everything you want and more.

I love it when someone gives a budget and the suggestions come in at spending double that amount!

Keeping under $700, you can get a refurb HP Elitebook G8 for under $500 with 32GB and 512GB SSD, USB and Thunderbolt and an 11th gen I7. Reaper $60 and a UA Volt2 interface, Motu M2 or Tascam 2x2HR and still have enough to get a Big Mac. (ok, you gotta pay the taxman... so the Big Mac is out).

 

[ecc83]

I love it when someone gives a budget and the suggestions come in at spending double that amount!

Keeping under $700, you can get a refurb HP Elitebook G8 for under $500 with 32GB and 512GB SSD, USB and Thunderbolt and an 11th gen I7. Reaper $60 and a UA Volt2 interface, Motu M2 or Tascam 2x2HR and still have enough to get a Big Mac. (ok, you gotta pay the taxman... so the Big Mac is out).

Push the boat a tad further and get the M4. Those 2 extra line ins and outs are very handy, a wee mixer and you have 4 mic channels.

Dave.

 

[The_Arcane_Pigeon]

The Lenovo E590 W11 laptop I have bought for my son does not have a removable battery. That worried me a bit but, I found a YT procedure for replacing it and it does not look too arduous a task? You have to 'tell' the machine you are going to remove the battery first and then it all shuts down.

OP seems to be keeping the make and model of his "very old" interface close to his chest? A mac might not run it anyway? In my experience (from Win 95 up) I have never had a PC OS, AI combination that would not work. I am a big fan of MOTU.

Dave.

It's an Akai Professional EIE. I guess the reason I didn't specify is because it might be broken anyway and I'd need to get a new one. The asb/if cable port is not a tight fit. I won't know until I plug it in and use it.

 

[Slouching Raymond]

Anyone mentioned monitors?

 

[The_Arcane_Pigeon]

I love it when someone gives a budget and the suggestions come in at spending double that amount!

Keeping under $700, you can get a refurb HP Elitebook G8 for under $500 with 32GB and 512GB SSD, USB and Thunderbolt and an 11th gen I7. Reaper $60 and a UA Volt2 interface, Motu M2 or Tascam 2x2HR and still have enough to get a Big Mac. (ok, you gotta pay the taxman... so the Big Mac is out).

Okay this is a very helpful suggestion. I will weigh my options here.
A) Is there any reason you'd go with this set up over a macbook?
B) I'm assuming this is almost definitely a McDonald's joke and has nothing to do with MacBooks. Correct/Incorrect? Lol.

 

[The_Arcane_Pigeon]

Anyone mentioned monitors?

No one has thus far.