So now I’v got my first Mac … interesting experience, opening up the small box reminds me on my first Elektron box 
I need to warp my mind around the interface but I’m learning fast, little associations with Linux are emerging
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Hmm, so this is new and very unwelcome…
Never had this with my M1 Mac Mini but repeatedly get this happening with my brand new Mac Studio exporting a track that’s no more complex than usual. I’ve tried putting my samples in RAM too but still the same. When I play back the WAV it sounds fine though, no drop outs or clicks like I expected. It’s still pissed me right off though. Duff HD or Ableton (Studio 11) freaking out?
Same dilemma is as old as time
Been using my DAW a hell of a lot more lately but I would really like to cut loose from being stuck at my Desk (Mac Studio M1 Max) and move around (even if just inside the house). Ive fired up Bitwig / Live many a time on my MacBook Air M1 13" but I just don’t find the size of the screen enjoyable.
The last few days I’ve been checking out the 14" & 16" MacBook Pros in the Apple Store to get a jist of size. The size difference is still quite crazy and I’m still none the wiser but edging towards a 16" as the screen looks fantastic but damn it’s so thick compared to what I am used to with the Air, which leads to my second conundrum… Next years design is allegedly a physical refresh so I am pondering maybe a used 16" M1 Max is the way to go value wise and see if I enjoy the size and then if wanting to splash on the latest and greatest (presumable thinner) it won’t be so much a big deal or hit £££ wise.
Anybody regretted a 16"? Guess its all about how much one travels more then anything.
I’ve got a 16 MacBook Pro (intel) for my work machine. Hybrid work so couple days in office and few at home. I drive to work so weight and size of it no issue at all but it’s heavy compared to my Daughters M1 MacBook Air.
Still plug into a second monitor (27”) at work and home as designing purely on it would be a pain… but my eyes are old and shit.
I certainly wouldn’t want a smaller screen to work on.
Don’t second guess yourself, get the 16". I’ve used a yoga 13" or so and had a honeymoon period where it was sooo nice to flip it and bring it everywhere. As nice as it was, it matters little if the screen is too small.
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I’ve used the 14” and 16” and you can’t really go wrong. They are both excellent.
That said have you considered a 15” MacBook Air? You could up spec it a bit, and it will have great trade in value if the next refresh is a banger.
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I did consider the 15" air but comparing them side by side I thought the Pro had a much higher quality display! I will double check this again next time I walk past Apple!
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I have a 15" MBA and I also use a 14" MBP for work. The MBP screen is better but the MBA certainly isn’t bad - it’s the same as the one from the old MBP from a few years ago and I’d rather have the larger screen when using a DAW
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I did find a brand new 16" MacBook Pro “M4 Pro” 14 core with 48GB RAM, 512GB SSD and Nano screen (never seen a Nano screen but they seem to get rave reviews) for a tidy price instead of going for a expensive Max M4 as I have never had issues with my M1 Max, however the 512GB SSD is the negative aspect of that deal since it would be nice not to have a external drive hanging off it.
Can sample libraries be ran off the SDXC card slot with a flush card? Im thinking Omnisphere 2 and the likes
That monster is beyond any present performance concerns unless you’re mixing an orchestra in atmos so I wouldn’t worry about that. Yes, you should be able to use an external drive like that but don’t skimp on the enclosure.
I’m using an sd card ( Samsung evo select ) for some things but it’s pretty slow … get an external ssd or nvme storage … quite cheap and much quicker.
My experience with a Mac mini doc wasn’t so great … plus I have MacBook too so the external option means much easier to use on multiple machines
For those in the states…
Apple has refurbished 2025 Mac Studio’s in stock. Been watching and considering an upgrade, though I’m happy enough with my Mini that I can’t justify the cost. Haven’t seen a batch before today (but perhaps I missed one).
But if you ARE in the market… 300 off the base model; even the 1TB upgrade to the base model is 130 cheaper than getting the base ‘new.’