Why I’m Writing
I enjoy reading and writing about tech and often get sent questions, about product recommendations, upgrades and workflows. These posts are an attempt to share things I’m into, my opinions on tech, and tech media coverage that I find valuable. Feel free to send me a suggestion if there’s topic you’d like my thoughts on.
As always when making a purchase take some time to source multiple opinions and come to your own conclusions about what will work best for your unique situation and setup.
Thanks for reading!
Plugin
Brainworx bx_console SSL 4000 E
A new addition to the ever expanding plugin folder. I love the musicality, tone and vibe of this plugin. It’s amazing to live in a time where I can have all of these classic consoles available on my laptop based studio. Have been enjoying experimenting with this on my electric guitar, bass and drum busses. Planning to trying it out on strings next.
Thanks for the recommendation @ AUDIO WMC.
Article
The Technium – 1,000 True Fans
A classic article original published in 2008, and updated for Tim Ferriss’ book Tools Of Titans. This article is a great reminder for creators at all levels that running your own operation is entirely possible if you regularly produce and release content to a dedicated fan base. It takes time, dedication and work. But anything is possible.
“The takeaway: 1,000 true fans is an alternative path to success other than stardom. Instead of trying to reach the narrow and unlikely peaks of platinum bestseller hits, blockbusters, and celebrity status, you can aim for direct connection with a thousand true fans. On your way, no matter how many fans you actually succeed in gaining, you’ll be surrounded not by faddish infatuation, but by genuine and true appreciation. It’s a much saner destiny to hope for. And you are much more likely to actually arrive there.” – Kevin Kelly
Review
Apple Mac Studio (2023) review: the M2 Ultra rips
The best new Mac for creators, videographers and audio pros? Time will tell. If you decide to drop some cash on one. Be sure to buy the exact spec you know you that you will need for the next three to five years as after purchase upgrades of any kind are entirely impossible. At least the power cable is removable. Didn’t get enough soldered on RAM or SSD Storage the first time around, guess you’ll have to trade up and in for the next M series release. With Apple’s current Mac trade in rates being absurdly low, you’d be better off selling it privately if you find yourself in that situation. Quoting Monica Chin’s article, “Apple will give you “up to $1,500″ for your now-obsolete M1 Ultra Studio in trade-in credit, should you decide the upgrade is necessary.” Upgrading from the M1 Ultra Studio to the M2 Ultra is not necessary for the vast majority of M1 Ultra users, most probably wouldn’t even notice the spec bump in day to day today work. The only exceptions are videographers who need the GPU bump as illustrated in Tyler Stalman’s excellent review.
Tyler Stalman – M1 Ultra vs. M2 Ultra DaVinci Resolve
The M2 Ultra exists for users upgrading from Intel Mac Minis (2018 or earlier), Mac Pro (2010), Mac Pro (2012), Mac Pro (2013), Mac Pro (2019) if you got a lower spec 8-Core or 12-Core, or any Intel Macbook Pro or Air where the user is looking to shift to a more powerful desktop based setup. Also, a great option for PC Based Cubase users looking to switch to Mac.
In general doubling your current specs is the best way to start your upgrade journey.
Example:
| Current Machine | Minimum Upgrade |
|---|---|
| Mac: Mac Mini 2018 | Mac: Mac Studio |
| CPU: 3.2 GHz 6-core Intel Core i7 | CPU: M2 Ultra 24-core, 60-core GPU, 32-core Neural Engine |
| SSD: 512 GB | SSD: 1 TB |
| RAM: 64 GB | RAM: 128 GB |
To save some cash consider an Apple Certified Refurbished M1 based Mac Studio if you don’t need the latest and greatest, can live with 128 GBs of RAM and the possibility of a slightly louder fan based cooling system.
Product
The best Mac for most people for most things. I’m so happy this exists and that everyday general computer users now have a great big non “Pro” MacBook option when it’s time for their next Mac. If you already have a 13 inch MacBook Air M2 I wouldn’t recommend an upgrade, wait for the next jump in processor node sized from the current N5P process down to the N3 process rumored to take place with the launch of M3 later on this year or early next year or better yet wait till the release of M4 or M5 in a few years. Only upgrade from an M1/M2 Macbook Air 13 if you absolutely need to bigger screen now or if you got the 256 GB base spec and are running out of storage.
The M2 MacBook Air 15 exists for users upgrading from any Intel MacBook Air from before 2018 or MacBook Pro from before 2017 if they wish to have macOS Sonoma compatibility this fall. And don’t need the power of a “Pro” machine for professional video, audio or graphics projects.
Also, a great option for users looking to purchase their first Mac.
For more info on purchasing your first mac see: The Verge: Which device to buy
In general doubling your current specs is the best way to start your upgrade journey.
| Recommend Spec For Most People |
|---|
| Mac: MacBook Air 15 |
| CPU: M2 Ultra 8-core, 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine |
| SSD: 1 TB |
| RAM: 16 GB |
Podcast
One of my favorite shows. Check it out if you’re looking to listen to some fun Apple coverage.
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Written on iPad Pro using Drafts Pro in Markdown.
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