Is the MacBook Air 2017 Good for Music Production?

As a MacBook Pro user for the past four years, I can confidently say that if you're starting to work with a Mac, you'll love it. Its practicality and trackpad gestures are exceptional. Whenever you switch to a Windows laptop, you'll feel empty.

The MacBook, with its M1 chip and 16GB of RAM, is more than sufficient to get your feet wet in music production. However, there is a caveat: you'll need to search for links and files to get third-party software, which can be a bit of a headache. Fortunately, there are plenty of videos on YouTube that will guide you through the process.

Requirements for Electronic Music Production

For electronic music production, at the very least, you need a Core i5 processor with a 2.6GHz speed, 4GB of RAM, and a 250GB storage. As your skills advance, you'll need more powerful specifications. Considering this, if you're planning to invest in a MacBook Air, I suggest going for the M1 chip version. The performance results and reviews are excellent, and many videos on YouTube highlight its fantastic performance in music production.

Memory Constraints

One noteworthy drawback of many MacBook models from 2015 onwards is that the RAM is soldered in, meaning you cannot upgrade it later. Before purchasing, ensure that the model you choose has enough RAM for your production needs. If you plan to work with complex software, this is crucial.

Choosing the Right Model

Will a new or old MacBook Air be better for you? The M1 Apple Silicon version is undoubtedly the right choice, but it's not yet available for most software. Intel-based models from the last couple of years might suffice for simpler mixes, but they won't handle advanced software as well.

MacBook Pro remains a viable option, particularly if you use Logic or GarageBand. The 2020 MacBook Air with the M1 chip handles these applications effortlessly, and their performance is impressive. Older models can also work, but the benefits of the newer processor may outweigh the price difference.

Real-World Experience

Based on my experience, the MacBook Air 2015 runs most production software without any issues. As a composer-producer in Mumbai, I've used Live 10 and Cubase Pro 10, both working flawlessly.

However, performance issues can arise when you overload the CPU. For example, if you run multiple applications simultaneously, such as a video editor, a web browser, and a DAW, the system can become sluggish. These issues are more pronounced if you use a lot of tracks and layers in your projects.

My production style is to use fewer tracks and layers and to post-produce. Running projects and sounds on external SSDs can further safeguard against overloading, especially for shorter projects like songs, promos, and ads. For extended projects, such as a 30-minute film score, there were some hiccups in Live, but Cubase ran flawlessly.

In conclusion, if your work is diverse and involves large formats and sessions, you might want to consider a more powerful machine. However, the MacBook Air 2017 is definitely capable and more than just usable for music production. It flies, but you need to use the resources wisely to avoid performance issues.