Mac Mini M4 24GB / 256GB SSD – need advice

[igi77]

Hi everyone,

I’m considering buying a Mac Mini M4 and I’m not sure if it’s worth spending more on the Pro version.
I produce electronic music – mainly psytrance – and usually work on medium-sized projects.
Do you think the Mac Mini M4 (24GB RAM, 256GB SSD) would be sufficient, or should I go for the Pro version instead?
My budget fits perfectly with the 24GB / 256GB option, and honestly it feels like the best value for me.

Thanks a lot in advance for your help!
Best,
igi

[yur2die4]

If the HD isn’t an issue for you, I’d say you should have zero issues. Between the two models, there wouldn’t be any compatibility difference, just a mild performance bump for those who need every last bit of power. Ram should be pretty good for current production, especially if you’re not using massive symphonic plugins. I’d imagine you’re doing more synth usage and intense fx processing, which most M4 models should be fine at, as long as you’re not pushing like 150 channels.

[igi77]

If the HD isn’t an issue for you, I’d say you should have zero issues. Between the two models, there wouldn’t be any compatibility difference, just a mild performance bump for those who need every last bit of power. Ram should be pretty good for current production, especially if you’re not using massive symphonic plugins. I’d imagine you’re doing more synth usage and intense fx processing, which most M4 models should be fine at, as long as you’re not pushing like 150 channels.

Thank you so much for your help!

[JAZMAN]

Wow I found exactly the thread I was hoping to find straight up.
I'm also looking M4 mini. Started with base model but no way 256 gig SSD will work for me. Not with any degree of future proofing anyway.
I'm currently using a base model M1 MacBook Air (Don't laugh).
Got that to have something useable after migrating more to stand alone, as a stop gap from a 12 year old MBP (early retina) which I still keep to enable Firewire mixer. I was thinking of the base model mini and my 40" TV and wireless keyboard/mouse. IE: only expense being actual "mini".
Pretty soon became apparent 256gig would not be enough. Just switched from 2-4tb external SSD for NI Komplete sound files etc etc.
Unlike OP I tend to use more 'Kontakt 8' Bass Drum Keys etc. Not too many tracks but more than a couple. My biggest question is how much Ram? Especially given it is not upgradeable after initial purchase. ATM I'm leaning towards base model with Pro chip but maybe thinking about lashing out on a new MBP. The last one served me well for many years. I'm thinking base level 16".
I would love to hear any advice and/or user experience.
Base model M4 mini is well within my means financially and 16' MBP is stretching it but maybe worth it for long term. In my experience the biggest waste of money is buying less than I actually want.
One question on Computers and music generally.
I may be wrong but I'm assuming sample based instruments are more Ram dependent and synths and effects more CPU dependent. Is this correct?

[yur2die4]

I’m not a Strong expert on these topics, probably along the same line as you.

I guess the first question I’d have is how MacBook Air M1 performance worked out aside from storage.

As far ram with samples, it’s ‘generally’ like that, but sometimes a mixture of direct pulling from storage. Plus there could be additional processing of the samples which leans more and more into cpu capabilities.

Finally, with computer purchase. The last thing I like feeling is ‘what if the better features would’ve benefited me?’ After already dropping 2k on it haha. But then there’s portability, and determining if features really ARE ‘good enough’ for your particular needs.

[[jur]]

Unless you're trying to do outta-paranormal hybrid-ochestral-death-core-with 1024-virtual-players you should be good.
You could even go with an m1 and you'd be fine for the next 10 years.
Really, for music production, computer specs isn't a topic anymore.

[billpayer]

Now that I’ve migrated from my FireWire Saffire Pro 40 to an RME Digiface, I’m currently looking at upgrading my 2018 i7 Mac Mini to an M4. I’m using some hardware effects, so my main driver for the upgrade is to get the lowest possible latency I can from my RME.

So my question is, if I buy an M4 pro rather than a base M4, does that mean that I’ll be able to get it to run at the lower latency?

I know that if I make more demands of the CPU with instruments and effects inside of Ableton, then I would have to bump up the latency to stop the glitches, but if I have less demanding projects whilst using the base M4 is it likely to be able to handle the lowest latency setting of the RME.

[[jur]]

So my question is, if I buy an M4 pro rather than a base M4, does that mean that I’ll be able to get it to run at the lower latency?

I highly doubt you'd see a significant difference. These machines are monsters, and the greater amount of power on the Pro would probably mostly make a difference in plugins count/processing (putting on base M4 on its knees is probably already a challenge in itself, though) rather than A/D D/A latency.
I run my base M1 @128smpl just because that's a point where going lower in latency isn't something that I can feel, so I'd rather take advantage of the processing power headroom gained by this setting. But it actually runs finger in the nose @64 samples with an insane amount of plugins too.
You might actually get to the limit of your RME processing speed sooner than on the computer side for what it has to do.

I know that if I make more demands of the CPU with instruments and effects inside of Ableton, then I would have to bump up the latency to stop the glitches, but if I have less demanding projects whilst using the base M4 is it likely to be able to handle the lowest latency setting of the RME.

With silicon machines it's partially the opposite actually: it'll usually run better under 256smpl and going lower VS going with higher values. It's NOT always the case, especially with really big Sets but it's on case-by-case basis and there's nothing intuitive here. I don't remember the technical explanation but you could probably easily find it.

But, maybe we'll have some feedback from someone who had a chance to compare a m4 VS a m4 pro.

[Vetulus]

I have an M4 Pro, 24gb, 512gb. I would say that it's better to buy a unit with 512gb of storage. If y'all want me to test something let me know and ill record it and post it

edit: I have yet not made it beyond 30% cpu usage, highest I have seen is 24-27%

[tiago_vla]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw= ... m570.l1313
take a look at this. mac products are not worth anymore. you have windows and linux machines, and both can run tools like ableton, reaper, and bitwig
sorry for posting stuff on the competition

[yur2die4]

So you mention them having Linux and some daws that can work with Linux. But you’ve sort of made a broad sweeping claim that ties Ableton Live into the group. Also, you shared a link to a search for “dell laptop”. That could have countless variations. Some performing better than others. Also consider that this person is looking at a Mac Mini… which is not a laptop.

From my experience. Live runs fine on Windows, but ever since the M1 CPUs it runs extra smooth (aside from the issue it had with noise cancellation mic setting). It is also a consistent platform where you only have so many variations of the base Apple device. And they all perform exceptionally.

My suspicion is that of the ‘dell laptops’ some will not be as great with Live. Throttling, fans making noise, Windows being Windows etc. and the i7 / i5 CPUs are a bit different from M1,2,3,4 CPUs in their architecture such that there are variants that run very subpar on mobile devices for heavy applications.