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Author Topic: Anyone on a Mac Mini?
joe
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Posts: 224
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Post Anyone on a Mac Mini?
on: September 17, 2012, 14:35
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I may live to regret it, but I'm about experiment with migrating my digital rig from a Mac Pro laptop to a small Mac Mini Server computer, using the iPad as my screen via wireless streaming software. Might also switch my whole studio over from a Mac Pro to a Mac Mini.

Any thoughts/advice?
Digital-
Larry

Posts: 192
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Post Re: Anyone on a Mac Mini?
on: September 17, 2012, 14:55
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I love the Mac Mini (I have a 2007 model), however I'd be comparing CPU speeds and max amount of RAM, to what you're currently using. I don't think much else matters. But, I have to admit, I am not currently using the Mac for any music applications. I just love the form factor! Sending the video to your iPad over wireless will (probably) chew a little more CPU and reduce responsiveness somewhat.

I use VNC at home to connect from PCs or Macs upstairs to the Mac Mini downstairs (which is running a Minecraft server for my boys). It's OK for administration and such but I wouldn't recommend it for watching video. Uh what are you gonna use for a keyboard/mouse?
Double D

Posts: 195
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Post Re: Anyone on a Mac Mini?
on: September 17, 2012, 15:31
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That's a neat idea; you could have the iPad control surface on a music stand at whatever height is comfortable to put it within inches of your fingertips. Kinda' like putting effects into your guitar for instant tweakability. Keep us posted!
bear

Posts: 153
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Post Re: Anyone on a Mac Mini?
on: September 17, 2012, 19:10
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I've thought about something like this. What I was looking about to make that work was a portable monitor to hook it up to, like a tablet but without the CPU. Not sure such a product exists. The iPad as monitor/touch interface could make that work maybe.

The expectable service life on any laptop averages about two years, or so pro tech support friends have told me. The modularity of separating monitor and CPU, but in a still portable format, seems like a good idea.
jeremy

Posts: 48
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Post Re: Anyone on a Mac Mini?
on: September 18, 2012, 04:04
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I've heard tell that some villainous Hackintosh types have had success building OSX machines on tiny ITX motherboards, giving Mac Pro power is a similar size box to the Mini. Obviously as an Apple consultant, that's not the kind of thing you'd want to be seen in public with, but I just mention it in passing.
joe
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Posts: 224
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Post Re: Anyone on a Mac Mini?
on: October 4, 2012, 20:31
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Okay, here's an update: I just this week finished reconfiguring my studio around a Mini Server. (Anyone want to buy my old Mac Pro? The noisiest, most pain-in-the-ass computer I've ever owned?) The other big change is that I FINALLY moved over to Thunderbolt connection, thanks to the new Universal Audio Apollo Thunderbolt card and a big-ass Thunderbolt drive. The Mini Server processer is definitely slower than on the Pro, and it some of the latest cool software synths, like u-He Diva, tax the CPU to an uncomfortable degree. But I'm able to run fairly large sessions (over 30 tracks is large in my world) with no problem, and the sample streaming is fantastic. No problem using humongous sample-based instruments like FXpansion BFD and orchestral samples in East/West Play. I might switch back to a tower someday if Apple deigns to release something cool. (This years absurd Mac Pro update doesn't even include Thunderbolt!) But I think the Mini Server will, um, serve me fine for now. 🙂

Now I'm contemplating a Mini for the live digital rig, rather than a Mac Pro laptop, with an iPad as the monitor. It would definitely look less dorky to have the Mini at the side of the stage, and only a discretely positioned iPad in view.

joe
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Post Re: Anyone on a Mac Mini?
on: November 10, 2012, 13:25
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I just posted this over on the Thunderbolt thread:

Update: I've been running my studio on a Mac Mini Server, Thunderbolt, and a Universal Audio Apollo for a month or so now, switching over from a Mac Pro and two PCIe-based systems (Pro Tools HD and Apogee). It's working out really well. I still love the Apollo. In most case it works fine. The Mac Mini sometimes feels underpowered compared the previous computer — some of the more demanding software-synth plug-ins are demanding enough to choke it in high-res mode. But the Thunderbolt aspects are awesome — sample streaming and audio playback are incredibly smooth and fast. I definitely don't miss those horrible PCIe cards, though I might switch back to a more powerful iMac or Pro (if Apple deigns to update that line in a meaningful way). But overall, I'm really digging this lean, clean and relatively inexpensive setup. 🙂

Now I'm contemplating using a Mini with an iPad as a remote for live gigs, rather than a laptop.

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