First, you’ll need to purchase a monitor display. If you’re set on building a keyboard rig around the Mac Pro, there are a few associated costs to consider. If you really need a CPU with more than four cores, you’re better off building a Hackintosh. It hasn’t received a proper update in years, and contains useless components (dual video card) for musicians that drive up the cost of the machine. The Mac Pro, in its current state, represents a terrible value for a MainStage computer. I use an iMac running Keyscape and Kontakt. I’ve used the 21.5″ iMac in several shows on Broadway and Las Vegas, and it’s become my go-to option if redundancy isn’t a requirement. The 21.5″ iMac with a 3.3GHz quad-core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, and 512GB of flash storage comes out to $2299, which is significantly cheaper than a comparable MacBook Pro. While the larger 27″ iMac supports up to 32GB RAM and 1TB of flash storage, try imagining such a large computer on stage - what an eyesore. It’s configurable with quad-core i7 processors, high enough capacity SSD storage, and enough RAM. In my opinion, the 21.5″ iMac w/4K Retina Display is the best computer for MainStage if you’re looking for a desktop solution. Apple has three desktop computers - the iMac, Mac Pro, and Mac Mini. If you’re putting together a keyboard rig for a long-term or sitdown gig, a desktop can be a more cost effective solution. As with the 15,” max out the RAM to 16GB and decide on storage based on your needs. Thus, a clock speed upgrade to 3.1GHz or 3.3GHz on the Touch Bar version isn’t a bad idea. Keep in mind quad-core processors aren’t an option on the 13″ MacBook Pros. I recommend skipping the no Touch Bar version because the CPU maxes out at 2.4GHz. The latest 13″ model comes in two flavors - Touch Bar and no Touch Bar. Don’t let the compact form factor fool you! The only reason I upgraded to a 15″ model this time around is the decrease in size thanks to the shrunken bezel. Before I purchased a 2016 15″ MacBook Pro, I was programming and performing on a 13″ MacBook Pro from 2013. The 2016 13″ MacBook Pro is also a very capable machine. You’ll lose the quad-core CPU, but gain a lot of the storage price for the same price or less. If the 15″ MacBook Pro is over your budget, do consider getting a 13″ model instead. The lowest priced stock configuration starts at $2399 compared to the previous generation’s $1999 entry point. Lastly, the 2016 MacBook Pro has received a lot of price-related criticism. Don’t bother upgrading the video card unless you also do high end photo and video editing (Adobe Photoshop & Final Cut Pro X).Upgrade to 1TB storage if you have lots of sample libraries, and don’t want to carry an external hard drive around.The difference between a 2.6GHz and 2.9GHz processor is negligible.In terms of specifications, always prioritize RAM over storage space, and storage space over CPU clock speed. There simply isn’t a better laptop for running MainStage than the 15″ MacBook Pro. From an engineering perspective, everything about this machine is top of the line. The 15″ MacBook Pro is the ultimate all-in-one package for live musicians running MainStage. Do you need a laptop, or would a desktop be a better option? Continue reading for the answers. You’re excited to get your very first Mac, or you’re looking to upgrade from your current computer. You’re excited about the possibilities of using MainStage live.
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