My New Studio Build (perhaps overly detailed)

[silky smoove]

PC or Mac?

Mac

It’s a late 2012 Mac Mini, which was the last worthwhile Mini they made for audio work. The newer ones are less powerful, handle fewer processes, don’t have user upgradable RAM, but do come with more modern connectivity that mine lacks. It’s still powerful enough for my needs which often include running sessions with huge track counts with many running power-hogging plugins, synths, VSTs, etc. The goal was to continue using it until the studio was finished at which time I’d get a new Mac Pro.

 

[beans-on-toast]

After trying the other power cord. The next step is to hold down the power button for at least 10 seconds, release it, then press the power button as normal.

I recently upgraded from a MacBook Pro to a new maxed out MacBook Pro. The most remarkable difference is the detail of the disply. It's stunning how Logic and plugins look when you are working on the laptop's screen. The high density graphics are very usable on the laptop's screen. I've had a two Mac Pro's for studio work prior to the first MacBook Pro and considered getting another Mac Pro. Apple keeps promising a redesigned new model but didn't release one last year. The current Mac Pro began shipping in late 2013. So expect a new model, maybe late this year or next year.

 

[marko138]

After trying the other power cord. The next step is to hold down the power button for at least 10 seconds, release it, then press the power button as normal.

I recently upgraded from a MacBook Pro to a new maxed out MacBook Pro. The most remarkable difference is the detail of the disply. It's stunning how Logic and plugins look when you are working on the laptop's screen. The high density graphics are very usable on the laptop's screen. I've had a two Mac Pro's for studio work prior to the first MacBook Pro and considered getting another Mac Pro. Apple keeps promising a redesigned new model but didn't release one last year. The current Mac Pro began shipping in late 2013. So expect a new model, maybe late this year or next year.

The current Mac Pro is utter garbage. I use one every day at work. I'm using a 2014 MacBook Pro and it runs excellently.

 

[J Posega]

The current Mac Pro is utter garbage. I use one every day at work. I'm using a 2014 MacBook Pro and it runs excellently.

I know several studios using decked out tube shaped Mac Pros with no issues

 

[Inky13]

Mac

It’s a late 2012 Mac Mini, which was the last worthwhile Mini they made for audio work. The newer ones are less powerful, handle fewer processes, don’t have user upgradable RAM, but do come with more modern connectivity that mine lacks. It’s still powerful enough for my needs which often include running sessions with huge track counts with many running power-hogging plugins, synths, VSTs, etc. The goal was to continue using it until the studio was finished at which time I’d get a new Mac Pro.

I've noticed that every iteration of iLife gives you less and less.
A recent article in Mac World opines that it's time we stop expecting
a lot of "free" plug ins from it. Sometime you have to pony up to get what you want. Personally, I've been more succesessful with my ancient G4 mini and G5 pro, because they have more in the box capabilitys. But I also prefer to do as much as I can out of the box to reduce prosessing power and not rely on stand alone effects.
Again, your patience and perseverance with this project is more than a lot of people could endure. Best of Silky!

 

[silky smoove]

I did everything that Apple prescribes for this situation to no avail. Looks like the PSU is either toast or not getting the message from the power button. It’s well out of warranty being six years old, but fortunately there’s a reputable Apple products repair company here in West Seattle. Looks like they’ll be getting a visit from me next week.

 

[beans-on-toast]

The current Mac Pro is utter garbage. I use one every day at work. I'm using a 2014 MacBook Pro and it runs excellently.

When I went from a 5 year old Mac Pro to a laptop, the Mac Book Pro ran circles around around the Pro in terms of speed. The advantage of the Mac Pro for me was that it accepted plug in cards. When I no longer needed that, I went with a portable option.

 

[beans-on-toast]

I did everything that Apple prescribes for this situation to no avail. Looks like the PSU is either toast or not getting the message from the power button. It’s well out of warranty being six years old, but fortunately there’s a reputable Apple products repair company here in West Seattle. Looks like they’ll be getting a visit from me next week.

I hate having to shell out for a new computer when it isn't planned for. It can be quite a hit.

But good used mac mini's are available: Refurbished Apple Mac Mini Desktops from OWC

 

[silky smoove]

No need to get a new computer. At worst the PSU will need to be replaced.

 

[silky smoove]

After one more prodding email TM Soundproofing sent out the missing putty pads and outlet seals this morning. We had some back and forth emails, but ultimately they made it right. I got the distinct impression that they still think that I just lost the products, but they decided not to bother with me anymore and just send out the goods. That's fine with me. Accidents happen. I think they could have handled it a little more gracefully, but in the end all is well. My experience would not stop me from doing business with them again in the future, but at the same time I might now give their competitors more of a nod.

Regarding my computer; The local Mac repair shop believe the issue is in fact the power supply. They didn't have one for this particular model on-hand but have ordered one to see if replacing it does the trick. They were quite generous and said they'd order the part, drop it in, and if that solves the problem they'll charge me for it, but if it doesn't they won't charge me for it. All of their diagnostics are free. Great little shop. The place is called Experimac if anyone is ever cruising through West Seattle with a malfunctioning Apple product.

This weekend is shot for working on the studio. I've got about a day and a half over the 16th and 17th to do some work, and then I've scheduled a vacation beginning on 3/24 and extending until 4/2 to do nothing but studio work. Hopefully there will be some large gains in the near future as a result.

 

[silky smoove]

Just got the replacement order from TM. I think they got everything that was missing. Inventory looks good. I’ll be doing some work in the studio tomorrow on the middle leaf of the lid.

 

[beans-on-toast]

Building a studio is like engineering, finding a solution to one problem after the next.

 

[silky smoove]

Agreed... to say the least!

 

[silky smoove]

Just headed out the door to start working, and I get a call from the repair place for my computer. The power supply wasn’t the problem, so they suspect it’s rhe logic board itself. They recommended not repairing it as the cost to do that would be more than just buying a new one. Ugh... I don’t like the specs on the new ones and am not ready to upgrade to a Pro. Much thinking in my future...

 

[J Posega]

Just headed out the door to start working, and I get a call from the repair place for my computer. The power supply wasn’t the problem, so they suspect it’s rhe logic board itself. They recommended not repairing it as the cost to do that would be more than just buying a new one. Ugh... I don’t like the specs on the new ones and am not ready to upgrade to a Pro. Much thinking in my future...

You should be able to find a great deal on a used/refurbished model. I’ve been using a 2012 MBP I got a great deal on eBay. Since the older models are long out of warranty you’re gonna need to have any repairs done by a 3rd party anyway. Then again, as a pro, having a machine that’s actually under warranty or on AppleCare would certainly be of benefit.

 

[silky smoove]

The late 2012 Minis are highly sought after and command a higher price tag than new versions. Crazy. I’d like to just replace it in-kind, and to do that I’m in at least $600. Not bad, but not an expense I’m excited about, especially considering it’s just an interim computer until the studio is finished.

 

[silky smoove]

One light box done. It took two putty pads to cover it. Good thing I bought extras.

 

[silky smoove]

Getting everything aligned properly on the drywall hoist is not as easy as advertised.

Let’s pretend that I was lying on the ground because I wanted a dramatic shot angle, and not because I was so tired.

First panel of the middle leaf installed. Hopefully the rest go more smoothly and quickly.

 

[beans-on-toast]

Hopefully mounting the panels will get easier as you progress. When you get to the last one, you’ll have it all figured out.