Typically my compositions have 20-30 instances playing at their peak, and the 2013 MacPro uses <20% CPU.
I run a setup with a large number of VEP 7 instances (around 200) and connect to Logic Pro X 10.5. While it's an older machine, it's multi-thread processing score (Geekbench) is around 85/90% of my 2019 Core i9 iMac. I use an external 2TB SSD to house my VSL and other libraries. I ended up buying a 2013 MacPro (trashcan) with a 12 core Xeon processor and upgraded it to 128GB of RAM all for around the same price as the MacMini you're looking at (actually a bit less). While I don't have experience with the Mac Mini, I went through a similar process of adding a second machine this spring. I would run Logic on my iMac and the libraries and VSL EP on the mini-Īdditionally I have a Samsung 2TB T7 ssd that would house my sample libraries that I would connect to the mac mini. I have my doubts about the mini as its basically a laptop, but the form factor and 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports are really attractive. Is this a good choice? If I had more space Id just buy the 10 core i9 iMac that just came out, but living in Brooklyn NYC things are a bit tight space wise- Hah! Im currently looking at the 2020 Mac Mini 6 Core 3.2Ghz i7 - 8th Gen with 64 Gb of RAM. Most of them would not be sounding off at the same time.
(although I have considered running both Logic Pro X and VSL EP both on my iMac).ģ0 - 40 Instruments open at the same time in one project file would be the max Id use.
Im interested in getting a slave computer to handle VSL EP / Kontakt Libraries and take the load off my iMac. I purchased VSL EP 7 to help lighten the load for Logic as Ive had some issues with libraries trading instruments with other Logic Pro projects that were open at the same time together and also some freezing and crashes. Im currently using a late 2013 iMac (3.5 Ghz Quad core i7 -4th Gen) with 32 Gb of RAM. Wanted to drop this question out there and see what your opinions are.