Choose the best computer for Pro Tools for your requirements.
Pro Tools created by Avid Technology is one of the most popular DAW software around the world. This is a great instrument for handling large projects. Moreover, it is ideal for both experienced users and beginners. To enjoy all features of the program, you need to use the best computer for Pro Tools.
This article will be useful either you are looking for your first music production PC build or you are a professional musician, who wants to upgrade the available computer station. Here are the best options to help you get the most out of Pro Tools.
CPU: Intel Core i3 | GPU: Radeon Pro 555x | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB | Weight: 12.5 pounds
Apple iMac is a great choice for those, who are looking for a compact Pro Tools PC with a small-footprint AIO. It has a 21.5-inch display, AMD Radeon Pro Vega graphics, and an 8th Gen Core i5 processor. Great 4K display and decent feature set are great for beginners as well as experienced users, who don’t want to spend a fortune on a new PC.
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3500 | GPU: AMD Radeon RX 5500,| RAM: 8GB | Storage: 512GB | Weight: 25.2 pounds
This HP product is a good choice if you need a machine that can handle both current and future tasks. It boasts excellent upgradability and powerful performance at a very reasonable price. Unlike many products, this desktop computer for recording music won't break your budget.
The manufacturer offers several configurations, but they all perfectly cope with any task as they work on the i7 8th generation or i7 9th generation processors. Choose the one that suits you best, and you will not be disappointed!
CPU: Intel Core i7 | GPU: Intel | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB | Weight: 13.14 pounds
HP Envy is a cool desktop for music production or other creative needs. The entire system runs smoothly and efficiently without producing noise. Besides, there are brushed thermal vents that increase the airflow for better cooling of the device.
This PC is powerful enough for rendering and editing 4K content. Since this computer for Pro Tools comes with a traditional hard drive and SSD drive, you get huge storage space, stunning responsiveness and fast and smooth operation. As a result, you can store all the necessary media files, software, and other content right on the device.
CPU: Intel Core i7 | GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6GB | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 1TB | Weight: 31.5 pounds
This computer has an Intel processor. Combined with NVIDIA's GTX 1660 Ti, this powerful Intel's 9th Generation i7-9700F is the perfect tool for multitasking, content creation, streaming, gaming, and more.
This is the best computer for Pro Tools if you are also an avid gamer. 16GB DDR4 RAM ensures incredible experience with higher FPS in games. Moreover, it boasts impressive storage capacities including a 240GB SSD and a 1TB HDD.
CPU: Intel Core i9-9900K | GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080| RAM: 32GB | Storage: 1TB | Weight: 29.2 pounds
Many users consider this model the best computer for Pro Tools due to modern and powerful hardware. It contains stunning NVIDIA graphics with real-time ray-tracing technologies and a 9th Generation Intel Core i9-9900K processor.
This combination allows you to complete any complex tasks at high speed and with minimal power consumption. This computer delivers incredibly clear and detailed audio using a headset or surround sound speakers. By the way, you can enhance the performance with HP OMEN Command Center software.
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2600 | GPU: NVIDIA RTX 2060 | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 500GB | Weight: 37.9 pounds
This option is powered by Nvidia's RTX 2060 6GB video card and delivers incredibly realistic visuals. A powerful 6-core processor is capable of fast and efficient video rendering, streaming, and video editing.
It is one of the most popular computers for audio production supporting HD+, 4K, VR, streaming, and recording. It is also great for playing AAA titles at the highest frame rates and professional video rendering to beat the rivals.
CPU: Intel Core i7 | GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 | RAM: 6GB | Storage: 512GB | Weight: 18.46 pounds
This compact gaming option is a good computer for Pro Tools. The machine fits perfectly into any interior and doesn’t take up much space. It a great value for money with ample capabilities for personal configuration and future upgrades.
This computer runs on the 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9700 processor. It boasts high performance and impressive responsiveness for a smooth workflow.
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600X | GPU: GeForce GTX 1660 Super| RAM: 8GB | Storage: 1TB | Weight: 24.3 pounds
This gaming computer is packed with the most modern and advanced features. This rugged and heavy-duty device can also be used as a Pro Tools workstation.
It amazes with high operation speeds. A well-thought-out cooling system incorporating the flow tech keeps the performance stable and efficient.
The NVIDIA graphics card provides stunning and fast visual experience. The disadvantage of this option is the limited number of connection ports.
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Apple iMac
Our choice
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OMEN 25L
Affordable
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HP ENVY
Designed
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The official developer specifies the following Pro Tools computer requirements. Your device must be powered by an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor with speedy single-core performance. These minimum specifications allow applying multiple processing effects, load plug-ins without speed drops.
You must have 16GB of RAM or more for a smoother workflow and faster loads of large files. We also recommend you to opt for a computer or a workstation laptop with a large screen for a more convenient experience.
Adequate storage space is an important part of working with Pro Tools as you need to switch between multiple windows at the same time. There should be enough space on your music production PC build to store your samples, mastered and mixed projects, as well as demos. If you are in the music production business, there isn't much difference between SSD and HDD for you. The SSD provides fast opening of projects and loading of windows. But it doesn’t affect the efficiency of work during regular processes.
Mac devices and PC are suitable for Pro Tools. If you own Mac, it needs to have at least OS X 10.8. 5, Core i5 processor, 4GB RAM, 15GB disk space. The best computer for Pro Tools 12 should be based on at least Window 7 64-bit, has core i5 processor, 4GB RAM, and 15 GB disk space.
Mac devices meet Pro Tools requirements better.
Definitely. Almost from the very beginning, Pro Tools has become the leader among DAW software and still retains its position. The program has a huge number of advantages over its competitors and is rightfully called the flagship in the category.
If you are using the 12th version, then it is better to choose Pro Tools iMac or PC with 32GB+ of RAM. Although the manufacturer specifies the minimum of 16GB of RAM.