Ordered Mac Studio: Help me pick a monitor
I ordered a Mac Studio Mi Max with a predicted delivery of July 26th.
This will only give me a few days with my new computer, as I leave for three back to back adventures for the following 6 to 7 weeks. Returning in mid September. Oh well, that is the way it goes sometimes. I still need to buy a monitor for my new set up. I have a gift certificate for Best Buy of $250. But willing to spend a little more if necessary. For better or worse, my recording set up is in my Living room. As a bachelor, I can do this. And my living room opens up to the den. So wide open and good sound. I have portable Gobo's- sound treatment. What is different: + As you can see, I have my keyboard on rollers. This is great as I can push it back parralel with the end of the table to give me more work space when not in use. + My Mic stands have quick releases for the arms. Thus I can change over to a recording set up in just a few minutes. For better or worse, this is the way my recording set up needs to be. My mic stands are behind me. Thus when I am recording I need to turn around away from the computer monitor. With my new set up I plan to have a long cord and just move the monitor in front of my microphones. I may build a small rolling table or just place it on the ground. The goal is so that I can see the actual recording levels. My living room is also home to my guitar work bench, which also doubles as a Wood arrow & leather making table. Sadly, because of all of my hobbies I am a bit of a messy guy. The only thing that saves me is all of my little tool holders & portable tables. In the Den, just 20 feet away, is my regular TV movie watching area. The living Room - Den is where I spend 99% of my time when I am in the house. Won't be watching movies or playing games on my future computer monitor. So I would think a baseline would be plenty good. However, I might be editing some photo's on it...and hopefully in the future a little video. I have liked the colors of Samsung in the past. Nothing is as good as the Mac screen for color accuracy...but that is o.k...I plan to keep my old 2009 Imac up and running for most of my photo's duty. So if you would be so kind as to give me your input as to if I only need the baseline, or the models up from there? Is there an extra inputs that I need in the back of the computer? + 27 inch or 32 inch? + Baseline or a model up? Some Choices listed below: https://i.imgur.com/R5pXKD6.jpg https://i.imgur.com/41E0Gm3.jpg https://i.imgur.com/6XVyrk5.jpg https://i.imgur.com/PCdj06L.jpg https://i.imgur.com/gnOH0aa.jpg https://i.imgur.com/YvSgwc2.jpg https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung...?skuId=6420869 https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung...?skuId=6471364 https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung...?skuId=6471364 |
The Samsung Smart Monitor M8 is likely going to be my choice when I get my Mac Studio.
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However, I do not believe I would be using any of the extra features it has. Don't have Ipad or even a smart phone. Won't be gaming or watching any television on it. Just an occasional Youtube music video. And it is way out of my price range. Willing to go to $350. My primary goal is to use this for music production. I am sure I will use it for photo editing and emails and such as well. But my hope is to kept the other computer for those duties. However...then comes the other problem of where do I put the other computer?...so realistically, I am sure I will use my new computer for other duties. But I still don't think I need most of those features. One thing I might consider...is leaving the computer where it is and interfacing a smaller monitor or I pad to see the recording levels? Not sure what requirements my monitor needs for that? And Not sure I wish to make the extra investment. Still it is something to think about. |
Consider strongly getting a 4k monitor. A 27" will be less expensive and more than adequate.
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Humm
First let me say I think getting the computer and then quickly going on vacation my be more of blessing in disguise than you think . That said if it were me and I was aiming for a $350 budget I would add a few more $ and would consider this one https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-PA278QV-...f_=as_li_ss_tl And this is why and explains why the 5 K retina iMac looks so good (Note he does video and photo and throws around some terms I am unfamiliar with. but starting about 1/2 way through starts making some good points if accurate (I think :D ) |
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Sorry that I'm a bit rushed for time, so I can't give you as much attention as you might want right now.
Even with a budget limit, consider two monitors. Yes, things like mixer and other windows can float inside one screen, but two cheap old-school regular HD monitors work well and may come inside your budget. Particularly if you want to have a screen as a "level monitor" -- it may be nice if it's separate screen. You'll probably drive one monitor off a USB C port on your Studio and the other off the HDMI. You don't need a USB C monitor for the 2nd. USB to DVI or display port adapters are available. My studio space Mac (where I prefer to record live and where I record with others) has two older, cheap and cheerful regular HD monitors. I'll usually run the mixer on one screen and the track view on the other. Sometimes I'll set a track view screen so my keyboard player can see it and is able to see where they are in the tune visually as well as by ear. On my editing and mastering and "in the box" "Studio B space (little bedroom home office) I have two as well. One is an old HP 1920x1200 monitor I've used for a decade or so and the 2nd screen a cheaper higher resolution screen one step down from 4K QHD. On either of these spaces I may use the extra screen real estate to open plugins which in my case may also include amp sims or "stomp box" emulations. Frankly, with my old eyes that never were great to begin with and the need to see the monitors with a guitar in front of me sometimes, I don't run super high resolutions. The Mac OS will happily scale screens "down" from the monitors actual "real" resolution, but the plausible extra sharpness is less important to me than being able to see some things clearly when engineering and producing myself, so I haven't generally spent for higher resolutions myself as of yet. More's better, yes, but for example in my Studio B space, the HP monitor gets a lot use for a place to move plug in windows, while the higher resolution monitor set to display things smaller but more stuff on screen, lets me see the big "zoomed out" picture of a session. As you think about mounts or stands be aware that most monitors accept one of a couple of standard VESA mount patterns. This lets you buy a versatile stand to go with an inexpensive monitor that offers little adjustment or flexibility. You can even mount them on a wall like a flat screen TV if that solves a desk space issue. It's not usual for one to re-arrange one's desk as you figure out what works over use-time, so a different stand may be something you decide on down the line too. Hope any of this helps. |
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But some relatively good news. So I went to Best Buy and asked to speak to their most knowledgeable person on compatibility of monitors with Mac. What I got was a very young person whom was not familiar with the problems listed in the video, but is a quick learner-researcher. he spent oddles of time with me and We watched through the video at the store together. Here is what he believes: He believes that the problem he is having is mostly due to using a 13 inch mac book M1. He says that when you are relaying to a bigger screen, the program is still set for the Mac's smaller screen. Thus it is using the a program that was made to maximize the screen quality of the 13inch. Plus he believes the ram on that particular unit is small and thus this is another reason why he was having problems. He further stated that he does not believe the Mac Studio would operate in this matter since it does not come with a screen. He does not think I would have a problem with any monitor I choose. ( I will further research this at the apple store ) However, is was all thumbs up for Frank's Suggestion to purchase a QHD...which I learned stands for "Quality High Definition QHD is specified as 2560x1440 pixels at a16x9 aspect ratio, four times that of 720p standard high definition." QHD would not be good for gaming as the refresh rate is much lower...but the viewing quality is good. Since I will not be watching television or gaming on it...this might be a good solution for myself. If I get into video production later...well then I can always buy a 4k set. I have lots more research to do...and still welcoming suggestions & further thoughts and discussions. |
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Also note the ASUS ProArt I linked is actually a QHD 2560 x 1440 display . However I see the Amazon price has jumped to $429 from the $379 I saw it for no more than a week ago . Best buy likely has has a good QHD display OR B&H has ASUS 27 " QHD 's starting @ $309 https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...UaAnXPEALw_wcB to $399 https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...IaAuq2EALw_wcB |
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Now if I had infinite money and space, I'd have multiple, reasonably large highest resolution available screens. I don't. The Mac system using two monitors which I use to do video editing and orchestra pieces with lots of VIs and plugins has one at 1920x1200 on the right and one at 2560x1440 on the left. Just by dragging a plugin or VI window over to the right monitor (lower resolution) the unzoomable/resizable window is in effect magnified and a sight for my old feeble eyes. Note: I'm not knocking 4K monitors or even necessarily a larger and highest resolution screen, just pointing out that two screens have advantages in some situations, particularly when cost is a factor. |
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Yes, the Two screen concept was my original intention from the start. However...slightly limited financially right now, and will probably have to wait a while to purchase a second screen. I really like KevWind's suggestion to look into the ASUS Pro Art series monitors. Correct colors is something that is important to myself...being a former pro photographer. Even though I say I will mostly be using my new system for Music production...I am sure that somewhere along the line I will do some video as well. After all, music goes hand in hand with Video these days. And ASUS is very reasonably priced. I called ASUS this morning to try and find out the exact differences between all three models. The Pa278QV, Pa278CV *& the PA2790CV According to ASUS the differences are very minor. +All three have the same speakers. + All three have the same color accuracy * The difference between the QV and the CV is the rear ports QV has= HDMI | Mini DP | DP | DVI-D Inputs QC Has= HDMI | DisplayPort | USB Type-C According to ASUS..the difference in ports for the QC would allow Daisy Chaining of Monitors... This might be a defining factor. ? is Daisy Chaining an advantage over Splitting the HDMI Signal and going to two monitors? Certainly would save some cost in a splitter. The PA279CV.....is 4K resolution(Resolution 3840 x 2160) as where the 278QV & CV are 2560 x 1440 QHD So the question for me to research more: ? if Indeed there would be no problems with scaling in conjunction with my new Mac Studio MI Max because of the 4k resolution... ? And if 4k would be invaluable for future video editing. Prices are QV $309, CV $399 & the PA279 has now skyrocketed to $482 So I believe the 4K is out of the question right now budget wise. And that could be for the best anyway. |
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I moved up to a better quality monitor a few years back. When I researched what I should be looking for in a quality monitor for photo editing, a few things stood out... You definitely want 4K so you can do more accurate editing. You also want 10 bit color depth capability if you can get it. It's been a few years so I don't know what's available at what price anymore, but when I was shopping, nothing under $600 was going to give me anywhere close to a full Adobe RGB color palette. If that's still the case, it's not critical to have but you will want a 100% SRGB color palette since that's what most printing houses use. |
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But with the Mac Studio I believe you would not have to have a splitter because (If I am remembering correctly ) it can send from both its HDMI and one of it's TB3 - USB -C connections ( I believe the $399 ASUS has both those types of connections) ..So I am thinking you could go with one now and one later |
I'd worry that daisy chain means mirror not different, but I don't know.
Yup, you can drive a high-res monitor off one of USB C ports. And yes, you can buy one now and one later, and no they don't have to match. In my meet the budget situation with my Mac Mini it was buy one new and use one existing that I had. Similarly, if you decide you need more mounting/positioning flexibility later you can use the VESA mount standard to give you that later. I hadn't thought about video and 4K being very good to have. Makes sense, though for what I do I just work at older 1080 (HD) tops for my videos. Color accuracy and short term, I thought of another poor-mans mitigation. Do I remember correctly, you have an older iMac. Are you happy with it's color accuracy? Just thinking, but you maybe remote computer connect to the new Studio running Photoshop there from the old iMac. I think you'd get the old iMacs color and for the most part the new Studio's speed. There'd be some additional latency, but for a static picture it'd likely be tolerable. Not saying to sacrifice color accuracy on your new monitor though. Another thing that occurs to me if you own a iPhone (or better yet an iPad) and plan to use Logic. I believe Apple offers a remote app for Logic to run on their phones and tablets. Might be cool for your watch the mixer or levels needs while recording. Again, your session would be running on your new Studio, the Logic Remote app just lets you put up a remote windows to selected parts of the interface of Logic on the iPad or phone. |
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I called into to apple and asked to speak to a specialist on my new purchase before I ordered. As when you order you can have Logic Pro installed for an additional $199. I only wished to know one question: Could I transfer my Old 10.1.1 Logic Pro X to the new computer and pay to have it upgraded? I took me over 20 minutes on the phone, and had to be transferred Four times before someone could answer that question! Point being that even apple does not always know the answers to the questions asked without a lot of research. I found the same thing in the apple store...I got varied answers to other questions I had. Even in what this "Daisy Chain" functionality truly is..there are conflicting reports. One source claims this: "Desktop Mirroring or Extend When connected to an external display, Mac and Windows computers have two different display modes: Mirror and Extend. In Mirror Mode the computer monitor duplicates the monitor on the external display so that you see the same picture on both the desktop and projector. In Extend Mode the external display is treated as a separate screen so that you can have a different windows open on the projector and desktop. It is easy to switch between the two settings. MAC – Change External Display Mode To turn on (or off) Desktop Mirror click the small icon of a monitor on the upper right side of the menu bar and select Turn On Mirroring" For right now, I just plan to get a 12 foot HDMI cable and move the monitor in front of me. However, silly me...I forgot all about the power cable. So I will need an extension power cable as well. Which, now starts to get a little messy with that extra cord. Not quite as simple of a move. And IPAD remote for the metering is sounding pretty good. It is light weight, battery operated...and If I indeed can zoom in on just The meter levels( Three channels at the most at one time) then I would be set. |
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Why is that ? Also just a side note given you are a live alone do you have any way to get your system out of the corner ? That is the least desirable place for monitoring with loudspeakers Trust me I do it in my bedroom and it is not a great situation .. |
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No question you are right...poor place for monitors. However, I have a second set of speakers that I can place anywhere in the living room. I can quickly move them around. As I am running old style amplifier with A & B sets and long run of high quality speaker wire. And realistically, I will monitor through headphones for recording quality. As far as mixing, I intend to hire out for that. Regardless of where I place the speakers, or how good a room you have...mixing is something that I am better off leaving to someone else. An entirely different opinion I have about recording though; I believe that I will have the best knowledge for recording myself. Because, my style of playing is slightly different. Because I have and will go to greater lengths of time in order to experiment. In a recording studio...we are time constricted. There of course are exceptions. Vocal recording....I might be better off in a studio with more mic selections. I sometimes teach Wood arrow & Flemish string making. While the Bow itself is the most expensive part of archery...the Arrow and the string can make the biggest difference in accuracy. But most people don't realize that. They place all the trust in the bow itself. There are just too many variables depending on your shooting styles, bow weight & limb lengths, and arrow spine. Nobody is going to spend all the time needed to make a perfect arrow or string as you will. it is just not economical. In many ways recording is much like this. You certainly would not use the same techniques and equipment for recording Pete Townsend as you Would Michael Watts. I taught a Flemish String class at a traditional rendezvous in Pennsylvania many years back. There was a commercial string maker that attended my class. She was extremely interested in learning my technique. Half way through the class She threw up her arms and said " I am sorry, there is no way I could spend all the time you are, and make a profit!" I have a feeling that most of us here pretty much feel the same way about why we record ourselves. Otherwise we all would have just hired out a recording studio. Hopefully that is the case...that we can record ourselves a little bit better. On the plus side...a living room with an open wall that goes right into a den. Plus I have recessed skylights. So the room even with out baffling sounds pretty good. With sound panels then it becomes very reasonable. Or...so I hope. I will find out soon enough when I get down to business.....recording business that is. |
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Here is something I just stumbled on that is a stark example of what absorption panels can do for a room Now there is a lot extraneous blather but from about 1:00 on the difference between the untreated room and the treated is quite noticeable . I believe he is describing Owens Corning 703 or equivalent |
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The Idea of my studio is quick put up and take down. As an example...I have quick releases not only for the microphones...but for the Boom Arms. This enables me to have a living room that is for company, Movie watching, dining, and my other hobbies as well as recording. When I record acoustic guitar, I face the opposite direction of the computer desk. Thus, I can not see the guitar's recording levels. The idea of the long 12 foot cable...is to be able to move the monitor to be in front of the microphones so I can see the recording levels. Again...a quick turn about...a quick recording set up. I can go from my normal sit at desktop function...to recording viewing of levels function, simply by picking up the computer and moving it. Frank's suggestion about using a smaller Tablet is one that I have been contemplating. I did not know about the remote apt. That would solve any extra cabling at all. The Tablet is small enough & light enough that I could lift it to eye level to see just the recording levels. However, a Tablet might cost as much as a small monitor? And In order to use the remote apt would I need to pay for a telephone service? I will need to investigate this more. I do not use a smart phone. Still a land line user. One of the few left. |
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Just to further clarify:
Turning around and facing my open room with acoustic panels, sounds better than facing a corner with acoustic panels. No matter how I arrange, there will also be less than perfect sets ups. My preamps and compressors will not be in front of me when recording. Luckily I have a very wide vision and can still see the VU's and Led meter settings of my outboard gear. It is not a perfect viewing, but it will work. |
Not sure why the knowledge about Logic Pro X was so hard to get. It could be that the folks you asked heard a difficult rather than simple question.
If you own any version of Logic Pro X (ever 10.0.xx) you can (and probably should run on your new Studio Mac) the newest version at no extra charge. I jumped to Logic X as soon as it came out, and upward compatibility hasn't ever been an issue. User interface has some modest changes, and there are a great many new features, some of which I've never used, so they don't "bother me." But you asked about transferring your older version of Logic. and that may have stumped the Apple people. Not out of licensing legality, but if it would even work on newer computer hardware and a newer version of MacOS. I'd think the reason no one knows that (if that was the question) is no one (or close to no one) wants to do that. Thinks like any older sessions you have or templates should transfer over for your old Logic when you move your user data by hand or with with Apple migration assistant. The old software itself has no reward to it's install. A first install of Apple Logic Pro X and all its VI instrument library does take a good deal of time over the Internet, but you can basically tell it to go get everything and let it go about its business. I myself wouldn't pay $199 to have Apple do it if I already had a license, but then I'm cheap. If you end up using an external drive for VI sample libraries (I do) you can later tell Logic to move all the free with Logic VI sample libraries to another drive after everything is downloaded and installed. |
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I have decided to get the middle ASUS monitor for $399. I will purchase it about a week before the new computer is expected to arrive in late July. I also assume that if I wanted to, I could still edit 4K on a 1441? The only difference would be that I would not be able to see all of the 4K clarity? Or are there other problems directly related to not having a high enough refresh rate? |
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Here with a typical PT session The iMac is on the right and the Cinema is on the left I will post a better photo tomorrow https://i.imgur.com/LN7zTrs.jpg |
OK so here are some more photo's Also must correct an error the 27" Apple Cinema actually supports up to 2560 by 1440 pixels, which is why I guess it seems fine for 4 K video
Sorry about the room reflections these were quick iPhone 10 photos and are untouched So again. the Cinema on left the 5K iMac on right as you can see the color is slightly different but fairly close (the Cinema seems to have a bit more blueish cast in the white),,,, the 5k is just a bit brighter and a tiche sharper https://i.imgur.com/kegVCnm.jpg Cinema https://i.imgur.com/eLq6kP5.jpg iMac https://i.imgur.com/rA2LUyM.jpg |
THEY LIED!!!!!!!!!
I was told that it would come in July 26th....
But instead I got this notice that my Mac Studio MI MAX is IN!!!! Totally unprepared...ha ha..As I had not yet bought the monitor and KeYboard and mouse. Why buy Early = I said? Did not want to have a brand new monitor sitting around for a month or more. * So I just now Took KevWind's advice and bought the middle grade ASUS 27 inch Pro Art CV from B&H... Good news is it went down $30 since I last check a couple of weeks ago. Will come in July 6th. ** Will take in my computer tomorrow or Monday, to have them transfer over all of the old information. It takes two days. So I assume I will get the computer in hands Tuesday or so, which I will still have to wait till the 6th for my new monitor. Now I am rushing to clean up my computer and throw away every necessary item on it. As I have so many hobbies, I had thousands of articles and items that I have been interested in. Not to mention several thousand photos. I am a bit of a computer horde...messy screen. They caught me totally off guard. Well, in reality it is a good thing coming early. Just was not expecting this in the least. *** on an interesting note...it seems Apple now offers their typical white mouse in Black and silver. That is the only difference but they are charging an extra $20 for that color option. White is good for me. Certainly not worth twenty bucks more. |
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