Linux Audio

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Best hardware (laptop) for Linux audio production? (feddit.de)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I'm running Ubuntu Studio and Ardour on my aging HP laptop, and I'm considering getting something better.

When I bought the laptop I wasn't doing anything with audio production and was on a tight budget. Now that I do more with audio (and a bit with video) I'd like something more powerful.

I travel a lot for my job so a laptop is much preferred. Any tips for good, midrange machines or specs I should look out for?

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

FWIW from a Linux newbie, I ended up going for a gaming laptop. I was originally going for a Thinkpad, but honestly, after doing some reading on how Linux runs on various laptops, everything seemed to have people stating they had no real issues and people stating they had lots.

So I took a risk and got myself a Gigabyte G5. Three storage slots (good for separating samples or recording, virtual instruments etc.), decent enough cpu, up to 64gb ram (nice to know the option is there just in case), and gpu that will let me edit some stuff in Resolve.

The CPU (i5-11400H) has very similar specs to my desktop PC, which is about 4 years old now, but has never once broken a sweat with many, many tracks of audio, multiple instances of Serum and other softsynth, reverbs and delays etc, and Addictive Drums 2. So I don't think you need a high end cpu, but something with a few cores.

For video editing, I seem to remember that will depend a lot on your software of choice, and how much you're pushing it. For example, I use Resolve, which draws a lot from gpu, whereas other software might need better cpu specs.

I haven't used Reaper, my DAW of chioce on it yet, but Pd and SuperCollider are working perfectly.

I'm not an expert though so take all of this for what it's worth!

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I don't think you really need anything specific . I have generally used Dell laptops and they have always worked well for me. Unless you play games, I'd definitely forgo any fancy GPU for a better CPU.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Thanks for the tip! I'm an avid gamer, but not on my computer. I'll prioritize a better CPU!

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Never thought I would ever say this but Apple has currently some nice Laptops and Asahi Linux seems to get better and might be a standard choice. Got a mac mini and power draw vs performance is really good. Alternatively a laptop with ryzen 9 7940HS or similar seems to be roughly in the same ballpark. macOS is kinda annoying though.

I would probably get a framework laptop. https://frame.work/de/de

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Yeah, I feel like if I get really serious about audio production I'll probably end up with a Mac. But I like to see how far I can push it with Linux! Framework looks super interesting, and its Ubuntu compatible which is a huge plus.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I tried a full Linux setup and it worked fine. A bit more difficult if you have any Wave, Native Instruments,etc VSTs but thats mostly because of their installers. Yabridge really does wonders to bridge all of these.

I think a framework might be the smartest solution if one takes everything into account. BIggest downsides of the macs is the non upgradeability and bad serviceabilty as far as I´ve heard. I was kind of forced to use macOS for Dev purposes but despite the low power draw, a third of my workstation, macOS is not really my thing.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Yeah I mean, I know apple makes great computers, I have a hard time getting passed their business model of planned obsolescence, forcing you into their ecosystem, and of course, the price. After 15+ years of Linux on my computer, and and FOSS phone, its hard to go back. I recently got and iPad and can't evenmoves files onto it with a USB cable.

Framework looks cool and will pair nicely with my fairphone :)

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

I want one too! :D

I have to wait until my X220 dies of old age but the good part is I dont need it for musicproduction so no pressure on him.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

I used a thinkpad t440 with an i5 4thGen to record the demo of my band. Fedora+pipewire+ardour. Worked flawlessly.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I would recommend something with a touch screen with decent specs... but... last time I checked Ardour doesn't work too well with touch interaction. On the other hand, Bitwig + touch interaction (+ Wayland) is such a nice experience that it's impossible for me not to mention.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Really? Touch screen on a laptop? Never knew that was a thing.

I've been looking at bitwig and it looks quite nice. At this point, as a total beginner in digital audio, I feel like I have to pick something and run with it for a while. I'm learning to use Ardour and I think I will stick with it until I get comfortable with all the features of a DAW. My little HP is doing alright so far, even if its a bit slow, but I'd like to have something new before the end of the year.