In the production studio, the computer plays a fundamental role. It is the center of everything, as it is where we record, use plugins, edit, mix, and everything else. Now, if the computer is a centerpiece, then the operating system we work with is also a centerpiece. That’s why the decision between Windows vs Mac is key when we talk about the study’s central computer. I have used both operating systems, and that is why I decided to make this article. I won’t reveal which one I currently use until the end of the article, but it should be noted that both have pros and cons. In this article, I will talk about the main important points to consider when choosing a Mac or a Windows computer.
Windows vs Mac for Music Production: Main differences
Audio integration
Well, if we are going to work with music production, then the integration factor with audio will be essential.
On Windows, you require ASIO to use audio in any DAW. Most audio interfaces have their own driver created with ASIO.
So far so good. The problem appears when you want to run multiple audio programs with ASIO, since it is not possible. I spent a lot of time fighting this problem in Windows, and it is quite annoying.
On the macOS side, as it is an operating system designed for multimedia, it comes with an integrated driver called “CoreAudio” that works fluidly with any audio interface and can open multiple audio programs without problems.
This is a key factor in which macOS has an advantage, which is the integration with audio devices and with audio programs.
Support for MIDI devices
Both Windows and macOS support MIDI devices. There is no doubt about that.
In my experience, just connect any MIDI device and it works, both on Windows and Mac.
And likewise, both systems can also work with multiple MIDI devices.
But there is a difference, in Windows you cannot run two (or more) audio programs with the same MIDI device. When you open a second program, it tells you that you cannot use the MIDI device because it is open in another program.
This is not a problem on Mac since you can use one MIDI device with multiple audio programs.
Plugin compatibility
Okay, now.. also an important point, how much are they compatible with plugins?
Both operating systems are compatible with VST/VST3 plugins, and on macOS there are also AU plugins.
The installation procedure is similar, you install the plugin with the installer or drag it directly to the native plugins folder.
Now, there are two factors to mention regarding macOS:
- Since the version of macOS called Catalina (released in 2019), developers have to notify (that is, something like “authorize”) their plugins with Apple for them to work. Since this came out a while ago, most developers have already updated to this and almost all of them work. However, some plugins (usually free and old ones) are not recognized. You can allow some plugins from the security system, and others do not work at all. In my experience, something like 95% of plugins work, but the remaining 5% are useless.
- The new M1 (Apple Silicon) processors that come in 2020 or later Macs are too good, but developers have to update their plugins to make them work natively. If they are not updated, you can use Rosetta and they work just as well.
On Windows, any plugin works without impediments.
Price
Many times I hear “I use Windows computers, because Macs are too expensive.”
And the point is that yes, when Macs just hit the market (0km) they are too expensive.
So for new computers, generally the ones that come with Windows are cheaper. It is complex to make a comparison here, since there are many models. Furthermore, Windows is not a brand of computer, but rather an operating system that many brands use.
But, used or remanufactured Macs come down a lot in price and are very affordable and equally good. If you start checking used prices, you will not see a difference between both used computers.
Factors that are equally good
There are factors in which both systems are good, and they must be mentioned:
DAW: With both you can run any DAW without any problem. All DAWs are also now Mac-enabled, as well as having native M1 support.
Recording instruments / voices: I find no differences when recording instruments or voices on Windows and Mac. In both systems you can do it without problems.
Audio latency: In macOS there are no latency problems due to the native CoreAudio driver. On Windows, there are also no problems using the ASIO driver that comes with most audio interfaces.
Security: It has less to do with production, but it is also worth highlighting. For macOS you don’t need any antivirus because it has a built-in security system. In Windows, a long time ago Windows Defender was of no use, but currently it is very good, so much so that you don’t need another antivirus.
Summing up, main points of Mac
- Native integration with audio, without impediments to running multiple audio programs at the same time.
- Native support for MIDI devices with multiple programs at the same time.
- Compatible with VST/VST3/AU plugins, but with some obstacles in plugins (mostly some free ones) that are not noted.
- High price on newly released products, but becomes cheaper on used products.
Summing up, main points of Windows
- Difficulty running multiple audio programs at the same time with ASIO.
- No problem with MIDI devices, but you cannot use the same device in multiple audio programs at the same time.
- Full VST/VST3 plugin support.
- Competitive pricing on new and used products as many brands release Windows computers.
Final conclusions: Windows vs Mac for music production
There is no one operating system that is better than another, but each one has its pros and cons.
My recommendation is that you look at these points, and think about the use you want to give it.
In my experience, I always use Windows as my main computer, but a few months ago I used Mac as my main computer for the first two points, since they are important for my work. I bought a 2014 Mac mini (used) for $175, I put an SSD in it and it works great.
But this does not mean that it is the ideal answer for everyone, but it is important to analyze the main points and see how useful they are for your work.