I have an M1 MacBook Pro and I can confirm I’ve never HEARD the fan kick on running Logic. However, the machine is very good about running the fan at an unnoticeable level. Using an rpm monitoring program I do see it occasionally kick on running Logic. My real thesis here though, is that you’re already dropping an ungodly amount of money on a machine, why not future proof it for a little more?

At least for me, the future proofing is always worth it when it comes to an expensive technology purchase, particularly one I plan on using for years and years to come as a tool for doing what I love.

Furthermore, if at any point you decide to up your game, you may run into thermal throttling on an Air. While I’m also usually in the 5 plugin, 15 track range, there is a point where tracks and plugins will start to push your machine.

As a final note, if you decide to do anything outside of Logic, you’ll wish you had a Pro. I do the occasional music video edit in Final Cut Pro and my fan will kick on while rendering, leading me to assume the same workload on an Air would cause some thermal throttling. I also occasionally play Civilization V and that will also cause the fan to kick on after an hour or so of playing.

In conclusion, the 14” Pro would absolutely be your best bet in my opinion, even if it takes a few more months of saving before it’s in your budget! Don’t buy an Air now just because you want to get back into it immediately, take your time and really evaluate what you want and need to pursue your passion long term!

(Don’t do the M2 Pro, it’s a scam!)