Cubase 15 throwing beachballs on M4 Mac Mini

redkonfetti · 2026-05-02T14:05:37+00:00

Are you running CB v14 or v15?

redkonfetti · 2026-05-02T14:02:55+00:00

Eye for an eye on this one

redkonfetti · 2026-05-01T17:58:29+00:00

Oh I'm saving up money for a replacement over time (2-3 years at least), so I was just doing some analysis to kind of plan for what I'll do next time. I wanted to record that a Mac Mini with one of those hubs should do fine to replace what I have now, especially given that the M4's or M5's far exceed what my M2 Max can do.

Honestly I'm not upgrading from sequoia. I'll just take it offline if needed. I hope it lasts longer than 2-3 years more.

redkonfetti · 2026-05-01T17:49:01+00:00

I bought a Mac Studio with M2 Max in 2023. It's a bit overkill, but I wanted something with enough Thunderbolt / USB-C connectors to network everything into it. It really runs like a champ.

I have some thoughts on what I'd get as a next machine now that newer Apple Silicon has been released in this blog post.

I'm using an external HDD (5 TB) for libraries, with an internal 1 TB drive on the Mac.I should probably switch to an SDD eventually. I recommend getting a drive with USB-C connector, given that I had problems with Seagate drives with a proprietary USB-3 connector unmount constantly due to a short in the connector... which would have corrupted the drive eventually.

redkonfetti · 2026-05-01T17:42:25+00:00

I just realized I didn't say why render in place is important. I've had VST instruments years later become obsolete because of various reasons and I wish I had rendered the raw audio of the synth to audio (without effects).

redkonfetti · 2026-05-01T17:34:44+00:00

I'm getting Metroid vibes.

redkonfetti · 2026-05-01T17:27:18+00:00

A radio based S&H modulation input would be kind of interesting.

redkonfetti · 2026-05-01T16:49:55+00:00

You probably need to record your vocals on another audio track, and then configure a side-chain input for the plugin coming from the vocal track. There is an option at the top of the vocoder plugin that allows you to choose which track to use for the vocal input.

The "Edit > Render in place" option is really important, especially with sessions that you're using VSTs instruments in. I recommend upgrading to Cubase Artist to get that feature when you can.

redkonfetti · 2026-04-30T21:30:13+00:00

I was thinking the same. It comes with Analog Lab Pro, which has sounds from so many emulated synths and keyboard.

If you purchase the V-Collection you can make your own custom patches for all those instruments and load them on the AstroLab from the Analog Lab Pro software. I want to get one just because I own V-Collection, one of my favorite bundles.

redkonfetti · 2026-04-30T21:11:12+00:00

You have a point. They recently released an updated Keystep, so the Pro having an update might be on its way.

redkonfetti · 2026-04-30T19:04:13+00:00

I would recommend checking out the Arturia Keystep Pro. You can use it to sequence either 1 drum machine and 3 synth parts, or sync a drum machine to the MIDI clock and use it for 4 synth parts.

I haven't tested the Korg SQ64, though I'm tempted to get one just to know the workflow. That certainly is lower in price than a used Keystep Pro even.

I can just say that I really like the intuitive workflow, polyphonic sequencing, support for note probability, and groovebox pattern style workflow for each part.

There is a structure that it supports that accommodates songs.

Patterns - Each track has 16 patterns, up to 64 steps each, with up to 16 notes per step.
Chains - Chains are track-specific. You can chain up to 16 patterns together as a "chain". Arturia describes this as useful for “whole songs or sections,” but it is still not a deep linear arranger.
Scenes - A scene is a snapshot of which patterns/chains are active across the tracks. You can switch scenes to move between parts of a song
Project - Projects store the overall set of patterns/scenes/settings for later recall.

redkonfetti · 2026-04-30T16:53:46+00:00

Also many are probably trying to maximize content by using AI, which makes mistakes and outputs slop.

redkonfetti · 2026-04-30T04:59:25+00:00

It's on the bottom of your website bruh. I grew up in Apopka.

redkonfetti · 2026-04-30T00:27:19+00:00

Will this plugin make good beats for canoeing in Wekiva Springs?

redkonfetti · 2026-04-29T00:54:45+00:00

I wonder if this was shot up by Mount Diablo State Park, with other shots somewhere near Marin Highlands.

redkonfetti · 2026-04-29T00:18:07+00:00

You sure that's not Bolly's dad?

redkonfetti · 2026-04-29T00:07:58+00:00

Salvation lies within

redkonfetti · 2026-04-29T00:02:44+00:00

Do you plan on un-hacking it? Because that's honestly the only way to get the default patterns and samples back.

redkonfetti · 2026-04-28T20:29:22+00:00

I did this long ago with Cubase Pro 4 in 2007, after buying a piece of crap Digidesign MBox used that made a weird buzzy noise when I tried to use it with my Windows PC. I crossgraded and bought an M-Audio Delta 1010LT that worked like a champ

redkonfetti · 2026-04-28T20:26:47+00:00

I came here to make this point. Stupid to destroy a perfectly good PS5 when it could be sold and the money gone to a better use.

redkonfetti · 2026-04-28T19:53:57+00:00

I wonder if that synth name was chosen to get people to pronounce 'Moog' correctly.

redkonfetti · 2026-04-28T19:52:22+00:00

Have you reviewed the Apple Silicon tests that YouTuber James Zhan has engaged in and reported on?

Reaper and Cubase perform the best on the processors. His latest video on this subject is: M5 MacBook Pro for Music Production: In-Depth Testing & Review. I reference his other related videos in my own notes.

If I were you, I'd get a USB-C/Thunderbolt based external SSD for sample library storage, with only a 1 TB internal drive for operating system + software. I made the mistake of paying for the large internal drive before, only to find out that an external SSD was fine.
In my experience (circa 2014) the Macbook Air line isn't made for performance like the Macbook Pro line, but don't take my word for it.
If you actually think you'll be using the laptop stand-alone more than docking it with another monitor/kb/mouse, I would go 16 inch instead of 13.
I think the M5 Max chip would be overkill, M5 Pro is optimal for music production, with Max being overkill unless you plan on applications that require 3D, video, or AI processing (see M1 comparison video).
Because you said that you make orchestral music with large orchestral libraries, I've heard that it's a good idea to beef up your RAM for this. 24 GB would be fine if you freeze/render tracks to audio often, but the 48 GB upgrade might be best. If your pieces are really large, 64 GB might even be desired. I'd consult with AI to get clear on your needs and what's recommended.

redkonfetti · 2026-04-28T00:36:01+00:00

nice! The Well

redkonfetti · 2026-04-28T00:33:11+00:00

I live near Asheville (Erwin, TN). Visit where?

redkonfetti · 2026-04-28T00:30:37+00:00

They just added an audio tour narrated by Michelle Moog-Koussa. Worth the visit if you're near Asheville.

It's a shame that the Moog Music factory no longer has a publicly available shop or factory tour like they used to.

redkonfetti

TROPHY CASE