Question Rate my home recording studio system ?

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Kgveteran

Mar 4, 2025
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Im setting up a home recording computer system, and i have a list of parts that need to be looked over. I alway cringe at this point because i get so set on “this is perfect” any criticism kills me, but im putting it out there for weak links or shoukd you feel so…approvals

So, im starting with a Mac Mini 4m 16gb/256gb SSD, and my main app/program/DAW will be Logic Pro

Connected through a usb-c/display port connector cable to a Samsung 34” ultrawide monitor (1440p)

Second monitor for my tablet controled mixer as an interface Behringer XR18, is a Dell 24” 1080p (hdmi) general purpose monitor.

These two monitors above each other, 24” on top.

Apple Magic Keyboard with touch sensor

Logitech anywhere 2d mouse

Ok, go to it…
 
The physical setup seems okay. You really won't know if you like it until you actually use the layout.

Biggest issue I see is storage. The Mini only has a 256GB SSD. Are you planning for external storage devices?

Also, how do you intend to perform system backups?
 
There is no "perfect".

There are always trade-offs one way or another.

Take suggestions with an open mind and balance the trade-offs as your environment and requirements allow.

What is your budget? What are the priorities?

Sketch out a simple diagram of your planned recording studio system.

Google "Recording studio system diagrams" for examples.

Does not need to be fancy/official. Simply clear and understandable.

Just show all devices, cables/connections (ports & plugs) as realistically and practical as possible.

The diagram will help you keep track of it all via the proverbial "big picture".

Post your diagram here via imgur (www.imgur.com > "New Post" ).

There may be more suggestions and ideas accordingly.
 
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COLGeek said:
The physical setup seems okay. You really won't know if you like it until you actually use the layout.

Biggest issue I see is storage. The Mini only has a 256GB SSD. Are you planning for external storage devices?

Also, how do you intend to perform system backups?
Click to expand...
Oh crap, i have a 1tb usb storage device on my list!!!!
Crusial X9
 
Ralston18 said:
There is no "perfect".

There are always trade-offs one way or another.

Take suggestions with an open mind and balance the trade-offs as your environment and requirements allow.

What is your budget? What are the priorities?

Sketch out a simple diagram of your planned recording studio system.

Google "Recording studio system diagrams" for examples.

Does not need to be fancy/official. Simply clear and understandable.

Just show all devices, cables/connections (ports & plugs) as realistically and practical as possible.

The diagram will help you keep track of it all via the proverbial "big picture".

Post your diagram here via imgur (www.imgur.com > "New Post" ).

There may be more suggestions and ideas accordingly.
Click to expand...

Thanx thanx
 
Kgveteran said:
Oh crap, i have a 1tb usb storage device on my list!!!!
Click to expand...
Depending on how much recording you plan on doing, that's still a very modest amount of storage space. Luckily, external storage is cheap and readily available.

Another thing to note, if you plan on working with files directly from your external storage, you'll want USB 3.1 speed between the laptop and drive, at a minimum.
 
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Do you have any backup devices in your network already (like a NAS)? Are you paying for any cloud storage services?

You need space for local files (as others have noted) and you need a backup solution, separate from your mentioned external device.

There are 1000s of threads on Tom's Hardware regarding storage/system failures and files being gone.
 
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COLGeek said:
Do you have any backup devices in your network already (like a NAS)? Are you paying for any cloud storage services?

You need space for local files (as others have noted) and you need a backup solution, separate from your mentioned external device.

There are 1000s of threads on Tom's Hardware regarding storage/system failures and files being gone.
Click to expand...

Im going to contact my good friend who might be able to help me with this, i dont expect anyone here to hand out their numbers for a call Lol, but this all sounds necessary and too much for a thread response, i’ll give him a ring ☎️.

So far i dont feel horrible about this system, seems like tweaks here and there, thank you all !!!
 
The base system and layout (you'll know if it works for you once in place) are okay. So you have a good start.

You just need to sort out your local storage as previously discussed. Personally, a 1TB solution seems a bit thin especially if you have (multiple) large working files. Filling that much space will happen faster than you might think.

Backup is altogether different. Files stored somewhere else for when the inevitable happens.

For example, I use a local NAS to backup all my systems every 24 hours (there is more to my backup solution but you need to start with the basics).
 
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COLGeek said:
The base system and layout (you'll know if it works for you once in place) are okay. So you have a good start.

You just need to sort out your local storage as previously discussed. Personally, a 1TB solution seems a bit thin especially if you have (multiple) large working files. Filling that much space will happen faster than you might think.

Backup is altogether different. Files stored somewhere else for when the inevitable happens.

For example, I use a local NAS to backup all my systems every 24 hours (there is more to my backup solution but you need to start with the basics).
Click to expand...

I have already pushed out the date when i want to complete this project with spring and summer arriving and all this new information coming my way.
Electricity for this project needs attention, having a dedicated service, even if only a dedicated 30amp breaker. Surge suppression is another, and available outlets at all the musicians locations, no extension cords or cheesy power strips.
I need to upgrade my data switches too, not enough ports as it stands, no real brain surgery, but like my hometheater, i started off that project with (4) dedicated 20A services and went from there….
This is very exciting im glad you guys are a supportive part of this project! Its gonna be fun to watch it grow, i think its time to get out a pad and pencil ✏️ Lol
 
Using USB for the monitor implies you won't want to use anything "real time" on that USB, for example, you won't want that particular USB root HUB to share with a microphone (audio is supposed to be real time, although enough buffering might fake when it is only close).

USB always has a "root" HUB on the motherboard itself (or on a PCIe card in the case of a PCIe add-on). That root HUB might have many ports, but like an extension cord on a power line, the total output remains some maximum, and having 20 outlets isn't going to allow 20 devices with max power (they must share). Not every port on the motherboard has its own root HUB; most of the time several ports are added which share one root HUB. I consider a USB display to be inferior to HDMI, and HDMI to be inferior to DisplayPort (though close). The reason for a USB display is usually one of convenience, e.g., for something mobile like a docking station.

You never described how you are going to get things you record to/from the device, but that might be important.
 
LinuxDevice said:
Using USB for the monitor implies you won't want to use anything "real time" on that USB, for example, you won't want that particular USB root HUB to share with a microphone (audio is supposed to be real time, although enough buffering might fake when it is only close).

USB always has a "root" HUB on the motherboard itself (or on a PCIe card in the case of a PCIe add-on). That root HUB might have many ports, but like an extension cord on a power line, the total output remains some maximum, and having 20 outlets isn't going to allow 20 devices with max power (they must share). Not every port on the motherboard has its own root HUB; most of the time several ports are added which share one root HUB. I consider a USB display to be inferior to HDMI, and HDMI to be inferior to DisplayPort (though close). The reason for a USB display is usually one of convenience, e.g., for something mobile like a docking station.

You never described how you are going to get things you record to/from the device, but that might be important.
Click to expand...

Since these details are beyond my knowledge (but i do get what you are saying) maybe someone can chime in on your concern….thank you for raising this issue of concern
 
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COLGeek said:
As I have read the stated concern, you will be fine. The USB-C port (ThunderBolt) on the Mini is also serves as a DisplayPort. Don't sweat it.

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-mini/connect-a-display-apd8e4fbbb97/mac
Click to expand...

I have to ask this, will i be sending my main display signal from my USB-C on the front of the Mac or the Thunderbolt on the back, both of which need adapters or special cables with appropriate connecters ????

Great link btw 👍🏽

There are breakout cables for both….

Or am i not understanding the difference between the two ports, or their similarities

Possible cable:
https://www.amazon.com/DisplayPort-...2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1
 
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