For music producers, having a powerful and reliable computer is essential.
However, traditional desktop PCs can be bulky and take up valuable space in a studio. This is where mini PCs come in.
Mini PCs offer a great alternative for music producers who need a powerful machine but don’t want to sacrifice space.
They are compact and portable, making them ideal for small studios or home setups. Additionally, many mini PCs are fanless, which means they operate silently, allowing you to focus on your music without distractions.
But with so many different mini PCs on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.
In this guide, we will take a look at some of the best mini PCs for music production.
Choosing the Right Mini PC for Music Production
When it comes to music production, your computer plays a critical role in your creative process.
While powerful desktop PCs have long been the standard, the rise of mini PCs offers a compelling alternative.
These compact powerhouses pack a punch while saving valuable space in your studio.
But with so many options available, choosing the right mini PC for your needs can be overwhelming.
Here are some of the key factors to consider when choosing a mini PC for music production:
- Processor: The processor is the heart of your computer, and it is important to choose one that is powerful enough to handle your music production software. Look for a processor with a high clock speed and multiple cores.
- RAM: RAM is used to store temporary data, and it is important to have enough RAM to run your music production software smoothly. We recommend at least 16GB of RAM.
- Storage: You will need enough storage space to store your music files, plugins, and samples. We recommend a solid-state drive (SSD) for fast data transfer speeds.
- Connectivity: Make sure the mini PC has enough ports to connect your audio interface, MIDI keyboard, and other studio peripherals.
- Budget: Mini PCs can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It is important to set a budget before you start shopping.
List of Best Mini PC for Music Production
Here our top recommendations:
| Products | Price |
|---|---|
| Intel NUC 12 Pro NUC12WSHi7 Mini PC | Check on Amazon |
| GEEKOM Mini PC Mini IT11 | Check on Amazon |
| Apple Mac Mini Desktop Computer | Check on Amazon |
| GMKtec Mini Gaming PC | Check on Amazon |
| Beelink SER5 Mini PC | Check on Amazon |
Intel NUC 12 Pro NUC12WSHi7 Mini PC: Best Overall
CPU: Intel Core i7-1260P (12 Cores, 16 Threads, up to 4.7 GHz Turbo) | GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM: 16GB | Storage: 512GB SSD | Operating System: Windows 11 Pro | Connectivity: Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2, HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 6E AX211, Bluetooth 5.2 |
The Intel NUC 12 Pro Wall Street Canyon is a powerful mini PC that packs a punch when it comes to music production. Its 12th Gen Intel Core i7-1260P processor offers ample power for running demanding music software and plugins, while the 16GB of DDR4 RAM ensures smooth multitasking and responsiveness. The 512GB NVMe SSD provides ample storage space for your music files, samples, and projects, while the integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics handles basic visual tasks.
One of the biggest strengths of the NUC 12 Pro for music production is its connectivity options. With 2x Thunderbolt 4 ports, 2x HDMI 2.1 ports, and multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, you can connect all your essential studio peripherals without running out of ports. This is especially convenient for producers who use multiple instruments, audio interfaces, and MIDI controllers simultaneously.
Compared to other popular mini PCs for music production, the NUC 12 Pro offers some distinct advantages. It boasts a more powerful processor than the Apple Mac Mini M1, making it better suited for demanding tasks like running high-end plugins and virtual instruments. It also offers more storage space than the Geekom Mini IT12, which can be crucial for music producers who work with large sample libraries.
Of course, no product is perfect. While the NUC 12 Pro is incredibly powerful and versatile, it is not fanless and can generate some noise under heavy load. This may be a concern for producers who work in quiet environments. Additionally, the NUC 12 Pro comes barebones with RAM, SSD, and OS, which means users will need to purchase and install these components separately, adding to the initial cost.
Overall, the Intel NUC 12 Pro Wall Street Canyon is an excellent choice for music producers who need a powerful, compact, and versatile machine. Its strong processing power, ample storage space, and extensive connectivity options make it ideal for running demanding music software and plugins. While it may not be the quietest option on the market, its performance and features make it a strong contender for the best mini PC for music production.
GEEKOM Mini IT11: A Powerful Mini PC for Music Production
CPU: Intel Core i7-11390H (4 Cores, 8 Threads, up to 5.0 GHz) | GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics (96 EU) | RAM: 32GB 3200MHz DDR4 (Expandable up to 64GB) | Storage: 1TB M.2 PCIe SSD (Expandable up to 2TB) + 2.5″ SATA Slot (up to 2TB) | Operating System: Windows 11 Pro | Connectivity: USB4.0, Mini DisplayPort, HDMI 2.0, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, Giga LAN | Warranty: 1-Year Limited.
The GEEKOM Mini IT11 Mini PC stands as a formidable option in the mini PC category, particularly for those in the music production industry. With its 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11390H processor, this compact powerhouse offers a clock speed reaching up to 5.0GHz, making it suitable for a variety of audio processing tasks. The inclusion of 4 cores and 8 threads, while not the highest in the market, strikes a balance between efficient processing and power consumption.
One of the most striking features of the Mini IT11 is its generous memory offering. Equipped with 32GB of 3200MHz DDR4 RAM, it significantly outperforms many competitors in the same category, offering smoother operation when running demanding music software and handling large audio files. This is a key advantage for music producers, as more RAM often translates to better performance with digital audio workstations and plugins.
Storage is another strong suit of this device. The 1TB M.2 PCIe SSD provides ample space for storing extensive music libraries and projects, with the added benefit of fast data access and transfer speeds. The possibility to expand the storage up to 2TB offers additional flexibility for users with growing needs.
For music producers who also engage in video production or content creation, the Mini IT11’s graphics capabilities, powered by Intel Iris Xe Graphics, are a notable plus. The support for up to 8K UHD output, while not essential for audio tasks, makes this mini PC versatile for various multimedia applications.
Connectivity on the Mini IT11 is comprehensive. The array of ports including USB 4.0, HDMI 2.0, and Mini DisplayPort, ensures compatibility with a wide range of peripherals, crucial for a music production setup. Moreover, the inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 offers the latest in wireless connectivity, ensuring faster and more reliable connections for streaming and file transfers.
In comparison with others like the Intel NUC 12 Pro Wall Street Canyon NUC12WSHi7, the GEEKOM Mini IT11 holds its own, especially in the realms of RAM and expandable storage. While the Intel NUC may have a slight advantage in terms of CPU performance and energy efficiency, the Mini IT11’s superior RAM and storage make it an excellent choice for those who prioritize these features in their music production workflow.
Overall, the GEEKOM Mini IT11 Mini PC is a well-rounded, powerful option for music production. Its blend of high-speed processing, ample and expandable memory and storage, versatile connectivity, and robust graphics output, all packed into a compact and sleek design, make it an attractive choice for music producers and creative professionals alike.
Apple Mac Mini M2: A Stylish and Powerful Music Production Companion
CPU: Apple M2 chip with 8-Core CPU | GPU: Apple M2 chip with 10-Core GPU | RAM: 16GB Unified Memory | Storage: 512GB SSD | Operating System: Mac OS | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Various USB and Thunderbolt ports | Special Features: 16-core Neural Engine, Microphone | Color: Silver
The Apple Mac Mini with the M2 chip, released in early 2023, marks a significant step forward in the mini PC domain, particularly for music production enthusiasts. This model, boasting an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, provides a harmonious balance of power and efficiency, making it a compelling choice for audio professionals and hobbyists alike.
The key highlights of this Mac Mini is the Apple M2 chip. Known for its remarkable efficiency and performance, the M2 chip excels in handling a wide range of audio software with ease. This is particularly beneficial for music production, where CPU-intensive tasks like audio processing and real-time effects are commonplace. The 16GB of unified memory further complements the processor, ensuring smooth multitasking and quick access to large sample libraries or multiple plugins.
One of the biggest strengths of the Mac Mini M2 for music production is its seamless integration with macOS. With pre-installed software like GarageBand and Logic Pro, you can start creating music right away. Additionally, its compatibility with various third-party music production tools and plugins ensures you have access to a vast ecosystem of software to suit your needs.
Storage is another strong point for the Mac Mini, with a 512GB SSD that offers both ample space and fast access to files. While some might argue that more storage would be beneficial, the current offering strikes a good balance between capacity and speed, suitable for most music production needs.
For those involved in more advanced audio production tasks, the Mac Mini’s 16-core Neural Engine is a noteworthy addition. It enhances tasks that benefit from machine learning, such as certain audio processing functions, making this mini PC not just a tool for today but also a future-proof choice.
In terms of connectivity, Apple continues to excel. The inclusion of Bluetooth and a variety of ports ensures seamless integration with a wide range of audio interfaces, MIDI controllers, and other peripherals essential for a comprehensive music production setup.
Compared to other mini PCs in the market, like the GEEKOM Mini IT11 or the Intel NUC 12 Pro Wall Street Canyon NUC12WSHi7, the Apple Mac Mini with M2 chip holds a distinct position. While it may not offer the same level of expandability in terms of RAM or storage as some Windows-based counterparts, its optimized performance with Mac OS and specific music production software gives it a unique edge.
In conclusion, the Apple Mac Mini Desktop Computer with the M2 chip is a stellar choice for music production, offering a blend of performance, efficiency, and sleek design. Its processing power, coupled with the robustness of Mac OS, makes it ideal for a range of audio production tasks, from recording and mixing to mastering. Whether you’re a professional producer or an enthusiast starting out, this Mac Mini offers a combination of features that make it a worthwhile investment in your musical journey.
GMKtec NucBox K1: A Powerhouse Mini PC for Music Production and Gaming
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 6800H @ 3.2 GHz (8 Cores, 16 Threads) with 4.70 GHz Turbo | GPU: Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics | RAM: 32GB DDR5, Expandable up to 64GB | Storage: 1TB PCIe M.2 2280 NVMe SSD, Upgradeable to 2TB | Connectivity: USB3.2 (10Gbps/S) x 3, HDMI 2.0 (4K@60Hz) x 2, Type-C USB PD+DP1.4 x 1, Giga LAN (2.5G) x 1, 3.5mm Audio Jack x 1, SD Card Reader | Wireless: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 | Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
The GMKtec NucBox K1 is a powerful mini PC, making it a compelling option for music producers and gamers alike. With its AMD Ryzen 7 6800H processor and 32GB of DDR5 RAM, it effortlessly handles demanding music production software and plugins, while also delivering smooth performance for various game titles.
One of the NucBox K1’s biggest strengths for music production is its raw processing power. Compared to the Intel NUC 12 Pro Wall Street Canyon, which offers a similar processor, the NucBox K1 boasts better multi-core performance, making it ideal for tasks like running complex virtual instruments and mixing large projects. Additionally, its 32GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking and responsiveness, allowing you to work with multiple software instruments and plugins simultaneously without lag.
When it comes to storage, the NucBox K1 stands out with its 1TB PCIe M.2 2280 NVMe solid-state drive. This provides ample space for your music files, sample libraries, and project files, ensuring fast loading times and seamless workflow. While some other mini PCs like the GEEKOM Mini IT11 offer more storage options, the NucBox K1’s base configuration is sufficient for most music production needs.
For gamers, the NucBox K1’s performance is impressive. Its AMD Ryzen 7 6800H processor and integrated AMD Radeon 680M graphics can handle many popular games at high settings and resolutions. While not as dedicated gaming PCs, it offers a surprisingly smooth and enjoyable experience for casual and esports gamers.
The NucBox K1’s connectivity options are also versatile, featuring multiple USB 3.2 ports, HDMI 2.0 ports, and a Type-C USB 4.0 port. This allows you to connect your audio interface, MIDI keyboard, gaming peripherals, and other essential devices without any limitations. Furthermore, its Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 support ensure fast wireless connectivity for network streaming and controller use.
While the NucBox K1 offers a powerful fanless design, it may generate noticeable noise under heavy loads, potentially impacting the recording environment for some music producers. Additionally, its small size limits upgradeability options compared to some larger mini PCs.
Overall, the GMKtec NucBox K1 is a well-rounded mini PC that offers excellent value for both music producers and gamers. Its powerful processor, ample RAM, and fast storage make it ideal for running demanding music software and plugins. While its fanless design may not be ideal for all music producers, its gaming performance and versatile connectivity options make it a compelling choice for those seeking a compact and powerful machine for both work and play.
Beelink SER5: A Budget-Friendly Music Production Powerhouse
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5700U (8 Cores, 16 Threads, up to 4.3 GHz) | GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics 8 Core 1900 MHz | RAM: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz (Upgradeable up to 64GB) | Storage: 500GB M.2 SSD NVME 2280 (Supports upgrade to 2TB) | Connectivity: HDMI, DP, Type-C, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 | Display: Supports Three-Screen Display with 4K capability
The Beelink SER5 Mini PC, powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor, emerges as a strong contender in the budget-friendly mini PC category, particularly for music production. With 8 cores and 16 threads, and a max turbo frequency of 4.3 GHz, it offers a smooth and efficient performance suitable for various music production tasks.
One of the key features of the Beelink SER5 is its memory and storage capabilities. It comes with 16GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, which can be upgraded to a staggering 64GB. This large memory capacity is a significant plus for music producers, allowing for smooth handling of multiple tracks and plugins. Additionally, the 500GB M.2 SSD provides ample storage for audio files and software, with the option to upgrade up to 2TB.
The inclusion of AMD Radeon Graphics with an 8-core 1900 MHz GPU supports 4K video playback, making this mini PC suitable not only for audio tasks but also for video-related work in music production. The ability to connect three displays simultaneously through HDMI, DP, and Type-C ports is particularly beneficial for music producers who require multiple screens for efficient workflow.
Cooling is often a concern with mini PCs, but the Beelink SER5 addresses this with an efficient cooling system featuring a heat pipe, heat fin, and silent fan. This ensures stable performance even under heavy loads, a crucial aspect for intensive music production sessions.
Connectivity-wise, the Beelink SER5 is well-equipped with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, offering fast and stable internet and peripheral connections. The inclusion of various ports further enhances its versatility in connecting with different audio interfaces and external devices.
In comparison to other mini PCs in the market, like the GMKtec NucBox K1 or the Intel NUC 12 Pro Wall Street Canyon, the Beelink SER5 stands out for its excellent balance of performance, upgradeability, and price. While it may not boast the highest specs in every category, its combination of a powerful CPU, substantial and expandable memory and storage, and efficient cooling system make it a highly attractive option for music producers working on a budget.
Overall, the Beelink SER5 Mini PC offers an impressive set of features at a competitive price point, making it an ideal choice for music producers who need a capable, upgradeable, and affordable mini PC. Its performance, combined with the flexibility of multi-screen support and efficient cooling, positions it as a top choice for those entering the world of music production or looking for a budget-friendly yet powerful workstation.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right mini PC for music production requires careful consideration of your specific needs and budget. Each mini PC reviewed offers unique strengths and weaknesses, making it suitable for different types of producers.
For power-hungry producers with demanding workflows, the Intel NUC 12 Pro Wall Street Canyon and GMKtec NucBox K1 offer exceptional processing power and performance. They are ideal for running complex virtual instruments, mixing large projects, and handling demanding software. However, their higher price points may deter budget-conscious users.
For producers who value a compact and silent design, the Apple Mac Mini M2 and Beelink SER5 are compelling options. Their small size makes them ideal for limited studio space, while their silent operation ensures a quiet recording environment. The Mac Mini M2 offers the seamless integration of macOS and pre-installed music production software, while the SER5 provides excellent value for its price point.
Ultimately, the best mini PC for music production depends on your individual needs and priorities.
FAQs about Mini PCs for Music Production
Are mini PCs any good for music production?
Yes, mini PCs can be an excellent choice for music production, especially for those who are budget-conscious or have limited space. They offer several advantages over traditional desktops:
- Compact size: Mini PCs take up significantly less space than full-size desktops, making them perfect for small studios or home setups.
- Power efficiency: They consume less power than desktops, making them a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective option.
- Silent operation: Many mini PCs are fanless or have very quiet fans, making them ideal for recording environments where noise can be disruptive.
- Versatility: They can be easily upgraded, allowing you to tailor them to your specific needs and budget.
- Affordability: Compared to high-end desktops, mini PCs offer similar performance at a lower price point.
However, it’s important to note that not all mini PCs are created equal. Some may lack the processing power or RAM needed to run demanding music production software and plugins. Additionally, their limited storage capacity may require external storage solutions for large sample libraries or project files.
Can a mini PC run FL Studio?
Yes, most mini PCs can run FL Studio, provided they meet the minimum system requirements. FL Studio recommends a processor with at least 2 cores and 4 GB of RAM. Many mini PCs on the market today offer significantly more power than that, making them capable of running FL Studio smoothly.
However, certain features of FL Studio, especially those requiring heavy CPU usage like complex virtual instruments and large projects, may not run as smoothly on less powerful mini PCs. When choosing a mini PC for FL Studio, consider a processor with at least 4 cores and 8 GB of RAM for optimal performance.
Do mini computers last long?
The lifespan of a mini PC is generally comparable to a standard desktop, around 5-10 years with proper maintenance. Just like desktops, their longevity depends on various factors, including:
- Build quality: Choose a mini PC from a reputable brand known for quality components and construction.
- Cooling system: Ensure the mini PC has adequate cooling to prevent overheating, which can shorten its life.
- Usage: Heavy workloads and demanding tasks can put more strain on the hardware, potentially reducing its lifespan.
- Upgradability: Opt for a mini PC that allows for some level of component upgrades to extend its functionality and performance over time.
By choosing a well-built mini PC, using it responsibly, and maintaining it properly, you can expect it to last for several years and serve your music production needs effectively.
Why mini PC instead of laptop?
Choosing between a mini PC and a laptop depends on your individual needs and priorities. Here’s a comparison to help you decide: Mini PC vs Laptop
