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Description

Unleash your creativity with the Apple Cinema Display 30", a powerhouse for musicians and creators who demand clarity and space to bring their visions to life. This display is more than just a screen; it’s a gateway to your next masterpiece. With 2560 x 1600 optimal resolution, this 30-inch display provides an expansive canvas that allows you to see every detail of your track, whether you're mixing audio in Logic Pro or editing video in Final Cut Pro HD.

Experience the vividness of 16.7 million colors and a 170° viewing angle that ensures consistent color and contrast from any perspective. The thin film transistor (TFT) active-matrix liquid crystal display (AMLCD) technology ensures that every image is crisp and clear, making it ideal for detailed audio and visual projects.

The Apple Cinema Display is equipped with a two-port USB 2.0 hub and two FireWire 400 ports, allowing seamless connectivity with all your peripherals, from MIDI controllers and audio interfaces to video cameras. Its compatibility with VESA mount standards gives you the flexibility to position your display exactly where you need it, whether wall-mounted or as part of a dual-display setup, driven by the NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL graphics card for optimal performance.

Key Features:

  • Screen size: 30-inch (29.7-inch viewable)
  • Resolution: 2560 x 1600 pixels
  • Display colors: 16.7 million
  • Viewing angle: 170° horizontal; 170° vertical
  • Brightness: 270 cd/m²
  • Contrast ratio: 400:1
  • Response time: 16 ms
  • Connectors: Two-port USB 2.0 hub, two FireWire 400 ports
  • VESA mount compatible
  • Requires NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL Card
Luke Miani

Luke Miani

The Pro Display XDR from 18 years ago!

Video thumbnail for The Pro Display XDR from 18 years ago! by Luke Miani

The Pro Display XDR from 18 years ago!

Luke Miani

Luke Miani

Video thumbnail for Apple 30" Cinema Display Setup W/ Mac Pro | IKEA Furniture by Mitchell Camps

Apple 30" Cinema Display Setup W/ Mac Pro | IKEA Furniture

Mitchell Camps

Mitchell Camps

Video thumbnail for How Good is an Apple Cinema Display in 2022? by Robert Mizen

How Good is an Apple Cinema Display in 2022?

Robert Mizen

Robert Mizen

Video thumbnail for Apple Cinema Display Disassembly 🛠📺 - How To - 30 inch (let's take it apart) by Make. Fix. Upgrade.

Apple Cinema Display Disassembly 🛠📺 - How To - 30 inch (let's take it apart)

Make. Fix. Upgrade.

Make. Fix. Upgrade.

Video thumbnail for Apple 30 inch Cinema Display repair by AMP Tech

Apple 30 inch Cinema Display repair

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AMP Tech

Video thumbnail for Apple 30 HD Cinema Display by iPPro

Apple 30 HD Cinema Display

iPPro

iPPro

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about APPLE CINEMA DISPLAY 30'.

Features and functionality

  • The 30" Apple Cinema Display's resolution is superior to newer monitors, offering a high-quality display despite its age.

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  • The 30" Apple Cinema Display supports a 16:10 aspect ratio, which owners find excellent for productivity.

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Software and compatibility

  • A specific USB-C to Dual Link DVI adapter is necessary to connect the display to modern Macs; ordinary HDMI to DVI adapters won't suffice.

    Source
  • The display may not be compatible with M1 Macs, as some users report connection issues.

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  • Some Apple Silicon computers have inconsistent compatibility with the display; results vary widely among different units.

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  • Ensure adapters support dual-link DVI; this is crucial for preventing display issues such as a black screen despite power being on.

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  • Owners have used BetterDisplay software with M1 Max MacBook Pro to run the display at HiDPI, effectively emulating a 5K resolution for sharper visuals.

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  • Apple introduced HDCP to these displays in 2007; check the serial number to confirm your display's HDCP status, especially if using USB-C adapters.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners have found the 30" display for as low as $40 on platforms like OfferUp, making it a cost-effective choice if sourced wisely.

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Use cases and applications

  • The display features a truly matte screen, preferred by users who prioritize reduced glare over deep black contrast.

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Build quality

  • The monitor is approximately 2 inches thick, which suits larger clip-on or adhesive-mounted lamps.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Replacing the logic board can resolve display issues; a DIY fix requires careful handling and expertise.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A trick to improve connectivity includes using very thin tape over the middle pins of the power connector.

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  • An expensive but effective adapter for modern Macs can be found on Amazon, enhancing compatibility with newer systems.

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  • Some owners replaced the original power supply with a custom brick that features a blue LED, but note that it includes a fan which can generate noise.

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Critic Reviews

Apple 30-inch Cinema HD Display review | TechRadar

techradar.com

The Apple 30-inch Cinema HD Display is a powerhouse for graphics-intensive tasks and movie watching, boasting excellent color fidelity and build quality. However, its steep price and necessity for a powerful Mac setup make it a luxury for most. While its expansive screen offers remarkable real estate, it can take some getting used to. Overall, if you're ready to invest in the hardware, it's an impressive addition to any creative workspace.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 5 Ratings

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federicovaona

Best Apple cinema display ever!

I bought 2 for my Mac Pro and there's no other 30" LCD display like this from Apple. The only problem is the power supply. I had to replace a broken one buying it at Amazon.

jimslaton

Great for music production

Great for music production with a lot of space for your DAW.

skulpture

big and bright

Got this second hand, love it

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Getter uses APPLE CINEMA DISPLAY 30'

Getter

Music Producer

...
Verified via Instagram

Getter's Computer screens are Apple Cinema Displays.

See how James Newton Howard uses APPLE CINEMA DISPLAY 30'

James Newton Howard

Keyboardist, Composer

Mama Lion

...
Verified via Photo

The picture is from his studio in Santa Monica, California, as shown in this link: http://mainroom.pro/2013/63-james-newton-howard.html. He uses an Apple Cinema Display 30'' as his main screen.

See how Freemasons uses APPLE CINEMA DISPLAY 30'

Freemasons

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video by Point Blank Music School, James Wiltshire of Freemasons is seen using an Apple Cinema Display 30" while creating a drum track.

See how Florian Picasso uses APPLE CINEMA DISPLAY 30'

Florian Picasso

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In this instagram picture we can see the apple cinema display behind Florian.

See how Elliot James uses APPLE CINEMA DISPLAY 30'

Elliot James

...
Verified via Instagram

Apple Cinema display 30 inch in seattle studio

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use APPLE CINEMA DISPLAY 30', it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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