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Description

Represents the latest - or general, in case the model cannot easily be determined - Apple Mac Mini desktop computer.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Apple Mac Mini (General).

Features and functionality

  • The Mac Mini M1 can efficiently run as a 24/7 Plex server, even handling professional video editing tasks with a 16GB configuration.

    Source
  • The Satechi Pro Enclosure is praised for effective thermal management, maintaining temperatures between 42-46°C without a fan.

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Software and compatibility

  • Some users experience external SSD connection drops, suspecting macOS might be responsible, rather than the hardware or Plex software itself.

    Source
  • VMfusion, a free alternative to Parallels, is noted as effective for running Windows applications like AutoCAD and Revit on the M4 Mac Mini.

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Value and pricing

  • Refurbished Mac Mini M1 models with 256GB storage and 16GB RAM are available for around $299, offering excellent power for photo editing and general tasks.

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Comparisons

  • The performance leap from M1 to M2 or M3 is considered incremental, with the M1 remaining viable for most applications until OS support changes.

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  • The M4 Mac Mini is noted to outperform the M1 and M2 in specific tasks like real-time audio upsampling but is not significantly faster for general use.

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Use cases and applications

  • The M4 Mac Mini with 16GB RAM handles Autodesk products in a Windows 11 VM surprisingly well, though a 24GB model is recommended for intensive use.

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User experience

  • Users report seamless Bluetooth connectivity with Logitech MX Keys Mini and MX Master 3, requiring no dongle and working flawlessly with Apple devices.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The SN850X SSD combined with the Satechi Pro Enclosure provides faster performance than the internal Apple SSD, with speeds of 3100/3100 Mbps.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 24 Reviews and 137 Ratings

5 star
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eddie22

It works flawlessly with Logic Pro and has a low profile look will.

The compact design is perfect for those who have limited desk space or prefer a minimalist setup. It's smooth and has great multitasking capabilities. Overall, I can confidently say that the Apple Mac mini is a remarkable device. Its powerful performance, sleek design, and versatility make it a perfect choice for professionals, content creators, and anyone in need of a reliable and efficient computer. If you're looking for a compact yet powerful desktop solution, the Mac mini is definitely worth considering.

blackfan

Powerful.

When the inevitable happens and you Mac just says enough, it’s time to get depressed over how much Macs have gone up since you last bought one. With the options of factory HD & RAM upgrades you can future proof as much as possible with this thing. Get the best processor available, it’s worth it. This thing has more power than its size suggests. I’ve ran some high CPU projects and I’ve only ever heard the fans come on twice.

bolttracks

Tired of hot laptops?

Got it with maxed out CPU, 32 Gb of RAM and 1 TB SSD and it's flying through pop productions like a champ. 120+ tracks with most of them from un-printed synths and samplers, tons of Little AlterBoys and Melodyne? No problem. 350 track live mixdown? No problem. 4K video editing with hardware-accelerated h.265 encoding (thanks to the T2 chip)? Yup.

It seriously rocks.

jasenlinc

the super computer is supposed to be small

I love my ipad, but apple is so dam overpriced, well not everything. This baby don't have the best graphics for gaming, but I got her for the music creation. At first GB (garage band) seemed to be enough, but logic pro X was my main intention and sometimes when everything comes together apple ain't so expensive; if you shop.

I can ram up my mac mini myself up to 12gb at present, seems to be more than enough.

Every time I plug something into my mac mini, it tells me, PC never did that. There has never been even from 4gb memory latenacy problems, what you play into the mini; eg - my electric guitar through my cakewalk usb audio interface UA-1G ( yeah this works just fine), is what you hear in your headphones.

I love my mac mini, I bought it new on sale, got a great price. BUT let me clearly say, I bought my mac mini for music creation and she does what I always wanted PC to do but never could.

I'm still running mavericks, again if she ain't broke why fix it.

The future is small things making great big things

danilo_dawson

Very Good

I upgraded it to 32gb RAM. It is a solid Machinne. Sometimes it gets bugged when you have a 200track (VSTi) with Zoom, OBS, and Reflector at the same time, but for a no gpu dedicated it is very good.

A

It’s Awesome

Did everything it said it would do and more Far beyond my expectations - as usual with Apple Products Guys - just Spend the Money It’s Worth Every Dime

From Gear Setup
S

Everything Good About a Mac, but Not as Expensive!

This thing is decked out with a quad core i7, and 16GB of RAM. It has a 5400 RPM, 750GB System Drive, and a 7200 1TB storage drive. I'm running my own dual monitor setup with 2 Acer 21.5' monitors, and am attempting a dual boot system with Win 7, or 8.1 (whichever will cooperate better). Bummed I can't use my Sylenth1 with it though, at least not yet, but that's my only problem. Love this workhorse!!!

gelato

Main Computer

Good little machine that can be upgraded with a SSD and 16GB Ram, I recommend purchasing one with the latest processor - quadcore.

onur_hunuma

Works amazing for its price

I got the i5 (2014 late) version of this. Really powerful and stable device.

djvtrakz

expanded storage setup for mixtape production and recording

installed a 1TB SSD, also connected to a 1 TB external Hard Drive, used for producing/recording mixtapes.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dee Bradley Baker uses Apple Mac Mini (General)

Dee Bradley Baker

Singer

...
Verified via DEE BRADLEY BAKER voice over

Mentioned in this April 10, 2013 article from Baker's official website.

I record to Garage Band that comes pre-installed on my Mac mini. It is incredibly simple and intuitive and can record multi track and more if I want. It sounds great. Easy to drop in a karaoke Mp3 from iTunes for a singing audition, as well. For auditioning purposes, it is terrific. About $1000 for the computer/monitor.

This is restated in this 2018 page from Baker's website I Want To Become A Voice Actor!.

I record to Garage Band that comes pre-installed on my Mac mini. I like the Mac mini because it is pretty much silent– no cooling fan since its cooling is passive. The software is incredibly simple and intuitive and can record multi track and more if I want. It sounds great. It’s easy to drop in a karaoke Mp3 from iTunes for a singing audition, as well. For auditioning purposes, it is all I need. You could also do this from an iMac as well. About $1000 for the computer/monitor/pre-installed software.

Album Usage

The Apple Mac Mini (General) has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Apple Mac Mini (General), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Apple MacBook Pro (General)
Apple MacBook Pro (General) Computers & Peripherals
6
Apple Logic Pro
Apple Logic Pro DAW Software
5
Akai LPK-25 Wireless
Akai LPK-25 Wireless MIDI Keyboard Controllers
4
Samsung 24" Curved Monitor
Samsung 24" Curved Monitor Computers & Peripherals
4
Korg MicroKORG
Korg MicroKORG Synthesizers
4
Yamaha HS8
Yamaha HS8 Active & Passive Monitors
4
Studiologic SL73 Studio
Studiologic SL73 Studio MIDI Keyboard Controllers
3

Community setups

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A

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