What is the best CPU for a powerful desktop music workstation
The computer hardware market is constantly changing and so is the software.
Fortunately we are living in a time where hardware performance is increasing faster than the software demand when it comes to digital audio workstation software. Whether you run Cubase, Logic Pro, Ableton live, or FL the CPU is the heart of the workstation and driving/limiting your creativity.
Fortunately we are living in a time where hardware performance is increasing faster than the software demand when it comes to digital audio workstation software. Whether you run Cubase, Logic Pro, Ableton live, or FL the CPU is the heart of the workstation and driving/limiting your creativity.
Audio Interface: One of the key hardware components of any home recording studio. The audio interface is the device that enables you to get high quality recordings whether you have mac or pc, laptop or tablet. There is a huge variety of audio interfaces available. Click this link to discover the best audio interfaces on the market. Audio processor softwares free download - File Audio Processor, Creative Audigy Audio Processor (WDM), Creative X-Fi Audio Processor (WDM), and many more programs.
CPU is short for central processing unit and is the electrical component that runs the software.
Is it time to upgrade your DAW with a new CPU and will it actually make a difference?
Important reasons to upgrade your studio DAW computer:
- Your software struggles and max out your hardware
- Freezing tracks is ok but not if it is too many tracks.
- The processing performance gain is close to double
- Check this list for CPU score
- You have the money it takes to upgrade your music production processor
Music Workstation CPU Poll
Music workstation poll
What to look for when upgrading your CPU
CPU specifications might seem like nonsense but it is not that hard to get the basics before you purchase the wrong central processing unit. Check out some CPU benchmarks
You can run your own benchmark on CPU userbenchmark website. Download a file and start it to participate in collecting anonymous statistical results.
The important parameters are:
- Number of cores
- Physical and logical cores
- Single Thread Rating
- Watt Usage listed as Max TDP (measures the power consumption)
- The yearly running cost might also be estimated
How to read the CPU specifications
AMD Ryzen 3900X specifications CPU comparison chart. CPU speed test
The most important specifications on the Ryzen 3900X in the chart above are:
- Clock speed
- The frequency of the cycles. Higher is better
- Turbo Speed
- The overclocking capabilities
- No of Cores
- The number of physical single cores followed by a logical cores specifications. 2 logical cores per core means Hyperthreading.
Hyperthreading is a technique where the operating system sees 2 cores that can run virtually simultaneously.
More cores are better.
- The number of physical single cores followed by a logical cores specifications. 2 logical cores per core means Hyperthreading.
- Typical TDP
- Watt usage. Lower is better.
Single Thread Rating
Since all new CPUs have 8+ Cores the best CPU is probably one with a high Single-Core Rating and might be found at the top of this list. The best price/performance is usually a little down the CPU benchmark list.
Best CPU for music production?. Passmark Single Thread Rating CPU chart. The red arrow marks the score.
The number of samples is shown as a reference when you click on it.
Heavy software algorithms require core performance and lots of tracks require lots of cores.
- Heavy plugins require fast cores
- Lots of tracks and plugins require more cores
The best is off cause lots of fast cores but if you use many software instruments and heavy plugins Single Thread Rating is important.
For many years Intel has been ahead of AMD with the best CPU's making faster and more reliable CPUs. Recently AMD has made a lot of progress and even overrun Intel on Core count.
For some time the Intel I9 9900K has been a good choice for digital audio workstations and still is. There is a new 9900KS model with slightly better performance. Mac mini media server software.
Intel i9-9900KS vs AMD Ryzen 9 3900X. 9900KS has a better single-core rating but 3900X has more cores.
CPU Mark is a relative benchmark score that can be compared between CPUs listed in the chart. The 3900X scores over 10.000 points more than the 9900KS but that does not take core rating in account.
Though AMD is closing the gap The 9900KS til has slightly better core rating compared to the 3900X model but the AMD Pro 3900 beats even 9900KS.
For crunching heavy plugins 9900KS is slightly better but the 3900X has 10.000 extra points from the 4 extra cores for a higher track count in your production projects. If you are struggling with UH-e Diva or Repro the 9900KS is your choice.
DAW Benchmark
Dawbench.com has templates and software made for DAW benchmarking with your music software.
The Conclusion
If you have an older central processing unit that scores around 8000 to 12000 points in this CPU list you might benefit from a CPU upgrade but it probably also goes for Motherboard, Cooler, and RAM.
The i9-9900K, i9-9900KS, or Ryzen 3900X are at the moment great choices for a music production computer upgrade.
New CPUs are launched every quarter and this article will be updated along to keep it updated as much as possible.
Moore's law
Moore's law is a theory by Gordon Moore that predicts microchip development. The law states that the number of transistors in a processor doubles every 2 years. Mac software 10 11.
The number of transistors on a CPU has developed from a few thousand in 1971 to over 7 billion on an intel i9 processor and it will probably continue for some years. It clearly can not continue for the next 30 years.
Music software has also developed according to Moore's Law from pure midi in Cubase in the 80´s to full digital workstations with audio processing quality at a fraction of the price. Today entry-level users get more processing power than only professionals had earlier.
Are you preparing for music piece which you has composed for your college social? But how will you handle the music audio production? Opting for expensive recording studio does not permit budget. Well, you don’t have to worry as there are various paid as well as Audio production software, free download available which works as a digital audio workstation (DAW). With sound, talent, and creativity mixed together, you can create professional pieces. Find below such software programs:
Related:
MIXCRAFT
If you want to create music, mixes or videos of high professional quality, then download this Audio production software. It is actually the DAW which has numerous loops, Sound Effects and samples, tons of instruments, midi scoring and editing is possible too. The basic version is free, Pay for the Pro version.
Magix Music Maker
If you want to experience using a DAW like professionals, then instead of opting for Music Production Software free. download full version, download this software which comes with a trial for 30 days. After that, you need to buy it. You can record, arrange then mix for creating amazing music with this magical media tool.
Cubase Elements 8
This Audio production software is undoubtedly one of the best audio production programs available in the market. From all around the globe, many professionaL music artists use this software its ability in creating and recording music as DAW. It has various audio effects and includes virtual instruments. Download basic version, pay for full version.
Ableton Live Intro
Opt for this paid, instead of any Music software, free download because of the standard of music produced through this software. It has a very user-friendly interface, counted as one of the best DAW systems in the music recording industry. It works seamlessly during live performances, it is intuitive, offers quick composition and improvisation options. Buy the software.
Best Audio Production Software for Different Platforms
There are numerous types and varieties of Audio production software programs available in the market, based on your budget and the operating system stored in your system, choose the apt software. Be it Linux, Android, Windows or Mac operating system, who will find a very good software which will support your operating system.
Best Audio Production Software for Mac – Logic Pro X
For discovering, transforming and creating sounds in a unique way you must download this software compatible with Mac computers and devices. It has got a library having enormous track collection Easy to use performance controls for easy creation of electronic music by using next gen synthesizer. Buy it from Mac app store.
Best Audio Production Software for Windows – SONAR Artist
Best Audio Processing Software
Compatible with computers and devices with Windows operating system, this Audio production software has rich features packed in. It has unlimited audio and MIDI tracks, Offers amazing audio quality, the video is also supported. Includes 11 synths and 19 audio effects. You can try the basic version for free but full version needs payment.
Most Popular Audio Production Software – Reaper
This is the most popular audio production software option, which is capable of recording limitless, it includes flexible track types. It consists of many plugins and is a very light weight software. With multi-channel support, powerful audio and MIDI routing possible. Try the basic version for free. The full version will not cost much too.
How to install Audio Production Software?
Based on your requirement and choice of the software performance level, choose, buy and download the software into your system, After that, run the application file, and follow the instructions provided by the installation wizard to complete the process. Finish the installation, and then start the program by double-clicking on the icon on your desktop or get from program files. Follow the interface of the software, and start recording, arranging to make unique creative music with its help.
Browse through the above links and features of the various Audio production software programs and choose, whichever you think will be appropriate for creating and making music with the help of virtual instruments and various sound effects and plugins available with software features. Use your talent to the fullest and master the audio digital files.