The old computer in my recording studio was getting tired. And it showed.
The Recording Studio Upgrade
Yes, I know it’s part of planned obsolescence and such. Still, I’d been saving up for this for almost as long as I’ve been working on my folk album. During this time, the models I’ve been looking at have repeatedly changed and so have their prices.
Thanks to some of my connections, I was able to get a deal that worked for me on a Mac Studio M3 Ultra. It’s a fancy name for a very powerful computer designed specifically for people like me who have their own studio. I am very fortunate to have this set up in my recording studio.
Recording Studio Logistics
Of course, having a new computer does not magically make everything in the recording studio better. First, all of the applications, passwords, software keys, and such have to be transferred to it. Some of these are a simple transfer, but most require interactions with a website in order to be authorized.
I work a day job as an I.T (information technology) professional, so I am familiar with these routines. It doesn’t make them go any faster. Honestly, I would prefer magic.
All of these steps are complete (at least for my main apps and plugins). I’ve started to do the final mastering on “Wreck-less”. So far as I can tell, it’s going to be an excellent third track on the album.
There’s A Song In My Heart
These days, some people think that “AI” is the magic. If they just press the right buttons with the right prompt, the song will come out and they won’t have to do the work of making music. I find that generative AI is neither magic, nor can it make music.
Music comes from the human soul. We musicians create from our hearts if we are true to ourselves and to our heritage as music-makers. Whether in the recording studio or on the concert stage, it is our human and emotional connections that allow us to be true in this way.
This new recording studio computer is not magic. It’s one of many tools that I use to be the best musician, composer, songwriter, and recording engineer I can be. I’m excited to see where this upcoming album and this creative road take me.
Seeking the Next Inspiration
Where I live, it has just turned to autumn. RB — our dog — and I are exploring trails, seeing the leaves change color, and seeking the next adventure with expectation.
Come along and see what’s next. If there is no inspiration, we’ll make some of our own.
Discover more from Stan Stewart - @muz4now
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Did find myself nodding all the way through this read Stan. I thought long about the Mac M to choose and went with the M2 mini. Luckily, unlike yourself, I had no other music files from different systems to get onto the programme. Clean slate so to speak. I do have both headphones and monitor speakers for listening to. And other bits and bobs additions to plug in such as interfaces, boosters, midi stuff, etc. I should imagine all your current equipment additions will marry up nicely with your new Mac easily. So many ports to choose from and allow connections.
AI? Spot on analysis. I watched a YouTube video recently of two musicians who created a musical/vocal AI piece on purpose, so that they could then go on to make their own human version of it. Very much the same dynamic and sound of the AI version. Because they wanted the comparison to be almost an exact rendition. But the comparison being the total human experience of playing and vocal feel. The comments were unanimous. Such soul in the human touch. Both instrumentally and vocally.
Cheers.
You’re a gem.
Thanks for the confirmation.
Fingers crossed then Stan. I found various adapter connectors worked too.