Are Chromebooks Good For Music Production?

Cpus: A Fork In The Road

How to create music on a budget using your chromebook

Essentially, a faster processor means two things; your computer can handle more tasks being thrown at it, and it can ‘process’ those things a lot quicker. You may see only small differences; perhaps an audio file will render one minute quicker using the faster of two processors, but over time this clearly adds up.

In the CPU world, there are two major players. Intel is the big name, with a huge share of the market. Intels range goes from i3 the least powerful all the way up to i9. Most common in mid-to-upper tier laptops, however, are the i5 and i7 variants, and within that sphere you have different speed ratings, measured in gigahertz, as well as the option to turbo-boost when youre placing the computer under major stress. The other name to look out for is AMD, which produces the Ryzen processors. These follow a similar nomenclature to the Intel versions, so R3, R5 and so on, and are popular amongst the gaming crowd.

Who Are Chromebooks For

Overall, the best way to tell if someone will enjoy owning a Chromebook is if you know they already spend most of their time in the Chrome browser. Those users will take to the notebook naturally.

If you’re buying this Chromebook for someone else, you should take a few moments to consider how they’re going to use the device. Chromebooks are especially good for younger students, as they are ease to use and are fairly secure.;It’s also quite easy to update your Chromebook, and even better,;these laptops often do that;themselves.

Children who are still learning how to use computers may be more receptive to learning how a new operating system works, and while there’s no official Minecraft title for Chrome OS, the Android-based Minecraft: Pocket Edition will become available on certain Chromebooks later this year.

Some elder relatives may have never truly understood Windows enough to use their PC frequently, but others who have learned just enough to make do may become frustrated that they need to relearn where downloads go, or that their favorite app is not available for Chrome.

But if;your office will support Chrome OS, you might want to look into getting your company to spring for the;Dell Latitude 5400 Chromebook, a proper business laptop with great battery life and strong performance.;

Best Chromebook Laptop Speakers In 2021

While Chromebooks are an excellent laptop replacement, they dont come with speakers to rival the best in the industry. This is not particularly a problem because customers can always get third party speakers from a wide range of manufacturers to enhance their media experience on Chromebooks. Be it wired speakers or standard Bluetooth offerings, adding speakers to your Chromebook can turn it into a full blown multimedia notebook.

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Which Audio Interfaces Are Compatible With Chrome Os

Were going to be getting straight into some recommendations! Ill only be listing the audio interfaces that have been listed as compatible by Soundtrap or by users on forums pertaining to the same topic .

Here are two of the most affordable options:

You can also experiment and try other audio interfaces If you do, please post your results in the comment section. Itd be incredibly helpful for other Chromebook-users.

Now, lets move on to MIDI/USB controllers.

Using Loops To Stimulate Your Creative Process

You can actually use loops without actually using loops. What do I mean by that? Its simple You can use loops like another bandmate to jam along with.

Once youve got something down, you can remove the loop!

For example, you can import one of those memorable loops into your project and create an accompaniment by harmonizing it. Maybe you can create a drum pattern that fits it like a glove? Whatever gets those creative juices flowing!

I sometimes undergo a similar process using Funklet .

Its kind of like a game of leapfrog; jumping from one idea to the other!

If you have the ears for it and you really like a particular loop, you can also transcribe it. It becomes much easier to make it your own once youve got it under your fingers.

So, I hope you realize that Im not against using loops. Ive used them too!

Im simply against using loops as an excuse to NOT be creative. Were artists, its our duty!

What Are Your Budget Music Laptop Essentials

Laptops used with music production in mind tend to focus on three key features; CPU, RAM and storage. Where gamers or video editors prioritise graphical and visual elements, for audio we need only focus on how fast the laptop processes things , its short-term memory and its ability to access data quickly :

The one other essential non-laptop component for music production is a USB audio interface; this effectively outsources the laptops sound card and allows you to record electric guitars, microphones and other instruments into the computer, as well as hooking up a pair of studio monitors or studio headphones to listen back to your work.

The best audio interfaces for all budgets

Yes Audio Recording On Chromebook Is Possible

A very common question is about using the Chromebook to record audio in Home Studio. Is it really possible to produce music using only the Google notebook? Let’s try to figure it out on this post…

The Chromebook is basically a notebook that uses an operating system called Chrome OS, which is nothing more than a bit more elaborate;version of Linux. I quite like this “unix-like” operating systems because of its stability and safety.

It was truly a great contribution to the world the invention of Unix and I believe that Google hit the bullseye when they choose Linux as a base for Chrome OS, since Linux is considered almost a Unix system. For commercial and legal reasons the relationship with Unix is veiled, but the conceptual basis of both systems is very similar and this is reflected in the system operation.

There are many controversies about the origins of the Linux kernel and its differences compared to Unix. After all this investment by the Chrome project we have a brand new operating system that retains the best of its origins. Maybe we can consider Chrome OS, an Android system cousin who is only based on the Linux kernel and is not even considered a unix-like system.

The important thing is that Chrome OS has everything you need to make recordings in your Home Studio.

Microsoft Surface Pro 6

Microsoft has come a long way their Surface Pro line. They offer a few great configurations that would work well for a music production laptop.

If you want to stay under $1,000, the Intel Core i5 with 8GB RAM is a lower-budget option. It comes with a MicroSD slot too. You can get one direct from Microsoft here.

The screen size on these is 12.3 which can a little small, but most people get an external monitor or 2 anyway. Just know that these dont come;with a keyboard and youll likely need to get the Microsoft Surface Dock to give you more ports.

Best Daw For Chromebook To Make Music

5 Reasons Why You Should HIGHLY Consider getting a Chromebook

Benjamin Arango

As a beginner, you must first fully understand what a digital audio workstation is doing if you are going to decide which DAW is the best for you.

DAW stands for Digital Audio Workstation. Initially, DAWs were designed to find an alternative to tape recording. The computer-based DAWs and digital audio tracks are recorded.

A DAW is a virtual studio within your computer. There are many platforms on which you can create DAW because of technological advancement, be it Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, or even your phone!

Out of all, the fastest and most economical way is through Chromebook. Below you will find a list of the best DAW for Chromebook, supported by Chrome OS to create music.

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Better Collaboration And Productivity

If you have to frequently collaborate with your team remotely, then a Chromebook is going to be a fine choice for you as well. Thanks to its aim at the cloud, Chrome OS makes remote collaboration very easy, allowing you to check the edits of others and submit your work for review no matter where you are.

Now, many Windows and Mac apps also support remote collaboration, so we wouldnt say that Chromebooks are a must-have just because they make remote work easy. However, thanks to their inherent security and convenience, Chromebooks might be optimal for many remote workers out there.

Fl Studio Vs Fl Studio Mobile

If your goal is to create sophisticated, original masterpieces using the best samples and tools, youll want to invest in a laptop or desktop workstation and use the full version of FL Studio. But, for more casual creators of music or hobbyists wanting to use Chromebook as a primary device for music production, FL Studio Mobile is worth exploring.;

With FL Studio Mobile, you arent tethered to a workstation. You have the freedom to step away, maybe to the park or your front porch, to get inspiration for your tunes or beats. While the tools and instruments youll find on this or any other mobile music app are going to limited compared to what youd find in the desktop FL Studio music environment, if walking around making beats sounds like your style, chances are youll be happy with FL Studio Mobile or something similar.

The Fl Studio Mobile App

While music industry professionals prefer the capabilities and power of the full version ofFL Studio, the mobile version allows you to create music on the go! The FL Studio Mobile app can be used on Chromebooks to make multi-track musical projects.;

FL Studio Mobile allows you to record, sequence, edit, mix, master, and render your own tracks. The app offers support forums and tutorials, along with a helpful user manual. Several additional sounds are available as in-app purchases.;

Access To The Extensive Library Of Android Apps On Google Play Store

Not everybody is going to care about this, but Chromebooks also have access to Google Play Store apps. This includes office suites, productivity apps, and games. There are millions of apps on Google Play Store, so theres a lot for you to look forward to.

However, keep in mind that not all Android apps work on Chrome OS. Additionally, even if an app does work on your Chromebook, it may not be adapted to the form-factor of Chromebooks well.

Finally, not all Chromebooks support Android apps, so if you do want access to Android apps, be sure that you are getting a Chromebook that works with them.

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Are Chromebooks Good For Music Production

Buying the right gear without having adequate experience should be avoided because it can turn out to be a waste of your money.

Which is why its always essential to do some research and figure out what youre exactly buying.

This article will cover chromebooks with regard to music production.

Chromebooks are basically any laptop that, under license from Google, runs the Linux kernel-based Chrome OS. People often wonder whether Chromebooks can be used for music production, so lets get into it.

For music production, you need a computer that can handle a heavy workload and wont set any limitations on the work you do. Chromebooks are not ideal for professional music production because they are primarily meant for people that rely on the cloud and web apps for most of their work as an extension of their Eco-system.

Music production computers are very specific in the hardware and software specifications that you need to properly carry out your work. Music production on a Chromebook is not entirely un-doable its just less convenient and will basically restrict your work flow because of the various technologies that it utilizes for the purposes it was created for.

This is why its important to have an understanding of how they work.

How Much Do Chromebooks Cost

For the longest time, there was a pretty narrow price range for Chromebooks, and it was on the more affordable end of the spectrum.;That is still largely the case; You can pick up the affordable and lightweight Samsung Chromebook 4 which has an 11.6-inch HD display, an Intel Celeron N3000N CPU and 4GB of RAM for only $229.;For a bit more than that, Lenovo offers the excellent $279 Chromebook Duet.

Other models ask you to go into the mid-range price bracket, such as , the business-friendly Lenovo Yoga C13 Yoga, or the $549 Samsung Chromebook Pro, a stylus-equipped 12.3-inch notebook with a 2400 x 1600-pixel display, an Intel Core M3 processor and 4GB of RAM.;Now the premium Chromebook market is growing, with laptops like the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook and its successor, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2, leading the charge.;

You’ll probably wind up paying more for a Windows 10 notebook, as the average selling price for a PC is $478, according to NPD. There are more affordable options, as we’ve detailed here, but the PC laptop market has a much higher cap than the Chromebook market.

But is a Chromebook right for you? Our Chromebook buying guide has the answers to these and other questions.

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Using Loops In Music Production

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Were all guilty of using loops every now and then. However, there are always those that use them excessively. If you ask me, I believe using loops in music production should be avoided altogether. It obviously depends on the type of work youre doing, but youll understand why using them can lead to potential issues.

Using loops in music production has become common since the introduction of platforms such as Splice, Prime Loops and more. Whats become even more common is the number of LAWSUITS against music producers using these loops. But wait Arent these legally purchased loops legal to use commercially? The short answer is YES, but its more complicated than that. This blog posts purpose is to inform you of the risks of using loops in your music and to show you how to use them properly. Stay tuned!

Using loops in music production is risky business!

Can Chromebook Run Pro Tools

Should you buy an M1 Mac for music production?

The last option is to use professional DAWs for Chromebook. Sadly, Chrome OS doesnt allow users to install any third-party software. This means you cant install software like FL Studio, Mixcraft, Pro Tools, or Audacity directly onto your Chromebook.

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Apple Macbook Pro With M1 Chip

The Apple MacBook Pro is one of the most popular and expensive laptops. It now comes with Apples M1 silicon chip for improved performance and stability.

The Key Features

M1 chips perform better than Intel-based chips
Both GPU and CPU have superior performance in general
You get a better battery life of up to 20 hours, so your music production doesnt stop too early
For better handling of production software, up to 8 cores of GPU and CPU are available
The power of the Apple ecosystem

Edjing Mix: Dj Music Mixer

Edjing Mix isnt a music creation app per se; instead, it is a mixing and sampling app that has a high degree of functionality for DJing. It has sampling and remixing functions, including access to a library of free samples and many paid sample packs. The app also integrates with your own music library and with Soundcloud and Deezer.

Mix isnt the program to get if youre looking just to create your own original compositions but for anybody planning on DJing or synthesizing new and old music into something original, its a must-have.

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Dell Inspiron 15 7000

An affordable gaming laptop that looks just twice as expensive the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 is a workhorse, that should be considered. With models that start from only $799, the Inspiron 15 7000 comes with the latest 8th generation;Core i5-8250U processor.

It packs a lot of power for the intermediate music producer.

There are also dual drives built into the laptop, with an SSD as its main drive, so DAW will feel snappy on this laptop.;While the laptop comes with a big 15 display, giving you plenty of real estate for working in your DAW, the display is somewhat not as vibrant as compared to many other laptops.

This;will be slightly discouraging if you plan on making videos with it as well as the colors are not exactly accurate. However, if producing music is your main focus and nothing else, then Dell Inspiron 15 7000 is worth a consideration without spending too much!

Pros

Long battery life up to 11 hours.
Great build, looks professional and solid.

Cons

Bottom of the laptop can get pretty hot with more need for processing.

Lenovo Flex 5 With Amd Ryzen 5 Processor And Windows 10

The Windows 10-powered Lenovo Flex laptop is slim, lightweight, and stylish. It is equipped with the AMD Ryzen 5 4500U processor and can handle most tasks. It is also a 2-in-1 laptop that features a touchscreen and hinge rotation of up to 360 degrees.