2018 MacMini experiment on ProTools HDX
 

This weekend I decided to try an experiment:

I currently have a 2013 MP with a TB --> PCI expansion chassis for HDX, with an S3 and a Dock. I run 2 4k monitors off it, plus a 3rd at a much lower resolution. When the new Mac Mini came out I was really curious to see if it would be a viable replacement for my 2013 MP. So my trial setup was:

2018 MacMini 3.2ghz i7, 32 GB RAM, 1TB SSD
Blackmagic eGPU (Radeon RX580)

Now, I KNOW ProTools 2018.10 is not yet ready for Mojave or the later versions of High Sierra, but most of the reported issues seemed to focus around lower buffer sizes, and since I run HDX and keep my buffer at 512 I thought it was worth a try.

After installing all my plugs, opening relatively high track count sessions, I noticed more CPU power in Pro Tools from the Mini over my 3.5ghz 6 core 2013 MP. The Mini felt more responsive, and I felt like the eGPU helped my screen redraw on my 4k monitor over the old MP.

I loaded a couple sessions, one 44.1k and one 88.2khz. I could loop the 44.1k session and it would play forever without interruption, but the 88.2k session would give me a 9173 error within 10 minutes of looping, but on the 2013 MP it looped for over an hour before I stopped the test.

I'm hoping that the 9173's I'm getting are tied to the known issue with PT and Mojave. Even more hopeful that there will be a new version of PT soon to deal with this. Gonna call Avid tomorrow to see if I can get a timeline. If it's not for awhile, I'll return the new MacMini.

For my overdub session tomorrow I'll go back to my 2013, but might try the Mini on a vocal session Wednesday that is less crucial. I'll report back what I discover.

- Kent

Re: 2018 MacMini experiment on ProTools HDX
 

Sounds like a neat little setup! Hopefully the incoming 2018.11 update has Mojave support and bug fixes. Would it be worthwhile watching the CPU and system temperatures when looping through the 88.2khz session?

Re: 2018 MacMini experiment on ProTools HDX
 

I've got all my computers in a separate machine room right now, but didn't notice the computer getting too loud or too hot to the touch...

Re: 2018 MacMini experiment on ProTools HDX
 

I am curious if you did a total clean install after flattening the MP if that responsiveness you felt from the mini would be the same. My MP has slowed down over time though its not enough to make me wipe it and start fresh. I did upgrade to Mojave and its been pretty smooth sailing but I had a few CPU errors which is new for me in a long time and seems related to the buffer as you mentioned bc I keep mine low since I have 64gb of ram.

Re: 2018 MacMini experiment on ProTools HDX
 

The only real way to tell what is going on is to run something like Intel's Power Management Gadget. It will graph the temperature and CPU clock speeds over time, which would be ideal for narrowing down what is causing the 9173 CPU errors when you are running the 88.2khz session.

Re: 2018 MacMini experiment on ProTools HDX
 

Downloading now.

Anything particular I should pay attention to from your experience?

Re: 2018 MacMini experiment on ProTools HDX
 

The App is pretty straight forward. It will draw three graphs - Power, Frequency and Temperature. Load the app, then run your 88.2khz test session. Ideally you want to see the frequency line being drawn as straight as possible. What you don't really want to see is the frequency line going down when the power and heat lines go up.

If you run it with the 88.2khz test session of both your Mac Pro and Mac Mini, it should show which system is handling the session in a more efficient manner. Feel free to post some screenshots if you like!

Re: 2018 MacMini experiment on ProTools HDX
 

I'm curious what hard drives you use on that setup? I have been wondering what a new mac would do against some older ones.

C

Re: 2018 MacMini experiment on ProTools HDX
 

I have all SATA SSD in a OWC Thunderbay for my sample and audio drives. The boot drive on the Mini is FAST.

Re: 2018 MacMini experiment on ProTools HDX
 

Hey Khoop - which chassis are you using? Thanks for the guinea-pigging