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Old 10-08-2024, 10:41 AM
clbraddock clbraddock is offline
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Default 4K Computer Monitor Help

Hello,

I am wanting to upgrade my computer monitor to a large screen 42" or 43" but I am pretty confused by all of the monitor lingo now. I know I want 4k resolution, but other than that what actually matters? Does pro tools (on mac M2 pro) benefit from a fast 120hz refresh rate?

Most monitors that are 4k with 120hz refresh rate have a bunch of stuff for gaming like Freesync which I assume don't work with mac and don't benefit pro tools.

The main two decently priced ones I can find at 4k with high refresh rates are:

https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Strix-Ga...INES_AUTOMATED


https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-43-In...I_5M_HARDLINES
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Old 10-08-2024, 11:34 AM
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Default Re: 4K Computer Monitor Help

Just a reminder on 4k monitors...
https://avidtech.my.salesforce-sites...ors-on-Windows
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  #3  
Old 10-08-2024, 11:39 AM
clbraddock clbraddock is offline
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Default Re: 4K Computer Monitor Help

That only is on windows though (per the article)? Does 4k work on mac?
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Old 10-08-2024, 01:36 PM
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Default Re: 4K Computer Monitor Help

Quote:
Originally Posted by clbraddock View Post
That only is on windows though (per the article)? Does 4k work on mac?
Yes it works for Mac, but most people (me included) find that at a 4K's native resolution the text is too small, and inside ProTools it's WAY too tiny.

It's a simple fix by adjusting the Display prefs so the resolution is a step larger. Yes, that changes resolution and removes some of the benefit of a 4K monitor, but you'll likely find, in use, that it works out just fine.

Those are great prices on 4K monitors, btw. I don't know when they became so affordable. I've never paid less than 1K for a 43"-ish 4K.

Regarding brands, I've had an Asus and it was great. Same with Samsung. I currently have a Dell because it was the highest rated at the time, but that was 2 or 3 years ago, and things do change.
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Old 10-08-2024, 01:47 PM
Darryl Ramm Darryl Ramm is online now
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Default Re: 4K Computer Monitor Help

Quote:
Originally Posted by clbraddock View Post
That only is on windows though (per the article)? Does 4k work on mac?
Yes.

There is a lot of factors here, screen size, pixel density, whether the Mac is set to use pixel doubling/scaling etc. and all your personal preferences and how you are using the monitors. Be prepared to try out your monitors and try different display settings and potentially return them if not happy.

My personal preference is 2 x 27" 5K monitors used with the default pixel doubling, but that is driven by non-Pro Tools uses as well, especially a lot of text editing/coding, etc.
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Old 10-08-2024, 02:49 PM
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Default Re: 4K Computer Monitor Help

I also use two 27" displays. While one is a 5k 2020 27" iMac, the other is an older 2010 Apple Cinema which has a max resolution of 2560 X 1440

Now the iMac can go up to the 5k = 5120 X 2880
But I run it also at 2560 X 1440, so the two displays match size wise. And as Eric noted at that 5K max the printing is way too small
I can read 2880 X 1620 and even 3200 X 1800 But just run both at 2560 X1440
Even when editing 4K video in FCP-X I usually leave the iMac at 2560 X 1440
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Old 10-08-2024, 03:51 PM
clbraddock clbraddock is offline
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Default Re: 4K Computer Monitor Help

Thanks for all the input!

Does anyone have an opinion on the refresh rate? Is the higher refresh rate at 120hz or more actually useful for pro tools, or is it really just something for gaming?
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Old 10-08-2024, 04:12 PM
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Default Re: 4K Computer Monitor Help

For me refresh rate is irrelevant. I rarely have video in my sessions.

But let me stir the pot a little. I am using movie aspect ratio 34" wide monitor with 3440x1440 resolution. Everything feels normal, except mix window has more faders and it is good for movies in the evening.
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Old 10-08-2024, 04:54 PM
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Default Re: 4K Computer Monitor Help

Quote:
Originally Posted by clbraddock View Post
Thanks for all the input!

Does anyone have an opinion on the refresh rate? Is the higher refresh rate at 120hz or more actually useful for pro tools, or is it really just something for gaming?
I doubt high frame rates will be useful w/ PT. I run at 60fps but when I switch to 30 I notice no difference.
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Old 10-09-2024, 08:13 AM
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Default Re: 4K Computer Monitor Help

Quote:
Originally Posted by Eric Lambert View Post
I doubt high frame rates will be useful w/ PT. I run at 60fps but when I switch to 30 I notice no difference.
While I agree technically frame rate and refresh rate are actually two different things
Quote:
The key difference between refresh rate and frame rate is that refresh rate refers to how often a monitor updates its display with a new image (measured in Hz), while frame rate refers to the number of images (frames) a graphics card generates per second (measured in FPS); essentially, refresh rate is a monitor capability, while frame rate is a measure of the graphics card's output.

That said I agree with JFreak and even though I do end up with video, my displays have a 60 Hz refresh but my videos are not of any high speed action like gaming or sports they are of me playing and singing and I don't see any streaking or blurring

And I agree with Eric also even though I shoot video in 4K , since I use two iPhones and my older iPhone can only shoot 30 fps 4 K. so that is what I use
ends up looking like this
https://youtu.be/_VAmCjGwJMU?feature=shared
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