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#1
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Mac Mini 2018 for Post - opinions
I need advice from the brain trust here. There are plenty of threads about the Mac Mini i7 but I'm looking for anyone who uses it for Post with real world experience. This is for my home rig. Mac Pro is beyond my budget at this point and I have no interest in iMac or a PC.
I currently use a 5.1 12 core which has certainly served me well. But lately I've been getting AAE errors and out of CPU errors. My projects are not usually that complicated but could be anything from a :30 spot to a feature. I've seen a lot of reports that the Mini has a surprising amount of power and runs well. I'm trying to think through logistics. Obviously I'll need a hard drive enclosure or two. What about displays? If I run two displays would I have one on the HDMI port with a Displayport adapter and one using a Thunderbolt port with adapter? For video output would an Aja T-Tap do? Looking at Thunderbolt docks for additional connectivity too... Lastly - eGPU or not? I'd rather not if PT runs OK with the integrated graphics. Thanks in advance.
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~Will |
#2
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Re: Mac Mini 2018 for Post - opinions
Are you getting these since using Protools 19.5 or later?
I'm experiencing a lot of cpu errors since 19.5 and later, without any changes to my other hard- and software. It seems Protools related to me, not actually cpu related (graphs are all fine and running 18.12 without a single cpu issue) Mac Pro 5.1, Sierra, HDX2. |
#3
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Re: Mac Mini 2018 for Post - opinions
Quote:
CPU graphs were around 60% on the last film I did. So yeah it doesn't seem like it's maxing out, it's those mystery spikes.
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~Will |
#4
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Re: Mac Mini 2018 for Post - opinions
I'm also very curious about the use of a Mini as well.
Part of me wants to go to a 6,1, another part a Mini. (if any of you have a few $ that would like to fund a New Mac Pro, please let me know ) I guess another question is how do these three computers compare when it comes to post? (5,1 -> 6,1 -> and Mac Mini) The other thing that is compelling me to a New Mini is the sound level. this old silver monster does get loud.
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We, in post sound, are illusionists, not magicians. |
#5
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Re: Mac Mini 2018 for Post - opinions
I can't speak to comparisons to other models, but My 2018 mini has served me well so far. I've done spot work, 360 video (Ambisonics), Docs (in 5.1), no major feature work though. It has handled everything I've thrown at it. Since updating (from the previous Mini model) I've even avoided having to transcode video from h.264 to ProRes. I have an OWC Thunderbolt Dock which was able to drive my center Ultrawide display (my old Mini's GPU couldn't). I run 2 other displays Via HDMI and Thunderbolt.
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Tim Reisig Main System: Pro Tools Ultimate 23.12, HD Native TB, HD OMNI, S3/Artist Transport/Eucontrol 22.20, Apogee Rosetta 800 w/XHD card, Avid 96 I/O Mac OS 13.2.1, 2018 Mac Mini 3Ghz i5, 32Gig RAM System 2: Pro Tools 23.9 (no Hardware), Mac OS 13.2.1, MBP (Macbook Air M2, 2022 24Gig Ram) |
#6
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Re: Mac Mini 2018 for Post - opinions
Thanks Tim, great info.
I just ordered an RX580 GPU which I will try with a fresh install. I'll try Mojave with 2019.12. If I still have issues then I'll order the Mini and use that card in an EGPU enclosure (if necessary). I would like the new Mac Pro but I can't justify it for home. BTW if anyone is shopping for a Mac Mini B&H has them on sale for $120-$150 off. Not sure for how long.
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~Will |
#7
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Re: Mac Mini 2018 for Post - opinions
I‘m using the Mac mini 2018 with three HD screens on a lot of post work without a problem. The enclosure gets really hot but the fan noise can’t be compared to the older minis. The 2018 model is much quieter. I choose 64 GB of RAM which is not mandatory. I gues 32 GB would do the job as well.
Best Mark
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Mac Pro 2010 3.66 GHz six Cores, HD Native, 192 I/O, Avid Dock, Artist Mix and Pro Tools Ultimate Mac mini 2018 i5 64 GB RAM, RME Fireface, Pro Tools 2021, Euphonix MC Control MacBook Air 2020 (M1) 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, Zoom U-44 and Pro Tools Ultimate |
#8
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Re: Mac Mini 2018 for Post - opinions
Happily running a 2018 Mini here / i7, 32GB / 1TB.
My monitor setup is: - LG Ultrawide via displayport (I bought the DP version not the TB version) - Dell 1920x1080 via USB3 to DVI - Samsung 1920x1080 HDTV via HDMI. - Alternately the Samsung is fed via Aja T-Tap > HDMI. Been working on spots and doc work and a long animated short with a track count around 300. Performance has been really good, I've been very pleasantly surprised! There are fans which ramp when the machine is under load. I had fears of thermal throttling but I've not experienced trouble yet. I've get to do a long, grueling project. |
#9
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Re: Mac Mini 2018 for Post - opinions
Great reports. I was worried about heat, that’s the main negative I’ve read about.
This is turning out to be a little more complicated. Haven’t picked up the Mini yet. But realizing I need additional upgrades. Forgot my interface is FireWire with zero chance of Catalina compatibility so I need a new interface. Was hoping to put that off for another year. Also realized my trusty Command 8 might not work in Catalina either. But I won’t buy an S1 until they fix the issue of automation dropping out after 50 seconds.... Some surprising buggy behaviors reported in the S1 forum. And it sounds like it’s a bit of a hassle to downgrade the Mini from Catalina to Mojave. This is changing from a fun experiment to a big upgrade I can’t promise any comparison numbers or anything now. Looking like I’ll need to just take the plunge and commit to the Mini. And keep the Cheesegrater for a month or two just for backup. I had considered just getting a 6.1 Pro trash can but that would be moving from a 10 year old computer to a 7 year old computer. Don’t want to be that far behind again.
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~Will |
#10
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Re: Mac Mini 2018 for Post - opinions
I downgraded to Mojave using a USB stick. It was not too bad... I should think going to Catalina would be more disruptive, but of course each person must make their own decision.
Here I'm using RME via USB, and it's going well. I've had a few glitches switching sample rates which have required pro tools relaunch, but that's about it. I've heard of folks using RME firewire interfaces via dongles, presumably that's working OK, no idea about Catalina compatibility. -jeremiah |
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