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All text and image links lead to Amazon unless stated otherwise. All product scores are based on ProRec’s in-house scoring model
| Thumbnail | Mini PCs for Music Production | ProRec Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 9.3 | Check Price on Amazon | |
 | 8.7 | Check Price on Amazon | |
 | 8.1 | Check Price on Amazon |
Introduction
PCs have become a lot more power-efficient in the last 5-10 years, and a by-product of that is the appearance of high-performance compact machines. They don’t take up a lot of real estate, making them perfect for smaller studios. They also work well if you just want a cleaner setup, or if you’re looking for something portable.
To account for their size, Mini PCs are designed to be more energy efficient, helping you cut utility costs in the long run. They also have less fans, and don’t accumulate as much dust. Despite these differences, Mini PCs still perform more like desktops than laptops, and have a lower failure rate. However, they still cost as much and are not necessarily a cheaper or a budget option.
When choosing the best Mini PC for music production, you want a machine with a processor that can handle production workloads you’re aiming for. Most Mini PCs aren’t processing powerhouses, and won’t handle as much load or provide the same render times as full desktops. They are excellent for nonheavy use cases such as Voice Overs and Podcasting.
Luckily, most DAWs such as FL Studio, Pro Tools, and Ableton, don’t always require a very powerful machine. However, if your workload is intense, you’ll want to compensate for the difference with a good amount of RAM to avoid stutters and freezes as you load multiple tracks with VSTs and FX. We recommend at least 32GB so your memory can go for long sessions without having to swap with the storage.
Aim for a minimum of 1TB of SSD storage to accommodate your RAW files, sample libraries, and other resources. If you want to have room to backup and archive your files, or plan to get a lot of deep sampled instruments, you might want to opt for a larger SSD. Alternatively, you could invest in a good quality external drive to expand storage.
Due to their size, like gaming machines, mini PCs tend to heat up during long sessions, however, most will do a good job of keeping cool as long as they’re not overworked. When given enough room to breathe, and more realistic workloads, they perform surprisingly well. On most Mini PCs, the small fans work overtime to cool the system and may get noisy at high usage. For recording purposes, we recommend moving the machine away or isolating the recording area.
One last thing you want to consider is the port selection. Make sure that the device you’re considering has the right ports to accommodate your audio interface and other production equipment. Since there is limited space, manufacturers often prioritize some ports over others, so it’s important that the machine has the right ports for your setup. So long as these requirements are right for you, a Mini PC will serve you well on your production journey.
Best Mini PC for Music Production Reviews
All text and image links lead to Amazon unless stated otherwise. All product scores are based on ProRec’s in-house scoring model
Apple’s M2 lineup has been impressive with the performance it offers, and the Mac Mini is no exception. Purely on CPU performance, the Mini with its 10 core, 3.5GHz processor outperforms the previous M1 model by a margin of 18%. Our stress tests with an impractical amount of tracks and third party plugins didn’t see freezing or stutters until we were well past the hundred track mark. Depending on how optimized your DAW is and whether or not it’s ported natively or on Rosetta, your mileage may vary.
These results are encouraging since most people won’t be producing music at this capacity unless they work with resource hungry arrangements and orchestras.
The M2 Pro chips are remarkably efficient, and temperatures aren’t an issue for the most part, however, the chassis will start warming up with extended use. At max utilization, the fan is audible, but audio recording won’t be an issue since it’s not going to get the fans running anywhere near intrusive RPMs. On the rare occasions where it does get loud, the Mini is portable enough to relocate further from the recording area.
Working on large sample libraries and VSTs is smooth with the Mini’s 32GB of unified memory. Producing with low memory typically causes jitters as the RAM swaps with the SSD to free up space, which isn’t an issue with the Mini since the extra capacity provides enough cache to run entire sessions completely on memory. The 512GB of storage isn’t quite as impressive, and will need to be complemented with an external device for your inactive libraries, archives, and backups. Upgrading internal storage isn’t optimal since the premium that Apple charges isn’t worth it.
As with the 256GB model, Apple’s reduction in NAND chips is noticeable with read/write speeds going down from the previous M1 variants.
While not the most numerous, the port selection of the Mac Mini is impressive, with 4 Thunderbolt 4 ports, 2 USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, and an ethernet port. The I/O is somewhat stressed for display options, and adding more monitors without splitting bandwidth with adapters will cost USB ports that the Mini already has a few of. Needless to say, a dongle or hub will be required to expand connectivity.
Measuring 10 x 10 x 5 inches , the chassis on the Mini is fairly large as far as Mini PCs go, however, it is still compact enough to fit in small studio environments. The build quality is remarkably sturdy with a premium feel and some heft to it (5 pounds), and will last a long time.
All in all, the Mac Mini provides exceptional performance with a good set of refined features. The addition of the extra RAM is a welcome one, speeding up workflows across the board, and the extra Thunderbolt ports ensure there’s always lightning fast ports on offer. With its connectivity with other Apple devices and exceptional software integration, the Mini provides a lot of features in a small form factor.
Apple Mac Mini M2 Pro Benefits
The M2 Pro SoC handles complex, demanding workflows with relative ease.
With 32GB of RAM and Apple’s memory management, you won’t find yourself running out of memory easily.
For the performance it offers, the 5nm M2 Pro remains cool across workloads with minimal noise.
Apple Mac Mini M2 Pro Drawbacks
With only one display port, the Mini relies on hubs to get more connectivity, which isn’t a big compromise since Thunderbolt ports have more than enough bandwidth.
While not unusable, the 512GB of storage won’t be enough for all your files. However, this is easily fixed by plugging in an external drive.
Read/write speeds are worse compared to the previous M1 models, however, unless you work on exceptionally large files, this won’t apply to you.
All text and image links lead to Amazon unless stated otherwise. All product scores are based on ProRec’s in-house scoring model
The EliteDesk 800 G6 is HP’s take on compact mini desktop machines. It comes equipped with Intel’s Core i5-10500T – a 6 core, 12 thread processor with a base clock of 2.30GHz, and max turbo frequency up to 3.8GHz. While not a processing powerhouse, the EliteDesk is a competent machine that can pull its weight in most production applications. During our testing, latency and performance on Pro Tools, Ableton, Reaper, and FL Studio was stable throughout with a reasonable number of tracks and a few instruments and effects.
The EliteDesk is by no means a machine for power users, and anything above mid-range workloads will see stutters, especially if you’re multitasking across different programs. This is evident when compared to the Mac Mini’s M2 Pro, which performs 75% better. Still, the EliteBook has seen a marked improvement from its previous iteration, yielding 18.2% better DAW performance with similar workloads.
The machine is surprisingly quiet, with appreciable thermals on light to medium workloads, and even on some heavier renders in short bursts. However, sustained load at high utilization will affect thermals and ramp up fan RPMs enough to make recording difficult if your mic is nearby. This isn’t a huge problem with Mini PCs since you can dampen sound around them with DIY solutions, or just move them away from the recording area. Even so, it’s best to keep in mind that while these devices are great for a lot of workloads, they don’t do well with continuous strain.
Piling on plugins and working with VSTs and large libraries is snappy with the Elitebook’s 32GB of RAM, so long as tasks don’t get too CPU intensive. Considering the machine isn’t for the heaviest use cases, the 1TB NVMe SSD provides ample space for your projects, libraries, and even some headroom for backups and archiving. If it winds up falling short, there is always the option of connecting an external drive to bridge the gap.
In terms of I/O, the EliteDesk comes with 1 USB-C 3.2 port, 6 USB-A 3.2 ports, 3 DisplayPort ports, a headphone/microphone jack, and an ethernet port. Compared to the previous G5 model, connectivity has improved by a total of two ports, giving it one more port than the Mac Mini, albeit with slower bus speeds. With 7 total USB ports, the EliteDesk’s connectivity is comparable to quite a few full-sized budget desktops, so it should more than accommodate your interfaces, synths, mixers, and other production equipment.
On the chassis front, the EliteDesk 800 G6 is compact, even by Mini PC standards. With dimensions 6.97 x 6.89 x 1.35 inches, the sturdy 3.13 lbs machine doesn’t intrude your workspace too much, and can be easily tucked out of sight into tight spaces.
The 65W external brick does well to power a reasonable amount of equipment without any issues, and upgrading internal components is still possible. It’s important to keep in mind that this is not a machine that can support extensive setups with tons of hardware, however, it delivers solid performance, and will serve you well with a more realistic setup fit for a device its size.
Overall, the EliteDesk 800 G6 is a well-built machine with a lot on offer for its limited size. With a decent processor, a good amount of RAM and storage, and a surprising amount of I/O, the EliteDesk delivers a lot for a device of this size, even among Mini PCs.
HP EliteDesk 800 G6 Benefits
The 7 assorted USB ports provide plenty of I/O for your equipment for a device this size.
While not the most powerful, the CPU performs exceptionally well across considerable workloads.
With 32GB of RAM, you can work on long sessions on cache for a smoother DAW experience.
HP EliteDesk 800 G6 Drawbacks
Due to its size, the EliteDesk tends to heat up with sustained load, but is fine on most real-world applications.
The added temperatures make the single fan work hard, which produces a lot of noise.
With a 65W adapter, you can’t connect a whole lot of devices, however, for most production setups, this won’t be a problem.
All text and image links lead to Amazon unless stated otherwise. All product scores are based on ProRec’s in-house scoring model
Lenovo’s business-oriented ThinkCentre M70 Mini PC comes with an Intel Core i5-10400T with 6 cores and 12 threads clocked at 2.0GHz, with turbo up to 3.6GHz under load. Performance-wise, the M70 can handle low to mid-range DAW applications with ease. During our testing, the machine handled instruments, FX, and Kontakt libraries with ease, and it ran smoothly with minimal latency for most workloads, bar the more CPU intensive ones.
Compared to its predecessor, the M70 performs 8.6% better across the board. However, it still isn’t as powerful as the M2 Pro on the mini, which does 90.9% better on DAW applications. The performance is very similar to the i5-10400T on the EliteDesk however, with the M70 trailing behind by a negligible 4%.
Thermal management is excellent on the M70, and temperatures were reasonable throughout our testing. Prolonged use does warm up the chassis a fair bit, but not as much as the EliteDesk. The fan is also quieter, since the M70 has much better designed air grills that mitigate sound. While the device is silent for a Mini PC, it is still considerably loud, so you’ll want to keep it further away while recording to eliminate all interference.
With 16GB of DDR4 memory, there were freezes and stutters, particularly with larger libraries and more memory-intensive plugins. This isn’t optimal for more demanding production, or long sessions where the RAM frequently swaps to free up space. We recommend upgrading to at least 32GB to get the most out of the device. The 512GB SSD doesn’t leave much room for your files, and you will have to either add another SSD through the SATA connector, or invest in an external drive for a more usable experience.
Connectivity on the M70 is decent, with 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 port (Always On and Fast Charge), 1 USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 port, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 port, 3 USB 3.2 Gen 1 port, 1 HDMI port, 2 DisplayPort ports, a headphone/microphone combo jack, and an ethernet port. This is enough I/O for most production setups, however, if you need to connect more equipment, you can always expand it with a USB hub.
As far as the chassis goes, the M70 is somewhere in the middle when it comes to Mini PCs, measuring 7.05 x 7.2 x 1.36 inches and weighing 2.76 pounds. Being a business class device, the build quality is reliable, and the design is functional. There is some room for upgrades within the small frame, which is good for future-proofing.
The hardware is powered by a 65W adapter that is sufficient for your hardware, production equipment, with some headroom for upgrades down the line. The M70 isn’t a full desktop, so it wouldn’t be practical to plug in too much, particularly when it’s powered by the bus. However, for most production setups, the power brick wont cause issues.
All things considered, the Lenovo IdeaCentre M70 is a competent, compact machine that delivers a reasonable amount of performance. With room for upgradability, the device can be future-proofed and improved to perform somewhat better, and the business-oriented design will ensure it lasts a long time.
Lenovo ThinkCentre M70 Benefits
The i5-10400T performs fairly well across reasonable DAW workloads for a Mini PC.
Since it is a business class machine, the ThinkCentre’s build quality is exceptional.
The fans on the ThinkCentre are fairly quiet, producing minimal sound, even for a Mini PC.
Lenovo ThinkCentre M70 Drawbacks
With 16GB of RAM, the ThinkCentre falls short on performance, especially with large files and heavy plugins. However, there is room to expand memory down the line.
The 512GB SSD is nowhere near enough to accommodate most production needs, but it can be upgraded easily.
The I/O on the ThinkCentre isn’t the best, with 6 total USB ports, with only one USB-C port on offer.
Verdict
Based on our scoring model, we can see the highest variance in the Processor, RAM, and Additional Features categories. With how remarkable the new M2 chips are, the Mini earns itself a perfect score in the Processor category, followed by the EliteDesk and IdeaCentre, both of which score 1.5 points less. The IdeaCentre performs the worst on RAM with its 7.5 points, with the EliteDesk ranking second, and the Mini in the lead. In the Additional Features category, both the IdeaCentre and the EliteDesk score similarly, trailing behind the Mini by 2 points each.
Between the three products, the Mini has the least variance, with its lowest score being an 8.5 in Storage, which it shares with the IdeaCentre. While the IdeaCentre is the cheapest option on this list, it provides the least value for its price, which is an area where both the Mac and the EliteBook score better. For its heavier price tag, the Mini offers a larger catalog of Additional Features than the competition, winning over both the other products by two points. By sheer numbers, the EliteDesk has the most number of ports, with the IdeaCentre trailing closely behind with one less port, however, the Mini’s high-speed port selection outperforms them both.
The EliteDesk is a surprising contender since it offers quite a lot for its price, tying with the Mini in Price to Performance, and edging ahead of the IdeaCentre. With twice as much capacity as its competition, the EliteDesk comes ahead of both the competing products in Storage. While the IdeaCentre falls behind the EliteDesk in most categories, it manages to force a tie in the Processor and Additional Features categories. Save for its score on Additional Features, the EliteDesk has the most consistent scores of the three, with a total difference of 0.5 points.
Based on the results of our scoring model, the best Mini PC for music production is hands down the Mac Mini with its average score of 9.3. While Apple’s products haven’t been the best value propositions in the past, the new M2 line with its conservatively priced base models deliver a shocking amount of performance for the price. The Mini does well in almost all of our metrics, consistently beating the competition. With its powerful processor, ample RAM, exceptional port selection, and added features for versatility, the Mac Mini is a complete package in a compact box. For what it delivers, the Mac Mini merits a strong recommendation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Depending on your needs and space requirements, a Mini PC may be a better option for you than full desktops. While they don’t offer the same performance, Mini PCs are still powerful machines that can keep up with most production applications easily in a much smaller footprint that’s perfect for studio setups with less real estate. While there is no best Mini PC for music production, you want to get a modern machine that fits your DAW requirements. Usually this means you need at least 4 cores, 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD as a minimum, and enough I/O to connect your entire production setup. Your production software can also determine your platform since some DAWs work exclusively on either macOs or Windows. The most important aspect of choosing a Mini PC is whether or not it complies with the requirements of your DAW software. Apart from that, you want to make sure the device delivers enough performance for your use case, and has enough of the right ports to fit your equipment. How powerful your PC needs to be for music production depends largely on the type of work you do. For mixing beats across a few tracks, and light plugin, FX, and instrument use, you don’t need a strong PC. However, for heavy applications like demanding VSTs, large libraries, and rendering large audio chains, you’ll want to get a powerful machine that can handle your workloads, and have some headroom for future-proofing.Is a Mini PC good for Music Production?
What's the best Mini PC for Music Production?
What is the most important aspect of choosing a Mini PC for Music Production?
Do you need a strong PC for Music Production?
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