System Requirements For DAWs: What You’ll Need To Start Recording At Home

What the Heck is a DAW Anyway?

First things first—if you’re new to this, you might be wondering what a DAW actually is.

In simple terms, a DAW is software that lets you record, edit, mix, and produce audio files. Think of it as your virtual studio where all the magic happens.

And there’s loads of options: Cubase, Pro Tools, Ableton, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Garage Band – the list goes on and on.

Don’t get too hung up on what to use right away; they all work in a similar fashion at their core.

If you’re learning to record and produce music, choose one (I like Reaper because its amazingly scalable and free), and learn it inside out.

What Is The Minimum Requirement For A DAW?

DAWs are software. They run on your computer (duh) and in order to run one smoothly, you need a basic level of spec and hardware. 

Here’s a quick rundown of the minimum system requirements for most modern DAWs:

• Processor: Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5; and for Mac anything that’s not over 5 years old should be fine.
• RAM: 8 GB
• Storage: 256 GB SSD
• Operating System: Windows 10/11 (64-bit) or macOS 10.15+
• Graphics: DirectX 12 compatible (but don’t worry, DAWs aren’t too graphics-heavy)

Minimum System Requirements For The 6 Most Popular DAWs

You have myriad choices when it comes to DAWs, the most popular options are listed below in a table, and I’ve included the minimum system requirements to run each of them. 

If you’re computer is new – like less than two years old, it should be fine – but RAM (memory) is important; some DAWs like Cubase and Pro Tools require more RAM than others. 

As a general rule of thumb, in music production and in general, when it comes to RAM, you can never have too much – bigger (meaning more) is always better. 

Choosing Your System Configuration

Most people reading this article will be brand new to music production and recording in general. 

That’s fine. Remember: everybody starts from zero – even the gods like Rubin and Albini. 

And the upshot of this is that you can get away with spending less; you’ll only need to do the basics, so you won’t need a pro-grade rig just yet. 

Based on my 20+ years of recording and producing, there’s three tiers of music production setups: cheap, intermediate, and professional. 

You’ll likely be looking at the cheap and intermediate options.

Here’s how it breaks down: 

Low-End Setup

Ideal For: Beginners or hobbyists dipping their toes into recording.

• Processor: Intel Core i5 (8th gen) or AMD Ryzen 5 2600
• RAM: 8 GB
• Storage: 256 GB SSD

Best For: Basic recording, editing, and light plugin use.

Great DAWs: REAPER, GarageBand

Mid-Range Setup

Ideal For: Semi-professionals who need a bit more muscle.

• Processor: Intel Core i7 (10th gen+) or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
• RAM: 16 GB
• Storage: 512 GB SSD

Best For: Larger projects, more tracks, and running CPU-intensive plugins.

Suitable DAWs: Pretty much any DAW out there.

High-End Setup

Ideal For: Professional studios and serious enthusiasts.

• Processor: Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9
• RAM: 32-64 GB
• Storage: 1-2 TB NVMe SSD
• Graphics: Dedicated GPU (handy for video editing too)

Best For: Large-scale projects like orchestral compositions and heavy sound design.

Optimal DAWs: Pro Tools, Cubase, Ableton Live—handle anything you throw at them.

Mac or Windows For Music Production? The Eternal Debate…

Laptop vs. Desktop: What’s Right for You?

Choosing between a laptop and a desktop can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. It all boils down to your personal needs and circumstances.

Laptops

If you’re someone who’s always on the move, or maybe you don’t have a dedicated space for a studio setup, a laptop might be your best bet.

Laptops are portable, space-saving, and convenient—they come with a built-in screen, keyboard, and trackpad, which means fewer accessories to worry about.

However, keep in mind that laptops generally offer less performance compared to desktops at the same price point.

They have limited upgradability, and extended heavy use can cause them to overheat, potentially slowing down performance.

But for starting out, especially if you’re focusing on the basics, a laptop can serve you well.

Desktops

On the other hand, if you have a bit more space and don’t need to move your setup around, a desktop could be the way to go.

Desktops offer more power, customization, and upgradability.

You can start with a basic setup and gradually upgrade components like RAM, storage, or even the processor as your needs grow.

The downside? Desktops aren’t portable and require more space and a bit more technical know-how to set up.

But if you’re looking to invest in a system that can grow with you, a desktop might be worth considering.

Mac vs. PC: Does It Really Matter?

Now, onto the classic debate: Mac or PC? Here’s the thing—both platforms have their merits, and your choice should align with your comfort level and specific needs.

Mac

Macs are known for their stability and user-friendly interface. If you’re already familiar with macOS, you’ll appreciate the seamless experience.

Macs come with CoreAudio drivers built-in, offering low latency, which is great for recording.

Plus, you have access to exclusive software like GarageBand and Logic Pro X, which are fantastic for beginners and pros alike.

However, Macs tend to be pricier, and upgrading components isn’t always straightforward.

If budget is a concern, or you like tinkering with your setup, this might be a limitation.

PC

PCs offer incredible flexibility and customization options. You can build a PC that fits your exact specifications and budget.

Upgrading components is typically easier and more cost-effective.

There’s also a vast array of software available for Windows users.

The trade-off is that PCs might require a bit more technical knowledge to manage drivers and ensure compatibility with your chosen DAW.

But don’t let that intimidate you—there are plenty of resources available to help you navigate any challenges.

Why Your Gear Isn’t Everything

It’s easy to get caught up in the specs and feel like you need the best equipment to produce quality music.

But here’s a secret: the most crucial element in your music production journey is you.

Your creativity, passion, and willingness to learn outweigh any piece of gear.

Many iconic tracks were produced on modest setups.

The gear you have is simply a tool to bring your ideas to life.

Starting with what you have or what fits comfortably within your budget is perfectly okay.

As you grow and develop your skills, you’ll have a clearer idea of what equipment you might want to invest in down the line.

Key Considerations

If you take anything away from this article, make sure it is these points – they’re the most important things to keep in mind when buying a computer to record music. 

Yes, there’s tonnes of nuance and options when it comes to specs, hardware, sound cards, GPUs, applications, CPUs, and memory. 

But the basics – the stuff that really matters, that actually moves the needle – are as follows, so focus on these: 

• RAM: More RAM allows you to run more plugins and handle larger projects without hiccups.
• CPU: A faster processor means smoother real-time audio processing.
• Storage: SSDs speed up load times for projects and samples—no one likes waiting!
• Audio Interface: Essential for quality recordings and low-latency monitoring.
• Software Compatibility: Some DAWs, like Logic Pro X, are Mac-only.

Wrapping It Up

While it’s tempting to go all out on the fanciest gear, remember that even a modest setup can produce amazing results.

It’s all about what you need right now and where you see yourself going.

You can always upgrade things as you progress. Start out with the basics and expand as you grow. This applies to gear, your guitar, and your computer.

And if you wanna know more about how the best producers work, check out our podcast episode below on the best metal producers working right now…