Nowadays, you can see this setup in clubs and festivals all over the world. As you approach the stage’s front, you’ll see the DJ set up behind a bright Apple logo, playing music from a MacBook. The fact that the top DJs in the world use Macbooks is undoubtedly no coincidence, but why do DJs like Macs over other brands?
In summary, Macs are popular with DJs because of their usability, performance, and interoperability with DJ gear and MIDI devices. Apple laptops are also quite secure because of the straightforward file structure of the macOS operating system, making them the perfect laptop for DJs seeking both dependability and performance.
Without further ado, let’s look at the top justifications for why DJs use Macs and why they’re the ideal laptops for the job.
Table of Contents
Why Do DJs Use MacBooks?
1. Processing Speed
The audio processing quality and portability of Macs make them the most popular choice for DJs and live performances. The increased processing power that comes pre-installed on MacBooks is another factor in the popularity of the devices among DJs who perform live performances and DJ sets. The most recent MacBook Pro comes equipped with a 2.6GHz 6-core Intel Core i7 processor with 12MB shared L3 cache and Turbo Boost up to 4.5GHz.
Even when you aren’t performing, latency is annoying. A delay in the audio transmission can significantly lower the caliber of a DJ’s entire set. Fortunately, a MacBook Pro or even a MacBook Air has sufficient computing power to resolve most latency problems. While a Windows laptop can absolutely compete, Apple devices tackle this problem much more simply.
To put it another way, these machines are incredibly quick and more than capable of running DJ software without taxing their CPU (central processing unit).
2. MIDI Support
The easy plug-and-play compatibility that Macs provide with external MIDI controllers and DJ software is attractive to DJs and audio engineers worldwide.
This implies that, unlike a PC, a mac can be plugged directly into the majority of current DJ equipment. You no longer need to install additional drivers or software to get started.
3. Memory (RAM)
DJs can take their complete music library on the road with them when they use a laptop for their performances. As the entry-level 16-inch MacBook Pro boasts 512GB (Gigabyte), which can be upgraded up to 8TB (Terabyte) if necessary, the internal memory capacities have been a key selling point for Mac consumers. With an average MP3 file size of 4-6MB (Megabyte), you have access to a lot of music!
4. Reputation & Quality
In the past, Macs were far more compatible with DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations), and as a result, the audio and video industries used them much more frequently.
This was because Macs’ superior audio and video processing capabilities led to a large number of audio professionals, artists, and DJs using them right away. Macs are also widely used in universities and music schools, which has made students more familiar with the Mac operating system. They consequently left behind a legacy of devoted Mac users, including audio engineers who are still employed by Mac-based studios and graduating artists, DJs, and producers.
Today, audio engineers, artists, music producers, and DJs continue to be devoted Mac users, and Apple computers are frequently used in professional studios. Macs continue to have the benefit of being instantly compatible with musical instruments and MIDI controllers, meaning that no additional drivers or software need to be loaded.
5> Portability
A DJ can perform much more easily on a laptop than on a typical tower computer. Since many international DJs frequently travel to shows and festivals, a small, portable laptop is just a more practical and hassle-free option that is nonetheless capable of handling the job.