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Hey guys,

I am on the lookout for a laptop to use while I'm on vacation for producing music; this means I'll use it on the train, on the flight and on spot in whatever city I visit. I got a really really good deal for a nice laptop with SSD, nice CPU and a 14" anti-glare screen (€590€).

However, it has this "Beats Audio" soundcard which I've heard nothing about. I know a lot of people like these "Beats Audio" headphones and whatever but is it just some kind of gimmick? I'm going to use my DT990 Pro headphones with it and I want them to sound as clear and real as they do on my desktop computer. So, would you go for a "standard" onboard souncard (the ones ultrabooks such as Zenbook or w/e) or would you go for these "Beats Audio" things? I will of course sometimes bring my external M-Audio soundcard but I want to be able to just grab my laptop and go.

It weighs 2kg and has "height" of 3.2cm when closed. Anyone think this will be problem?

Well, thanks in advance for all questions asked.

Oh and btw, I wont be able to test the soundcard in advance. I did some googeling but didn't find any real review or any review by any producer.

gimmick
tbh if it has a beats audio soundcard ("beats audio built in!") in the laptop.... fuck that
for no other reason than it's likely not a flat frequency response (prob adjusted to boost bass, excite the top end, or whatever the hell else Beats is supposed to "do")

I don't reckon its better or any worse than a regular sound card, but costs more, and has a built in EQ curve.
i'd pass on it.

The entire beats line is a gimmick, and over priced gimmick, but a successful one at that.

Today wrote:gimmick
tbh if it has a beats audio soundcard ("beats audio built in!") in the laptop.... fuck that
for no other reason than it's likely not a flat frequency response (prob adjusted to boost bass, excite the top end, or whatever the hell else Beats is supposed to "do")

I don't reckon its better or any worse than a regular sound card, but costs more, and has a built in EQ curve.
i'd pass on it.

antman wrote:The entire beats line is a gimmick, and over priced gimmick, but a successful one at that.

Like I thought. However, it is much cheaper than its competitiors with the rest of the hardware equal (screen, weight, CPU, GPU, SSD).

If could choose from 2 computers with same hardware except soundcard. Which one would you choose? The one with Beats Audio and ~200€ less or the one with "standard laptop soundcard"?

I actually use the mac built in one quite often People are going to listen with that exact
card anyway.

But I think you'll have to take your interface for proper sound.

I use a saffire USB interface...works great with my standard mac desktop. Don't buy a "beats audio" laptop, you'll be wasting your money and actually most likely hindering your mixdowns.

tbh if the Beats thing is actually cheaper, all other components equal, It might be a reason to give it a second look, or it might be a telling sign to stay the hell away from it...?

If it's just for working during travel, i don't think an interface is necessary. Whatever the output coming from the stock card is, to your headphones, from the DAW is pretty much what it's gonna be regardless of the hardware (someone correct me if i'm wrong, but... why would i/o be any different?? )

So i wouldn't bother traveling with an interface, and I think Beats or no Beats will be largely inconsequential, especially if you're gonna write on vacation then mix down on monitors after you get home.

But still... a built in bass boost is not the one

i herd skrillex uses beats by dre?

ogunslinger wrote:i herd skrillex uses beats by dre?

its funny cause he does......

Genevieve wrote:Look what I found...

LOLWUT


that is crazy

Mad EP wrote:

Genevieve wrote:Look what I found...

LOLWUT


that is crazy

Word. I can finally see why Eazy-E thought Dre was fake.

Fat Person Torturer wrote:

ogunslinger wrote:i herd skrillex uses beats by dre?

its funny cause he does......

Yeah I'm sure it's no coincidence.
It's a huge marketing ring, like putting a little 'i' in front of products. More people will buy it without questioning it.
I'd go for the cheaper laptop, and put the saved money toward a real usb interface.

yea lol this Beats Audio thing looks real shady I am gonna start looking for some other competitiors!

wormcode wrote: I'd go for the cheaper laptop, and put the saved money toward a real usb interface.

.. ehm did you read the thread?
This is the cheapest laptop if you consider everything else but the Beats Audio stuff. And I also have a real USB interface which I wont be carrying around when flying/bus/train. I decided to look for something more mobile aswell. :]
Thx for the input though!

Isn't the beats audio shit just pre-installed software, which you can simply uninstal?

4rantare wrote:

wormcode wrote: I'd go for the cheaper laptop, and put the saved money toward a real usb interface.

.. ehm did you read the thread?
This is the cheapest laptop if you consider everything else but the Beats Audio stuff. And I also have a real USB interface which I wont be carrying around when flying/bus/train. I decided to look for something more mobile aswell. :]
Thx for the input though!

Yes I did and I still say the same. You can find laptops way cheaper than that (you didn't mention the specs though), especially with such a tiny screen. Careful with your eyes... I'd rather have a bigger screen than an SSD personally, or buy it separate and install yourself. 60GB SSDs go for around €50 now. I meant an upgrade for the m-audio, but if you're fine with it then nm (I dunno which one you have, but there are some really tiny ones these days).

Don't forget tablet laptops too. The laptops with a keyboard where the screen can swivel around, they are really portable and powerful these days. A friend of mine runs his live software on one perfect.

I don't use Beats myself, but I have iDre xlr cables; 122% oxygen free.

Skrillex Beats by Dr DREEEEEE!












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