Music production has undergone significant changes throughout the years, with the democratization of the process resulting in a barrier to entry that is now more accessible to anyone, requiring minimal cost and equipment. The biggest change occurred in the late 1990s with the introduction of the digital audio workstation (DAW), which revolutionized the industry and shifted music producers from hardware-dependent systems to software-based DAWs.
DAWs transformed personal computers into powerful recording studios, offering unprecedented control over the recording, editing, and mixing process. This gave rise to the era of bedroom producers, such as Alan Walker and Martin Garrix, opening up possibilities for non-professionals to install inexpensive (or free) and intuitive DAWs on their home computers and start making music affordably with little knowledge or experience.
As music production and DAWs evolved, and with the introduction of third-party plugins, the need for more computing power grew. Today’s ideal music production PC requires the flexibility and portability of a laptop for the traveling producer, with a powerful, stable, and robust multi-core CPU.
Other critical factors to consider are RAM and storage capacity. The CPU and RAM control how many plugins and instruments can be used, while storage is essential for core programs, such as DAWs, cloud-based software libraries, and applications.
Unlike with gaming, GPU power is not heavily utilized in music production, meaning the ideal laptop for producing can be more affordable. Additionally, sound outputs typically pass through an audio interface to a set of monitor speakers or headphones; therefore, good-quality internal speakers are often redundant. However, most music producers also use their devices for gaming and general purposes, so GPU specifications are included in the recommended list of PCs below.
ASUS offers a variety of PC models suited to all levels of music production. Whether the project is a channel-heavy 90-minute film score, a heavily processed future chart-topping electronic music masterpiece, or a 10-second advertising jingle, ASUS devices cover all budgets and specifications.
Here is our pick of the best ASUS PCs for all skill levels, from the studio-bound professional through to the aspiring bedroom producer and DJs/producers on the road.
PRO-LEVEL PRODUCER: ProArt P16 (H7606)
Unleash your creative potential with the ProArt P16, the ultimate creator laptop, perfect for studio and on-the-go production. Optimized to enhance creative workflows, it features an ASUS Lumina Pro OLED display that offers stunning color accuracy, visual clarity, seamless motion, and eye care for exceptional visuals. With up to 64GB of RAM and a whopping 4TB of storage, the ProArt P16 offers ample space for the largest projects that utilize extensive third-party plugins and multi-channel mixes. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 or HX 370 CPU features 10 or 12 cores (respectively), making light work of even the most demanding workflows. The ProArt P16 also features a NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPU (up to 5070), and is available in a range of options, including 32GB and 24GB RAM versions, as well as 2TB and 1TB of storage.
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PRO-LEVEL PRODUCER: Zenbook DUO (UX8406)
The Zenbook DUO is a music production powerhouse with its dual 14” touchscreens that can be used in versatile modes, including dual-screen, desktop (side-by-side portrait), regular single-screen laptop, and sharing mode. The dual-screen mode optimizes space by allowing the second screen to be used for additional windows, such as piano roll, mixer, or multiple plugin interfaces for processing and auditioning sounds. The ultraportable, thin, and light OLED screens measure just 14.6mm, and the device weighs only 1.65kg. Specification options include 16GB and 32GB RAM versions, a 14- or 16-core Intel Core CPU, and a choice of 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB of storage to complement the Intel Arc GPU. The Zenbook DUO also features a long-lasting 76Wh battery, offering up to 18+ hoursi of use, and utilizes fast-charge technology.
MID-LEVEL PRODUCER: ASUS Vivobook 16X (K3605)
A great all-around laptop that comes in 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB RAM versions, a choice of 8- to 14-core Intel Core CPU, NVIDIA GeForce RTX GPU (up to 4060), and 512GB and 1TB of storage. The varied options offer users a setup based on their requirements and budget, and the Intel Core CPU variations allow for faster processing of heavy workloads and an extensive mix of channels. The device also features multiple inputs and outputs, including an SD 4.0 card reader, making it the ideal PC for producers using a hybrid setup of hardware and software to transfer samples and files between the PC and other hardware.
MID-LEVEL PRODUCER: Zenbook S16 (UX5606)
Thanks to its slim design, the Zenbook S16 is ultraportable. Weighing just 1.5kg and measuring 1.1cm in width, its lightweight casing is made from ASUS's patented material, Ceraluminum. This offers a sleek, scratch- and smudge-proof laptop. The Zenbook S16 comes in 16GB and 32GB RAM options, a choice of 8-core Intel Core Ultra Processor CPU, Intel Arc Graphics GPU, and 1TB or 2TB of storage. It also features a long-lasting 78Wh battery with up to 24+ hoursii of battery life and fast-charge technology, and comes fitted with no fewer than six built-in Harman Kardon speakers.
BEGINNER-LEVEL PRODUCER: Vivobook S16 (S3607)
A great entry-level laptop for music production with enough memory and storage to get the aspiring producer up and running. It offers a choice of Intel Core, Qualcomm, and AMD CPU options that range from 8 to 16 cores capable of handling intensive multi-channel workflows. The Vivobook S16 is available in a range of specifications, including 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB RAM versions, 512GB and 1TB of storage, and Intel UHD Graphics or Intel Arc Graphics GPUs. This offers users broad specification options, depending on requirements and budget. It also features a larger-than-standard touchpad with Smart Gesture technology for easier navigation.
About ASUS
ASUS is a global technology leader that provides the world’s most innovative and intuitive devices, components, and solutions to deliver incredible experiences that enhance the lives of people everywhere. With its team of 5,000 in-house R&D experts, the company is world-renowned for continuously reimagining today’s technologies. Consistently ranked as one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies, ASUS is also committed to sustaining an incredible future. The goal is to create a net zero enterprise that helps drive the shift towards a circular economy, with a responsible supply chain creating shared value for every one of us.
