Beyond the Apple Orchard: Why a PC is a Viable, Powerful Choice for Voiceover
For years, the narrative surrounding digital audio production has been dominated by a single fruit: the Apple. Macs, with their sleek design and perceived stability, have become synonymous with creative work, particularly in the realm of voiceover. However, the landscape of personal computing has evolved dramatically, and the notion that a Mac is the only viable option for voiceover professionals is a rapidly aging myth. Modern PC’s, particularly Intel-powered machines, are not just a capable alternative, but in many cases, a superior choice for the discerning voiceover artists like myself.
PC’s Are Unstable and Get Viruses’
I run an entire studio from a 3-year-old Dell XPS, with no stutters, no hiccups and never the blue screen of death. The work that I do often entails large, complex audio commercials with tons of tracks and plugins. My studio, as shown in a studio tour with George the Tech, involves 2 monitors, a 49 inch ultra-wide monitor, and a 37 inch ultra-wide monitor. I also use an Apollo X4, two mics, and 4 professional studio monitors. That’s a lot of power coming from a computer with a processor from 3 generations ago in a thin chassis. Does it overheat? Never. Does it throttle? Nope. How about reboot itself spontaneously? I haven’t had that issue.
That brings me to one of the most persistent misconceptions about PC’s is that they are inherently unstable or prone to compatibility issues, especially when dealing with high-fidelity audio. This sentiment, while perhaps rooted in past experiences, fails to acknowledge the significant strides made in Windows operating systems and PC hardware. Modern PCs are equipped with robust, multi-core processors, ample RAM, and fast NVMe storage, all of which are crucial for handling demanding audio workloads. Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools, Adobe Audition, Reaper, and my DAW of choice, Cubase, run flawlessly on Windows. In fact, for the majority of Voice actors, NO system can’t handle your one track bump patrol audition.
The specter of viruses, another long-standing argument against PCs, is equally outdated. Windows Defender, coupled with responsible browsing habits, provides a level of security that rivals, and in some cases surpasses, the built-in protections of macOS. (List of Malware on Macs) You no longer need to install Norton antivirus to protect your PC from scammers. But know, that no computer is safe from attack if you open that letter from that very convincing Nigerian Prince who promises you $25 million in bitcoin if you send him $25 thousand via Western Union. Apart from that, the days of crippling malware are largely relegated to the annals of computing history, as are the days of system-wide crashes.
PC’s Don’t Perform Well
When Apple launched the M Series of chips, it was the most exciting thing to happen in computing. Competition makes everyone better and PC’s heeded the message loud and clear. As a tech nerd, the excitement surrounding Intel’s upcoming Arrow Lake processors is palpable, and for good reason. These new chips promise to bridge the gap between Windows laptops and their Mac counterparts in terms of power efficiency and performance. This is particularly relevant for voiceover artists like myself who want portable workstations capable of handling demanding audio tasks on the go. While Apple’s M4 chip continues to lead in certain benchmarks, the performance gap is shrinking, and the competitive landscape is becoming increasingly dynamic.
PC’s look Cheap and Not Well Built
Furthermore, the design and build quality of Windows laptops have reached new heights. Manufacturers like Dell, HP, Lenovo, and ASUS are producing stunningly thin and light machines that rival the aesthetics of MacBooks. These laptops boast vibrant displays, comfortable keyboards, and robust build quality, making them ideal for both studio and mobile recording setups. The notion that PCs are inherently bulky or unattractive is simply no longer valid.
The sheer variety of PC configurations available is both a blessing and a curse. While it offers unparalleled flexibility and customization, it can also be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with hardware specifications. This is where the simplicity of the Mac ecosystem shines; however, with a little research and guidance, users can easily navigate the PC market and find a machine that perfectly suits their needs and budget.
What Should I Look For When Buying A PC For Voiceover?
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: buying the right PC can be confusing. For voiceover artists utilizing professional audio interfaces, particularly those from Universal Audio’s Apollo series, the choice of processor architecture is important. Here’s a pro tip from a Windows user: Only buy an Intel machine to do VO. Intel’s Thunderbolt 3 and 4 connectivity offers seamless integration with all audio interfaces including UAD Apollos, providing low-latency performance and robust driver support. This is a significant advantage over AMD and Qualcomm processors, which, as of this writing, lack the comparable Thunderbolt ecosystem and driver stability for professional audio. Can you run audio on AMD and Qualcomm? Yes. But you can’t run all audio hardware, so beware. When buying a laptop or desktop for voiceover, look for the Intel sticker that says Intel Core Ultra.
It’s important to acknowledge that there is an initial learning curve that comes with any system. While many voiceover pros are comfortable with the Apple ecosystem, Windows is an intuitive OS, and many of the popular DAWs work cross platform. I myself have attempted to switch to Mac OS but found the experience and the limited options to be frustrating. But if I needed to, I could learn and become proficient in Mac OS just as any Mac user could transition back to Windows. Tutorials and support are available online for both OS’s involving any issue.
Ultimately, the choice between a Mac and a PC for voiceover comes down to personal preference and specific workflow requirements. While Macs offer a streamlined experience and strong integration with Apple’s ecosystem, PCs provide unparalleled flexibility, hardware compatibility, and a rapidly evolving performance landscape. For voiceover artists seeking a powerful, versatile, and cost-effective solution, a modern Intel-powered PC is a compelling choice that I think deserves serious consideration. In a world where both computer and audio technology are constantly evolving, the PC platform is poised to remain a formidable force in the realm of professional voiceover.