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Gmartin58

Joined: 26/07/12
Posts: 4

MacBook Pro and heat
#1000034 - 27/07/12 12:25 AM

I am wanting to use a MacBook Pro with Apple's Mainstage 2 to drive my keyboards for live performance. My concern is during outdoor performances where I live it can get pretty hot and not sure if the MacBook can take the heat without shutting down. I already have issues with heat and my iPad which I use for sheet music.

USB can only run about 16 feet so getting the Mac off the stage under cover would be difficult.

Any of you have solutions to my situation? Similar setups? Any thoughts are welcome. Cheers!

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_ Six _

Joined: 03/06/06
Posts: 1398
Loc: Liverpool

Re: MacBook Pro and heat new

[Re: Gmartin58]
#1000040 - 27/07/12 12:55 AM

Use a hardware alternative? I considered using a MacBookPro on stage but soon went off the idea because of the potential for an expensive and embarrassing disaster.

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Gmartin58

Joined: 26/07/12
Posts: 4

Re: MacBook Pro and heat new

[Re: Gmartin58]
#1000044 - 27/07/12 01:25 AM

I currently use a Roland Fantom and a Korg TR but am not happy with the quality of the sounds. Wanted to use some of the outstanding VST/AU plug ins.

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seablade

Joined: 21/11/04
Posts: 3768

Re: MacBook Pro and heat new

[Re: Gmartin58]
#1000046 - 27/07/12 01:39 AM

Quote Gmartin58:

I am wanting to use a MacBook Pro with Apple's Mainstage 2 to drive my keyboards for live performance. My concern is during outdoor performances where I live it can get pretty hot and not sure if the MacBook can take the heat without shutting down. I already have issues with heat and my iPad which I use for sheet music.

USB can only run about 16 feet so getting the Mac off the stage under cover would be difficult.

Any of you have solutions to my situation? Similar setups? Any thoughts are welcome. Cheers!

I have used a powerbook (Long predecessor to the MBP) outdoors for a full summer without issue in heat. Not direct sunlight mind you, just hot outdoors. I have yet to have any problems with my MBP[s] in such a situation either though haven't done full summers of every day with them in that situation.

Also there are solutions to extend USB, monitors, etc. to hundreds of feet off if needed. Though to be honest I am not sure I would trust them for something that needed as low latency as you would need for this. On the other hand, you can run MIDI for hundreds of feet without issue on the proper cable, so I would almost wonder why you wouldn't just run your MIDI cable from your controller to the computer elsewhere, and run the monitor back if needed, possibly with a usb extender for control if needed.

Of course just using a standalone unit is always going to be more dependable, but you can get setups like this working very stably if you prepare enough.

Seablade

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Gmartin58

Joined: 26/07/12
Posts: 4

Re: MacBook Pro and heat new

[Re: Gmartin58]
#1000047 - 27/07/12 01:57 AM

Thanks for that. I'm new to this concept. I come from the days of using a real B3 and a real Rhodes and real mini-Moog.

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Guy Johnson

Joined: 02/05/03
Posts: 3954
Loc: Pembrokeshire

Re: MacBook Pro and heat new

[Re: Gmartin58]
#1000072 - 27/07/12 08:33 AM

Smc fanControl works very well. I find that otherwise my MBP gets a bit too hot.

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desmond

Joined: 10/01/06
Posts: 7890

Re: MacBook Pro and heat new

[Re: Guy Johnson]
#1000077 - 27/07/12 08:53 AM

+1 for smcFanControl.

Also, you could always use an external desktop fan blowing on the laptop (with the laptop raised off it's lower surface). This is usually sufficient to keep it running nice and cool even while under some load...

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buggymusic
member

Joined: 30/09/02
Posts: 234

Re: MacBook Pro and heat new

[Re: desmond]
#1000090 - 27/07/12 09:24 AM

I have used a macbook pro on live keys for 3-4 years

tips
(1) only turn it on just before you need it
(2) shut down at half time
(3) always keep lid open
(4) put something underneath (I use a neoprene cover)

note: you can get a gadget with extra cooling that runs off usb to go underneath

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Gmartin58

Joined: 26/07/12
Posts: 4

Re: MacBook Pro and heat new

[Re: Gmartin58]
#1000513 - 30/07/12 05:00 AM

Thanks all. Much appreciated.

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