Why I Chose Logic Pro for iPad Over a MacBook for Music Production

Welcome back to The Backpack Composer! I’m Will, a musician, composer, and producer who’s always dreamed of a sustainable career in music. While I’ve had the chance to work in million-dollar studios and even earned professional credits along the way, the reality is most of us can’t afford that kind of setup—or the MacBooks that usually come with it.

That’s why I started this channel and blog: to show how you can build a professional-quality studio that fits in a backpack. Today, I want to share how my journey took me from analog consoles to Windows setups, and ultimately to discovering Logic Pro on the iPad. Spoiler: the iPad might be the best-kept secret for solo musicians and producers.

From Analog Consoles to Bedroom Studios

Like many musicians, I started in an analog studio environment—think 30–48 channel consoles hooked up to external hard drives, all controlled with MIDI. It was inspiring, but it was also bulky, expensive, and (when you’re living with your parents) not exactly compatible with 3:00 a.m. recording sessions.

So, I built my own smaller setup as a teenager. It wasn’t glamorous, but it did the job. Later, I graduated to Windows-based rigs. They were affordable and got the work done, but as my sessions got bigger, the limitations became obvious.

I remember mixing one album on a Surface Pro—each 3-minute song took 45 minutes to render. Multiply that across an entire project, and suddenly I was chained to my desk for three straight days while my computer overheated. When the Surface finally gave out, I knew I needed a change.

The iPad Discovery

At first, I assumed the only upgrade path was a MacBook with Logic Pro. The power and reliability are undeniable, but the price tag made me hesitate. Like many musicians, I didn’t want to go into debt for one piece of gear.

That’s when I discovered something game-changing: Logic Pro is available on iPad.

• It runs as a subscription, making it much cheaper upfront.

• I could roll the cost of the iPad into my phone bill for just $25/month.

• Logic Pro on iPad has nearly all the functionality I needed—and more importantly, it fit into my portable workflow.

This wasn’t just about saving money. It was about breaking free from the desk.

My Portable iPad Studio Setup

So, how does my iPad rig compare to a MacBook setup? Let me walk you through the signal flow.

• Instruments → Allen & Heath CQ12T → Amplifier

  • I record clean, dry signals (guitar, bass, piano) before EQ, giving me flexibility to shape the tone later.

• iPad Pro → Powered USB-C Hub

  • The hub is crucial—without external power, peripherals drain the iPad too quickly.

• Akai MPC Key37 + MIDI Expansion

  • This handles thousands of sounds, MIDI sequencing, and reduces the need for extra plugins.

• Cloud + External Storage

  • Finished mixes are stored on a 10TB drive and in the cloud, keeping the iPad light and fast.

This setup means I can practice unplugged, record instantly with a template, and even take the rig to band practice for multi-track recording—all without the footprint of a MacBook.

Why the iPad Wins for Solo Musicians

Here’s the truth: MacBooks are powerful, but they’re overkill for many solo musicians, songwriters, or arrangers. The iPad hits the sweet spot because:

• Cost – A used iPad with the right chipset is far cheaper than even a used MacBook.

• Portability – I can mount it on a mic stand, throw it in a backpack, and use it anywhere.

• Plugins – Most iPad apps cost less than traditional software and integrate seamlessly.

• Workflow – With Logic templates, recording is nearly instant. No extra setup required.

And perhaps the biggest win? The stylus beats the mouse. Editing and arranging directly on the screen just feels more natural.

Final Thoughts

If the goal is to create a full studio that fits in a backpack, the iPad isn’t just good enough—it might actually be the smarter choice. It delivers pro-level results without the MacBook price tag, and for musicians like me who balance day jobs, practice, and creative projects, that matters.

So whether you’re a bedroom producer, songwriter, or solo musician, don’t overlook what the iPad can do. With the right setup, it’s not just a toy—it’s a professional tool.

May your gear be light, your latency low, and your dogs quiet while you track vocals. 🎙️🐾