Should I Install Avid Media Composer 2024.2 on My Late 2015 iMac?

[Mads Nybo jørgensen]

Hey Fareeda,

There is already an identical system specs question about installing Avid on Reddit from 18 hours ago.
You can read it here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Avid/comments/1dfk24p/should_i_install_avid_media_composer_20242_on_my/

My comment is that you have a nearly 10-year old iMac you have, so normally I would say no.
Ram and Screen is ok-ish, but processor is slow and OS is outdated.
However, if you are editing off-line, it might just work for you. If the software allows you to install on an old OS.

There is only one way to find out, and that is to install it.
Avid will give you a free trial.
WARNING: Do NOT install Avid MC “First” if you intend to move up to the full MC version, as the the MC First project data will not open in the paid for versions.

Hope that this helps?

Atb
Mads

Should I Install Avid Media Composer 2024.2 on My Late 2015 iMac?
byu/CoachDue2436 inAvid

[Fareeda AM]

Hi Mads,

Thank you for sharing your insights and the Reddit link. I appreciate your advice regarding my iMac’s specs and the caution about Avid MC “First.”

I’m particularly concerned because there’s an older version of Avid Media Composer running well on my system. Could you advise if upgrading might lead to losing that functionality as well?

Thank you!

[Mads Nybo jørgensen]

Hey Fareeda,

If you already have a version of Avid Media Composer running well on the system, and that you are not under pressure to upgrade, I suggest that you stick with that.

There is every chance, if not done right, that you databases could get corrupted + that your iMac might never run the new version of Avid. And, then there is the cost of software and maintaining a subscription.

If you can afford it, might be better to upgrade your hard-ware at the same time.

Apple M4 chips are coming through the system, depending on your budget.
But Mac Mini also offer a good entry, although don’t know if they can run Avid software.
If you do a qucik search, your 5K iMac might be able to act as a monitor, saving you a bundle of money on that account.

Bottomline is that if ain’t broke, do not fix it.
If there is a demand for you to use the latest version of Avid, then make sure to charge your clients accordingly. Keep in mind that Avid does have a monthly subscription plan, that will allow you to balance your costs on the rental (Annual subscription is more cost effective, unless you are working full-time).

Atb
Mads

[Fareeda AM]

Hi Mads,

Thank you so much for your detailed advice and insights on sticking with the current version of Avid Media Composer and considering hardware upgrades. Your points about potential issues with upgrading and cost considerations are really helpful. I’ll take your suggestions into serious consideration for my setup moving forward.

Thank you for your time!

Best regards,

Fareeda