Apple hardware recommendations for Reeltime
When setting up Reeltime, selecting the appropriate Mac hardware is essential. Below, we outline recommendations for Apple silicon chips and corresponding setups to ensure optimal performance.
Apple Silicon Overview#
Apple’s M-series chips are classified by generation (such as M4) and by tier: M, M Pro, M Max, and M Ultra. The latest generation, M4, was introduced in 2024. Not all tiers are released at the same time. Ultra models are typically released later.
Currently, the most powerful chips available are the M3 Ultra and the M4 Max. Generally, chip tier (for example, M Pro vs. M Max) has a greater impact on Reeltime performance than generation.
Reeltime Hardware Recommendations#
When we recommend a base chip (for example, M4 for the Basic setup), “or better” includes any higher-tier chip (M Pro, M Max, M Ultra) from either the current or previous generation.
Basic Setup#
Purpose
Best suited for smaller productions or on-location use with Reeltime Lite, now enhanced with improved 4K playback support.
Recommended Chip
M4 or better
Tested Models
Mac mini M4 (affordable desktop option)MacBook Air or MacBook Pro M4 (portable setups)
Supported Features
- 2 HD-SDI input slots
- 2 library slots
- 1 composite slot
- 2 HD-SDI output slots
Advanced Setup#
Purpose
Designed for more demanding Reeltime Pro use, including chroma keying, multiple filters, and higher stream complexity.
Recommended Chip
M1 Pro or better
Tested Model
MacBook Pro M1 Pro
Supported Features
- 3 HD/4K(6G) SDI input slots
- 3 library slots
- 2 composite slots for chroma keying
- 3 HD/4K(6G) SDI output slots
- 2 local streams
- 1 internet stream
- Reliable HD and 4K playback with effects and compositing
Max Setup#
Purpose
Ideal for full-capacity Reeltime Pro configurations, including all input/output slots and the most complex compositing scenarios.
Recommended Chip
M2 Pro or better
Tested Model
MacBook Pro M2 Pro
Supported Features
- 6 HD/4K(6G) SDI input slots
- 3 library slots
- 3 composite slots for advanced chroma keying
- 6 HD/4K(6G) SDI output slots
- 2 local streams
- 1 internet stream
- Optimized for real-time, multi-layer HD and 4K workflows
Comparison Table#
Comparison table of tested setups and recommended hardware
Note 1: With the release of Reeltime 1.4, the 4K performance of Reeltime was improved significantly so that all three setups generally also work with 4K (6G) SDI signals. However, 4K-capable video I/O devices are required to achieve that. Keep in mind that many devices and Thunderbolt enclosures are still limited to Thunderbolt 3/4 speeds, which may prevent full use of all ports even if the hardware supports 6G or 12G signals.
Note 2: None of the recommended hardware setups poses a hard limit. The software does not limit its capabilites depending on the hardware, so you are free to test your specific use cases beyond the given feature scope, or with even smaller hardware. Our recommendations propose the “safe” option for the mentioned features.
Further Reading#
For additional setup examples and performance considerations, see our detailed article:Hardware Recommendations for Reeltime – 3 Setups from Basic to Max Playback Power