So it sounds like you're primarily using
Qlab for video playback and extent that audio may be included will probably just be the stereo feed attached to the videos, and only using a single video output to drive a single
projector. The microphones and such are only going through an external
mixer your sound guy is running. No multi-channel audio effects required. Does that sound about right?
With the
current Macbooks, you can not retrofit upgraded RAM. You have to buy it on the front end.
If you need a redundant rig, I think you would be better off getting dual tricked out
Mac Minis (preferably the 2.8GHz model, but I would stay away from the
base 1.4GHz model), with an external
monitor. This will be much kinder to your budget than dual Macbook Pros. Unless of course, the form factor of a Macbook is really important to you, which you'll pay a premium for. Go for the 16GB RAM, and upgrade at least the 256GB SSD. Figure53 says on their website that under no circumstance should you go with the
stock fusion drives.
As for redundancy, if you want the 2nd
Mac on-site just in case you run into issues, you don't need any add'l hardware than the 2nd
unit. If, on the other
hand, you want it to be a hot
standby you can
switch to at any moment, then you would:
- load the same content and show file into both units and open Qlab on both devices before your show starts
- add a KVM to switch your keyboard, mouse, and monitor between both units,
- add a dual-output trigger that you use to trigger both Qlab shows simultaneously,
- and either run...
For connectivity, use the built-in
HDMI output of the
Mac Mini for your
projector, and use a Thunderbolt >
HDMI adapter for your local
monitor. Primarily just because the
HDMI connection is more firm and less likely to become unplugged than the Thunderbolt. If you only need stereo audio, you can use the 1/8" output. If you need more channels of audio playback, then you would need to add an external audio interface of one flavor or another.