Universal Audio’s new Luna Recording System was the talk of the 2020 winter NAMM show. However, some have been saying it has all gone a little quiet on the Luna surface. So while we await the landing of this new “DAW” Universal Audio have been keeping our interest up with a couple of new videos giving us more of an idea of what to expect in a new Luna landscape… Ok, we can stop with the moon jokes now. Grab your favorite snack of choice and get cozy for some Luna updates.

Video 1

In the first of Universal Audio’s videos post NAMM 2020 Ben Lindell sits down with UA Director of Product Development, Ryan Wardell, to answer some of the most popular questions regarding the new LUNA Recording System. Hear from the source how LUNA transforms Apollo interfaces into an inspiring fully integrated recording system which is far more than just a typical DAW software.

Topics Covered

• What makes LUNA different?

• Which 3rd-party plug-ins does LUNA support?

• Does LUNA have a track limit?

• Can you run LUNA without an Apollo?

• Which Apollos does LUNA work with?

• LUNA iLok licensing and cloud integration

• Why is LUNA Thunderbolt only?

• LUNA Windows support

• How can I join the LUNA beta program?

Video 2

In this video we get an in-depth look at some of LUNA's editing features, MIDI capabilities, and workflow enhancements with Universal Audio Senior Product Designer Connor Sexton. Plus, go behind-the-scenes and learn how LUNA was developed to go far beyond traditional DAW software.

Topics Covered

• LUNA database and file management — auto-save, session sharing, etc.

• LUNA sound engine — sample rate conversion, realtime rendering, etc.

• How does LUNA work with other DAW software?

• LUNA workflow and editing enhancements

• (9:12) Clip editing demo — fade, gain, pitch

• (11:30) Playlists or “track versions” — comping, selection grouping, etc.

• (13:34) Spill feature-focused sub mixing

• (15:05) MIDI overview — clip and note editing, quantization, advanced controls

Video 3

In video 3 we get more of an insight into the new Luna instruments. Watch UA’s General Manager for Instruments, Dave Lebolt, demonstrate Shape and its awesome palette of sounds and textures along with a preview of other LUNA Instruments including the Ravel grand piano and Moog Minimoog synthesizer.

Topics Covered

• 0:30 Moog Minimoog development and overview

• 2:40 Ravel inspiration, development, overview

• 5:05 Shape — what's included?

• 7:15 Shape — drum & percussion examples

• 8:50 Shape — vibraphone, marimba examples

• 9:35 Shape — bass examples (guitar, stand-up)

• 10:00 Shape synthesis engine — FM, wavetable, polysynth

• 12:00 Shape — Spitfire orchestral audio examples

• 14:35 Shape — keyboard & piano audio examples

• 16:10 Ravel grand piano audio examples

• 18:00 Ravel editing, microphone control, & effects features

• 19:30 Moog Minimoog + ARP arpeggiation

• 20:30 Moog Minimoog sound examples

As and when Universal Audio release new Luna video content we will keep this article up to date. We will also have a full Luna demo and tutorial videos as soon as it becomes available.