Universal Audio Luna at NAMM: Latency-free DSP Opens DAWs

Universal Audio (UA) introduces LUNA Recording System, a full-featured music creation, recording, and analog-style production system shaped by over 60 years of analog audio exploration. 

LUNA transforms UA’s industry-standard Apollo interfaces into the most inspiring and fully integrated recording systems available. LUNA Recording System consists of a UA Thunderbolt-equipped audio interface, the LUNA Application, LUNA Extensions, and LUNA Instruments. 

LUNA will be available as a free download for Apollo and Arrow Thunderbolt audio interface owners (Mac only) in Spring 2020. 

Key LUNA Recording System features include its deep Apollo interface integration, built-in Neve Summing, Multitrack Tape Emulation, and all-new LUNA Instruments — UA’s long-awaited foray into software‑based instruments.

Deep Apollo Integration — Fast, Natural Workflow

Unlike traditional DAW software, LUNA Recording System’s tight hardware-software integration allows quickly routing and recording audio through DSP-powered UAD plug-ins with no discernible latency via the new Accelerated Realtime Monitoring feature. Accelerated Realtime Monitoring is poised to be a major revelation for those unaccustomed to working on a $10k+ DSP-assisted recording system; music production will instantly seem more robust, dependable, and intuitive, without latency or monitoring hassles. 

Built-In Neve Summing — Instant Classic Console Sound

LUNA Recording System offers precisely emulated audio summing circuitry from the Neve 80-Series audio mixing consoles designed by Neve Electronics in the 1960s and early 1970s, featuring the harmonically rich sound of the Neve 1272 summing amplifier. Far beyond a “summing plug-in,” Neve Summing is a LUNA Extension built-in to the fabric of LUNA’s mixer — and can instantly transform a clean technical mix into a classic-sounding recording filled with energy and life. 

Integrated Multitrack Tape — Warmth and Punch on Demand

LUNA’s audio transport features integrated Multitrack Tape emulation via the included “Oxide” LUNA Extension — providing sonic qualities commonly described by audio engineers as “warmth” and “cohesion” on every desired audio or instrument track. LUNA Recording System users may choose to further explore various magnetic tape sounds with the optional Studer A800 Tape Recorder Extension (sold separately). 

All-New LUNA Instruments — Incredible Realism to Fuel Inspiration

LUNA is further distinguished by all-new software-based LUNA Instruments — bringing Universal Audio’s expertise in electrical and acoustic modelling, sampling, synthesis, and signal processing to virtual instruments for the first time ever. The resulting software instruments are ultra-realistic, responsive, and “alive” with inspiration.

At launch, available LUNA Instruments will include: 

• Moog Minimoog — developed in partnership with Moog Music, the Moog Minimoog is an incredibly accurate and inspiring emulation of the archetypal 1971 Moog synthesizer
• Ravel grand piano — a breathtaking model of a Steinway Model B grand piano based on UA’s proprietary sampling, physical modeling, and new Ultra-Resonance technology — providing all the sonic nuance of this studio classic
• Shape — a complete creative toolkit with vintage keys, drums/percussion, guitar/bass, orchestral content, and realtime synthesis, courtesy of Universal Audio, Spitfire Audio, Orange Tree Samples, Loops de la Creme, and more — included free in LUNA
• LUNA will be available as a free download for Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo and Arrow audio interface owners for macOS systems and is shipping in Spring 2020. LUNA is not compatible with Apollo FireWire or Apollo Twin USB.