Luna by Universal Audio | Mixing Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ก.ค. 2024
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In today's video, I'll be sharing my review of LUNA by Universal Audio. LUNA is a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) which is available in both free and paid versions. The Luna Pro Bundle offers an experience akin to working on a physical console, with tape saturation, analogue summing, channel strips, and bus compression built in. It also includes emulations of iconic analogue hardware, which result in warm, punchy tracks. In this video, I'll provide you with an introduction to Luna, I'll play you some examples, and I'll give you a review of the mixing process to help you determine if it's the right DAW for you.
Download your Free EQ Cheat Sheet, Compression Cheat Sheet, & Vocal Recording Guide at www.mixinglessons.com/free-downloads
LUNA is an absolute failure, too little too late and off the charts failing beyond shadow of a doubt, give it up is what I say, sadly, it does sound great and sound is the key but...sorry, it seems no one wants to bother and its behind in so many ways that it cripples your workflow...soudns great but simply SUX a55
@@mikehunt576 What is a better alternative? And what is the best?
Sorry, the sheets are unavailable. The line for subscription is not present.
@@alexp2082 Pro Tools, Logic Pro, way more advanced features, Harrison board etc
@@mikehunt576 Horses for courses. Workflows are specifically personal. With an Apollo interface, it works beautifully for me. The interface console software has been integrated into Luna; a big plus too.
I have been using Luna with my Apollo interface for about a year and half now and I think it's really intuitive. I just subscribed - look forward for more Luna videos in the future!
Thank you very much. 🙂 There are more on the way.
Best intro of Luna! Txxs really helpful :-)
Thank you very much!! I’m glad it helped 😀
Nice! Looking forward to more Luna videos.
Thank you 😀
Excellent review - really enjoyed your perspective. I've been a Luna user for almost a year now and you nailed it. Big change coming from years of Logic but a greatly appreciated change. Luna is great and can only get better! Cheers!
Thank you very much! And I agree, as much as I've enjoyed using a different DAW for many years, Luna has been a very welcome change.
A fantastic intro to Luna. Cheers
This was wonderful, thanks! I've been wanting to dive into Luna for some time but wasn't quite ready to jump into yet another DAW to learn. But I think you've made it clear that Luna is really quite intuitive, especially for those of us who cut our teeth on analogue hardware. And also that its emulations are of high quality. As you've explained it, the workflow provided by Luna does seem quite intuitive, etc., so I'm definitely going to dive in. Cheers!
Thanks for your comment 😊 It's definitely the most intuitive DAW I've used. I hope you enjoy working with it!
Luna Is The Best DAW For Those Who Grew Up Analog, In My Opinion
I agree! Both in terms of sound and workflow.
I would be evidence to the contrary. As a professional mixer, I left that nonsense behind willingly and happily. I think UA has totally lost the narrative, making an ancient, inefficient DAW, a textbook definition of a contradiction.
The worst DAW ever. Luring people with that “analog feel” bullshit! This thing is a CPU hog without being useful at all.
@@gregormarini They made a big mistake assuming it would be easy. I can’t think of a more complex piece of software than a modern DAW. I agree about the “analog feel” nonsense. We’ve had endless options to impart an analog sound on our digital recordings for years. UA seems to think it’s about pictures of old gear. It’s incredibly amateurish.
Maby for you,not for me
A lot of the plug-ins included in the pro version (the EQ, Compressor, Reverb, Tape Echo and Oxide, along with some kind of channel strip) came bundled with my new UA Volt interface. So that'll save me $200 for now. This looks like an easier and more intuitive DAW to learn than the old version of Samplitude I've been procrastinating on trying to teach myself (with not a lot of online resources to help). The console layout allows you to more easily keep track of the signal path, which I like.
I’m a Logic user for years but I’m definitely going to try this out.
Switched to Luna and haven't turned back. I'm even exporting stems from Logic projects and mixing them in Luna
@@CO-ex8uzsame!
No good vocal templates yet tho
Thank You… well explained !
You are welcome! 🙂
I use other DAWs for production but hands down LUNA has a out of this world sound engine. I export all files and mix in Luna
I agree! Thanks a lot for your comment 🙂
@@mixinglessons I disagree, Luna is a waste of space, sonically mediocre, if you hear something in LUNA that you thin you dont your daw check the BIT rate , try 48khz instead of 44.1khz, luna is 48khz but dont let LUNA fool you with just that, it stinks as a DAW, you have better results with a single Acustica audio plugin on the master bus then adding LUNA to your applications folder to waste space,
I love this daw, but I returned to pro tools because my system was having some bugs with Luna, such as outsync automations, 3rd part of plugins with problems... I'll wait a little longer for these issues to be resolved and then I'll definitely use it this Daw in the future. (Macbook M3).
Thanks for your comment. So far, I haven't run into any problems 🙂 You've probably already spotted it, but just in case, there's a feedback option in the top right corner of Luna where you can report any bugs.
You did a great job explaining how Luna works! Ive been going back and fourth from Logic and Luna and can't really decide which to stick to. Luna sounds amazing and its mixer workflow is great. Im leaning towards making this my primary daw for recording and mixing. Do you think your going to choose Luna over Protools?
Thank you very much. 🙂 I've always really liked Logic, especially the virtual instruments.
I've been really impressed with Luna so far. I'll probably be switching between Pro Tools and Luna for a while, but I'm definitely moving towards making Luna my permanent DAW.
you can use a fader plugins like izotope relay to ride the volume, last on insert chain, i don't automate the DAW fader cuz i like to have master level control even after i automate. hope this is useful to some.
Thanks a great idea, thanks for your comment 🙂
It works like reason worked 15 years ago in Reson you were basically playing with cables inputs and outputs it was very analogue like
Reason and Luna. The only DAW's that feels like an actual mixing desk/music studio, with built in full channel strips without having to open plugin windows.
LUNA doesn't come with the Pultec suite though😊. Not even in the pro version. It's a seperate purchase. At least when I got it some months ago.
Thanks for your comment. I really like having the channel strip extension as part of the mix window. As you say, it feels like a mixing desk. I bought the Pro Bundle a couple of weeks ago, and I'm happy to say that it included the Pultec Passive EQ Collection. 😊
Yes REASON is so much fun and LUNA is fantastic
I just started using Reason within Luna. SO I use the reason rack plugin, and host it with luna's mixing desk, which is a better version of Reason's.
@@trackmasters65 A perfect mix. Best of two worlds!
How is the drum programming? Is there a drum sequencer? What about the piano roll? Scale highlighting (piano keys included. Not just the grid)? Chord function? Audio recording? Clip fading? Cross fading? Clip gain? Any pro microphone options to switch between microphones? Perhaps a Rode NT1, MXL770, Shure SM7B for example . That would be dope. Midi notes: velocity, volume etcetera?
I’m still getting used to Luna and I use it for tracking instruments like drums, voice, guitar, bass and synth. I still use Ableton for my last edits because I’m still learning it and Ableton is easier for me. So drum programming? Not that I’m aware of but if your recording synths , MPC etc it’s amazing because you can put it through amazing unison channel strips, compressors etc. there is some uad plugins like moog, some synths etc but I’m not sure it is the same like Ableton. Cross fading absolutely. And if you get a sphere microphone you get a tonne of microphones such as the ones you’ve mentioned. You will need an Apollo interface, possibly a satelite, mac and sphere mic plus a couple of thousand dollars on plugins. There is sales throughout the year and bundles that make it cheaper. It’s an expensive route but it’s the best in regards to accessing the best channel strips, amps, and compressors, reverbs, delays etc. it’s a pain in the neck regards DSP. So I do recommend getting an Apollo 6 to 8p. Very least a quad. I have a quad and need to get a 8p soon for extra channels and DSP. But you can Daisy chain devices. It’s more of an audio centric system instead of midi.
If I’m wrong anyone please correct me but that’s how I understand it thus far
Does drums from logic still a slave to the latency of the mac processor if running on Luna?
Hi , great video! Would you be able to share how you have routed your audio to record your screen with audio for this video? Do you have an apollo interface? Thank you.
Yes, certainly - to record and hear what you can see happening in my videos, I record my screen using Quick Time Player to record the footage, and I have the audio output from this system going into an audio interface which is connected to another computer. I also have a mic connected to that interface to record my voice. I then bounce the audio out of that DAW and sync it up with the screen recording in iMovie. And no, I don't have an Apollo. I hope that helps! 😊
Oh Wow, that makes total sense! Which Luna could make it a bit more easier. In other DAWs there is no need to connect to an interface into another computer! But that is a great way to do it for sure! Thanks for your reply and keep up with these good videos :)@@mixinglessons
What interfaces can work with it
Most modern interfaces should work - its not just UA hardware anymore.
Probably worth mentioning that Luna only runs on the Mac platform...
Finally a win for mac lol
lol thanks I shall click off now
Didn’t realize there were still people using Windows
@@mrdenson3101”For desktop computers and laptops, Microsoft Windows is the most used at 72.99%, followed by Apple's macOS at 16.13%, and Google's ChromeOS at 1.76%, and desktop Linux at 3.77%”
@@mrdenson3101 "For desktop computers and laptops, Microsoft Windows is the most used at 72.99%, followed by Apple's macOS at 16.13%, and Google's ChromeOS at 1.76%, and desktop Linux at 3.77%."
You know I always have this doubt about Luna and Unison. I have a bunch of UAD plugins including all LUNA extensions, I am used to just drop API Vision channel strips for all my channels. At the same time, if I want to record something externally, I can use the API 212L unison preamp, but after it, the signal faces the API Vision channel strip, and that plugin has integrated the 212L as well, it doesn't have a label in the extension, but I assume that because the extension is supposed to be the exact API Vision channel strip VST, and it has it there.
I guess my question is, what's the point on recording an instrument through unison for the signal to apparently go in to the 212L once more because of the strip? Does this makes sense at all?
Hey, thanks for your question. Something to note is that, when you use the API vision channel strip as an extension, it's not going through the 212L preamp. Instead, there's a line amp in its place. So you would need to use the 212L as you record. However, if you use the API Vision channel strip as a plugin rather than as an extension, you do indeed have the 212L preamp. So there are essentially different workflows to get to a similar point depending on the way that you like to work. I hope that clears things up. 🙂
No external plugins like Waves and all? would love to check this out. Been hearing of Luna for a while but never really got to look into it. I'm a Protools user by the way. Great Video man!!!!
it can run whatever external plugins you want, in AU (audio unit) format. This includes Waves.
Thank you very much! As a Pro Tools user, I've found it a really easy DAW to use. And yes, you are able to use external plugins. 🙂
I don't like that they stacked the mix window. Think it should be laid out left to right with a scroll bar which would be easier on the eyes I think.
Need a template like this for my slate plugins😢
It seems you are showing the Vision API console and it's not in Luna pro Bundle? I had to buy the console separate in order to get the view you are showing.Please clear up for me. Thanks
Hey, thanks for your comment. The API Vision Channel Strip & LUNA Extension come as part of the Pro Bundle. 🙂
@@mixinglessons wish I had seen this before I bought API Console would have saved some money Thanks ! for replying
its basically the API Mac Version of Reasons Studio...which is SSL and you get more mixing tools on the SSL Channels in Reasons opposed to Luna....Luna is OK...but Reasons Smokes it
Hi. Nice video. Love it. I'm new using Luna. Recently I imported a session of 40 tracks in wave format. But my session is jumping within bars when played in LUNA. What do you think it may be? I also noticed you are using core audio connection like me. I have apogee symphony mk 2. Is there a setting in witch I won't have this issue in Luna?Thank you
Hey, this isn't something that I've experienced in Luna, I'm afraid. But I'd definitely recommend using your Apogee hardware to see if that improves things.
@@mixinglessons well I have been using apogee my whole life. I don't know if I need to change any settings for Luna different the I have it for logic. Do you think I should do that? Thank you
@@ian20n Hey, I'd recommend contacting UA to see if this is a known issue, and hopefully they will be able to advise you on the best settings to resolve this.
I wish UA would add a normalize region gain feature like Logic has. This makes gain staging a breeze.
That would be useful! I've never really seen it in anything other than Logic, sadly.
@@mixinglessonsreally?! That surprises me. I’ve always only used Logic and assume all DAWs would have that feature.
I am looking forward to exploring Luna a little more.
Sometime I think it may be useful to write and record in logic and then Mix in Luna. Knowing me I may be over complicating things! (Who me?! 😂)
And why would I want to do that you ask? Because sometimes I think it’s important to just go, the track is finished, time to start mixing. I have a tendency to want to keep fiddling with a song, seeing what parts I’ve hidden that I may want to still use, tinker with a performance etc.
It drives my producer nuts! As he says, at some point you have to just say t yes song is written, the parts are recorded and it’s time to finalise your mix. Hence moving over to a different DAW to mix. 🤷🏻♂️
It's definitely useful to have some method for drawing a line under each stage of the process so that you can shift your focus to the next step. And if switching between DAWs helps you do that, then that's a great solution. I think Logic is ideal for writing and composition, whilst the sound and signal flow in Luna is fantastic for mixing, so it makes a lot of sense! 🙂
I see almost nothing about Luna that would appeal to me. I started my career in the mid 70s using the best analog gear available, and yet have zero desire to go back there. I don’t know a single professional mixer who is nostalgic for the hulking inefficiency of those days. The direction of the marketplace is (finally!) dictated by production needs. I can’t imagine what makes UA think the opposite. Maybe 20 years ago this would be a viable product. Today, it gives off strong boondoggle vibes.
The great, big image-perfect EQs and compressors and VU meters are an absolutely nuts approach to mixing on a display. I can’t imagine how much screen real estate most of my work would require with LUNA. Vast arrays of knobs and switches I am not using is an odd concept to say the least.
One thing that really bugs me is the very short fader throws in the mixer. Looks just like Studio One version 6 that I did not upgrade to because of that reason. Im still recording with Studio One version 3 because of that and other things that they eliminated or changed.
Hey, thanks for your comment. There are two options for the height of the faders. If you go to the top of the box that the faders are in, you can drag them up to make them longer. I hope this helps.
@@mixinglessons Thank you my friend !
@@kimdiez2681 No problem! 🙂
How does Luna compare to Harrison Mix Bus 32c
Hopefully it doesn't crash periodically like Mixbus 32c did on my system...
Paid Pro version is pretty much mandatory for serious analog style API workflow You can't buy the NEVE summing without UAD hardware I own all the DAWs and I love LUNA
whats the difference between saving new version and bookmark? are they both saving a different mix
I think of bookmarks as like saving a snapshot of the mix at a particular moment to recall later. Whereas I think of versions as something you're continuing to work on, which will autosave and have an undo history. So you could work on different versions of the mix, and then within each version, you could have bookmarks which give you a snapshot of the mix at a particular moment.
@@mixinglessonsthanks for replying
No problem!
With Luna I feel more like creating music, with other DAWs I always end up feeling like I am editing rather than recording
I know exactly what you mean 😊 Thanks for your comment.
Would've been great to mention that this is for Mac only
It's avail for windows now, at no charge
i hate the fact thats its a mac only daw.....still got other better options like studio one and ableton
It's out for Windows now
Of course Luna doesn't do Windows and I wouldn't hold yo breath either.