LUNA Digital Audio Workstation
Sound like the records you love.
- Create music in the world’s only DAW with authentic analog sound built in
- Get professional studio sound with extensions from Neve, API, Studer, Ampex, and more
- Streamline your workflow with the newest features — from bounce in place and multi-output instruments to track presets, custom key commands, and much more
- Create with the free Shape virtual instrument library, featuring every sound you need to finish a track or start an idea
Downloads
Details
- Universal Audio’s DAW for Mac and Windows that’s available free for anyone
- Seamless integration with Apollo audio interfaces for low-latency recording and realtime analog processing
- LUNA Pro Bundle includes built-in analog sounds like API Summing, Studer and Ampex Tape, plus plug-ins from Teletronix, Pultec, and more
- Premium instruments and effects including Shape VI library and ARP MIDI Arpeggiator
- Analog-like interface and workflows for fast productivity and creativity
- Supports as many tracks as your computer can handle, with advanced editing tools for precise control over your sessions
- Mix and master with over 200 supported UAD titles, or use your favorite AU plug-ins and instruments
- Advanced exporting tools for easy collaboration
Make Your Recordings Sound Like Records
LUNA is a truly modern DAW with vintage workflows built in. It allows you to capture the music in your head and get it to sound like the records you love, faster and with less hassle.
Hear the Difference of Analog
Because of its powerful mixing engine, LUNA has a sound. It allows you to produce music as if you were seated at a vintage console, complete with tape machines, built-in summing, and classic hardware. Use your favorite UAD plug-ins and LUNA Extensions in realtime, or any AU instrument or effect in your collection to start crafting the best mixes of your life.
The Tools You Need
When you’re ready to create, LUNA lets you get started quickly. Enjoy unlimited audio and virtual instrument tracks and easy-to-use composition and editing tools. If you need inspiration, download included artist sessions from the likes of Louis Cato, Atticus Ross, Cass McCombs, Cold War Kids, and more.*
The Workflows You Want
Anyone can get great sound in LUNA, no audio engineering chops necessary. Because all of the mixing magic of LUNA is tag and preset-driven, you can get to a faster starting place and dial in the perfect settings without a hundred windows killing your vibe. LUNA also includes hours of tutorials for those who want to dig deeper.
Drag, Drop & Share
Import an AAF or drag and drop entire multitracks to get started fast and hear the difference LUNA’s analog mixing engine makes on any session. Simple one-button export makes it easy to share your songs and collaborate with others.
“It Just Sounds Better”
Users and critics agree that LUNA just sounds better. That’s because we put more than 70 years of UA’s analog expertise under the hood. Want proof? Try out the bypass button to hear the difference LUNA makes in your mixes. We promise, you’ll never go back.
I grew up using tape and analog consoles, and LUNA is as close as I can get to the sound and workflow of my old Studer and Neve setups.
Butch Walker
Green Day, Weezer, Fall Out Boy
LUNA lets me forget that I’m using a computer to make music. And the crazy-low latency workflow with my Apollo has further blurred the line between production and mixing for me — I can just make records.
Fab Dupont
Jennifer Lopez, David Crosby, Shakira
…vastly superior to my favorite DAW in terms of workflow, with an extremely well-designed and intuitive UI, providing a unified base for everything I need or want to do in my studio.
…LUNA’s hardware integration makes it a dream to use in live recording sessions, and its ability to recreate an authentic analogue sound and workflow should be extremely attractive to producers of all stripes.
Chances are, you won’t find another piece of software so sophisticated and organic as LUNA – this is music making at its absolute peak. A certified winner, and a clear step into the future for one of the most revered names in audio history.
Frequently Asked Questions
No UA hardware of any kind is required. LUNA runs natively on your computer.
LUNA runs on supported macOS and Windows systems. See our LUNA system requirements article for full system requirements. An iLok account is required for managing LUNA licenses. We support iLok USB keys for portability, but one is not required.
While an iLok.com account is required, LUNA is authorized to your computer. No need to be online or buy a dongle to get started. Don’t worry, if you don’t have an iLok account, we’ll create one for you during the signup process.
Yes, LUNA and Apollo work perfectly together and enable realtime monitoring and recording workflows. Due to high demand, we’ve decided to extend LUNA’s availability to everyone.
LUNA itself can be used on up to three separate computers simultaneously.
Check our Knowledge Base for additional questions
*Use of artist names does not constitute official endorsement of LUNA or UAD software.
**Track and plug-in counts are limited by the power of your mac computer.
О том, что DAW Universal Audio LUNA стала доступна пользователям Windows в компании объявили в официальном пресс-релизе. Издание рабочей станции для операционных систем от компании Microsoft находится в статусе открытой бета-версии.
Цифровая рабочая станция Universal Audio LUNA теперь доступна пользователям операционных систем Windows. Разработчики заявляют, что пока что программа находится в статусе открытой общедоступной беты, в ходе которой будут выявлены ошибки и собрана обратная связь от пользователей. Когда состоится выход стабильной версии, не уточняется.
В ноябре 2023 года Universal Audio сделала DAW бесплатной для личного пользования, объяснив своё решение желанием расширить пользовательскую базу программы. Тогда же в компании рассказали о появлении издания LUNA Pro, предлагающего большее количество функций и распространяющегося на платной основе. Появление версии для Windows стало ещё одним шагом для разработчиков в сторону увеличения активных пользователей рабочей станции.
В состав программы включены основные плагины и инструменты, необходимые пользователям для производства музыки. Вместе с рабочей станцией также поставляется расширение Oxide Tape Extension, добавляющее в программу простой, но эффективный эмулятор плёнки с сатурацией, управляющийся одним регулятором.
Для использования LUNA не требуется оборудование Universal Audio — программа совместима с любым аппаратным и программным обеспечением, имеющимся у пользователя. Рабочая станция работает с операционными системами Windows 10 и новее, и доступна для бесплатного скачивания на официальном сайте компании (недоступен на территории РФ и РБ без VPN). Для загрузки установочных файлов требуется учётная запись в системе Universal Audio.
После установки программы пользователям предоставляется 30-дневный пробный доступ к LUNA Pro с увеличенным набором плагинов и инструментов. Так, например, профессиональная версия рабочей станции открывает доступ к плагинам Ampex ATR-102 Master Tape Machine & LUNA Extension, API 2500 Bus Compressor & LUNA Extension, API Preamp, API Summing LUNA Extension, API Vision Channel Strip & LUNA Extension, а также всей коллекции нативных плагинов UAD Native Essential. Помимо этого в программу включена эмуляция студийных консолей Neve с линейными усилителями Neve 1272.
По истечению пробного периода пользователям будет предложено оформить подписку на LUNA Pro, либо продолжить использование бесплатной версии Universal Audio LUNA. Переход на бесплатное издание уменьшает количество доступных обработок, но не влияет на возможности программы в области звукозаписи, редактирования и сведения аудиофайлов и проектов.
Видео
Universal Audio’s Luna DAW, known for its vintage-inspired features, has finally made its way to Windows after being exclusive to Mac users since its launch in 2020. Now, PC users can also experience Luna by joining the open beta program and downloading it for free.
Luna offers a range of analog-style features like summing, tape machines, channel strips, and bus/parallel compression, all reminiscent of Universal Audio’s UAD plugins.
It also includes the Shape instrument, providing sample-based classic sounds and real-time generated synth tones. For additional plugins, users can opt for Luna Pro for $399.
The arrival of Luna on Windows may seem overdue, but it opens up new possibilities for PC users. In the Mac ecosystem, Luna competes with GarageBand and Logic, which cater to quick and simple recording needs. However, since these apps are not available on Windows, Luna could attract a larger user base on the PC platform.
Luna also offers seamless integration with Universal Audio’s Apollo audio interfaces, enhancing the recording experience with low-latency capabilities. While projects can be transferred between Mac and Windows versions of Luna, compatibility issues arise due to different plugin formats (AU for Mac and VST3 for Windows).
Universal Audio plans to address this by adding VST3 support to the Mac version in the future.
▶ Learn About 11 Best FREE DAWs To Create Music
Universal Audio say they have taken a significant step forward by making their acclaimed LUNA Recording System available for Windows users through an open beta. This move broadens the accessibility of their integrated recording platform, which was previously exclusive to macOS. We have the details.
A Brief Overview of LUNA
LUNA, Universal Audio say, is designed to offer a seamless recording experience by tightly integrating with their Apollo and Arrow interfaces. It aims to provide an intuitive, powerful environment for music production, recording, and mixing. With features like real-time recording with near-zero latency, integrated analog emulations, and a host of creative tools, LUNA has garnered praise from the Mac community.
Key Features in the Windows Beta
The introduction of LUNA to Windows means bringing a comprehensive set of features that were previously out of reach unless using a Mac. Universal Audio say that Windows users can now experience:
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Real-Time Recording and Monitoring: Utilising UA’s renowned Unison technology, the system allows for real-time recording with near-zero latency, ensuring that performances are captured with the utmost precision.
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Integrated Analog Emulations: LUNA offers a range of built-in analog emulations, which Universal Audio say can replicate the warmth and character of classic analog gear, providing a distinctive edge in digital recordings.
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Accelerated Workflow: The tight integration with Apollo and Arrow interfaces is designed to speed up the workflow, reducing the need for third-party plugins and external applications.
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Creative Extensions: The beta includes LUNA’s suite of creative extensions such as tape emulations and virtual instruments, enhancing the palette of sounds and tools available to producers.
What to Expect During the Beta
The open beta phase is crucial for ironing out any compatibility issues and ensuring a smooth user experience across a variety of Windows setups. Universal Audio say they are looking for feedback from a wide range of users to refine and perfect the software. This collaborative approach should help address any initial bugs and enhance the overall performance.
Universal Audio say this move is part of their ongoing commitment to innovation and providing high-quality audio solutions to a broader audience. For Windows-based production experts, this could mean:
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Enhanced Studio Capabilities: Integrating LUNA into a Windows-based studio setup can potentially streamline the production process, offering new tools and improved efficiency.
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Broader Compatibility: With LUNA now available on both major operating systems, collaboration between Mac and Windows users within professional environments becomes more straightforward.
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Access to High-Quality Sound: The analog emulations and Unison preamps provide a level of sound quality that might previously have required significant investment in hardware.
What’s Available
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LUNA
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LUNA Pro 30 day trial
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Shape
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Arp
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All paid LUNA Extensions
What’s Not Available
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ARM mode feature does not work on Apollo USB
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Instrument ARM mode does not take a lower buffer size than the driver i/o buffer, unlike mac. Users must set their asio buffer size to the setting that works for them to use virtual instruments
Looking Ahead
As the beta progresses, it will be interesting to see how the music production community responds and what further enhancements Universal Audio might introduce. Universal Audio say their goal is to make LUNA a versatile, powerful tool for all music producers, regardless of their preferred operating system.
Stay tuned for more updates as the beta evolves and Universal Audio continues to fine-tune their offering for the Windows community.
22 May 2024: Universal Audio Luna — now in public beta for Windows
Discussion in ‘DAW’ started by Bunford, May 22, 2024.
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Bunford
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I have just received an email from Universal Audio confirming their DAW, Luna, has now opened for public beta for Windows.
The World’s Most Analog DAW, Now Available for Windows
LUNA is the only recording software with classic analog studio sounds built in, so you can get mixes that sound like the records you love faster, and with less hassle.
Today, we’re pleased to announce that LUNA will now support Windows through an open beta.
If you’ve been waiting for this day, or know a Windows‑based musician looking for recording software — help us spread the word and continue to make LUNA available to creators everywhere.
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Avoiding this until Luna has a reliable I/O for hardware. Baffling that this STILL hasn’t been implemented.
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Jeff*
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And VST instruments multi-out support. Hopefully the influx of new users can send feedback to flood the dev’s to release these basic features quickly !
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bravesounds
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Honestly, I don’t know what the advantage is over other daws except for the digital summing function. Is this the reason for not releasing a separate summing plugin? I’ll check it out but I hope it makes sense
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Jeff*
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I have an Apollo so using LUNA makes it painless to record and monitor. Latency is a thing of the past, very similar if not better than a PT HD rig.
But you have to have a thunderbolt Apollo and give in to their ecosystem.
The Neve summing is excellent.
Their extensions are nice, but I prefer using the dedicated plugins, but in a hurry it does a super job of a quick rough mix.Then, the most important for me, is the workflow. LUNA is sooooo logical for my brain. Keyboard shortcuts are a mix of PT and Logic, so muscle memory is preserved.
I’ve been doing my best work with LUNA because I love the workflow so I work faster therefore better.
It’s not for everybody though, so it’s cool it’s «free» (ahem nothing is free but you know)
The extensions are of course not free, that’s how they make cash and makes the sound of LUNAPS: when they will code in the basic features everyone wants (HW inserts, VSTi multi out, logic style comping) LUNA will be hard to beat IMHO
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patatern
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oh finally, thats will ruin my workflow, actually production-recording-mixing-mastering all in Cubase, but I would really like to implement Luna for the mixing stage, I mean import the audio files and make the summing-mixing inside Luna
I think this beta is capable of doing that, loading all my VST3 plugins, I just have to check if I can use my hardware reverbs…hmm…
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reziduchamp
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I wonder if we will see a version on the sister site?
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