Universal Audio has announced a revolutionary new DAW – LUNA Recording System – that will be available free for Apollo and Arrow interface owners. This represents a significant shift in how digital audio workstations approach recording and production.

A New Approach to Digital Recording

Luna is a full-featured creative suite that follows an analog-style production system. This innovative DAW breaks new ground by featuring:

• **Built-in Neve summing** for authentic console character
• **Multitrack tape emulation** for vintage warmth
• **New software-based instruments** that capture the essence of analog recording

The result is a digital platform that brings the warmth and character of analog recording into the modern studio environment.

Seamless Hardware Integration

Luna's tight integration with Apollo and Arrow interfaces revolutionizes the recording workflow. Audio routing becomes extremely intuitive, eliminating the traditional barriers between hardware and software to create a truly unified recording experience.

This deep integration means that Luna and your Universal Audio interface work as a single, cohesive system rather than separate components.



Key Features

Luna represents a comprehensive recording solution that combines the best of analog and digital worlds. Here's what makes it stand out:

Core Functionality - **Full-featured DAW** with unlimited tracks and professional mixing capabilities - **macOS exclusive** – designed specifically for Mac users - **Hardware dependency** – works exclusively with Apollo (Thunderbolt versions) or Arrow interfaces - **Important:** Luna will not open sessions without an Apollo/Arrow connected

Revolutionary Workflow - **Seamless audio routing** optimized specifically for Apollo and Arrow users - **Zero-latency UAD plugin access** through the innovative Accelerated Monitoring Feature - **Automatic buffer optimization** – no manual audio buffer adjustments needed - **Instant setup** – everything configured automatically for minimal latency

Authentic Analog Emulation - **Built-in Neve summing mixer** based on the legendary Neve 80-Series consoles - **Hardware remote control** – mixer directly controls Apollo hardware (input/output gain, Unison preamps) - **Multitrack tape emulation** powered by the included Oxide plugin - **Optional A800 extension** available for enhanced tape modeling (runs natively)

Premium Virtual Instruments Luna includes three flagship instruments that showcase Universal Audio's modeling expertise:

• **Moog Minimoog** – Authentic emulation of the classic 1971 analog synthesizer
• **Ravel Grand Piano** – High-fidelity Steinway Model B sampling with advanced resonance modeling
• **Shape Toolkit** – Comprehensive collection featuring vintage keys, drums, guitars, and orchestral content
• - **Note:** All instruments run natively (no UAD DSP required)

Enhanced Capabilities - **Third-party AU plugin support** – seamless integration with your existing plugin library - **Advanced time-stretching and pitch shifting** powered by two proprietary UA algorithms - **Real-time processing** without quality compromise - **Free availability** for Apollo and Arrow users (Spring 2020 release) - **iLok authorization required** for software protection

Screenshots and Interface

 Multitrack tape emulation interface

 Neve summing controls on buses

 Luna's main interface

 Export/Mixdown panel options

Official Press Release

Universal Audio has introduced [Luna Recording System](https://www.uaudio.com/luna), a full-featured music creation, recording, and analog-style production system shaped by over 60 years of analog audio exploration.

This groundbreaking system transforms UA's Apollo interfaces into a fully integrated recording ecosystem. The complete Luna Recording System includes:

• **UA Thunderbolt-equipped audio interface** (Apollo or Arrow)
• **The Luna Application** (core DAW software)
• **Luna Extensions** (analog emulation modules)
• **Luna Instruments** (premium virtual instruments)

The system's standout features include deep Apollo interface integration, built-in Neve summing, multitrack tape emulation, and all-new Luna Instruments – marking UA's highly anticipated entry into software-based virtual instruments.

Deep Apollo Integration — Fast, Natural Workflow

Unlike traditional DAW software, Luna's tight hardware-software integration enables rapid audio routing and recording through DSP-powered UAD plug-ins with virtually zero discernible latency.

The revolutionary Accelerated Realtime Monitoring feature represents a major breakthrough for producers accustomed to traditional recording setups. This technology makes music production feel more robust, dependable, and intuitive – completely eliminating latency and monitoring complications that plague conventional systems.

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. This features the harmonically rich sound of the Neve 1272 summing amplifier.

Far beyond a simple "summing plug-in," Neve Summing is a Luna Extension built into the fabric of Luna's mixer — instantly transforming 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 includes integrated multitrack tape emulation through the included "Oxide" Luna Extension. This provides the sonic characteristics that engineers describe as "warmth" and "cohesion" across any audio or instrument track you choose.

For even deeper tape exploration, users can add the optional Studer A800 Tape Recorder Extension (sold separately) to access various authentic magnetic tape sounds and behaviors.

All-New Luna Instruments — Incredible Realism to Fuel Inspiration

Luna breaks new ground with its all-new software-based Luna Instruments, marking Universal Audio's first venture into virtual instruments. These instruments leverage UA's decades of expertise in electrical and acoustic modeling, sampling, synthesis, and signal processing.

The result? Software instruments that are ultra-realistic, highly responsive, and genuinely "alive" with inspiration – setting a new standard for virtual instrument authenticity.

At launch, available Luna Instruments will include:

* Moog Minimoog — developed in partnership with Moog Music, the Moog Minimoog is an accurate emulation of the archetypal 1971 Moog synthesizer. * Ravel grand piano — a 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.

Availability

Luna will be available as a free download for Thunderbolt-equipped Apollo and Arrow audio interface owners for macOS systems, shipping in Spring 2020.

Note: Luna is not compatible with Apollo FireWire or Apollo Twin USB.

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