Universal Audio Launches LUNA Studio DAW

Universal Audio has officially released LUNA Studio, the heavily anticipated successor to LUNA Pro. Designed as a fully equipped, professional digital audio workstation (DAW) for both macOS and Windows, LUNA Studio blends authentic analog workflow emulation with cutting-edge artificial intelligence and smart production tools.

Whether running natively on a standard computer or hardware-accelerated via Universal Audio’s Apollo audio interfaces and UAD Accelerators, LUNA Studio aims to redefine how modern producers, tracking engineers, and mixing artists take projects from concept to final master.

Analog Sound Meets Modern Innovation

At the heart of LUNA Studio is Universal Audio’s deep pedigree in analog hardware modeling. Unlike traditional DAWs where analog emulation must be inserted on individual tracks as third-party plug-ins, LUNA Studio features built-in console and tape extensions from industry legends like API, Studer, and Ampex directly integrated into the mixer. This gives every session an authentic, cohesive analog signal path right from the first track.

LUNA Free vs. LUNA Studio: A Tier-by-Tier Breakdown

Alongside the flagship paid version, Universal Audio has significantly upgraded its ecosystem, proving that the entry point is more powerful than ever.

The Revamped LUNA Free Tier

Remarkably, the entry-level LUNA Free tier reads like a full-featured, paid DAW in its own right. It introduces essential workflow upgrades including:

• Folder Tracks for effortless audio organization and routing.
• A Reworked Piano Roll featuring scale-aware editing.
• Adaptive Grid technology that automatically adjusts to your zoom level.
• Clip Gain Automation for precise level adjustments right before hitting the plugin chain.
• 4-Track Stem Separation and Record FX (previously a hardware-exclusive feature for Apollo interfaces).
• Strip Silence, Click Track Automation, mono inputs for stereo tracks, and dedicated Chord, Key, and Time Signature Rulers for superior project orientation.

LUNA Studio: More Power for $199

For producers seeking the ultimate professional workflow, LUNA Studio builds on everything in LUNA Free and dials it up significantly. It unlocks:

• LUNA Extensions with premium analog tape and console emulations from API, Studer, and Ampex.
• 6-Track Stem Separation (upgraded from four).
• Audio-to-MIDI conversion, letting you seamlessly turn audio performances into editable MIDI tracks.
• Automatic Lyric Transcription into a dedicated time-synced lyrics browser.
• Chord Extraction, which detects chords from audio and maps them straight into LUNA’s Chord Track.

Standout Features of LUNA Studio:

• Built-In Console & Tape Emulations: Seamlessly track and mix through modeled API consoles, Studer A800, and Ampex ATR-102 tape machines natively within the mixer.
• AI-Powered Smart Tools: Features advanced 6-track stem separation, audio-to-MIDI conversion, tempo detection, and automated lyric transcription and chord extraction powered by Moises.
• Voice Control: Hands-free recording lets musicians control sessions from anywhere in the room without leaving their instrument or drum kit.
• Hardware Inserts: Effortlessly integrate outboard analog gear into the timeline with automatic delay compensation and instant preset recall.

Massive Suite of Included Plug-Ins and ARA Tools

LUNA Studio comes heavily stocked out of the box, eliminating the need to piece together a workflow from scratch. The package includes 30 elite UAD plug-ins—ranging from the iconic Fairchild Tube Limiter and UA 1176 FET compressors to the API Vision Channel Strip and Pultec EQs—alongside world-class virtual instruments like the Opal Morphing Synthesizer and Ravel grand piano.

Furthermore, seamless ARA plugin integration brings industry-standard utilities directly into the LUNA timeline:

• Celemony Melodyne Essential for precise vocal tuning.
• Steinberg SpectraLayers Go for advanced spectral editing and audio cleanup.
• Steinberg WaveLab Go for comprehensive mastering and loudness normalization.
• Noiseworks VoiceAssist Basic for effortless vocal dynamic balancing.

Our Thoughts

Here at the studio, LUNA has quickly become indispensable to our daily workflow. We use it constantly to track everything from full live bands to intricate multi-layered guitar sessions, and its authentic analog warmth and seamless tracking make it hard to imagine working in any other DAW.

It is a great DAW for guitarists and has some lovely-sounding EQs and plugins that are perfect for working with bands.

Pricing and Availability

LUNA Studio is available now for both macOS and Windows users in two distinct formats:

1. Outright Purchase: Available for $199 (Upgrade price $79.00), giving users permanent ownership of the software, extensions, and the included 30 UAD plug-ins.
2. UAD Spark Studio Subscription: Available for $149/year, which bundles LUNA Studio alongside the expansive UAD native plug-in library with regular additions.

For existing LUNA Pro users and those looking to upgrade their home or professional studio setup, LUNA Studio delivers an all-in-one ecosystem designed to speed up the creative process and elevate final sound quality.

UA Audio

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