Universal Audio's LUNA 1.2.5 Update Introduces Seamless Audio Quantizing

Since its release in 2020, Universal Audio's LUNA Recording System has quickly attracted countless engineers and artists. The free software enables users to track, mix and master in an environment that seamlessly integrates with Universal Audio's interfaces, plug-ins, software instruments and more.

Today, Universal Audio released the latest update for the LUNA Recording System with LUNA v1.2.5, introducing seamless audio quantizing. Let’s take a closer look at how this highly-requested feature can help streamline your studio workflow.

AUDIO QUANTIZING WITH THE LUNA RECORDING SYSTEM

Even when working with top-notch performers, we’ve all captured recordings that could use a little tightening up. Whether the drummer is just slightly out of the groove, the guitarist is rushing, or the bassist is laying too far back in the pocket, missing the beat by as little as a few milliseconds can cause a track to stick out like a sore thumb.

LUNA’s new Audio Quantize feature automatically lines up the timing and rhythm of your tracks to the grid in your session, creating that solid, cohesive feeling you’ve been looking for. Perfect for touching up the timing of otherwise inspired performances or locking in a live performance with a MIDI track, the Audio Quantize feature is quick and easy to use.

In addition to quantizing single audio tracks, LUNA can also align multiple tracks without introducing any unwanted artifacts. Streamline your workflow and quantize multiple tracks at once using track groups, or zero in on problem areas using strength and range controls. No matter what type of music you create, LUNA’s mew Audio Quantize feature has the tools to get the job done.

Back in September, Universal Audio released LUNA v1.2, which introduced a number of new features including control surface support and sidechaining. This update gave users the power to perform fader movements and adjust mixer parameters using compatible desktop MCU control surfaces or DAW controller apps via phone or tablet.

Currently, LUNA offers support for the following control surfaces: SSL UF8, V-Control Pro and V-Console software, PreSonus FaderPort Classic, Presonus FaderPort (2nd Generation), PreSonus FaderPort 8, PreSonus FaderPort 16, Behringer X-Touch One, Behringer X-Touch, ONE Control, Icon Pro Audio QCon Pro G2 and DAW Control (iPadOS app). If you have another MCU-compatible control surface that’s not on this list, don’t worry—you can configure your controller using the steps outlined here.

LUNA v1.2 also introduced a number of new software features, including a dedicated Sidechain Input, enabling users to create exciting new mix effects using compatible third-party Audio Units and API LUNA extensions. The new Bus Spill feature lays out the individual tracks feeding a bus, while Focus Module mode enables users to integrate single-fader surfaces into larger surface configurations.

For more information on these features, check out our blog on the LUNA v1.2 update.

Originally debuted in 2020, Universal Audio’s LUNA Recording System is a next-generation digital audio workstation, available for free to owners of Thunderbolt-equipped rackmount Apollo Xs, Apollo Twin X (DUO and QUAD), Apollo x4, and Arrow interfaces (Mac only).

In addition to a full suite of standard DAW features, LUNA harnesses the power of Universal Audio interfaces, enabling users to record and mix using DSP-powered plug-ins with no discernable latency. Give your tracks the analog treatment using LUNA’s built-in Neve summing mixer based on the Neve 80-Series mixing consoles, or use the integrated Multitrack Tape emulation to achieve classic analog tape warmth.

LUNA also boasts a variety of original virtual instruments designed by Universal Audio, including a Moog Minimoog, the Ravel Grand Piano based on a Steinway Model B and the Shape toolkit. Shape offers a wide range of vintage keys, drums, guitars, orchestra and more, all designed by UA with some help from Spitfire Audio, Loops de la Creme, and Orange Tree Samples.

For more information on these features, check out our blog on the LUNA Recording System.

As always, this software is free to download for all Thunderbolt Apollo interface owners who utilize a Mac running 10.14 or later. For those curious about the latest version of LUNA and prior updates, please check out our LUNA update guide.

If you'd like to learn more about LUNA, watch our three-part video series called Exploration: LUNA below to see how we recorded, mixed and mastered a song within the recording system.

If you have questions about the LUNA Recording System or would like to purchase Universal Audio hardware or software, our team is ready to help! Please contact a Vintage King Audio Consultant via email or by phone at 866.644.0160.