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Exploration: LUNA

Exploration: LUNA - Record, Mix, Master, Compare

LUNA: Merging Analog & Digital

Vintage King and Universal Audio are teaming up with Trace Horse Recording Studio to show off how the LUNA Recording System blends the world of analog and digital. This three-part video series will demonstrate how LUNA can be used to track, mix and master a song, as well as offer a side-by-side comparison of UAD emulations with the gear that the plug-ins are based on.

What is Universal Audio's LUNA Recording System

Universal Audio's LUNA Recording System is changing the way that music creators record, mix and master their audio projects. The platform seamlessly integrates with Apollo interfaces for Accelerated Realtime Monitoring and UAD processing, while also offering built-in summing, integrated tape emulations and immaculate virtual instruments.

Recording, Mixing & Mastering At Trace Horse Recording Studio

Trace Horse Recording Studio has become a musical hotbed for artists looking to record in Nashville, Tennessee. The studio boasts a world-class selection of gear, including racks of classic outboard equipment, a walk-in mic locker and multiple tape machines.

At the center of Trace Horse's tracking room are two vintage Neve consoles that have been restored by the Vintage King Tech Shop. With the studio's Neve 8014 and Neve BCM10 at our disposal, this video series will offer a unique A/B comparison of the LUNA Recording System's built-in Neve summing with the real thing.

Part One: Recording

Part One Recording

In our first installment, Trace Horse engineer Preston Cochran explains the set-up for this comparison video. Each microphone is utilizing a transformer isolated mic splitter, which splits the signal and sends it to a Universal Audio Apollo x8p interface and the Neve 8014 console. The console also feeds into another x8p and both interfaces are recording straight into LUNA.



Preston then hands the reins to fellow Trace Horse engineer Scottie Prudhoe. Scottie breaks down the tracking set-up for a song by Carl Anderson and offers A/B comparisons of the split signals. Thanks to Trace Horse's gear selection and Universal Audio's vast library of software, he's able to match each piece of physical gear to an exact plug-in.

  • Preston Cochran headshot

    Preston Cochran Producer/Engineer

    Preston Cochran is the host of Exploration: LUNA and works as an engineer and producer at Trace Horse Recording Studio. In addition to his recording and mix work, Preston also handles mastering engineer duties and has worked on records for the likes of Melanie Faye, Meiko, Darrin Bradbury and more.

  • Scottie Prudhoe headshot

    Scottie Prudhoe Producer/Engineer

    Scottie Prudhoe is the house engineer and producer at Trace Horse Recording Studio. He also works as a mix engineer and is adept at handling a wide range of genres from pop to hip-hop and rock to country. His mix credits include James Ethan Clark & the Renegades, Molly Martin, Drift City and more.

  • Carl Anderson headshot

    Carl Anderson Songwriter/Musician

    Originally from Virginia, Carl Anderson is a singer/songwriter who is now based in Nashville, Tennessee. While the country influence of Carl's adopted home has made its way into his music, he doesn't let it dictate the direction of his sound. The music goes beyond genre and bends to Carl's whim.

UAD Plug-Ins Used During the Recording Process

  • Kick drum icon

    Kick In

    Helios Type 69, Neve 1084, Empirical Labs Distressor
  • Kick drum icon

    Kick Out

    Neve 1084, API Vision Channel Strip, UA 1176 Rev A
  • Snare drum icon

    Snare Top

    UA 175-B
  • Drum kit overheads icon

    Overheads

    Neve 33609
  • Acoustic guitar icon

    Acoustic Guitar

    Neve 1084, Neve 2254
  • Electric bass icon

    Bass

    Neve 1073, Teletronix LA-2A
  • Electric guitar icon

    Guitar

    Neve 1073, Teletronix LA-2A
  • Vocal microphone icon

    Vocals

    Neve 1073, Teletronix LA-2A, Pultec EQP-1A, EMT 250

To learn more about the UAD plug-ins used during Exploration: LUNA, check out our plug-in glossary.

Plug-In Glossary
LUNA screenshot 1 LUNA screenshot 2 LUNA screenshot 3

Part Two: Mixing

Part Two Mixing

In this installment of Exploration: LUNA, Trace Horse engineer Scottie Prudhoe is handling the mix of Carl Anderson's track, "I'll Wait." Watch our video to hear Scottie discuss how he treats each element of the song and what Universal Audio plug-ins are used in his process. You'll also get a firsthand look at how the LUNA Recording System's built-in summing and integrated multi-track tape can be used to your advantage.

UAD Plug-Ins Used During the Mixing Process

  • Drum kit overheads icon

    Drum Bus

    API Summing, Ampex ATR-102, SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor
  • Acoustic guitar icon

    Acoustic Guitar

    Oxide Tape Recorder, SSL 4000 E Channel Strip, API 560
  • Electric guitar icon

    Electric Rhythm Guitar

    API 560, Teletronix LA-3A
  • Electric bass icon

    Bass

    Teletronix LA-2A, Brainworx bx_saturator V2, API 550A
  • Sequential synthesizer icon

    Prophet Synthesizer

    EMT 250, Universal Audio 1176
  • Moog synthesizer icon

    Moog Synthesizer

    A/DA Flanger, EMT 250, Moog Multimode Filter
  • Tambourine icon

    Tambourine

    AMS RMX16, Moog Multimode Filter
  • Claps icon

    Claps

    Brainworx bx_saturator V2, AMS RMX16, Universal Audio 1176, Moog Multimode Filter
  • Vocal microphone icon

    Vocals

    Universal Audio Precision De-esser, Antares Auto-Tune, Universal Audio 175-B, Teletronix LA-2A, Universal Audio Reflextion Engine
  • Vocal double microphone icon

    Vocal Double

    Universal Audio Precision De-esser, Universal Audio 175-B
  • Vocal effects icon

    Parallel Vocal FX Bus

    EMT 250, Teletronix LA-2A
  • Vocal harmony icon

    Vocal Harmony Bus

    Neve Summing, ATR-102, SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor, Universal Audio Capitol Chambers, A/DA Flanger, API 560
  • Tape machine icon

    Mix Bus

    API Summing, Ampex ATR-102, SSL 4000 E Channel Strip, Teletronix LA-2A, SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor, Pultec EQP-1A, Universal Audio Precision Multiband Equalizer, Universal Audio Precision Limiter

To learn more about the UAD plug-ins used during Exploration: LUNA, check out our plug-in glossary.

Plug-In Glossary
LUNA screenshot 4 LUNA screenshot 5 LUNA screenshot 6

Part Three: Mastering

Part Three Mastering

The last video in our Exploration: LUNA series is here and we've finally reached the mastering stage. In Part Three, Trace Horse engineer Preston Cochran is walking us through his process while offering insight into how to use the LUNA Recording System for mastering purposes. You'll see how he sets up his session, which plug-ins he uses and how he prints his final files.

UAD Plug-Ins Used During the Mastering Process

  • Lathe icon

    2-Track Master

    Brainworx BX_Digital V3 EQ Collection, Precision K-Stereo Ambience Recovery, Universal Audio Precision Multiband Compressor, Universal Audio Precision Limiter

To learn more about the UAD plug-ins used during Exploration: LUNA, check out our plug-in glossary.

Plug-In Glossary
LUNA screenshot 7

UAD Powered Plug-in Glossary

  • Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder plug-in

    Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder

    Replicate the classic tape machine circuit in your DAW and take advantage of the analog polish on your final mix.

  • AMS RMX16 plug-in

    AMS RMX16

    This plug-in version of the first microprocessor-controlled reverb offers access to the original algorithms and nine custom programs.

  • Antares Auto-Tune Realtime Advanced plug-in

    Antares Auto-Tune Realtime Advanced

    Auto-tune is an essential tool for modern pop vocals, but it can also be the perfect solution for getting unique sounds out of other instruments.

  • API 550a EQ plug-in

    API 550a EQ

    The API 550A is an incredibly accurate EQ that offers unique filter shapes, beautiful distortion and more.

  • API 560 EQ plug-in

    API 560 EQ

    Getting surgical on a certain track has never been easier than with the ten bands of EQ on the API 560.

  • API Summing plug-in

    API Summing

    Give your mixes the same punch and clarity as classic albums from Stevie Wonder and Fleetwood Mac.

  • API Vision Channel Strip plug-in

    API Vision Channel Strip

    A complete channel strip that offers the classic punch and color of API's flagship console.

  • Brainworx A/DA Flanger plug-in

    Brainworx A/DA Flanger

    This mythical stompbox from the late 1970s and 80s delivers impressive bucket-brigade flanging.

  • Brainworx bx_saturator V2 plug-in

    Brainworx bx_saturator V2

    A powerful multi-band mid/side processor that gives engineers the option to add saturation and drive to mixes.

  • Brainworx bx_digital V3 EQ Collection plug-in

    Brainworx bx_digital V3 EQ Collection

    This plug-in is an indispensable tool that allows mastering and post-production engineers to precisely shape the tone of their audio.

  • Capitol Chambers plug-in

    Capitol Chambers

    Universal Audio is giving you access to the world-renowned reverb chambers at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles.

  • Empirical Labs Distressor plug-in

    Empirical Labs Distressor

    Universal Audio's take on the storied compressor from Empirical Labs offers versatility and tons of color.

  • EMT 250 plug-in

    EMT 250

    A faithful recreation of the first digital reverb/modulation effects unit that was introduced in 1976.

  • Helios Type 69 plug-in

    Helios Type 69

    The Type 69 console was used to record albums by the greatest of the greats: The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd and Bob Marley.

  • Moog Multimode Filter Collection plug-in

    Moog Multimode Filter Collection

    Thanks to Universal Audio, the beloved Moog analog filters are now available in digital form. Perfect for adding unique textures to sources.

  • Neve 1073 plug-in

    Neve 1073

    The only authentic end-to-end circuit emulation of this world-renowned mic pre from Neve.

  • Neve 1084 plug-in

    Neve 1084

    Neve essential Class-A preamp offers clarity and character with a full palette of options for EQing your sources.

  • Neve Dynamics Collection plug-in

    Neve 2254

    The success of the original Neve 80 Series consoles is due in part to the 2254 module's creamy compression.

  • Neve Dynamics Collection plug-in

    Neve 33609

    Perfect for tracking and the mix bus, the Neve 33609 offers fat compression via its diode-bridge design.

  • Neve Summing plug-in

    Neve Summing

    Developed in conjunction with the team at Neve, Universal Audio has recreated the iconic sound of the 80 Series consoles.

  • Oxide Tape Recording plug-in

    Oxide Tape Recording

    Give your track that final touch with the Oxide Tape Recorder and it'll receive an injection of warmth and low-end punch.

  • Pultec EQP-1A plug-in

    Pultec EQP-1A

    A faithful emulation of the Pultec EQP-1A, this EQ allows beautiful boosts and cuts to the same frequency simultaneously.

  • SSL 4000 E Channel Strip plug-in

    SSL 4000 E Channel Strip

    This is an exact end-to-end circuit emulation of the classic SSL 4000 E console, which adds bold and punchy character to any mix.

  • SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor plug-in

    SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor

    The legendary compressor that provides the glue for mixes and makes everything bigger, powerful and punchy.

  • Teletronix LA-2A Leveler plug-in

    Teletronix LA-2A Leveler

    The rich warmth of this must-have compressor has been brought to the digital realm via this amazing plug-in.

  • Teletronix LA-3A Leveler plug-in

    Teletronix LA-3A Leveler

    This timeless compressor makes the snare pop in mixes, acoustic guitars shine brighter and gives grit to bass tracks.

  • UA 1176 Collection plug-in

    UA 1176 Rev A

    The classic compressor in plug-in form from the company that made the original back in 1966.

  • UA 175-B, 176 Collection plug-in

    UA 175-B

    This Bill Putnam-designed compressor was the first built specifically for recording and mixing music.

  • UA Precision K-Stereo Ambience Recovery plug-in

    UA Precision K-Stereo Ambience Recovery

    Universal Audio teamed with legendary mastering engineer Bob Katz to create a tool that enhances the stereo depth and imaging of your mixes.

  • UA Precision Limiter plug-in

    UA Precision Limiter

    A single-band brickwall limiter is a critical tool colorless limiting and preventing clipping on your buses.

  • UA Precision Multiband Compressor plug-in

    UA Precision Multiband Compressor

    With five spectral bands of dynamic range control, the Precision Multiband Compressor is a special tool used for flexible compression.

  • UA Precision Multiband Equalizer plug-in

    UA Precision Multiband Equalizer

    This specialized mastering tool offers five spectral bands of dynamic range control. Compress, expand or gate in any way you want.

  • UA Precision Reflection Engine plug-in

    UA Precision Reflection Engine

    It doesn't matter where you're tracking, the Precision Reflection Engine will add life to any sound source that passes through it.

  • UA Precision De-esser plug-in

    UA Precision De-esser

    A highly specialized tool for transparent de-essing and fixing other high-end problems.

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