UNIVERSAL AUDIO LUNA Beats PRESONUS STUDIO? Or Does it?

[@Byron101_]

former S1 user here. Now on LUNA and happy! Highly recommend for recording, editing and mixing. A great daw, much more fun and better GUI than flat S1.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Totally agree!

[@ELLIOT8209]

​@@HomeRecordingMadeEasywhat about metering? Does LUNA show the rms and peak at the bottom of the channel like Protools?

[@Tyrell_Corp2019]

Thanks Dave. Been following you since I first bought a few of your videos for Studio One. (All great. 😊). I've been interested in LUNA, but the last time wanted to install there was a need to go into the MAC kernel. I just didn't want to do that. Have they updated it yet for a clean and fast install? I can't find a FAQ on their site. Thanks ✌

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

No idea.....never heard of that issue. I would send UA an email and ask them directly to be sure

[@pandemic7]

I think you’re spot on with your final point about UA eventually releasing their own controller that’s designed to work specifically with Luna. That’s something I’ve wanted since I started with Luna. You can really see the potential there for something pretty special that simulates a “professional studio” experience, and I have to imagine that the people at UA have envisioned that as well. Great video, Dave!

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Thank you

[@lucaszecat]

Imagine the price 🤯

[@angusbrown2712]

I really like there Track Colours ! Makes a Difference

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Ok, thanks for watching!

[@peterjensen1244]

Nice and honest review- Thanks a lot. I got both Studiolive 32 and Apollo X4. I like the DAW's. The sound is great on both. But when it comes to wich is the most versatile, i would for the moment chose Studio One. Thanks again for all the videos you are making, they are just fantastic

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Thank you for the support and for watching!

[@Hummelsbusch]

I DITCHED any other DAW since the release of LUNA. I feed Ableton into LUNA, sync it to start/stop and simply love UAs LUNA for it's simplicity and efficiency. I never have been this productive, and I own Logic, Bitwig, Studio One 5.0, Reaper, Cubase, FL Studio and Maschine. Love it, the few things missing are VI multi-out and a better midi-editor.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Nice setup!

[@girlslovedonuts8791]

how do you sync it? does luna have link? @@HomeRecordingMadeEasy

[@Intenzity]

New to Luna for 90 days coming from Logic...Luna has strengths, for sure, it's great at live tracking. However it is several decades behind every other big DAW on the market when it comes to MIDI features. It has basic piano roll editing and single channel instruments aaaaaand...that's it, just the basics.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

I agree, MIDI is not their strong suit.....yet.

[@stevenrayphoto1280]

I have been having trouble with Luna playing sessions without intermittent hiccups with midi instruments in the session. I am now always freezing those tracks and it helps a little but very frustrating! It's a joy to work with otherwise.

[@muris5145]

I like how luna forces me to play the notes right while playing on my midi keyboard instead of editing.

[@who_is_dis]

Yeah, my BIGGEST issue with it and I moved from Studio One. Great midi features.

[@etlifeform]

Great video. Thanks!

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Glad you liked it!

[@evieruth01]

All I do is mix vocals ! I need easy exporting with wet or dry efx, logic drives me Mad when exporting . Just need that vocal template with slate plugs and efx sends all set up, nice vlog 👍

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Thanks for sharing!

[@KeenanCrow]

A hybrid controller would be sick. Considering they’ve already got 1176 integration in the Volt, having a few quick circuits like that would be sweet.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Let's see if they come out with something soon

[@JerMarMusicGroup]

Good comparison! I’ve been using Cubase for almost 15 years. I gotta say sonically I hear a different sound when audio goes through it. I have a hybrid system and heard a difference between DAWS. I thought I was the only one saying that but even MixedbyTillie says the same. Luna has definitely come a long way an I believe they’re just starting. Looking to see what they will develop next within the DAW.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

There is no difference between the sound of DAW's. its all one's and zeroes. That is all marketing hype and nonsense.

[@musicman3000]

Great vid! Studio one has been my fave for years but now its a toss up between luna and studio one for me!

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

They are both great. you cant go wrong with either

[@BunkerAudioPanama]

Was in studio one since sphere on a PC. Changed to Mac and the month I did, the subscription went up so I decided to rent to own Cubase which is like Studio Ones father. Somehow, ended up trying Luna for tracking and did a quick scratch mix and wow, I them we have found a winner!!! Literally feels like using a console and it's workflow and it does have some strange mojo that I like to it but not the reason why I'm using it tbh.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

NICE! Thanks for watching!

[@itsgmani]

I have purchased one of their signature packs. Lots of good plugins but I don’t get to use the API vision as a built in channel strip cuz I don’t have the one with the “Luna Extension” kinda silly of you ask me.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

YOu can use it as an "insert" plugin instead of the console extension

[@ojara]

⁠@@HomeRecordingMadeEasyIf you use it as an insert plugin, will it record processed audio?

[@ermismindis2419]

I have a question!Can you bounce a track in place in Luna?Because on other DAWs i know how to do it but in luna i can't find the way!

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

it's called "consolidate"

[@rudiwillems6954]

Your speech is Right fantastic Sir Thank you, i hope Luna runs in future with Pc, Presonus i have is awesome, daw. the in / out setup is awesome .

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Maybe a PC version will happen one day but I would not hold your breath

[@Chunographx]

i’m coming from adobe audition to luna. i got the free mac version i’m excited to learn this DAW and possibly create tutoriol content

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Thanks for watching!

[@vts404]

Just a quick question - From your perspective did you got that 'analog' sounding from Luna as it is advertised? I mean did you felt any change in the sounding between Luna and Studio one?

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

All the DAW's sound the same....don't believe the marketing hype.

[@chaddonal4331]

I think he’s intending to ask a real question, but maybe asking it wrongly. Studio One includes console simulations and Luna includes an optional Summer. Did you compare the sound “improvements” of these extra features?

[@xanderpills]

@@HomeRecordingMadeEasyI guess the original poster was asking specifically about the extensions, not necessarily the raw DAW base.

[@RobAzam]

One often and rarely talked about point is aesthetics. Some will say aesthetics are not important and should only be about the music and workflow - I disagree. A clean aesthetically pleasing DAW makes a difference, because it engages you to want to interact and use the program. I have been using Studio one since version two or three, and although the workflow is good, I’ve always had issue with its aesthetics, just never appealed to me. Luna has a much better look and makes me want to use it, maybe because I like the console look aspect of it. I put aesthetics next to workflow when I choose a DAW, because any DAW is powerful enough nowadays to do what you need.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Good points. Thanks for sharing

[@yeauld]

You 😊are 💯 percent right !!! I didnot like some of the menus and icons in Studio One, they look very 90s primitive kind like Reaper, Luna on the other hand looks very nice, not trying to look futuristic like Logic Pro but instead a nice balanced between a very clean nice analog console without looking cartoonish To me aesthetics are number one !!!

[@pjlira]

I would love to see a video comparing Studio One and Logic Pro X.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Im not a logic user so that wont be a video I will do

[@danasdas6683]

Another reason to use Luna would be if to use Apollo/UAD2 hardware without the UA console software that you rely on to manage some of features while using other DAWs. Luna knows how to handle those Sharcs

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Good point

[@mixedbymikael]

Well i do the mixing in studio one and protools, but Luna is gonna be used for recording alongside Harrison 🎉🎉

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Very Cool!

[@wdkbeats]

Studio One - workflow king. Luna - not even close.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

In your opinion......and its valid!

[@KeenanCrow]

I think the opposite. I went to Luna to get rid of all the clutter and have the controls I need readily available. No bells and whistles, just mixing.

[@lucaszecat]

Workflow wise and optimization wise, I think pro tools is better than studio one. Especially the stabiliting and routing/bussing.

[@Sleeplessnights007]

Married to studio one forever not divorcing

[@danepaulstewart8464]

Studio 1 user here. David knows his stuff SO hardcore that he has to watch what he says on his webpage. The other big deal merge here is SSL AND Harrison. THAT is going to create some reaaaaally impressive producs… son watch out for THOSE RUBY SLIPPERS! I can NOT SAVE YOU FROM THAT! From any other super powers.. you’re Justin out on your own. Sorry. 🤷‍♂️

[@paulandreas7955]

Hey, if you buy an apollo twin x, you get the free luna or the pro bundle ?

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

FREE LUNA. check with the UA website for current offers

[@etlifeform]

I’m a big UAD plugin fan. They just work as intended. In addition to sales, UA will often will email you $25 and $50 off coupon codes which can me applied towards sale items.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Yes, I sometimes get those coupons as well! :)

[@jan_07]

For $199, you get a lot of Luna extension plugins, and some other standalone plugins, plus the ATR tape. That tape is not in Spark at the moment. It’s a very good deal, actually a better deal than Spark. I was about to buy an Apollo because of the ATR being missing from Spark, but Luna’s got it and for cheap 😊

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Thanks for watching!

[@timcox6796]

I noticed the API extensions are way more expensive than the other VST's UA offers. Is that because the extensions are integrated into the LUNA console in a similar way the consoles are integrated in Studio One? Or is the difference simply the API extension shows up on the strip whereas the VST does not? Also, is LUNA a lot like Harrison Mixbus with the dedicated console? Thanks so much

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Yes and Yes

[@itsgmani]

I just got an Apollo and am slowly moving from logic to Luna it’s really not bad. I like low latency. Was able make a song pretty quick.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Thanks for watching!

[@lucaszecat]

Congrats. Still waiting for that day here!

[@VEXUS920]

You've mentioned Cubase, I would be curious to see a comparison of Cubase vs Studio one for different needs from someone who understands them both.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Cubase and S1 are almost identical in features and functions. Just pick one and move on!

[@RealU-Jean]

UAD Apollo with AVB i/o option in our future?

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

No clue. that's a question for UA

[@stevenrayphoto1280]

Awesome review as always! How do feel Logic fits into the mix compared to these daw's?

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

No idea. I dont use Logic

[@stevenrayphoto1280]

Thanks!@@HomeRecordingMadeEasy

[@Featherlightstudio]

Logic is lightyears ahead of Luna in almost every way possible, other than absolute simplicity.

[@tonemonk1]

How well does Luna work with Softube Console 1?

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

no idea. I have not tried it

[@roberteismann1929]

it works perfect

[@dotanlev-ari1439]

For mixing only,which daw do you prefer?

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Luna

[@dotanlev-ari1439]

Can you briefly write the reason? Thank you ​@@HomeRecordingMadeEasy

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

I said it in the video and if you watch the 5 part series I mentioned in the video, you'll see why. Happy watching :)

[@philadler9171]

Mixbus for mixing. Nothing better

[@lovingpeace9715]

I still use Studio One Pro v4.6.2 I have seen nothing new to upgrade yet.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

depending on you use Studio One, you may have no need to upgrade

[@evieruth01]

Not many templates yet , I want one for vocals with slate plugs !

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Then make one yourself

[@evieruth01]

No time and limit skills 😢

[@officialWWM]

Now available on PC. But I’ll bet it doesn’t work as well with the Studiolive mixers.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

You are probably correct

[@dartist1176]

Those faders remind me Protools...oh no 😂. Definitely, the more I know about other daws the more I love S1.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Studio One is great

[@tylercampbell3718]

At first I found Luna extremely frustrating. Now that I have the hang of it for the most part, I find the workflow allows me to move much faster. If you have a computer that isnt incredibly powerful like me, freezing tracks and committing to some print tracks really opens up possibilities. Not that studio one cant do that, its just that Luna is more cpu intensive. One thing im yet to find though is a way to use acoustic drums to trigger samples in Luna. Hard to find info on it.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Thanks for watching

[@justinmclaren4268]

I ditched PT for Luna.. It’s designed for an old school workflow. Simple and intuitive. Never looked back

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Thanks for watching!

[@PULSEMusicGroup]

I see wav files in your demo......but as a producer that uses midi first before converting or freezing.......its not great in that sense. It is "Recording" first and production a very strong second. For mixing I have always used Pro Tools and its been good for me. Cubase all day for production.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Thanks for watching

[@ELLIOT8209]

They have a windows version out now 🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

HEY......its about time!!

[@peterfincher4752]

I use S1 with my Studiolive 64s. I'm curious to see how the 64s marries up with Luna. Any success stories here?

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

None, never used it with Luna

[@lamayciahackett3635]

Many are waiting for the windows version

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Just came out, I am told

[@marsrivers]

Waiting for the windows version.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Dont hold your breath, buy a Mac Mini

[@AldoGomezOficial]

Available for windows now, you don't have to buy a Mac mini

[@Ultimate_Wasabi]

Is this all of their plugins? Sorry, I couldn't help myself.😆 On a more serious note, I noticed that they've finally admitted it is a DAW. When they first released it, they refused to call it a DAW and said it was a recording environment.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

You dont need more plugins than what they offer in my opinion. limit your options

[@Ultimate_Wasabi]

@@HomeRecordingMadeEasy I agree with this in general for most DAWs. Yes, having options is nice, but even if you are careful about what you purchase, you still can end up with a large number of plugins. It starts to become a hassle as they all need to be constantly updated (it probably annoys me more since I'm a computer engineer by profession, and I have enough of that at work).

[@peacevalleyaudio5496]

They need a PC version for us non Mac users

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

isnt going to happen...buy a mac :)

[@probilmusic3396]

then too bad for them, they have to forget to compete with other DAWS out there, because I'll never give up PC for their software@@HomeRecordingMadeEasy

[@JSSTUDIO-wr2jq]

🙂👍

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Thanks for watching!

[@iliravdyli4109]

Midi is to clunky to work with. 😢 Things Luna cant do: - bounce in place - ara2 - Foldertracks - Videotrack - Channelstrip Presets - Track Presets - Audio to midi - File Browser - Dolby Atmos - Mixer Snapshots - listen Bus - Chord detection - Comping Audio & Midi - Drag and Drop Everything The list goes on….

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

As I said, if you are looking for an "all in one solution" Luna may not be for you. I said that a couple of times.

[@albshore8]

It is now working with PC as of may 2024

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Yes, it is!

[@Pintosonic]

It’s not well explained but the Neve summing Luna Extension can’t be bought by people who don’t have UAD-2 hardware registered to their account. Even if this extension runs natively and is even provided for the 30 day free trial to people with no UA hardware. At the end of the 30 day trial, you need UAD-2 hardware linked to your account to be able to buy the Neve Summing even if it’s a native plugin that doesn’t run on the hardware.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Thanks for the info. I am sure that will change and the summing extensions will be native at one point

[@Pintosonic]

@@HomeRecordingMadeEasy it’s native, the Neve summing Luna extension runs on the computer. It’s a licensing issue UA has with Neve. Their original licensing deal with Neve was for Apollo plugins. If you look carefully, all other Neve branded plugins are Apollo exclusively and require the hardware to run. Somehow UA did not renegotiate or couldn’t reach an agreement with Neve to let them do native versions of their Neve branded plugins. Apparently by restricting the sale of this native Neve plugin to people who owns UAD-2 seems to keep UA within their licensing agreement with Neve. Hopefully all future Luna extensions will not be hindered with such lousy licensing issues. Initially Luna was exclusively on Mac and required UAD-2 hardware connected to the computer to run so it wasn’t a problem but now that they made Luna compatible with other hardware, other operating systems and let users run the program with no UAD hardware connected, they need to fix their licensing issues otherwise it will divide their user base.

[@bangubw736]

On this day luna is available on Windows as beta

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

NICE!!

[@TBURNATV]

studio one is king :)

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Ok, thanks

[@JimboJones99]

There is no direct Melodyne integration with Luna for tuning vocal tracks. This is why I stick with Studio One.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Got it! thanks for watching

[@blancodeplomo]

No other DAW can beat Studio One

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

ok, if that's your opinion then you have no reason to switch

[@lucaszecat]

We need Luna on windows!!

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Yea, but I would not hold your breath, unfortunately.

[@yiqwaba3833]

It's sad I have win10

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Buy a mac mini...:)

[@Skygge.]

Presonus released Studio One for Linux not so long ago. And Luna is Mac only? Well... for me the choice is obvious.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Thank you for watching!

[@Studio22mix]

All hardware connected plugins are boycotted out of my system years ago. Avid, UAD, Antelope … Nope 👎 Now they go native, too late my arsenal is fine.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Got it!

[@darkmaer]

For me a non-debate until they get a Windows version otherwise it’s studio one all the way.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Ok, then. Thanks

[@wigir]

the truth is that LUNA dont like virtual instruments ...in a REAL session the Latency is un workable.... besides that it is cool

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Thanks for watching!

[@cmdkaboom]

Not even on its best day. Luna on PC is like going back to a 1980 daw with no normal features that every Daw has in 2024.😂

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Ok, if you say so :)

[@peternorth6782]

No video engine in luna. Studio one is way better al round.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Ok, thanks

[@MabawaVocal]

did you have to say studio one? why not logic?

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Because I dont use logic, Sorry

[@SouthernEmperor]

Luna, in regards to sound quality, is leagues above "ANY" DAW in existence right now. Luna is literally what Pro Tools use to be. An Audio King. Luna IS NOT a great DAW for music production, and it's not for that use (Exclusively for Mixing & Mastering). I'm a Studio One Power user, and I'll always produce tracks in S1, Reason or NI. However, when I mix and master, it's done in Luna. Unfortunately, Luna does not have Dolby Atmos. 1 Negative, 2-Luna is not for music production. The sound is freaking ridiculous. UAD are gods when it comes to the plugin game on "their" platform. This is how you use Luna. I bought Luna Pro, and I have a subscription to UAD Spark.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

All DAW's sound the same. dont drink the kool-aid...LOL They are 1's and 0's

[@SouthernEmperor]

@@HomeRecordingMadeEasy All DAWs do not sound the same, although it’s 0’s and 1’s. Reason does not sound like Presonus. Luna, because of the extensions built into the DAW, sounds different than the Mixing Consoles in Studio One. I’ve been on Studio one since V. 1.5, as I came from Pro Tools. I’m not new, lol. There is a difference.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Yes they do! if you use the Luna extensions (Neve / API), then you are adding a "plugin" which changes the sound and that plugin used to cost $300!. That's no different than adding a plugin to any other DAW. Aside from that, they all sound EXACTLY the same.

[@dab7963]

I have an 8xp Apollo and an 8 Apollo with 3 satellites. They have not been updated in a very long time. All that money I have spent for DSP hardware and plugins. Needed to rebuild my home PC and go to Intel CPU because Universal Audio does not run AMD. I called and said when are you going to update the AMP windows drivers and they said buy MAC. I was so pissed I wrote a letter to Bill the CEO and never received a reply. UA does not give a damn about Windows. I am moving my interfaces to RME. No more UA for me. Never again. Outdated interfaces that have not been updated in years and no stable Windows Drivers. Apollo. NO THANK YOU. Buy RME and don't waste your money. Studio One is far superior to Luna and Studio One runs on BOTH Mac and Windows. The ONLY reason I still have UAD hardware is because I have purchased almost all of their plugins. Like you I am purchasing more and more analog hardware and and moving to hybrid mixing. Plugins like FabFilter and Acustica are just as good as UAD and I think UAD sees that many are leaving them.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

Ok, then go with RME. They make great stuff as well. If you are stuck on using Windows then you need to do what you need to do. When ever any of my students are in the market for a new computer and ask me what to get, I always say get a Mac. To me, it's a far easier OS to deal with music production and is a way more plugin and play situation. no drivers to deal with etc. and most gear simply works. If you want to use Windows, then there are work arounds unfortunately and you need to deal with crap that Mac users don't need to deal with. I am not saying that the person at UA should of responded to you in the way they did, but hey, now they lost you as a customer and you vote with your wallet. UA is not the only company on the planet and you can get other wonderful gear that will work with your setup. Good luck

[@dab7963]

@@HomeRecordingMadeEasy I did purchase a high end MAC studio and the ability to aggregate interfaces is fantastic and much better than windows. Well I do agree and now use Mac exclusively for all Windows production UA's response was unacceptable. Yes they have lost me as a customer.