Behind-the-scenes music recording companion enhanced with AI capabilities: Universal Audio's Luna now offers tools such as voice command and instrument recognition.
Universal Audio, a leading audio technology company, has unveiled an update for its free Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), Luna, version 1.9. The update introduces several AI-powered assistive features, designed to streamline the music creation process and make Luna feel more like a seamless creative partner.
One of the standout new features is Voice Control. This innovative tool allows users to start and stop recordings using voice commands, such as "Hey Luna," from anywhere in the room. Currently, Voice Control is only supported on Apple Silicon Macs.
Another exciting addition is Instrument Detection. Luna's AI analyzes incoming audio to identify instrument types, automatically naming and color-coding tracks. This feature helps keep sessions organized without interrupting the creative flow.
Luna 1.9 also introduces Tempo Listen, a feature that monitors incoming audio as you perform and sets the DAW's metronome to match your playing. This allows musicians to perform freely without a click track, providing a natural and inspired way to start sessions.
The update also includes Tempo Detection, which automatically detects the tempo of any audio file dropped into the timeline, ensuring everything stays in sync. Additionally, Tempo Extraction generates a dynamic tempo map from tracks or stems, including tempo changes and natural timing variations, simplifying editing and arranging while preserving the original feel of the music.
Universal Audio CEO Bill Putnam Jr. stated that the new AI-powered tools in Luna 1.9 make it feel like a behind-the-scenes music recording partner, not just a DAW. The aim is for these tools to "disappear" and feel like they are simply a part of the creative process.
The base version of Luna remains free, but lacks some analogue emulations and additional features found in UA's paid-for version, Luna Pro. However, the update to Luna 1.9 is free for all macOS and Windows users, regardless of any UA hardware ownership.
Luna was originally launched in 2020 as a low-latency recording environment for owners of UA hardware. In 2023, it was made available free to all Mac users, and a Windows version was launched in May 2024. Users can find more information and download Luna on Universal Audio's website.
These updates aim to make Luna feel more like a seamless creative partner rather than just a DAW. With its AI-powered tools, Luna 1.9 continues to introduce new capabilities and sets it apart from other DAWs, making music creation easier and more efficient for all users.
- The innovative Voice Control feature in Luna 1.9, along with its AI-powered tools, transforms the software from a traditional DAW into a lifestyle companion, allowing users to control recordings using voice commands.
- The entertainment industry, particularly music, stands to benefit significantly from the latest version of Luna, as its AI-powered assistant features, such as Instrument Detection, streamline the music creation process, making it more efficient and enjoyable.
