Universal Audio’s Luna 1.1.8 can “transform” into an API Vision Console

Universal Audio has released Luna v1.1.8 and UAD Software v9.14. Luna now boasts end-to-end analogue console emulation with the API Vision Console Emulation Bundle, plus UAD gets plug-ins from API and C-Suite Audio.

• READ MORE: Review: Universal Audio Luna

API Vision Console Emulation

The API Vision Console Emulation is the significant feature here – UA says it “transforms LUNA into API’s flagship analogue console”. The bundle, which costs $699, provides authentic emulations of API’s L Series preamps, EQs, compressor, gate, filters and summing circuits. UA reckons that these features will provide you with large format console sound and workflows.

It’s not just for Luna, either. Purchasing the bundle will provide access to UAD plug-in versions of API Preamp, Vision Channel Strip Collection, and API 2500 Bus Compressor. Discount prices are available for existing owners of the UAD API Vision Channel Strip, API EQs and API 2500.

UA Apollo’s DSP is used to run the API Vision Console Emulation for low-latency tracking but relies on your CPU when you’re mixing. This hybrid approach, combining Luna Extensions, UAD plug-ins and Luna’s mixer engine, is another example of Luna’s analogue-inspired workflow.

A Console mixer row allows you to assign API Console Emulation within the mixer, with channel strip, bus compressor and summing controls. Meanwhile, the Console Focus Browser will let you access expanded controls, views and artist preset patches.

UAD Software 9.14 plug-ins

The API Preamp provides you with the sound of API’s 212L preamp circuit, with additional features from the API Vision console. This includes a Mic/Line switch, dedicated cut filter and -6dB Line pad. In addition, Universal Audio’s Unison technology, found in Apollo interfaces and UAD hardware, is used to dial in the impedance behaviour and gain staging sweet spots of the original hardware for transparent tracking or warm colouring across multiple channels in a mix.

API Vision Channel Strip Collection comes to UAD Software 9.14, bringing an “authentic emulation of API’s flagship analogue console” to Apollo and UAD hardware, UA says. New in this version is a switchable EQ module lets you choose between 550L parametric and 560L graphic EQs for flexibility in sculpting the sound.

C-Suite Audio has brought the C-Vox Noise & Ambience Reduction plug-in exclusively to Apollo and UAD. The noise reduction plug-in, primed for vocalists, uses CEDAR’s noise suppression technology and realtime UAD processing to swiftly and effectively attenuate room sounds during live tracking.

Elsewhere, the dbx 160 Compressor/Limiter has been updated with a dry/wet mix and sidechain filter, along with retina graphic improvements.

Tune in to Universal Audio’s sessions with Carlos de la Garza and Jacquire King to see the new features in action.

Tune in Tues & Weds at 12pm PT to hear the latest from #API, #UALUNA, and #ApolloX 🎛

Join Carlos de la Garza and @jacquireking for two days of live mixing and recording sessions with heaps of API punch.https://t.co/DG8aeAcYdg#UniversalAudio #MondayMotivation @ThisIsAPIaudio pic.twitter.com/AIjtzoDIc5

— Universal Audio (@UAudio) May 10, 2021

Universal Audio’s API Vision Console Emulation Bundle is available now for $699. The API Preamp plug-in is $149; API Vision Channel Strip Collection is $299, and C-Suite C-Vox Noise & Ambience Reduction is $349.

API Vision Channel Strip owners can get the API Preamp for $49; API Vision Legacy or API Preamp owners can grab the API Vision Channel Strip Collection for $149, and dbx 160 owners get the plug-in update for free – new buyers can get it for $199.

Learn more at uadio.com.