LUNA Tips for Beginners: Start Recording Like a Pro!

Starting a new recording session in LUNA can be a little bit intimidating, especially if you're not familiar with the software. But don't worry, I'm going to guide you through the process step by step, so you'll be up and running in no time.

Step 1: Setting up your session

When you open LUNA, you will see the Create page. The main two buttons that I want to focus on are the Settings and Create buttons. Let start with Settings first. Here you will see your routing. This is a mirror of what your settings look like in Console as well. Yours might look different from mine. I’m using the Apollo x6. And your interface will show the input and outputs of your Apollo.

It’s here where you will configure your routing. But for now, we’re just going to stick with its default. Just make sure you see the inputs you will be using and your MON outputs.

Step 2: Creating a new session

The other button you will need to know about is the Create button. This will be the first thing you see when opening LUNA.

Clicking on the "Create" button will bring up the "New Session" dialog box, where you can specify the name and location of your new session. This part is important and I recommend creating a folder for your session before doing this, because if you rename the session or move it to a different folder, it will give you some issues on trying to relocate it when you want to reopen it.

Once you've entered the necessary information, click "Create" to create the new session.

Step 3: Session Navigation

Let’s take a look at the toolbar.. most of it is self explanatory and easy to navigate. First the Global section, make sure that the ARM enable button is turned on. Anytime you want to record on a track and it’s not letting you or you’re trying to add a Unison pre-amp plugin and its not letting you, check to see if the ARM button is turned on.

Next section you will want to know for now, is the Workflow window. Workflows provide common editing, arranging, and navigation commands on a toolbar that you can open under the main LUNA control bar. But we are just focused on recording for now so that is what we will select.

Step 4: Creating a new audio track

To create a new audio track in LUNA, use the shortcut Shift + Command + N. Alternatively, you can go to the + on the left. Once you've created the new track, you will select your input source. This is your mic or line in.

Next you can add a Unison pre to record through. This is a hardware emulation mic pre that UA has. And it’s very good. It’s probably one of the reasons you purchased an Apollo.

Once you have your mic pre selected we can also add a recording fx such as a compressor. Basically just like you would in a commercial study, how about that?!

And if you’re using a condenser mic, don’t forget to turn on the phantom power 48v.

Now that you've set up your session, created your tracks, and configured your inputs and outputs, you're ready to start recording!

And that's it!

Starting a new recording session in LUNA is easy once you know how. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to create high-quality recordings that sound great.