UA Luna Beginners Guide: Setup, Recording & Export

Getting Started with UA Luna

Setting up Luna correctly is crucial for smooth music production. When you first launch Luna, navigate to Settings > Hardware to select your audio interface. Critical tip: You must install the dedicated AO driver from your manufacturer's website - not the default driver that installs automatically. This ensures optimal performance. If inputs don't appear during beta testing, don't panic; this is a known issue being resolved. Name your project thoughtfully during creation since this becomes your session folder. Save projects to a secondary drive if possible for better system performance - this reduces strain on your OS drive.

Creating Your First Instrument Track

Go to Track > New Instrument Track
Click the + under Instrument and select a VST3 plugin
Load a drum kit from presets (e.g., "Vinyl HipHop Kit" in Shape)
Expand track height by dragging the divider or selecting "Extra Large" view

To program MIDI drums:

Hold CTRL to activate the pencil tool
Click on piano roll keys to place notes
Drag note edges to adjust length
Duplicate patterns with ALT-drag or CTRL+D
Adjust velocities by clicking the "V" icon and drawing curves

Recording Audio and MIDI

Setting Up Audio Tracks

Create Track > New Audio Track (mono for single inputs)
Name tracks immediately (e.g., "Bass")
Select correct input source in track header
Enable input monitoring (speaker icon) to hear yourself
Arm recording (red circle) when ready

Essential recording tools:

Metronome: Enable click and set count-in (1-4 bars)
Level check: Set gain on audio interface - not software faders
Loop recording: Extend clips by dragging yellow edges

MIDI Keyboard Recording

Create instrument track and load plugin (e.g., Shape keys preset)
Arm track and position playhead
Enable MIDI Keyboard under Workflow to use computer keys
Press record - quantize later using Q button (e.g., 1/8 notes)

Editing and Effects

Non-Destructive Workflow

Quantize timing: Select notes > Q button > choose grid
Adjust velocities: Open velocity view > CTRL-draw curves
Trim clips: Drag edges on timeline
Toggle views: CTRL+= switches between Edit and Mix consoles

Adding Plugins

Select target track
In Focus Channel, click + in Insert section
Search/browse effects (e.g., "Ampeg" bass amp sim)
Bypass temporarily: CTRL-click plugin or use power button
Remove plugins: Right-click > Remove

Final Mix and Export

Basic Mixing

Balance levels in Mix view (CTRL+=)
Pan stereo tracks using linked controls
Add inserts (compressors/EQ) - Luna doesn't include built-in
Pro tip: Right-click pan controls for simplified slider

Exporting MP3s

Switch to Mix Workflow (right of MIDI workflow)
Click Mix Down
Set format: MP3 > Variable > Highest Quality
Select Main under sources
Choose export location
Click Mix Down

Essential Next Steps

While Luna's included tools get you started, you'll need third-party plugins for professional results. Recommended free essentials:

Plugin Type	Beginner Pick	Pro Alternative
Compressor	TDR Kotelnikov	Klanghelm MJUC
EQ	TDR Nova	Analog Obsession CHANNEV
Reverb	Valhalla Supermassive	OrilRiver

Save hours with templates: After initial setup, create project templates via File > Save As Template with your preferred track layouts, tempo, and plugins.

Your Luna Quick-Start Checklist

Install AO driver for interface
Create project on secondary drive
Load instrument track with Shape
Program drum beat in piano roll
Record bass/audio with proper gain staging
Add amp sim to audio track
Record MIDI keys with quantization
Balance mix in console view
Export MP3 from mix workflow

When exploring Luna's workflow, which step presented the biggest challenge for your setup? Share your experience below - your solution might help fellow producers overcome similar hurdles!

Remember: Production is iterative. Your first Luna export isn't about perfection but establishing an efficient workflow. With each session, you'll discover faster ways to translate ideas into finished tracks.