LUNA vs Pro Tools

LUNA is Universal Audio’s digital audio workstation for recording, producing, and mixing music. It runs on macOS and 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 and supports VST3 and AU plug-ins and virtual instruments. Its smart tools include tempo and instrument detection, voice control, stem separation, audio-to-MIDI, lyric transcription, and chord extraction, though some require LUNA Studio. LUNA Play detects an instrument, sets levels, and suggests presets. The software works with any audio interface; Apollo and Volt have deeper integration, and Apollo supports real-time tracking with UAD plug-ins, Unison preamp technology, and Accelerated Realtime Monitoring. LUNA Studio adds API, Studer, and Ampex console or tape extensions, hardware inserts, and six ARA plug-ins. LUNA Free is free. Listed paid plans are LUNA Studio at $199 a month and UAD Spark Studio at $149 a year, billed annually. Installation requires free Universal Audio and iLok accounts, UA Connect, and iLok License Manager. LUNA needs 600 MB of available system storage.

Pro Tools is a digital audio workstation for recording, editing and mixing audio on Windows and macOS. It includes MIDI tools, virtual instruments, samples and arrangement features for music production. Recording options include loop recording, playlist comping, punch-in recording and support for up to 256 simultaneous audio inputs. Editing tools include Elastic Audio, clip gain, pitch manipulation and audio-to-MIDI conversion, alongside Slip, Grid, Shuffle and Spot modes. Mixing features include automation, flexible routing, folder tracks and plugins, with spatial rendering for Dolby Atmos and Audio Vivid. Studio and Ultimate include video tracks and timecode for sound-to-picture work. Intro is free forever and lists up to 8 audio, instrument and MIDI tracks. Artist costs $9.99 a month, Studio costs $34.99 a month and Ultimate costs $99 a month. Avid specifies 16 GB RAM, 15 GB free installation space and an internet connection for installation and activation. Community support is available; direct support cases or calls require an active support contract, subscription or Avid Support Code.