VINTAGE
KING'S
Exploration: LUNA - Record, Mix, Master, Compare
LUNA: Merging Analog & Digital
Vintage King and Universal Audio are teaming up with Trace Horse Recording Studio to show off how the LUNA Recording System blends the world of analog and digital. This three-part video series will demonstrate how LUNA can be used to track, mix and master a song, as well as offer a side-by-side comparison of UAD emulations with the gear that the plug-ins are based on.
What is Universal Audio's LUNA Recording System
Universal Audio's LUNA Recording System is changing the way that music creators record, mix and master their audio projects. The platform seamlessly integrates with Apollo interfaces for Accelerated Realtime Monitoring and UAD processing, while also offering built-in summing, integrated tape emulations and immaculate virtual instruments.
Recording, Mixing & Mastering At Trace Horse Recording Studio
Trace Horse Recording Studio has become a musical hotbed for artists looking to record in Nashville, Tennessee. The studio boasts a world-class selection of gear, including racks of classic outboard equipment, a walk-in mic locker and multiple tape machines.
At the center of Trace Horse's tracking room are two vintage Neve consoles that have been restored by the Vintage King Tech Shop. With the studio's Neve 8014 and Neve BCM10 at our disposal, this video series will offer a unique A/B comparison of the LUNA Recording System's built-in Neve summing with the real thing.
Part One: Recording
In our first installment, Trace Horse engineer Preston Cochran explains the set-up for this comparison video. Each microphone is utilizing a transformer isolated mic splitter, which splits the signal and sends it to a Universal Audio Apollo x8p interface and the Neve 8014 console. The console also feeds into another x8p and both interfaces are recording straight into LUNA.
Preston then hands the reins to fellow Trace Horse engineer Scottie Prudhoe. Scottie breaks down the tracking set-up for a song by Carl Anderson and offers A/B comparisons of the split signals. Thanks to Trace Horse's gear selection and Universal Audio's vast library of software, he's able to match each piece of physical gear to an exact plug-in.
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Preston Cochran Producer/Engineer
Preston Cochran is the host of Exploration: LUNA and works as an engineer and producer at Trace Horse Recording Studio. In addition to his recording and mix work, Preston also handles mastering engineer duties and has worked on records for the likes of Melanie Faye, Meiko, Darrin Bradbury and more.
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Scottie Prudhoe Producer/Engineer
Scottie Prudhoe is the house engineer and producer at Trace Horse Recording Studio. He also works as a mix engineer and is adept at handling a wide range of genres from pop to hip-hop and rock to country. His mix credits include James Ethan Clark & the Renegades, Molly Martin, Drift City and more.
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Carl Anderson Songwriter/Musician
Originally from Virginia, Carl Anderson is a singer/songwriter who is now based in Nashville, Tennessee. While the country influence of Carl's adopted home has made its way into his music, he doesn't let it dictate the direction of his sound. The music goes beyond genre and bends to Carl's whim.
UAD Plug-Ins Used During the Recording Process
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Kick In
Helios Type 69, Neve 1084, Empirical Labs Distressor -
Kick Out
Neve 1084, API Vision Channel Strip, UA 1176 Rev A -
Snare Top
UA 175-B -
Overheads
Neve 33609 -
Acoustic Guitar
Neve 1084, Neve 2254 -
Bass
Neve 1073, Teletronix LA-2A -
Guitar
Neve 1073, Teletronix LA-2A -
Vocals
Neve 1073, Teletronix LA-2A, Pultec EQP-1A, EMT 250
To learn more about the UAD plug-ins used during Exploration: LUNA, check out our plug-in glossary.
Plug-In Glossary
Products Used During Part One
Part Two: Mixing
In this installment of Exploration: LUNA, Trace Horse engineer Scottie Prudhoe is handling the mix of Carl Anderson's track, "I'll Wait." Watch our video to hear Scottie discuss how he treats each element of the song and what Universal Audio plug-ins are used in his process. You'll also get a firsthand look at how the LUNA Recording System's built-in summing and integrated multi-track tape can be used to your advantage.
UAD Plug-Ins Used During the Mixing Process
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Drum Bus
API Summing, Ampex ATR-102, SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor -
Acoustic Guitar
Oxide Tape Recorder, SSL 4000 E Channel Strip, API 560 -
Electric Rhythm Guitar
API 560, Teletronix LA-3A -
Bass
Teletronix LA-2A, Brainworx bx_saturator V2, API 550A -
Prophet Synthesizer
EMT 250, Universal Audio 1176 -
Moog Synthesizer
A/DA Flanger, EMT 250, Moog Multimode Filter -
Tambourine
AMS RMX16, Moog Multimode Filter -
Claps
Brainworx bx_saturator V2, AMS RMX16, Universal Audio 1176, Moog Multimode Filter -
Vocals
Universal Audio Precision De-esser, Antares Auto-Tune, Universal Audio 175-B, Teletronix LA-2A, Universal Audio Reflextion Engine -
Vocal Double
Universal Audio Precision De-esser, Universal Audio 175-B -
Parallel Vocal FX Bus
EMT 250, Teletronix LA-2A -
Vocal Harmony Bus
Neve Summing, ATR-102, SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor, Universal Audio Capitol Chambers, A/DA Flanger, API 560 -
Mix Bus
API Summing, Ampex ATR-102, SSL 4000 E Channel Strip, Teletronix LA-2A, SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor, Pultec EQP-1A, Universal Audio Precision Multiband Equalizer, Universal Audio Precision Limiter
To learn more about the UAD plug-ins used during Exploration: LUNA, check out our plug-in glossary.
Plug-In Glossary
Part Three: Mastering
The last video in our Exploration: LUNA series is here and we've finally reached the mastering stage. In Part Three, Trace Horse engineer Preston Cochran is walking us through his process while offering insight into how to use the LUNA Recording System for mastering purposes. You'll see how he sets up his session, which plug-ins he uses and how he prints his final files.
UAD Plug-Ins Used During the Mastering Process
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2-Track Master
Brainworx BX_Digital V3 EQ Collection, Precision K-Stereo Ambience Recovery, Universal Audio Precision Multiband Compressor, Universal Audio Precision Limiter
To learn more about the UAD plug-ins used during Exploration: LUNA, check out our plug-in glossary.
Plug-In Glossary
UAD Powered Plug-in Glossary
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Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder
Replicate the classic tape machine circuit in your DAW and take advantage of the analog polish on your final mix.
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AMS RMX16
This plug-in version of the first microprocessor-controlled reverb offers access to the original algorithms and nine custom programs.
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Antares Auto-Tune Realtime Advanced
Auto-tune is an essential tool for modern pop vocals, but it can also be the perfect solution for getting unique sounds out of other instruments.
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API 550a EQ
The API 550A is an incredibly accurate EQ that offers unique filter shapes, beautiful distortion and more.
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API 560 EQ
Getting surgical on a certain track has never been easier than with the ten bands of EQ on the API 560.
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API Summing
Give your mixes the same punch and clarity as classic albums from Stevie Wonder and Fleetwood Mac.
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API Vision Channel Strip
A complete channel strip that offers the classic punch and color of API's flagship console.
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Brainworx A/DA Flanger
This mythical stompbox from the late 1970s and 80s delivers impressive bucket-brigade flanging.
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Brainworx bx_saturator V2
A powerful multi-band mid/side processor that gives engineers the option to add saturation and drive to mixes.
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Brainworx bx_digital V3 EQ Collection
This plug-in is an indispensable tool that allows mastering and post-production engineers to precisely shape the tone of their audio.
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Capitol Chambers
Universal Audio is giving you access to the world-renowned reverb chambers at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles.
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Empirical Labs Distressor
Universal Audio's take on the storied compressor from Empirical Labs offers versatility and tons of color.
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EMT 250
A faithful recreation of the first digital reverb/modulation effects unit that was introduced in 1976.
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Helios Type 69
The Type 69 console was used to record albums by the greatest of the greats: The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd and Bob Marley.
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Moog Multimode Filter Collection
Thanks to Universal Audio, the beloved Moog analog filters are now available in digital form. Perfect for adding unique textures to sources.
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Neve 1073
The only authentic end-to-end circuit emulation of this world-renowned mic pre from Neve.
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Neve 1084
Neve essential Class-A preamp offers clarity and character with a full palette of options for EQing your sources.
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Neve 2254
The success of the original Neve 80 Series consoles is due in part to the 2254 module's creamy compression.
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Neve 33609
Perfect for tracking and the mix bus, the Neve 33609 offers fat compression via its diode-bridge design.
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Neve Summing
Developed in conjunction with the team at Neve, Universal Audio has recreated the iconic sound of the 80 Series consoles.
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Oxide Tape Recording
Give your track that final touch with the Oxide Tape Recorder and it'll receive an injection of warmth and low-end punch.
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Pultec EQP-1A
A faithful emulation of the Pultec EQP-1A, this EQ allows beautiful boosts and cuts to the same frequency simultaneously.
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SSL 4000 E Channel Strip
This is an exact end-to-end circuit emulation of the classic SSL 4000 E console, which adds bold and punchy character to any mix.
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SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor
The legendary compressor that provides the glue for mixes and makes everything bigger, powerful and punchy.
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Teletronix LA-2A Leveler
The rich warmth of this must-have compressor has been brought to the digital realm via this amazing plug-in.
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Teletronix LA-3A Leveler
This timeless compressor makes the snare pop in mixes, acoustic guitars shine brighter and gives grit to bass tracks.
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UA 1176 Rev A
The classic compressor in plug-in form from the company that made the original back in 1966.
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UA 175-B
This Bill Putnam-designed compressor was the first built specifically for recording and mixing music.
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UA Precision K-Stereo Ambience Recovery
Universal Audio teamed with legendary mastering engineer Bob Katz to create a tool that enhances the stereo depth and imaging of your mixes.
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UA Precision Limiter
A single-band brickwall limiter is a critical tool colorless limiting and preventing clipping on your buses.
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UA Precision Multiband Compressor
With five spectral bands of dynamic range control, the Precision Multiband Compressor is a special tool used for flexible compression.
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UA Precision Multiband Equalizer
This specialized mastering tool offers five spectral bands of dynamic range control. Compress, expand or gate in any way you want.
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UA Precision Reflection Engine
It doesn't matter where you're tracking, the Precision Reflection Engine will add life to any sound source that passes through it.
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UA Precision De-esser
A highly specialized tool for transparent de-essing and fixing other high-end problems.