The developers announced the release of the LUNA 1.9 update, which includes artificial intelligence features, on the official Universal Audio LUNA DAW website. The update adds voice control and instrument detection, among other features.
The Universal Audio LUNA 1.9 update adds a variety of AI-based tools for signal processing and editing. The developers note that they strive to make users' work more convenient and the DAW itself more efficient.
For example, the workstation now has a Voice Control function. The app listens to the incoming signal and starts recording after saying the phrase “Hey Luna”. This allows users to start and stop recording from anywhere in the room.
The developers believe that voice control will be useful in large studios and rehearsal rooms. Musicians won't need to distract themselves from their instruments or go to the computer to start recording — the process begins as soon as the program hears the activation phrase.
Another new LUNA 1.9 feature is Instrument Detection, which analyzes the audio signal and identifies the instrument being played. Based on this information, the workstation can automatically create tracks and assign names and colors to them.
The DAW has also improved its work with project tempo. With the Tempo Listen function, the program can set a project's tempo based on the user's performance or a suggested audio file. When working with tempo, the program creates a dynamic tempo map based on all tracks and stems, taking into account any timing changes and variations.
According to Bill Putnam, the head of Universal Audio, the introduction of artificial intelligence-based features is intended to make LUNA a "friend to musicians". The company doesn't plan to take creativity away from users; rather, it aims to add as many features as possible to improve the user experience and increase usability.
The updated version, Universal Audio LUNA 1.9, is available for download by all DAW users. The update is free, as is the workstation itself. Visit the official Universal Audio website to learn more and download the app for Windows and macOS.
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