UAD New API Console (New Release)

I admit to wanting most everything UAD makes. I am a sucker for their marketing/vibe. However, I have cut myself off from them. I am sure it all sounds fantastic. But I can’t help but feeling constantly fleeced, especially with Luna locked software. I already have the API Vision channel strip with what I thought was the unison preamp. But now there’s a new thing? That’s Luna specific? At least with the API Vision, I can take that with me to whatever DAW I want to use. But with all this Luna specific add-on software, that’s not re-sellable in the traditional sense, I’d further be locked into using Luna. I don’t like it. But, no ones forcing me to use Luna, and it looks so cool! And I’m betting sounds fantastic!

I own the Vision channel strip (which I honestly never use) and the API EQs which I do use. My discount is now $524 compared to $699. whoopie. I'm definitely going to try it out - and no doubt it looks cool as shit - but listening to the video didn't really blow me away. Love UA, but I've got to tighten my belt these days. Wish they had done this with Neve instead.

Neve and ssl, must be in the wings, and perhaps Trident , Helios, etc.?

I don't know. I'll not use Apollo as interface for some good years. But I use every single day UAD plugins with my satellites.

So, I can't help but feel kind of left out with these Luna releases. I feel that UA is asking me too much to enjoy the plataform. I have to have a mac, and an Apollo, and use the DAW they want.

Anyway, look cool, but not for me. The experiences I had with this type of workflow, with the strip always on the screen, was kind of a gimmick.

I don't always want API...

From what I understand it breaks down like this:
- New standalone Unison preamp, which is same preamp from the Vision strip, and just like with the Neve preamp, you can get the API sound while tracking without the DSP needing to cover EQ and dynamics. If you're happy running the Vision strip then this is unnecessary, but nice if you are really strapped for DSP.

- Updated the API Vision Channel Strip. Really the only notable change is you can switch the EQ section from a 550L to a 560. This is more similar to what Plugin Alliance and Lindell are offering in their recent API channel strip package. This product is still DSP run and works on any DAW. I own the old version and they want $150 for me to upgrade, which ain't happening at that price. The added EQ isn't enough for me to pay that.

- No update to the API EQ Collection, nor the API 2500 compressor.

- New API Vision Luna extension bundle which just has everything detailed above, except it's packaged for Luna layout and it runs on your CPU and not DSP. I guess it is not including the 550A, just the 550L which are different.



I bought into UAD way before Luna, and still use Logic more, so I actually like the idea of utilizing DSP, even though I understand todays computers should be able to handle those plugins fine. Should be interesting to see how a fully loaded console of these strips impact your CPU. I also think it's kind of funny to buy into the extension when if you own the stand alone plugins you can already track with them latency free{ish}. The main thing you'd be paying for is freeing up DSP and the new graphic interface layout. Total UAD move to have something that's good quality but not really worth what they are asking.



I'm also curious about the C-Vox plug for way too much money. They already have something that removes room reverb. I don't own that, and I wonder if you can use it in real time as you track. I guess this is going against something like Acon Digital's Deverberate or iZotope Rx. Only it seems like less capabilities.

So the Vision Emulation Bundle is ONLY the Luna extensions and doesn't include the entire product line? It's like having to buy the Neve 1073 and Neve Summing separately?
That's hard to stomach.

Remember, though in Luna you get the ARM functionality for I think lowest latency?

Is that a question or a statement?

I am very satisfied with the level of latency I get now with Apollo and Logic. In my experience with Luna it hasn't felt any different, but I also haven't tracked a full band live in Luna.

A statement and agreed ARM may or may not be a value add: depending on your interface.

I get the Luna appeal, but like you am perfectly happy in logic and didn’t like the idea of everything done in Luna requiring an Apollo.

I believe that when using Luna, any Luna extensions and emulations (consoles, tape, compressors, etc.) run on the native computer CPU. All other UAD plugins still require UAD DSP. But this allows for a ton of offloading of console emulating onto your computer where you can probably get your mix 80-90% of the way there, and then reserve the DSP for reverbs, and effects mainly

It's early days still, but they have two summing options, three tape options, and now this new channel strip collection all native. You need iLok, so it is the new dongle. The DSP still works great but they can't lean on that solely forever. The gotcha is you still need a UAD interface to go with their native options.