How to Install the Free UAD Luna DAW

How do I install the UAD Luna DAW for free?

1. Create an Account on the UAD website

2. Go to "Shop" and Download Luna (Mac only)

3. Install Luna

4. Create an iLok Account

5. Authorize Luna with iLok License Manager

6. Launch Luna and Start a Practice Session

Luna is Universal Audio’s free DAW — designed exclusively for Mac, and tailored for deep integration with Apollo interfaces. It’s powerful, streamlined, and perfect for anyone getting started in recording, mixing, or producing.

In this post, we’ll walk you step-by-step through installing Luna and getting your first session ready — even if you’ve never touched a DAW before.

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🛠 1. Create a UAD Account

Start at uaudio.com.

• Click Sign In > Create Account

• Fill in your name, email, and password

• This account lets you access Luna, Apollo drivers, and plugins

✅ Use an email you’ll remember — it links your licenses and downloads.

 

📦 2. Get Luna from the UAD Website

Once logged in:

• Go to Support > Downloads

• Scroll to Luna Recording System

• Click Download Luna Installer

You’ll get the full Luna package (DAW + Mixer + essential tools) for free.

⚠️ Luna only runs on macOS (Catalina or later).

 

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⬇️ 3. Download & Install Luna

After downloading:

• Double-click the .dmg file

• Drag Luna into your Applications folder

• Open Luna and follow the on-screen prompts to install required components

It may prompt you to install UAD Meter & Control Panel and other tools if you’re using Apollo hardware.

🎯 Even without Apollo, you can use Luna with any Core Audio interface.

 

🔐 4. Create an iLok Account

Luna uses iLok for software authorization.

• Go to ilok.com

• Click Sign Up Free

• Create your account (you don’t need a physical iLok key)

Download and install the iLok License Manager app for your Mac.

🧠 This is like a vault that stores permission to use Luna on your machine.

What Is An iLok And When Do I Need One?

 

🔓 5. Authorize Luna in iLok License Manager

Open the iLok License Manager app:

• Log in using your new iLok ID

• Click Available Licenses

• Find Luna and click Activate

• Choose your computer as the activation location

Once authorized, Luna will open and recognize your license automatically.

🥷 No license, no Luna — this step is critical!

 

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🎧 6. Launch Luna and Start a Practice Session

With Luna open:

• Create a new session

• Choose your interface (Apollo or Core Audio)

• Set a project name, tempo, and save location

Now you’re ready to:

• Record vocals or guitar

• Drag in loops or samples

• Explore the Luna Mixer and Timeline

• Save your first Practice Session

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Luna also has some practice audio multitrack songs that you can download and practice with. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

🥷 Final Thought:

Installing a DAW like Luna isn’t just a tech step — it’s a threshold moment.

You’re not just downloading software.
You’re building your studio space.
Your creative headquarters.
Your sonic temple.

⚡ Luna is free. The music you make with it? That’s priceless.

 

 

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#protools #daw #homestudio #recordingschool #recording #musicproduction 

Also read: 

How to Start Your Own Online Business Teaching Music
 

  

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