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SPECIFICTION
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Brainworx bx_masterdesk

plugin-alliance.com

From $12.50/mo Free trial WindowsmacOS
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Spec score 8.1 #7 of 33 in Audio Mastering Software

What it is

Brainworx bx_masterdesk is a mastering plugin for musicians working on their own material. Its analog-style system organizes processing into Volume, Foundation, and Tone Stack controls, with a Dynamic Range VU meter for adjusting loudness while considering sound quality. Other controls include a mastering de-esser, compressor mix, stereo width, and Mid/Side enhancement. The product page also lists Brainworx Tolerance Modeling Technology and an extensive preset list. It supports AAX AudioSuite, AAX DSP, AAX Native, AU, VST2, and VST3 on macOS and Windows. Listed systems include macOS 13 through 26 and Windows 10 through 11, with Intel or Apple Silicon Macs and x64-compatible PCs. Minimum requirements include 2 GB RAM and a display resolution of 1440 × 900px or 1280 × 960px or higher. The plugin is paid from $14.99/mo and has a 14-day trial that begins at first launch in a DAW. Plugin Alliance also lists CORE at $14.99 per month and PRO at $29.99 per month.

Spec sheet

Purpose
bx_masterdesk provides an analog-style mastering system in one plugin, designed to help musicians master their own material.Read 5 Oct 2026 · plugin-alliance.com
Intended users
The maker describes the plugin as usable by inexperienced musicians as well as musicians, engineers, producers, and mastering engineers.Read 5 Oct 2026 · plugin-alliance.com
Trial
Plugin Alliance says an individual plugin trial lasts 14 days and begins when the plugin is first launched in a DAW.Read 5 Oct 2026 · plugin-alliance.com
Support
Plugin Alliance provides a support center with compatibility, downloads, manuals, account help, and a contact support option.Read 5 Oct 2026 · support.plugin-alliance.com
Hardware requirements
The listed minimums include 2 GB RAM and a display resolution of 1440 × 900px or 1280 × 960px or higher.Read 5 Oct 2026 · plugin-alliance.com
Metering
A Dynamic Range VU meter helps users adjust loudness while considering sound quality.Read 5 Oct 2026 · plugin-alliance.com
Mid/Side and TMT
Listed features include Mid/Side enhancement and Brainworx Tolerance Modeling Technology, identified as US Patent No. 10,725,727.Read 5 Oct 2026 · plugin-alliance.com
Operating systems
The product page lists macOS 13 through 26 and Windows 10 through 11, with Intel or Apple Silicon Macs and x64-compatible PCs.Read 5 Oct 2026 · plugin-alliance.com
Plugin formats
Supported formats are AAX AudioSuite, AAX DSP, AAX Native, AU, VST2, and VST3.Read 5 Oct 2026 · plugin-alliance.com
Presets
The product page lists an extensive preset list for immediate results.Read 5 Oct 2026 · plugin-alliance.com
Processing controls
Additional controls include a mastering de-esser, compressor mix, and stereo width.Read 5 Oct 2026 · plugin-alliance.com
Usage data
The changelog says version 1.8.0 added usage data tracking; Plugin Alliance's privacy policy says application products may collect application and environment data, with personal data not collected by such products by default.Read 5 Oct 2026 · plugin-alliance.com
Workflow
The plugin uses a three-step workflow with Volume, Foundation, and Tone Stack controls.Read 5 Oct 2026 · plugin-alliance.com

Plans and prices

CORE $14.99 a month $14.99/month Access to 200+ plugins · Activate on 3 machines · Pick 3 plugins to own each year Read 5 Oct 2026 · plugin-alliance.com
PRO $29.99 a month $29.99/month Access to 200+ plugins · Activate on 3 machines · Pick 10 plugins to own each year · PA Perks Read 5 Oct 2026 · plugin-alliance.com
CORE $149.99 a year $149.99/year Access to 200+ plugins · Activate on 3 machines · Pick 3 plugins to own each year Read 5 Oct 2026 · plugin-alliance.com
PRO $299.99 a year $299.99/year Access to 200+ plugins · Activate on 3 machines · Pick 10 plugins to own each year · PA Perks Read 5 Oct 2026 · plugin-alliance.com
bx_masterdesk Price not published High-end analog mastering chain · AAX AudioSuite, AAX DSP, AAX Native, AU, VST2, VST3 Read 5 Oct 2026 · plugin-alliance.com

Every Brainworx bx_masterdesk plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Three-step workflow with Volume, Foundation, and Tone Stack
  • Dynamic Range VU meter supports loudness decisions
  • Includes de-esser, compressor mix, and stereo width
  • Supports six listed plugin formats
  • 14-day trial available

Limits

  • No free plan
  • Windows 10 through 11 and macOS 13 through 26 listed
  • Minimum 2 GB RAM and specified display resolution
  • CORE and PRO require monthly payment

Who it suits

It suits musicians, engineers, producers, and mastering engineers who want a guided plugin workflow for mastering their own material. The listed controls and presets also accommodate users who want loudness metering alongside stereo and dynamics processing.

Verdict

bx_masterdesk combines a guided mastering workflow with metering, stereo processing, and a range of plugin formats. Its 14-day trial gives users a way to try it before choosing a paid option.

Where Specifiction places it

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