Brainworx bx_masterdesk vs FabFilter Pro-L 2
Brainworx bx_masterdesk
plugin-alliance.com
FabFilter Pro-L 2
fabfilter.comSide by side
| Figure | Brainworx bx_masterdesk | FabFilter Pro-L 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $12.50/mo | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 5 | 0 |
| Spec score · Audio Mastering Software | 8.1 (#7) | 8.1 (#9) |
| Purpose | bx_masterdesk provides an analog-style mastering system in one plugin, designed to help musicians master their own material. | Pro-L 2 is a true-peak limiter for mixing and mastering, designed for loudness and transparent sound. |
| Support | Plugin Alliance provides a support center with compatibility, downloads, manuals, account help, and a contact support option. | FabFilter offers help files, PDF manuals, FAQs, a user forum, and direct sales and technical support by email; it says it aims to answer emails within one working day. |
| Trial | Plugin Alliance says an individual plugin trial lasts 14 days and begins when the plugin is first launched in a DAW. | FabFilter says its downloads are fully functional 30-day trial versions that can be unlocked with a license key after the evaluation period. |
Plans
Brainworx bx_masterdesk
- CORE$14.99 a month
- PRO$29.99 a month
- CORE$149.99 a year
- PRO$299.99 a year
- bx_masterdeskPrice not published
In their own words
Brainworx bx_masterdesk
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.
FabFilter Pro-L 2
FabFilter Pro-L 2 is a true-peak limiter plug-in for mixing and mastering, with tools for loudness control and transparent sound. It includes eight limiting algorithms and precise true-peak meters. Loudness metering supports EBU R128, ITU-R BS.1770-4, ATSC A/85, and TR-B32, while linear-phase oversampling is available up to 32x. For immersive and surround audio, it supports formats up to Dolby Atmos 9.1.6 with flexible channel linking. Processing options include adjustable look-ahead, attack, and release, external side-chain triggering, an optional DC offset filter, and dithering with three noise-shaping algorithms. FabFilter lists VST, VST3, Audio Units, CLAP, AAX Native, and AudioSuite formats. Desktop requirements are Windows Vista through Windows 11, or macOS 10.13 or later on 64-bit Apple Silicon or Intel; both require a compatible plug-in host or Pro Tools. An iPad version is linked through the Apple App Store. FabFilter offers a fully functional 30-day trial that can be unlocked with a license key. Support includes help files, manuals, FAQs, a user forum, and email sales and technical support.