Brainworx bx_masterdesk vs HOFA CD-Burn.DDP.Master
Brainworx bx_masterdesk
plugin-alliance.com
HOFA CD-Burn.DDP.Master
hofa-plugins.deSide by side
| Figure | Brainworx bx_masterdesk | HOFA CD-Burn.DDP.Master |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $12.50/mo | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 5 | 1 |
| Spec score · Audio Mastering Software | 8.1 (#7) | 8.2 (#6) |
| Intended users | The maker describes the plugin as usable by inexperienced musicians as well as musicians, engineers, producers, and mastering engineers. | HOFA describes the product for self-releasing musicians, audio engineers, mastering studios, and audiobook creators. |
| 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. | The product page specifies macOS 10.13 or later and Windows 10 or later. |
| Purpose | bx_masterdesk provides an analog-style mastering system in one plugin, designed to help musicians master their own material. | The app handles mastering and pre-mastering for CD, DDP, vinyl, and online distribution in one project. |
| Support | Plugin Alliance provides a support center with compatibility, downloads, manuals, account help, and a contact support option. | HOFA lists weekday support by email at [email protected] and by telephone at +49 7251 3472-444. |
| Trial | Plugin Alliance says an individual plugin trial lasts 14 days and begins when the plugin is first launched in a DAW. | The product page advertises a 14-day free trial. |
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.
HOFA CD-Burn.DDP.Master
HOFA CD-Burn.DDP.Master is a standalone mastering and pre-mastering application for CD, DDP, vinyl, and online distribution projects. It burns Red Book audio CDs and creates DDP images carrying CD-Text, ISRC, and EAN information. Editing includes cutting, trimming, fades, crossfades, and track metadata. Album sequencing, multi-CD projects, multi-session CDs, and batch processing are supported. Delivery options include DDP images, WAV, AIFF, MP3, and an iTunes itmsp package. HOFA plugins are included at no additional cost in the app, with automatable parameters, and the software connects to HOFA DDP Player Maker for client-review players. The standard edition does not list third-party VST3 or AU plugins, plugin-chain presets, clip-based plugin processing, or true-peak normalization; those are listed for PRO. It runs on macOS 10.13 or later and Windows 10 or later. The listed plan costs 89.90 EUR once, with a 14-day free trial and offline activation.