StemDesk vs StemMaster

StemDesk is desktop audio software for separating audio into stems, shaping a mix with VST3 processing, and exporting editable DAW sessions. Its auto-mix workflow measures stems and applies per-stem processing, gain staging, panning, sidechain ducking, vocal rides, and mastering. A local AI panel offers mix critique, spectral masking analysis, a session-aware coach, and vocal transcription; optional music generation requires a separate ACE-Step installation. Mixing, separation, and plugins work offline, though downloads and the optional one-time AI model fetch require internet access. The maker says audio, projects, personal data, and telemetry are not transmitted at runtime. The suite includes 17 plugins, with plugin formats differing by operating system, and lists support for several DAWs, including Pro Tools, REAPER, Cubase, and Ableton Live. Free includes stem separation and three plugins. Pro is $99.15, paid once; Studio is $179.25, paid once and adds one-click Auto-Mix, session building and exports, and batch album processing. Downloads are listed for Windows, macOS on Apple Silicon (beta), and Linux (beta).

StemMaster is a standalone app that analyzes audio stems, mixes and masters them, and explains its processing decisions. It balances, pans, equalizes, and compresses stems according to measured roles, and can detect song sections to automate gain, pan, filters, reverb, and stereo width. Tools include vocal riding and spectral unmasking. Users can supply a commercial reference track to guide tonal balance, width, and dynamics while retaining a selected loudness target. Listed targets are Streaming −14, Club −9, and broadcast EBU R 128 −23 LUFS. The app loads WAV, AIFF, FLAC, MP3, and OGG stems and supports exports including 24-bit audio and 32-bit float WAV. Its built-in analysis engine works offline. An optional AI engine uses the user's own API key and sends measurement summaries, not audio, to the chosen provider. The free demo is the full app, but exporting requires a license and unlicensed mastered playback has a periodic audio tag. It runs on 64-bit Windows 10 version 2004 or newer and Windows 11, or Apple Silicon Macs on macOS 15 or newer; Intel Macs are unsupported. Plans include $9.99 a month, $59 a year, or a 99.00 USD one-time lifetime license.