StemDesk vs TonalBrain
StemDesk
stemdesk.ai
TonalBrain
tonalbrain.comSide by side
| Figure | StemDesk | TonalBrain |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 3 | 3 |
| Spec score · AI Audio Mixing Software | 8.7 (#1) | 7.1 (#26) |
| System requirements | Windows requires 10 version 1809 or newer, macOS requires version 13 or newer on Apple Silicon, and Linux uses an x86-64 AppImage. | The plugin supports macOS 10.15 or later, including native Apple Silicon M1/M2/M3, and 64-bit Windows 10 or 11. |
| What it does | StemDesk is a desktop mixing, mastering and music-generation studio that separates tracks into stems, analyzes them and produces mixes locally. | TonalBrain is an AI audio plugin that analyzes multitrack sessions to identify masking, dynamic collisions, and balance issues, then generates mixing settings. |
Plans
In their own words
StemDesk
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).
TonalBrain
TonalBrain has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.