StemDesk vs Waves Curves AQ

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).

Waves Curves AQ is an autonomous EQ plugin that analyzes audio and creates five tailored EQ curves. Users can choose and adjust among five spectral targets, then apply static EQ, dynamic EQ, or both together. MixSense uses sidechain audio to adapt processing and make room for other tracks. Controls include Smart Tilt, curve Offset, four frequency anchors, and global or per-band boost and cut adjustments. A zero-latency live version is included. The plugin page lists support for Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, Nuendo, FL Studio, REAPER, and Studio One; supported plug-in formats include VST3, Audio Units, and AAX. It runs on Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11, or macOS Sonoma 14 or later, with 16 GB RAM and 30 GB of free disk space listed. The current requirements specify Intel CPUs from generation 5 onward with AVX; Apple Silicon native support is listed in Waves V17 release notes. Waves Ultimate includes Curves AQ and has subscriptions at $24.99 a month or $249.99 a year. There is no free plan; Waves Creative Access offers a seven-day free period.