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Brainworx bx_masterdesk
What it is
Brainworx bx_masterdesk is an analog-style mastering plugin designed to help musicians master their own material. Its workflow centers on Volume, Foundation, and Tone Stack controls, with a Dynamic Range VU meter for considering loudness alongside sound quality. Further controls include a mastering de-esser, compressor mix, stereo width, and Mid/Side enhancement. Presets offer starting points, and the plugin lists Brainworx Tolerance Modeling Technology (US Patent No. 10,725,727). It supports AAX AudioSuite, AAX DSP, AAX Native, AU, VST2, and VST3 on macOS 13 through 26 and Windows 10 through 11, for Intel or Apple Silicon Macs and x64-compatible PCs. Minimum listed hardware includes 2 GB RAM and a display resolution of 1440 × 900px or 1280 × 960px or higher. Pricing starts at $14.99/mo, with a 14-day trial that starts on first launch in a DAW. The product also appears in CORE at $14.99/month and PRO at $29.99/month; both provide access to 200+ plugins and activation on three machines.
For and against
For
- Three-step workflow with Volume, Foundation, and Tone Stack controls
- Dynamic Range VU meter
- Includes Mid/Side enhancement and stereo width
- Supports six listed plugin formats
- 14-day trial available
Against
- No free plan
- Windows and macOS only
- Requires at least 2 GB RAM
The verdict
bx_masterdesk combines a guided mastering workflow with metering and additional processing controls. Its listed trial lasts 14 days, while access is paid.
Who it suits
It suits musicians, engineers, producers, and mastering engineers seeking a plugin workflow for mastering their own material. The maker also describes it as usable by inexperienced musicians.
Plans and prices
CORE
Access to 200+ plugins · Activate on 3 machines · Pick 3 plugins to own each year
Read 5 Oct 2026 · plugin-alliance.com
CORE
Access to 200+ plugins · Activate on 3 machines · Pick 3 plugins to own each year
Read 5 Oct 2026 · plugin-alliance.com
PRO
Access to 200+ plugins · Activate on 3 machines · Pick 10 plugins to own each year · PA Perks
Read 5 Oct 2026 · plugin-alliance.com
PRO
Access to 200+ plugins · Activate on 3 machines · Pick 10 plugins to own each year · PA Perks
Read 5 Oct 2026 · plugin-alliance.com
bx_masterdesk
High-end analog mastering chain · AAX AudioSuite, AAX DSP, AAX Native, AU, VST2, VST3
Read 5 Oct 2026 · plugin-alliance.com
On the record
- Hardware requirements
- The listed minimums include 2 GB RAM and a display resolution of 1440 × 900px or 1280 × 960px or higher.plugin-alliance.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The maker describes the plugin as usable by inexperienced musicians as well as musicians, engineers, producers, and mastering engineers.plugin-alliance.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Metering
- A Dynamic Range VU meter helps users adjust loudness while considering sound quality.plugin-alliance.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Mid/Side and TMT
- Listed features include Mid/Side enhancement and Brainworx Tolerance Modeling Technology, identified as US Patent No. 10,725,727.plugin-alliance.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- 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.plugin-alliance.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Plugin formats
- Supported formats are AAX AudioSuite, AAX DSP, AAX Native, AU, VST2, and VST3.plugin-alliance.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Presets
- The product page lists an extensive preset list for immediate results.plugin-alliance.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Processing controls
- Additional controls include a mastering de-esser, compressor mix, and stereo width.plugin-alliance.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- bx_masterdesk provides an analog-style mastering system in one plugin, designed to help musicians master their own material.plugin-alliance.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Support
- Plugin Alliance provides a support center with compatibility, downloads, manuals, account help, and a contact support option.support.plugin-alliance.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Trial
- Plugin Alliance says an individual plugin trial lasts 14 days and begins when the plugin is first launched in a DAW.plugin-alliance.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Usage data
- The changelog says version 1.8.0 added usage data tracking; Plugin Alliance's privacy policy says application products may collect application and environment data, with personal data not collected by such products by default.plugin-alliance.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Workflow
- The plugin uses a three-step workflow with Volume, Foundation, and Tone Stack controls.plugin-alliance.com · read 5 Oct 2026
