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Brainworx bx_masterdesk
What Brainworx bx_masterdesk is
Brainworx bx_masterdesk is a mastering plugin for musicians who want to work on their own material. Its three-stage workflow centers on Volume, Foundation, and Tone Stack controls, with a Dynamic Range VU meter to help adjust loudness while considering sound quality. Other processing options 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 selection. Supported formats are AAX AudioSuite, AAX DSP, AAX Native, AU, VST2, and VST3. It runs 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, and an individual plugin trial lasts 14 days from its first launch in a DAW. The product is available through CORE at $14.99/month or PRO at $29.99/month.
Who it suits
It suits musicians, producers, engineers, and mastering engineers who want a plugin-based mastering workflow. The maker also describes it as usable by inexperienced musicians.
What it does well
- Three-stage workflow with Volume, Foundation, and Tone Stack controls
- Dynamic Range VU meter supports loudness adjustment
- Includes stereo width and Mid/Side enhancement
- Supports AAX, AU, VST2, and VST3 formats
- 14-day trial begins at first DAW launch
What to know first
- No free plan is listed
- No album sequencing or batch processing
- Requires macOS 13–26 or Windows 10–11
- Minimum listed RAM is 2 GB
Limits
The cheapest listed subscription is CORE at $14.99/month, billed monthly. It includes access to 200+ plugins, activation on three machines, and three plugins to own each year.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CORE | $14.99/month · Access to 200+ plugins · Activate on 3 machines · Pick 3 plugins to own each year | $14.99 a month |
| CORE | $149.99/year · Access to 200+ plugins · Activate on 3 machines · Pick 3 plugins to own each year | $149.99 a year |
| PRO | $29.99/month · Access to 200+ plugins · Activate on 3 machines · Pick 10 plugins to own each year · PA Perks | $29.99 a month |
| PRO | $299.99/year · Access to 200+ plugins · Activate on 3 machines · Pick 10 plugins to own each year · PA Perks | $299.99 a year |
| bx_masterdesk | High-end analog mastering chain · AAX AudioSuite, AAX DSP, AAX Native, AU, VST2, VST3 | On request |
As plugin-alliance.com lists them, read 5 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the Plugin Alliance product page.
- Choose CORE at $14.99/month or PRO at $29.99/month.
- Install the plugin in a supported DAW using one of the listed formats.
- Launch the plugin in a DAW to begin the 14-day trial.
Verdict
bx_masterdesk combines a guided mastering workflow with metering and additional processing controls. Its supported formats and operating systems are specified, while pricing starts at $14.99/mo and a 14-day trial is available.
Questions
Is there a free plan?
No. Plugin Alliance offers a 14-day trial for an individual plugin.
How much does it cost?
CORE is $14.99/month and PRO is $29.99/month. The bx_masterdesk plan has no listed price.
Which operating systems does it support?
It supports macOS 13 through 26 and Windows 10 through 11. Listed hardware includes Intel or Apple Silicon Macs and x64-compatible PCs.
Which plugin formats are supported?
AAX AudioSuite, AAX DSP, AAX Native, AU, VST2, and VST3.
How long is the trial?
The individual plugin trial lasts 14 days and starts when the plugin is first launched in a DAW.
What does CORE include?
CORE provides access to 200+ plugins, activation on three machines, and three plugins to own each year.
Facts from Brainworx bx_masterdesk's own pages
- Hardware requirements
- The listed minimums include 2 GB RAM and a display resolution of 1440 × 900px or 1280 × 960px or higher. · plugin-alliance.com, 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, 5 Oct 2026
- Metering
- A Dynamic Range VU meter helps users adjust loudness while considering sound quality. · plugin-alliance.com, 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, 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, 5 Oct 2026
- Plugin formats
- Supported formats are AAX AudioSuite, AAX DSP, AAX Native, AU, VST2, and VST3. · plugin-alliance.com, 5 Oct 2026
- Presets
- The product page lists an extensive preset list for immediate results. · plugin-alliance.com, 5 Oct 2026
- Processing controls
- Additional controls include a mastering de-esser, compressor mix, and stereo width. · plugin-alliance.com, 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, 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, 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, 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, 5 Oct 2026
- Workflow
- The plugin uses a three-step workflow with Volume, Foundation, and Tone Stack controls. · plugin-alliance.com, 5 Oct 2026
Where Brainworx bx_masterdesk stands on Freedom251
- Audio Mastering Software#7 of 33