Tunr

Tunr suits DJs and independent producers who want to master tracks on a desktop without sending audio to a service. Its blend of reference matching and careful A/B comparison is the draw; the standalone format and three-render limit without a key narrow its fit.

Overview

Tunr analyzes tracks and creates genre-aware masters locally, so mastering itself works offline. Auto mode applies a mastering chain, while Reference mode aims to match a chosen track’s tone, dynamics, and loudness. That gives users a direct route to a master or a reference-led starting point, but it does not guarantee that the result will suit every track.

It is a standalone desktop app, not a DAW plugin. Users who want mastering inside their production session will need another workflow; those comfortable with a separate mastering step get a focused tool. The maker says the app grew out of a DJ and electronic-music producer’s own workflow, which helps explain its practical emphasis.

Key features

Reference matching and A/B checks

Reference mode accepts WAV, FLAC, and MP3. Its A/B Mixer includes equal-power crossfade, null tests, blind tests, loudness matching, and stereo, mono, mid, or side listening. These controls support more deliberate comparisons than simply switching between files. Track analysis and comparison do not count toward the free render limit, so users can explore the mixer without spending one of their three masters.

Batch processing and output

Batch mode queues tracks and processes them one after another with the same settings, saving each as it finishes. That is useful for a consistent run of tracks, though it does not provide separate settings for each queued item. Tunr supports WAV export and loudness targets; the free plan’s listed output depths are 16-bit and 24-bit.

Local processing and privacy

Mastering runs on the computer and does not require an internet connection. The maker says audio is never uploaded and the app uses no usage telemetry or third-party trackers. Tunr does make network requests for GitLab updates and license activation and periodic revocation checks, described as roughly monthly. Paddle handles billing as Merchant of Record; the maker says it does not see or store card numbers or CVV. The app includes open-source components including Matchering, Pedalboard, pyloudnorm, and FFmpeg.

Pricing

Tunr has two free options, with no paid plan described. The Free plan costs nothing and provides a key by email; it allows three masters per machine before a licence key is needed. It is a sensible way to assess the workflow, but too limited for regular mastering. The plan lists both 16-bit and 24-bit output.

The Free licence key also costs nothing, is delivered by email, and allows unlimited masters on two machines per licence, with free lifetime updates. It removes the render cap but does not expand the machine allowance beyond two. Users who need more licensed machines should account for that restriction.

Platforms

Tunr runs on macOS 11 or later on Apple Silicon and Intel, and 64-bit Windows 10 or later. It is a desktop application, not a plugin, so it suits users prepared to handle mastering outside their DAW.

Who it's for

Tunr is a good fit for DJs and independent producers who want local processing, repeatable batch settings, and a way to compare a master against a reference. The free key makes it especially approachable for a solo user working across up to two machines. It is less suitable for anyone who needs an integrated DAW plugin or a licence spanning more than two machines.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Reference matching targets tone, dynamics, and loudness, while the mixer supports several focused comparison methods.
• Pro: Offline mastering and the maker’s no-upload, no-telemetry, no-tracker policy are a strong fit for users who want audio to stay local.
• Pro: Batch mode saves each track as it finishes, which helps with repeated processing.
• Con: Without a licence key, three renders per machine is a small allowance for ongoing use.
• Con: The app is standalone, so it cannot be used as a DAW plugin.
• Con: The free key is limited to two machines per licence.

Alternatives

Matchering is another free option, with Linux, macOS, Windows, self-hosted, and web platforms; choose it if those deployment choices matter more than Tunr’s specific desktop workflow.

IK Multimedia ReSing has a free tier with two voices, two instruments, and one RVC import, while its $129.99, paid once paid plan includes 10 voices. It is the alternative to consider for voice and instrument work rather than Tunr’s mastering focus.

Voxengo SPAN is a free real-time FFT spectrum analyzer plugin for macOS and Windows, a better fit when analysis inside a plugin is the priority.

StudioZIO Mastering Suite is a free macOS option available as AU, VST3, AAX, and standalone, with no licence key or account; choose it if plugin formats are important.

TDR Limiter 6 GE offers a free option and a €60, paid once personal/small business licence for one user on up to five computers. It may suit users who value that wider computer allowance.

Acustica Audio Erin Studio is another macOS and Windows option.

DSP-Quattro is a macOS freemium app with a free trial and a listed new licence at $99 a month; consider it if a trial or macOS-only workflow fits your needs.

oXygen Mastering Suite is a free option for Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Browse more Audio Mastering Software or AI Music Mastering Software.

Verdict

Choose Tunr if you want offline desktop mastering with reference matching, detailed A/B listening, and batch processing, especially as a solo producer using no more than two machines. Look elsewhere if you need a DAW plugin or a broader machine licence; the free key removes the render cap, but not those workflow limits.