Side by side
Box vs StemDesk
Both stand on ai audio mixing software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Mac
Box combines session analysis with reference comparison, mixing suggestions, and arrangement tools for Ableton Live. The platform requirements are specific, so confirm your macOS and Ableton version before choosing a plan.
Visit Box
Free plan APILinuxMac+1
StemDesk combines stem separation, mixing tools and local AI features, with offline operation for mixing, separation and plugins. Consider the beta status of the listed macOS and Linux downloads, and the one-time prices for its paid plans.
Visit StemDeskThe facts
| Box | StemDesk | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | No |
| Runs on | Mac | API, Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Pro: $29 a month | Pro: $99, paid once |
| Plans published | 3 | 3 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | getbox.audio | stemdesk.ai |
| On ai audio mixing software | #1 of 41 | #2 of 41 |
Box: what it does well
- Free plan includes session scanning and basic mix analysis
- Smart Mix can apply adjustments in one click
- Separates stems from reference tracks
- Arrangement tools include templates and clip management
- AI assistants can control an Ableton session
What to know first
- Requires macOS 10.15 or later
- Requires Ableton Live 11 or 12
- Windows support is described as coming soon
StemDesk: what it does well
- Stem separation and mixing work offline.
- Free plan includes three plugins.
- Paid licenses activate offline with a key.
- Studio includes one-click Auto-Mix.
- Refund requests may be made within 14 days.
What to know first
- macOS Apple Silicon availability is listed as beta.
- Linux x86_64 availability is listed as beta.
- Optional music generation needs a separate ACE-Step installation.