Brainworx bx_masterdesk
Brainworx bx_masterdesk is an analog-style mastering plugin designed to help musicians master their own material.
What Brainworx bx_masterdesk is
Brainworx bx_masterdesk is an analog-style mastering plugin designed to help musicians master their own material. Its workflow uses three stages—Volume, Foundation, and Tone Stack—with a Dynamic Range VU meter for adjusting loudness while considering sound quality. Other controls 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 list. 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, supporting Intel or Apple Silicon Macs and x64-compatible PCs. Minimum hardware requirements include 2 GB RAM and a display resolution of 1440 × 900px or 1280 × 960px or higher. An individual plugin trial lasts 14 days and begins at first launch in a DAW. No standalone bx_masterdesk price is listed.
Good
- Three-step workflow with Volume, Foundation, and Tone Stack.
- Includes stereo width and Mid/Side enhancement.
- Supports AAX, AU, VST2, and VST3 formats.
- 14-day individual plugin trial.
Watch out
- No free plan.
- Trial begins at first launch in a DAW.
- Minimum listed RAM is 2 GB.
- Minimum display resolution is 1440 × 900px or 1280 × 960px.
Who it suits
The plugin may suit musicians, engineers, producers, or mastering engineers working on their own material. Its listed formats and operating system requirements help identify compatible setups.
Verdict
bx_masterdesk pairs a three-stage workflow with metering and additional mastering controls across common plugin formats. The trial is time-limited, and the listed system requirements should be checked against your setup.
Plans and prices
From Brainworx bx_masterdesk's own pricing page, checked 5 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| CORE | $14.99 a month | Access to 200+ plugins · Activate on 3 machines · Pick 3 plugins to own each year · $14.99/month |
| PRO | $29.99 a month | Access to 200+ plugins · Activate on 3 machines · Pick 10 plugins to own each year · PA Perks · $29.99/month |
| CORE | $149.99 a year | Access to 200+ plugins · Activate on 3 machines · Pick 3 plugins to own each year · $149.99/year |
| PRO | $299.99 a year | Access to 200+ plugins · Activate on 3 machines · Pick 10 plugins to own each year · PA Perks · $299.99/year |
| bx_masterdesk | — | High-end analog mastering chain · AAX AudioSuite, AAX DSP, AAX Native, AU, VST2, VST3 |
The facts
Each one read from Brainworx bx_masterdesk's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Hardware requirements
- The listed minimums include 2 GB RAM and a display resolution of 1440 × 900px or 1280 × 960px or higher.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The maker describes the plugin as usable by inexperienced musicians as well as musicians, engineers, producers, and mastering engineers.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Metering
- A Dynamic Range VU meter helps users adjust loudness while considering sound quality.checked 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.checked 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.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Plugin formats
- Supported formats are AAX AudioSuite, AAX DSP, AAX Native, AU, VST2, and VST3.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Presets
- The product page lists an extensive preset list for immediate results.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Processing controls
- Additional controls include a mastering de-esser, compressor mix, and stereo width.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- bx_masterdesk provides an analog-style mastering system in one plugin, designed to help musicians master their own material.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Support
- Plugin Alliance provides a support center with compatibility, downloads, manuals, account help, and a contact support option.checked 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.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Workflow
- The plugin uses a three-step workflow with Volume, Foundation, and Tone Stack controls.checked 5 Oct 2026
Money
- Trial
- Plugin Alliance says an individual plugin trial lasts 14 days and begins when the plugin is first launched in a DAW.checked 5 Oct 2026
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