8.4Great
bx_masterdesk by Plugin Alliance / Brainworx: effect from Plugin Alliance / Brainworx. Price $299, Dubspot Score 8.4, specs and alternatives for 2026.
Plugin comparison
bx_masterdesk vs Northstar
Specs, price and the Dubspot Score, side by side — with our verdict on which effect to buy.
Independent score / workflow fit / buying signal
Contenders
The side-by-side
Northstar by M Media Audio is a one-window mastering console with three EQ banks, FET/VCA/Vari-Mu, and a true-peak limiter. $59 launch, $99 regular.
Technical matrix
Specs compared
| Signal | bx_masterdesk | Northstar |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $59 launch / $99 |
| Dubspot Score | 8.4 | — |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX | VST3, AU |
| Product type | effect from Plugin Alliance / Brainworx | — |
| Developer | Plugin Alliance / Brainworx | — |
| Typical price | $299 | — |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX | — |
| Primary job | focused effect work in modern sessions | — |
| Catalog status | Current as of 2026 | — |
| Type | — | One-window mastering console |
| Price | — | $59 through 4 October 2026, then $99 |
| Licence | — | Perpetual, three activations |
| EQ | — | Three banks, Dual / Mid / Side, six bands each |
| Dynamics | — | FET, VCA, Vari-Mu, six orders |
| Loudness | — | Set Level, −24 to −5 LUFS, within 0.25 LU |
| Ceiling | — | −3 to 0 dBTP, default −1 |
| Latency | — | About 474 samples limiter on, 3 samples limiter off |
| Windows | — | 10 or 11, VST3 |
| macOS | — | 11 or later, Apple Silicon and Intel, VST3 and AU |
| Linux | — | Ubuntu 22.04 or equivalent, VST3, libsodium required |
| Not included | — | AAX |
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