Plugin Alliance offers the bx_masterdesk Classic plugin by Brainworx as a free download.
Although bx_masterdesk Classic being free isn’t new, we’re excited to share the info about this freebie with you in our news section for the first time! In case you haven’t heard of it before, this is an excellent free mastering plugin we think you’ll love.
bx_masterdesk Classic is a fairly fun and easy-to-use dynamics processor to use when mixing and mastering your projects. It is comprised of three distinct elements for improving the sound of your music: Volume, Foundation, and Tone.
Dynamics processing is handled thanks to a combination of the volume and compressor mode. Input gain is pumped in from the volume, which then hits one of two compressors modeled in the signal chain.
Both compressors have minimal controls, you won’t be adjusting the attack, release, or ratio of the dynamics. Both compressors have a pleasing action to them, with differences arising in how they handle dynamics.
The stereo enhancement allows for some widening of your stereo field, but it can easily introduce phasing if not approached with a deft hand. It sounds nice when used minimally, but you can easily go overboard.
Tone acts as a collection of EQ presets. Resonant filters are introduced for certain settings, and it sounds decent, but it isn’t possible to fully customize the tone. This isn’t a section that sees much use when I dabble with bx_masterdesk Classic if I’m completely honest.
Foundation seems to act as a low-end saturation or distortion, emphasizing bass frequencies when cranked higher and higher. This is good for reinforcing low-end and makes for fairly decent mockups.
This contrasts with the THD knob, which increases the brightness when cranked up. Both have a pleasing overall effect and can get very heavy-handed when used in series with each other.
bx_masterdesk Classic is a fun little freebie and makes for a great means of providing mockups of potential final masters.
Will bx_masterdesk Classic replace your preferred mastering limiters, compressors, and EQs? Probably not, but for the price, it’s hard to argue against giving it a whirl.
bx_masterdesk Classic is available for Windows and Mac computers. Plugin formats provided are VST, VST3, and AAX, with Mac users having the option of AU. Apple Silicon compatible binaries are available.
Download: bx_masterdesk Classic
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11 Comments
Igor
onBut it’s been free for ages :/
Tomasz
onbut never described here. So its a service for those BPB readers that havent heard. Those who have can move on.
Igor
onIsn’t that what the following page is for though? https://bedroomproducersblog.com/free-vst-plugins/
When it’s on the main page it gives the impression that it’s news.
Tomislav Zlatic
onI will make a separate section for “blast from the past” articles like this one to avoid confusion in the future. I think it’s valuable to revisit some classic free VSTs on BPB occasionally, but I agree that the news section isn’t the correct category for this type of content.
Darryl Lim
onThis article was definitely welcome by me!
bx_Masterdesk has been sitting for ages completely ignored in my Plugin Alliance account. But reading this small guide about it motivated me to go “give it a whirl” one of these days. :)
Georg
onSome might not have known about it before. Definitely a useful tool.
Fazil Irak
onAnd I’ll let you know. Focusrite Plugins distributes Midnight Plugin Suite and Scarlett Plugin Suite for free.
https://downloads.focusrite.com/focusrite/focusrite-plug-ins
alex
onInteresting, but I couldn’t find any info about that. How did you activate them?
Fazil Irak
onLike novation v-station activation.
alex
onThx. AFAIR, they were really nice.
Tomislav Zlatic
onWasting readers’ time and decieving readers is something we never do. This plugin was never featured in our news section before, and since it’s so good, we decided to write an article about it.
BPB has thousands of new readers every day, some of them are beginners who are just starting their music production journey. This article provides informarion about a plugin that will help them make better music. More experienced readers might also benefit from a reminder if they forgot this plugin exists.
Besides, it’s all explained in the article, second paragraph “Although bx_masterdesk Classic being free isn’t new, we’re excited to share the info about this freebie with you in our news section for the first time! In case you haven’t heard of it before, this is an excellent free mastering plugin we think you’ll love.”