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Comparison

MixMaster Pro vs Waves Online Mastering

Web-based AI mastering vs MixMaster Pro, which analyzes the mix first, then masters it with a level-matched preview. What each tool is for, and when to choose which.

Overview

MixMaster Pro is the living Mix Intelligence platform for producers. Analyses stay in your Mix Library, revisions compare on the same mix, references save to your account, and Maya on Pro+ coaches from your bound report - connected workflows instead of one-time uploads. The same account also runs Audio Tools and Workflow Builder: AI mastering, stem splitting, karaoke, a capella, guitar chords and lyrics, Sound FX, song generation, voice cleanup, and audio restoration.

Waves Online Mastering, listed on waves.com as AI Mastering Online, is a web-based AI mastering service from Waves Audio. Users shape the master with style, tone and reference inputs. (Details checked on Waves Online Mastering's own public pages, November 2026.)

On MixMaster Pro, Mix Analysis tells you what to fix before mastering. The Mastering Suite then prints the master: set the intent, preview a level-matched before / after, and download a 24-bit WAV. Delivery Master applies a streaming loudness pack to a master that already sounds right.

Our recommendation

Waves Online Mastering or MixMaster Pro?

Choose Waves Online Mastering when you want an online master with high sample-rate export options. Choose MixMaster Pro when you want to check the mix before the master and keep the analysis, the master and a streaming pack on one account.

Side-by-side comparison

Based on publicly described product categories and features. Verify current offerings on each vendor's site.

DimensionMixMaster ProRecommendedWaves Online Mastering (as of November 2026)
Main jobMix Analysis first, then the Mastering Suite or Delivery Master on the same accountWeb-based AI mastering
PlatformWeb app in any modern browser; nothing to installWeb app
Key featuresIntent (Clean, Warm, Loud, Wide), Reference Mastering, preflight, level-matched before / after, focus mixes, 24-bit WAV; Delivery Master streaming packs for 100 Credits per fileStyle, tone and reference inputs; WAV, AIF, AIFF or MP3 input at 44.1 to 96 kHz; WAV or MP3 export; free 30-second preview
Also offeredMix Analysis, Quick Check, stems, Client Revisions, Workflow BuilderCredit packs or annual subscriptions

Why choose MixMaster Pro

  • Preflight shows peak, LUFS, clipping and phase before you run.
  • Level-matched A/B, so louder does not fool your ears.
  • Delivery Master: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and Tidal packs for 100 Credits per file, with a free 30-second preview.
  • Mix Analysis on the same account catches mix problems a master would bake in.

When Waves Online Mastering might be enough

  • Flexible buying: one-off credit packs or annual subscriptions.
  • Free 30-second preview before buying.
  • Clearly published file-format and sample-rate support.

When to choose which

MixMaster Pro is built for producers who iterate, compare references, and want measurable progress - not just a one-time note dump.

Choose MixMaster Pro

The mix may still need work

Run Mix Analysis on the bounce first and fix what it finds, then master the final version.

Choose MixMaster Pro

You need a streaming loudness pack

Use Delivery Master on a finished master to hit -14 LUFS for Spotify, YouTube and Tidal, or -16 LUFS for Apple Music.

Choose Waves Online Mastering

High sample-rate delivery

Waves Online Mastering exports WAV up to 96 kHz from uploads up to 96 kHz.

Key takeaways

  • Waves Online Mastering is a strong choice when you want an online master with high sample-rate export options.
  • A master cannot fix a buried vocal or a muddy low end; check the mix first.
  • Compare masters level-matched, or the louder one will always seem better.

Check the mix, then master it

Analyze the bounce free, fix what it finds, then master it on the same account.

Open the Mastering Suite

Frequently asked questions

Is MixMaster Pro a Waves Online Mastering alternative?

It depends on the job. Choose Waves Online Mastering when you want an online master with high sample-rate export options. Choose MixMaster Pro when you want to check the mix before the master and keep the analysis, the master and a streaming pack on one account.

Does MixMaster Pro master tracks?

Yes. The Mastering Suite offers Audio Mastering and Reference Mastering with a level-matched preview and a 24-bit WAV download. Delivery Master applies streaming loudness packs.

How is mastering priced on MixMaster Pro?

In Credits, quoted before you run. Delivery Master is 100 Credits per successful file, with a free 30-second preview.