Genesis Mix Lab vs eMastered: Which Is Better?

eMastered is an AI mastering service that processes a single stereo mix file and applies EQ correction, compression, stereo enhancement, and loudness optimization to prepare it for release. Genesis Mix Lab is a full AI mixing and mastering platform that accepts multi-track stems and delivers both a mixed stereo file and a mastered output. Both services support reference track matching, which lets you upload a professionally mixed song as a sonic target for the AI. This comparison evaluates both platforms across features, output quality, pricing, and overall value to help you choose the right tool for your workflow.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Reference Track Matching: How They Compare

Both Genesis Mix Lab and eMastered support reference track matching, which is the most important AI mastering feature for achieving a specific sonic character. You upload a reference song, and the AI analyzes its frequency balance, loudness profile, and dynamic characteristics, then applies those properties to your track.

The key difference is scope. eMastered applies reference matching to a stereo file only. It can match the tonal balance and loudness of your master to the reference, but it cannot adjust individual elements because it has no access to individual stems. Genesis Mix Lab applies reference matching at the stem level, adjusting individual tracks to match the balance of the reference before summing to stereo. This produces a more accurate match because the AI can, for example, boost the vocal presence or tighten the low end independently rather than applying broad EQ curves to the full mix.

For more on what makes reference matching work, see our guide on how AI mixing technology works.

Output Quality and Export Options

eMastered exports at a maximum of 44.1 kHz and 16-bit, which is CD quality. This is adequate for streaming but falls short for producers who want high-resolution masters. Genesis Mix Lab supports up to 96 kHz and 32-bit float, with export to WAV, MP3, FLAC, and AIFF. The difference matters for producers working with high-sample-rate sessions, preparing vinyl masters, or distributing to platforms that support lossless hi-res audio like Apple Music.

Genesis also provides one-click platform optimization for Spotify, YouTube, and TikTok, automatically adjusting LUFS targets and true peak limits for each platform. eMastered offers basic loudness targeting but not per-platform presets.

Pricing: Budget vs Value

eMastered is roughly half the price of Genesis, but it only offers stereo mastering. If you already have a finished mix and just need mastering, eMastered is a budget option that gets the job done. If you need both mixing and mastering, Genesis delivers both for $19.99, which is cheaper than paying for eMastered plus a separate mixing solution.

Pros and Cons Summary

The Verdict

If you already have a polished mix and just need affordable mastering, eMastered does the job well at a low price. But if you want the AI to handle your entire post-production workflow from stems to finished master, Genesis Mix Lab is the superior choice. The combination of full AI mixing, high-resolution output, platform-specific presets, and a generous free tier makes it the more complete and more capable platform. For a broader view of how these tools rank against all competitors, visit our AI mastering tools comparison hub.