KVR Audio

hey212 · Post by **hey212** » Thu Jul 16, 2026 2:34 pm

Best thing that could possibly have happened for PA.

https://www.plugin-alliance.com/blogs/n ... he-founder

"If you've been wondering what the future of Brainworx & Plugin Alliance will look like, today I have some answers.

I'm proud to share that on July 15, 2026, I have re-acquired Brainworx and Plugin Alliance under the umbrella of RCKFRC, my new company which already includes Apogee and Manley. Expect to hear more about these brands soon, as part of the new PA/BX universe.

This marks the beginning of a new chapter – not only for the companies, but also for the millions of producers, engineers, musicians and creators who have trusted our products over the years."

sl1200mk2 · Post by **sl1200mk2** » Thu Jul 16, 2026 3:16 pm

The ‘old’ PA under Dirk had plenty of its own issues, and faults, but overall, I would agree that this move is a good thing. I look forward to seeing how it’s handled and hope that product support improves.

Albert.VST · Post by **Albert.VST** » Thu Jul 16, 2026 3:28 pm

sl1200mk2 wrote: Thu Jul 16, 2026 3:16 pm The ‘old’ PA under Dirk had plenty of its own issues, and faults, but overall, I would agree that this move is a good thing.

I fully agree with that.
And I really hope it includes the PPG assets he took over in the past (2020) from Wolfgang Palm/PPG and now really will get the opportunity to do something with it (even if it's no more than bring it back online for everyone who bought from Wolfgang in the past).

Halma · Post by **Halma** » Thu Jul 16, 2026 3:41 pm

MPAGA - Make Plugin Alliance Great Again

Kypresso · Post by **Kypresso** » Thu Jul 16, 2026 3:46 pm

Anyone want to guess how much less he paid to buy it back than what he got for selling.
He's a crafty old sod.

GaryG · Post by **GaryG** » Thu Jul 16, 2026 3:48 pm

bring back the Megasales and daily $20 vouchers...

yeah, im that shallow

Chicken Drummy · Post by **Chicken Drummy** » Thu Jul 16, 2026 4:03 pm

That was my first thought too. "So I can rack up another 30+ plugins from Plugin Alliance while spending less than 50$. Hell yeah, I'm in!"

dysjoint · Post by **dysjoint** » Thu Jul 16, 2026 4:25 pm

Kypresso wrote: Thu Jul 16, 2026 3:46 pm Anyone want to guess how much less he paid to buy it back than what he got for selling.
He's a crafty old sod.

Lol
You're not wrong

HM · Post by HM » Thu Jul 16, 2026 4:35 pm

Maybe not the worst possible outcome

But its a cirkus ,.. and he is some how shady ,.. and no "good old days" to be remembered

Remember people supporting him by the flood-sale ,.. and all being sold to Satan for Judas-money ,.. etc

A certain lack of plug-substance in the big picture ,..

But things was always 80-90 pct off, in "the good old days", so maybe at that level price reflected fairness

Much left-hand work also ,.. like for the 2500 delay they didnt even care to write a short manual ,..

No catastrophy ,.. just bad style

plexuss · Post by **plexuss** » Thu Jul 16, 2026 4:53 pm

Not a fan of Dirk. He was a D*ck to me and ended up apologizing. But I basically stopoed buying their stuff. That will continue. Unless there is a no brainer. I haven't seen a no brainer deal out of them in years. So, fine, no matter to me. Good luck to all.

Chicken Drummy · Post by **Chicken Drummy** » Thu Jul 16, 2026 5:09 pm

Well hey, at least he apologized. Not saying that makes it right or anything, people should just not be jackasses in the first place. But plenty of people have been cockheads to me who never apologized.

Download SOphist · Post by **Download SOphist** » Thu Jul 16, 2026 6:28 pm

I couldn't care less about who owns the stuff as long as it supports its products and behaves adequately. PA has long lost its allure (constant sales erosion and all that), but it still throws the occasional gem and sometimes they can be had cheap - just not as commonly as in the good old days (a meaningless expression which mostly mean we're old).

hey212 wrote: Thu Jul 16, 2026 2:34 pm RCKFRC

what a terrible name, brings me vibes of something greasy like Kentucky Fried Racoon.

jamcat · Post by **jamcat** » Thu Jul 16, 2026 6:42 pm

I’m extremely pleased with this outcome. I never liked that Plugin Alliance/Brainworx got mixed up with the losers at NI and iZotope. It was always assured they would just run PA into the ground like they did their own failing brands. Renaming the whole unholy venture to “Native Instruments” only added insult to injury, and Dirk was smart to finally wash his hands of it when he did.

Now, the future of Plugin Alliance/Brainworx is once again secured, and will be stronger than ever, with the Apogee and Manley brands under the umbrella.

I look forward to buying the Apogee Bob Clearmountain plugins for $5 each with a $20 voucher soon.

VariKusBrainZ · Post by **VariKusBrainZ** » Thu Jul 16, 2026 6:50 pm

Damn. Too late to grab popcorn the drama already started.

This smacks of Punk Brew going bankrupt and now the original owner buying it back at a bargain price

HcDoom · Post by **HcDoom** » Thu Jul 16, 2026 7:15 pm

This is a great move by Dirk - well done. This can only be good for PA/BX and customers as well.

Dirk Ulrich has re-acquired Brainworx & Plugin Alliance