Apogee Electronics Acquired by Dirk Ulrich’s Rockforce Tech Holding, Parent Company of Manley Labs

[MusicMan]

Santa Monica, CA - November 14th, 2025 - Apogee Electronics, a leader in professional and prosumer audio technology for 40 years, announced today that it has been acquired by Rockforce Tech Holding Inc., led by industry veteran Dirk Ulrich and parent company of Manley Labs. The acquisition unites two highly respected audio brands with complementary strengths, creating a stronger, broader platform for innovation, engineering, and global market growth.

Founded in 1985 by Betty Bennett and Bruce Jackson, Apogee has been at the forefront of digital audio conversion, recording interfaces, and creative tools trusted by top artists, producers, engineers, and creators worldwide. With products used across music, broadcast, film, and immersive audio, Apogee has built a legacy of excellence, creativity, and uncompromising sound quality.

“We’ve reached an exciting moment in Apogee’s evolution,” said Betty Bennett, Co-Founder and CEO of Apogee Electronics. “To continue growing in today’s rapidly shifting audio landscape, Apogee needs expanded resources, new energy, and a broader operational foundation. Dirk brings all of that. His experience leading Brainworx and Plugin Alliance, and now Manley Labs, makes him uniquely equipped to guide Apogee into its next chapter. I’m profoundly proud of what our team has built, and I’m confident this partnership will elevate both companies in meaningful ways.”

Bob Clearmountain, Grammy and Emmy winning mixer, producer, and developer of Apogee’s flagship plugins, expressed his support for the transition:

“Apogee has been a huge part of my professional life for decades. I’ve seen firsthand the care, integrity, and innovation that went into every product we developed. Dirk understands the importance of that legacy, and I’m excited to see Apogee and Manley combine their strengths. This partnership creates new possibilities for artists, producers, and engineers everywhere and I’m proud to see Apogee carried forward with that vision.”

“Apogee has an extraordinary heritage and an incredibly loyal user base,” said Dirk Ulrich, CEO of Rockforce Tech Holding Inc. “By bringing Apogee and Manley together, we are creating a powerful ecosystem of high-end audio tools that will benefit professionals, creators, and music makers around the world.  Whether it’s analog or digital, it’s all about the sound.  I’m honored to continue the legacy that Betty, Bob and the Apogee team have built.”

Under the new structure, Apogee will join forces with Manley Labs, strengthening both companies’ engineering capability, global reach, and product development potential. Customers can expect continued support for Apogee’s existing hardware and software products, along with future releases that leverage the combined technical expertise and market presence of both organizations.

Apogee Electronics will continue operating from its Santa Monica, California headquarters.  Both companies emphasized a shared commitment to product excellence, customer service, and supporting the creative community.

About Apogee Electronics

Apogee Electronics is a Santa Monica based manufacturer of award-winning professional and prosumer audio recording equipment. Since 1985, Apogee has pioneered industry-defining technologies including AD/DA conversion, audio interfaces, and DSP plugins used by world-class artists, producers, and engineers. Apogee products have earned 19 TEC Awards, multiple Editor Choice Awards from Sound on Sound, the 2025 RockoN Immersive Award for the Symphony Studio, and more than 15 other prestigious awards recognizing the company’s leadership in innovation and sound quality.

About Rockforce Tech Holding Inc. / Manley Labs

Rockforce Tech Holding Inc., led by audio industry executive Dirk Ulrich, is the parent company of Manley Labs, a manufacturer of high-end analog hardware including microphones, preamps, compressors, and mastering gear. The company’s mission is to support and expand iconic audio brands with strong engineering DNA and global creative relevance.

[Fleer]

So, one of my favorite companies in professional audio sold to the man who sold PA to NI?

Well, maybe better than being sold to NI too. 
And the guy also bought Manley Labs recently, so maybe this is all for the good. 
 

Just wondering what Mr. and Mrs. Clearmountain were thinking/drinking…

[MusicMan]

Just now, Fleer said:

So, one of my favorite companies in professional audio sold to the man who sold PA to NI?

Well, maybe better than being sold to NI too. 
And the guy also bought Manley Labs recently, so maybe this is all for the good. 

Just wondering what Mr. and Mrs. Clearmountain were thinking/drinking…

I was a bit surprised to see this one at first too Fleer, but then once I thought about it more, I guess it's not really.

Could be interesting to see if it affects any of the Apogee pricing in a positive way... Dirk was the king of deals at one point!

[Fleer]

True. And I’d love to see them add more FPGA-effects into their interfaces. 

[mibby]

I remember reading about Bob Clearmountain’s studio getting burned down in the L.A. fires and wondering if it would affect Apogee.  Maybe it did? Here’s hoping it’s for the best.

[kitekrazy]

The paranoia of this going unknown by posting in Deals.   Heaven forbid anyone reading other parts of this site.  Deals should be renamed to front page news.

Under the new structure = always worries me   that it becomes replacing the st with an f.

BTW wasn't Apogee Mac only at one time?