Boris FX acquires iZotope to anchor professional AI audio suite

The deal transforms Boris FX from a visual effects powerhouse into a full-spectrum post-production provider, covering both picture and sound. By securing iZotope's machine-learning-heavy technology, Boris FX gains critical IP that addresses the rising demand for automated audio repair in fast-turnaround streaming environments. This vertical integration challenges the market dominance of Adobe and Blackmagic Design by offering elite, host-agnostic tools that plug directly into established workflows. Watch for whether Boris FX bundles these audio tools into its unified subscription tier or maintains the current standalone licensing model.

The acquisition concludes a volatile period for iZotope’s former owner, Native Instruments. Per Mixonline and DJ Life Magazine (May 2026), Native Instruments entered preliminary insolvency in Germany in January 2026, reportedly carrying nearly £250 million in debt against annual revenues of approximately £25 million. This financial distress triggered a series of rapid ownership shifts. In May 2026, inMusic Brands—the parent company of Akai Professional and Moog—stepped in to acquire the Native Instruments portfolio, which at the time included iZotope, Plugin Alliance, and Brainworx.

Boris FX’s move to carve iZotope out from inMusic just months later follows a long-term strategy of aggressive horizontal expansion. In March 2026, Boris FX acquired Vegas Pro, Sound Forge, and Acid Pro from MAGIX Software, establishing a robust presence in the editing and audio mastering markets. By adding iZotope, Boris FX now owns the toolsets behind multiple Academy and Emmy Award-winning productions, bridging the gap between high-end music production and professional video post-production.

Industry analysts have noted that the integration of machine learning—specifically iZotope’s neural network-based audio separation—aligns with Boris FX’s recent efforts to build 'smart' tools across its Sapphire and Continuum lines. Per soundonsound.com (April 2026), the release of RX 12 introduced 'Scene Rebalance' and 'Stems View,' features explicitly designed to simplify audio work for film and TV editors. These tools allow for the separation of dialogue and music beds without original masters, a capability becoming essential for secondary market localization and streaming content repurposing.