Founded by Dirk Ulrich in Leverkusen, Germany, Brainworx is a professional audio software company specializing in high-end mixing, mastering, and signal processing plugins. The company grew out of Ulrich's work in his Neve VXS 72-equipped recording studio, where hands-on experience with analog hardware informed the development of Brainworx's first plugin, the bx_digital — the first commercially available Mid/Side (M/S) mastering EQ. M/S processing, which allows independent control of the center and sides of a stereo signal, became a defining feature of the Brainworx product line.

Brainworx is known for its patented Tolerance Modeling Technology (TMT), an approach to analog modeling that replicates the natural variation between individual hardware units caused by component tolerances. TMT powers the bx_console series, which includes detailed emulations of classic mixing consoles such as the SSL 4000 E, SSL 4000 G, SSL 9000 J, and Neve VXS, each offering 72 individually modeled channel variations. The product catalog also includes the bx_masterdesk mastering suite, the bx_rockrack V3 and bx_megadual guitar amp simulators, and a range of dynamics processors, EQs, reverbs, and effects.

In 2012, Ulrich founded Plugin Alliance, a distribution platform that brought together Brainworx alongside brands like SPL, Elysia, Vertigo, and Mäag Audio under a unified storefront. Brainworx and Plugin Alliance are part of Native Instruments. Brainworx plugins are available through Plugin Alliance and Universal Audio.

Brainworx has 132 products cataloged on Equipboard, including EQ Plugins, Amp Simulator Plugins, and Compressor Plugins. Their gear is featured by 90 artists, with the strongest followings in Electronic, Pop, and Rock. Notable users include Se.Ra.Phic, Alawn, and Junkie XL. Most Brainworx products sit on the budget-friendly end of the spectrum.