Intensity 2: Zynaptiq unveils major upgrades to its one-knob loudness processing pluginZynaptiq has rolled out Intensity 2, the latest iteration of its acclaimed one-knob loudness plugin.
The updated version doubles down on the classic’s core features and workflow, adding exciting new features and improvements across the board, including new algorithms with low CPU use and near-zero latency, support for up to 16 channels for immersive workflows, more Bias Curve presets, mid/side processing options, and more.

READ MORE: Plugin Boutique is hosting a massive Excite Audio sale – including all 10 Bloom plugins for just £149

Conceptually similar to what HDR does for photography, Intensity 2 brings out a sound’s inherent detail, increases perceived loudness, and adds clarity and bite – all operated using essentially a single control, says Zynaptiq.
Notably, the new version introduces CRYSTAL and BRONZE algorithms, delivering more bite and stronger transients, with 64-bit precision, near-zero latency (3 samples), and reduced CPU load. The v1 algorithm is still included, and has been renamed to Smooth.
Mid/Side (M/S) processing is available as well, which allows users to process the stereo signal, just the Mid channel, or just the Side channel.
In addition, the plugin now offers 20 Bias Curve presets (up from 10), expanding tonal shaping options. The redesigned, fully vectorised UI supports up to 200% zoom and features a new help text system for enhanced usability. Preset management is also improved with MIDI control for Previous/Next/Load/Save functions.
As with all of Zynaptiq’s latest releases, version 2 Intensity comes with dual activations as well.
“Between three proprietary algorithms, mid/side processing, an optional soft-knee saturating limiter, 16-channel support, and a super-fast and inspiring workflow, Intensity 2 is a must-have for mixing, mastering, and sound design,” says the company.
From now till 19 May 2025, users can purchase the plugin at an intro price of $99 (U.P $149) from Plugin Boutique, or upgrade from version 1.x at $49 via the Zynaptiq website. Those who purchased Intensity 1.x between 1 January and 28 April this year can request for a free upgrade.

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Artist-friendly streaming platform Deezer earned €134 million in revenue in Q1 2025As Spotify continues to grow its already-massive subscriber base – last week it announced its highest subscriber net adds since 2020 in Q1 of 2025 – interest in alternative streaming platforms is also on the rise.
As a result of this industry growth, in the first quarter of 2025, Deezer has seen a revenue increase of 1.1% YoY, with Q1 2025 revenue sitting at €134 million.

READ MORE: “Your subscription goes to the artist you listen to”: Deezer boss explains what it does differently to other streaming platforms

The French streaming service also reveals that its user base now sits at 9.4 million subscribers, with a significant increase in France of 4.5% YoY.
While Spotify remains at the heart of a seemingly perpetual debate surrounding allegedly low artist payouts, Deezer makes a point to assure its users that a larger percentage of their subscription payments go to the artists they listen to.
Back in February, the company’s CEO Alexis Lanternier said users’ subscription payments actually “goes to the artist you listen to”.
“The overwhelming feeling for a lot of people is that their life is more and more dictated by algorithm, and there is this ask that we see from our user base, and especially the young generation, to kind of take back control, understand how the algorithms work and be able to influence it,” he said.
Back in 2023, Deezer announced that it had partnered with Universal to launch an “artist-centric” streaming model, designed to reward artists and de-prioritise non-musical content, like white noise.
“The current music streaming model needs to be re-imagined,” Universal Music Group said at the time. “While streaming has been the most significant technology advancement in music in many years, a flood of uploads with no meaningful engagement, including non-artist noise content, has necessitated reassessment… to foster a thriving music ecosystem.”
The new model doubles the pay per stream for ‘professional artists’ (artists with 1000+ streams per month from at least 500 unique listeners). It also gives the most commonly searched tracks a bonus, putting a premium on tracks people actively hunt down. As a result, it doesn’t just pay the big bucks to tracks amassing more streams due to passive algorithms.
Earlier this year, the platform also implemented an AI detection tool to sideline mass-produced AI-generated music from its algorithmic recommendations. It found that 10% of all tracks submitted to the platform were AI-generated. According to Deezer, it continues to catch roughly 10,000 AI-generated tracks per day.
Learn more about the company’s Q1 2025 performance at the Deezer Newsroom.
The post Artist-friendly streaming platform Deezer earned €134 million in revenue in Q1 2025 appeared first on MusicTech.

Sonora Cinematic release Nocturne Electric Piano Sonora Cinematic's latest release aims to preserve the soul of a beloved electric piano that tragically caught fire in their studio.

Rivian earnings: EV maker cuts delivery guidance because of Trump’s tariffs and trade warsRivian said in its earnings report Tuesday it will likely deliver fewer vehicles this year than previously forecasted due to President Trump’s tariffs and other regulatory changes, making it the latest automaker to be affected by the new administration’s chaotic economic policies. The company said Tuesday it expects to deliver between 40,000 and 46,000 EVs […]

Strymon CloudburstCloudburst produces some of the most gorgeous ambient reverb tones and soundscapes you've ever heard, including a whole range of captivating sounds never previously available from a plugin. Harmonic Magic Cloudburst's Ensemble effect works by continuously analyzing 48 different frequency bands in the source audio, and then generating corresponding upper harmonic partials of what it finds in each band. The result is a gorgeous synthesized string ensemble-like expansion of your reverberated signal that creates unique new textures, taking your tracks to a new and unforgettable level. Try Ensemble on any acoustic instrument or vocal for a vast new palette of sounds. Instantly create lush string voices, or use Ensemble subtly to add harmonics and movement to your ambient reverb soundscapes. Effortless Sound Design Designed to sound musical at any setting, Cloudburst's elegantly simple and intuitive controls make it easy to find the perfect ear-catching and inspiring sound for your track. Experimenting with the controls is addictively fun, and it may even lead you beyond the sound you had in mind to something you hadn't even imagined. Instant Ambient Pad Infinite reverb sustain is available at a click of Cloudburst's Hold button, so any sound you feed into Cloudburst can instantly create an ambient pad. A switch selects between Infinite and Freeze functionality for the Hold button, and both options have the power to transform your audio in different ways: Infinite allows your reverbs to sustain indefinitely, with each new note you play adding to the reverb signal. Freeze also delivers infinite sustain, but allows you to play new and unprocessed notes on top of the sustained signal — without adding to the reverb. Lush Modulation The lush stereo effects created by modulating the lengths of a reverb's delay lines can add movement and interest to the overall reverb sound, and Cloudburst takes it to the next level — especially when used together with Ensemble. The Mod control operates as modulation depth from minimum to 12 o'clock, and as modulation speed from noon to maximum, where warbly vintage sci-fi pitch modulation can be found. From Small Rooms To Infinite Spaces As you turn the Decay control, numerous internal parameters are automatically adjusted, creating musically responsive spaces of any size at the turn of a single knob. From exquisitely tuned and natural sounding small spaces to expansive atmospheres not found on earth, even tiny adjustments to the Decay control can yield noticeable changes to the character of the reverb. Lost In The Clouds Cloudburst gives you gorgeous and mesmerizing reverbs with luxurious decay for days. The immense ambient reverbs found at Cloudburst's higher decay settings deliver hypnotically beautiful tails that stay musical even at the most extreme settings. https://youtu.be/4YvP_bK2j-Q Read More

Ancient Kingdom from EastWest EastWest's latest library captures world-renowned recording artist Saulius Petreikis playing a rare selection of wind instruments from around the world.

US regulator moves to drop appeal against KalshiThe US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is seeking permission from the court to drop an appeal against prediction market Kalshi. The move could allow the platform to offer political event contracts to users without contest.In a May 5 filing in the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, lawyers for the CFTC filed an unopposed motion for voluntary dismissal, suggesting an agreement with Kalshi. The motion, subject to approval by the court, could end the CFTC’s appeal against a federal court ruling that the financial regulator could not bar Kalshi from listing political event contracts, i.e., bets on elections.Motion to dismiss appeal filed by the CFTC on May 5. Source: CourtlistenerKalshi stipulated in a joint filing that the company would “bear its own costs, court fees and attorney fees incurred” if the court granted the CFTC’s motion to dismiss. The platform said that “election markets are here to stay” in a May 6 X post following the filing.The betting platform initially filed a lawsuit against the CFTC in 2023 in response to the regulator ordering Kalshi to stop offering political event contracts. The company won in the lower court, prompting the appeal by the CFTC in September 2024. Motion to drop the appeal after the change in administration?The case was handled mainly before the US election and the appointment of acting CFTC chair Caroline Pham under President Donald Trump. CFTC Commissioner Summer Mersinger, nominated by former President Joe Biden, reportedly echoed Kalshi’s sentiment in February, claiming that election prediction markets were “here to stay.”Related: Kalshi accepts Bitcoin deposits in bid to woo crypto-native usersLaunched in 2021, Kalshi became popular among many crypto users in part due to bets related to the 2024 US election. Though the CFTC argued in its appeal that betting on the elections could result in “spectacular manipulation” of markets and harm to the public interest, the regulator under Pham and Trump appeared to have reversed its position with the motion to dismiss. Magazine: Pokémon on Sui rumors, Polymarket bets on Filipino Pope: Asia Express

Newfangled Audio Introduces ArticulateAudio technology innovators Eventide have announced the release of Articulate, "a new plug-in from Newfangled Audio that offers a fresh, intuitive approach to dynamics control. Articulate uses advanced envelope detection to split incoming audio into four core components: Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release. With a workflow as familiar as a 4-band EQ, users can quickly shape transients, enhance tone, and fine-tune space in a mix.""Each stage of the envelope can be adjusted independently with simple faders, making it easy to add Smack, Punch, Body, or Air to any sound," they say. "Whether you're enhancing clarity, improving impact, or managing sustain, Articulate offers a fast and focused path to precise dynamic shaping. Producer and musician Justin Meldal-Johnsen (Beck, NIN, St. Vincent) praised Articulate, saying: “I’ve found my favorite tool for designing transients and envelopes. It gives you more control, a great sonic character, and an intuitive interface. Highly recommended.” Features70+ presets with full-featured preset librarian 

Easy independent envelope shaping (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) 

Simple sidechain detection for ducking and dynamic separation 

Precise Separation control for natural or aggressive shaping 

Solo & mute per envelope stage 

Built-in peak limiter preserves headroom and prevents clipping 

Customizable UI with three color palettes Articulate is available for Mac and PC in VST, AU, and AAX formats from eventideaudio.com and authorized resellers worldwide. The MSRP is $69, with an introductory offer of $29 through June 6. Existing Newfangled Audio and Eventide plug-in owners are eligible for a loyalty price of $19.

The post Newfangled Audio Introduces Articulate first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

A New, Smarter Universal RemoteThe remote for [Dillan Stock]’s TV broke, so he built a remote. Not just as a replacement but as something new. For some of us, there was a glorious time in the early 2000s when a smart remote was needed and there were options you could buy off the shelf. Just one handy button next to the screen had a macro programmed that would turn on the receiver, DVD player, and TV, and then configure it with the right inputs. However, the march of technological convenience has continued and nowadays soundbars turn on just in time and the TV auto switches the input. Many devices are (for better or worse) connected to WiFi, allowing all sorts of automation.
[Dillan] was lucky enough that his devices were connected to his home assistant setup. So this remote is an ESP32 running ESPHome. These automations could be triggered by your phone or via voice assistant. What is more interesting is watching [Dillan] go through the design process. Deciding what buttons there should be, where they should be placed, and how the case would snap together takes real effort. The design uses all through-hole components except for the ESP32 which is a module.
This isn’t the first thing [Dillan] has made with an ESP32, as he previously revamped a non-standard smart lamp with the versatile dev board. The 3d printable files for the remote are free available. Video after the break.

Rescoring classic video games (Super Mario, Pikmin, Animal Crossing)
Expert producers Galen Tipton and Holly Waxwing rescore moments from three iconic video games and break down their creative process.

Daniel Ek has now cashed out $800m+ in Spotify stock, with his latest transaction banking $28.8mEk offloaded 50,000 shares on Wednesday at $576.94 per share, according to an SEC filing
Source

EVE Audio introduce the EXO Series EVE Audio's new EXO Series introduces a new collection of nearfield monitors that have been designed to meet the most demanding needs of modern studio users.

Shannon Wiles of Le Poisson Rouge: new In The Trenches seriesShannon Wiles of Le Poisson Rouge wakes up every morning thinking about how to sell more tickets to the eclectic shows at this legendary New York City club.
The post Shannon Wiles of Le Poisson Rouge: new In The Trenches series appeared first on Hypebot.

Get Tuned Reverb FREE for a Limited Time (10,000 Licenses Available)
Bedroom Producers Blog and Tuned Plugins offer 10,000 free copies of the Tuned Reverb ($99 list price) plugin for Windows and macOS. Tuned Reverb is a streamlined yet highly usable reverb plugin for Windows and macOS, and Bedroom Producers Blog readers get 10,000 free licenses. The plugin is typically priced at $99 (currently on sale [...]
View post: Get Tuned Reverb FREE for a Limited Time (10,000 Licenses Available)

Relearning Why We Buy MusicWe need to relearn why we buy music. We'll spend hundreds of dollars going to a concert, but balk at a few dollars to own our favorite song or album.Streaming made music accessible, but it's also made us forget that it has value. If we don’t relearn how to buy music, we risk losing the culture we claim to love.
The post Relearning Why We Buy Music appeared first on Hypebot.