zazz Transient EnhancerVST plugin for enhancing transient sounds. The plugin captures the initial portion of a transient (with detection controlled via the Trigger section), time-stretches the snippet (with adjustable pitch), and layers it with the original transient. The plugin introduces 250 ms of latency. Read More

Emphaseas x Pretender Release MASSIMIZER, a Free Sidechain Ringmod and Compressor Plugin
Emphaseas and Pretender have released MASSIMIZER, a free sidechain ringmod and compressor effect plugin available on a pay-what-you-want basis via Gumroad. You can download it for free by entering zero at checkout, or choose to support the developers with a donation. MASSIMIZER is a dynamics processor that combines compression and ring modulation. Both effects can [...]
View post: Emphaseas x Pretender Release MASSIMIZER, a Free Sidechain Ringmod and Compressor Plugin

RME update macOS USB3 interfaces RME have announced the launch of significant updates to its macOS USB 3 interface line-up that ensure optimal performance and seamless compatibility with Apple Silicon devices.

High-leverage trader James Wynn deactivates X accountHigh-risk trader James Wynn lost hundreds of millions of dollars in a matter of weeks by speculating on short-term price movements.

A United Nations research institute created an AI refugee avatarA research institute connected to the United Nations has created two AI-powered avatars designed to teach people about refugee issues. 404 Media wrote about an experiment conducted by a class at the United Nations University Center for Policy Research that resulted in the creation of two AI agents or avatars — Amina, a fictional woman […]

2025 One Hertz Challenge: An Ancient Transistor Counts The SecondsIf you’ve worked with germanium transistors, you’ll know that many of them have a disappointingly low maximum frequency of operation. This has more to do with some of the popular ones dating from the earliest years of the transistor age than it does to germanium being inherently a low frequency semiconductor, but it’s fair to say you won’t be using an OC71 in a high frequency RF application. It’s clear that [Ken Yap]’s project is taking no chances though, because he’s using a vintage germanium transistor at a very low frequency — 1 Hz, to be exact.
The circuit is a simple enough phase shift oscillator that flashes a white LED, in which a two transistor amplifier feeds back on itself through an RC phase shift network. The germanium part is a CV7001, while the other transistor is more modern but still pretty old these days silicon part, a BC109. The phase shift network has a higher value resistor than you might expect at 1.8 MOhms, because of the low frequency of operation. Power meanwhile comes from a pair of AA cells.
We like this project not least for its use of very period passive components and stripboard to accompany the vintage semiconductor parts. Perhaps it won’t met atomic standards for timing, but that’s hardly the point.
This project is an entry in the 2025 One Hertz Challenge. Why not enter your own second-accurate project?

patchpool Crossroads for FilterverseCrossroads for Filterverse comprises 120 tagged patches which transform the incoming audio signal into ambient, rhythmic, cinematic and experimental textures usable for numerous areas of application. Deeply exploring the multi-effect and synthesis capabilities of this plug-in, many presets use tempo-synced modulators creating groovy and organic rhythmic textures, often the envelope follower is engaged to supply dynamic interaction with the audio signal, audio rate modulation via Filterverse's inbuilt oscillator provides highly interesting and futuristic sounds, physically modeled string arpeggios, vast spaces, pitch-shifted delays, time-warped glitch and stutter effects, granular textures, mellow choruses and smooth filter sweeps add to the versatile complexity of this expansion. All presets make extensive use of the available modulators and have one or more Macros assigned for direct interaction and DAW automation. The patches are programmed 100% wet for the purpose of inserting Filterverse on a bus, that way several audio sources can be processed by the same instance of the plug-in; using a pre-fader send is recommended so that the output and send levels can be set and automated independently. You can view/download the PDF for this expansion with installation instructions, technical notes, the licence agreement and a detailed patchlist including demo links here. Specs: 120 tagged patches programmed 100% wet. Delivery: download. Price: € 34 EUR. Product page. All demos below make use of effect sounds created only with patches from Crossroads, no further post-processing was applied apart from a limiter on the master outputs. Audio demos. Youtube playlist Read More

Indie Musician News Last Week: YouTube, Fandom, Playlists, MoreTune into these helpful guides: from mastering YouTube marketing and launching merch to getting on top editorial Spotify playlists, and more in last eek’s latest indie musician news. Indie Musician. Continue reading
The post Indie Musician News Last Week: YouTube, Fandom, Playlists, More appeared first on Hypebot.

Music Business News Last Week: DoJ probe, TikTok, SVOG, MoreCatch up on what everyone is buzzing about from the DoJ live music probe, big changes coming to TikTok, an SVOG update and more with the latest music business news last week.
The post Music Business News Last Week: DoJ probe, TikTok, SVOG, More appeared first on Hypebot.

Malcolm Toft launch the Ultima console Available in four sizes, the Ultima has been designed with DAW connectivity in mind, with each version offering a matching number of inputs and direct outputs.

Firefly Space files for an IPOFirefly Space has filed for a initial public offering.

France opens criminal investigation into X for alleged algorithmic manipulationFrench J3 cybercrime unit launches probe into X’s algorithm as EU scrutiny intensifies.

Steve Aoki Launches Aoki Labs to Shape the Future of WellnessSteve Aoki is expanding his portfolio far beyond music festivals and global tours. The internationally renowned DJ, producer, and entrepreneur has officially launched Aoki Labs—a venture platform focused on innovation at the intersection of entertainment, wellness, consumer products, and longevity.A statement from the company shares that “Aoki Labs is committed to enhancing human well-being by backing companies that are reimagining how we live and feel.” The platform’s mission is guided by Aoki’s long-standing passion for community and meaningful connection—with a focus on redefining human experience, strengthening social networks, and creating long-term impact.“This is about channeling the same energy and curiosity I’ve brought to music into a new chapter—one focused on investing in things that make life better,” Aoki said. “Whether it’s longevity, mental performance, or culture-shifting consumer brands, I want to help build the future I want to live in—and create a better world for future generations.”While Aoki has been quietly investing in early-stage companies for more than a decade—including early personal stakes in Uber and Pinterest—Aoki Labs represents the first time he’s formalized those efforts into a structured investment platform. He is joined by longtime managers and partners Matt Colon and Dougie Bohay, with Tashi Nakanishi, CEO of X& Financial, serving as Aoki Labs' CEO.A statement from the company notes that X& “anchors people of influence who are looking to build institutional VC funds,” and currently works with HartBeat and other high-profile partners. Nakanishi brings significant venture experience, having co-founded Dreamers VC with Keisuke Honda and Will Smith, as well as launching X&KSK—one of Japan’s first influencer-led investment vehicles.“This fund reflects a serious commitment to long-term value—for founders, for culture, and for human health,” Nakanishi added. “Steve brings a rare combination of global influence and entrepreneurial insight, making him an invaluable partner to both consumer and frontier-tech companies. He’s not just investing—he’s actively building in these spaces.”Early Aoki Labs investments reflect its broad but intentional scope. The initial portfolio includes:Audio Media Grading, a collectibles grading company founded by Aoki in 2022

Mantel, Alexis Ohanian’s content and community platform for collectors

Freaks of Nature, Kelly Slater’s skincare line

Neuro, a functional gum and mints brand for energy and focusAoki Labs is also investing in underrepresented founders and mission-driven consumer brands, with a strong emphasis on community. One example is Sanzo, an Asian-inspired sparkling water brand. A statement from the company highlights Aoki’s “continued focus on AAPI-led ventures across wellness and lifestyle,” signaling a broader goal of expanding access and amplifying diverse voices within venture capital.Looking forward, Aoki Labs plans to continue investing in technologies that sit at the convergence of health and A.I., with a focus on companies creating measurable, positive impact. Deeply connected to the communities he serves, Aoki brings an intuitive understanding of culture and timing—often spotting emerging trends before they hit the mainstream.“Aoki Labs partners with founders building at the intersection of well-being, innovation, and community,” the company states. “We offer not just capital, but hands-on brand strategy, cultural positioning, and access to a powerful network across entertainment, tech, and lifestyle.”The post Steve Aoki Launches Aoki Labs to Shape the Future of Wellness first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Designing a CPU with only Memory Chips
Building a simple 8-bit computer is a great way to understand computing fundamentals, but there’s only so much you can learn by building a system around an existing processor. If you want to learn more, you’ll have to go further and build the CPU yourself, as [MINT] demonstrated with his EPROMINT project (video in Polish, but with English subtitles).
The CPU began when [MINT] began experimenting with uses for his collection of old memory chips, and quickly realized that they could do quite a bit more than store data. After building a development board for single-chip based programmable logic, he decided to build a full CPU out of (E)EPROMs. The resulting circuit spans four large pieces of perfboard, weighs in at over half a kilogram, and took several weeks of soldering to create.
The star of the system is the ALU, which runs an instruction set inspired by the Z80, but with some optimizations and added features. In particular, it has new operations for multiplication, division, bitstream operations, more advanced bit shifting, and a wide range of mathematical functions, including exponents, roots, and trigonometric functions. [MINT] documented all of this in a nicely-formatted offline booklet, available under the project’s GitHub repository. It’s currently only possible to program for the CPU using opcodes or a custom flavor of assembly, but there are plans to write a C compiler for it.
Even without being able to write in a higher-level language than assembly, [MINT] was able to drive a VFD screen with the EPROMINT, which he used to display some clips from The Matrix. This provided an opportunity to demonstrate basic debugging methods, which involved dumping and analyzing the memory contents after a failed program execution.
Using memory chips as programmable logic gates is an interesting hack, and we’ve seen Lisp programs written to make this easier. Of course, this isn’t the first CPU we’ve seen built without any chips intended for logic operations.

Thanks to [Piotr] for the tip!

Karanyi Sounds Lofi Keys is FREE for BPB readers (10,000 licenses available)
Karanyi Sounds is offering Lofi Keys, a lo-fi-inspired virtual instrument, completely free for BPB readers. This is an exclusive deal limited to 10,000 licenses. Bedroom Producers Blog readers get the full version of Lofi Keys v1, usually priced at $59.65, with all the latest updates included (before the v2 update). It’s also worth noting that [...]
View post: Karanyi Sounds Lofi Keys is FREE for BPB readers (10,000 licenses available)