INTENSITY is a novel audio processing tool designed for mixing, mastering, and sound design. Leveraging techniques inspired by facial recognition algorithms, INTENSITY excels at revealing the intricate details inherent in a sound, enhancing its perceived loudness and density, and adding exceptional clarity. Its unique algorithm meticulously analyzes and accentuates crucial signal characteristics, allowing sounds to retain their distinct identity while gaining a new level of definition. Operation is remarkably straightforward, often requiring adjustment of just a single control.

The plug-in features a proprietary processing engine coupled with an optional soft-knee saturating limiter in its output stage. This combination makes INTENSITY particularly adept at achieving maximum perceived loudness and imparting a beautifully aggressive yet controlled sonic character.

INTENSITY 2 builds upon the foundation of the original, expanding its core functionalities and workflow with a host of new and improved features. These enhancements include the addition of new processing algorithms optimized for low CPU usage and near-zero latency, support for up to 16 audio channels for immersive audio workflows, an expanded selection of BIAS CURVE presets, versatile mid/side processing options, and a redesigned, scalable user interface, among other improvements.

Conceptually, INTENSITY 2 can be likened to High Dynamic Range (HDR) processing in photography. It unveils the subtle nuances within a sound, boosts its apparent loudness, and introduces clarity and presence, all while maintaining an intuitive single-knob operation. With a choice of three distinct proprietary algorithms (SMOOTH, CRYSTAL, and BRONZE), mid/side processing capabilities, an integrated soft-knee saturating limiter, support for up to 16 channels, and a streamlined, inspiring workflow, INTENSITY 2 stands as an essential tool for mixing engineers, mastering professionals, and sound designers alike.

New Features in INTENSITY Version 2:

• New CRYSTAL and BRONZE Algorithms: Based on custom-engineered minimum phase filter banks, these algorithms deliver enhanced transient detail and a more pronounced bite. They offer optional 64-bit precision, significantly reduced CPU load, and near-zero latency (3 samples). The original algorithm has been renamed SMOOTH and is still included.
• Support for up to 16 Channels: Enables processing for immersive audio formats, expanding its utility for film, VR, and spatial audio applications.
• M/S Processing: Stereo instances can now process the full stereo signal, the Mid channel only, or the Side channel only. Applying INTENSITY to the Side channel can create a remarkably wide and spacious stereo image.
• More BIAS CURVE Presets: The number of BIAS CURVE presets has been more than doubled to 22, offering a wider range of sonic flavors and starting points.
• Redesigned, Scalable UI: The user interface is now fully vectorized and scalable up to 200% zoom. It features a new integrated help text system and an overall streamlined design for improved usability.
• MIDI Preset Control: Previous, Next, Load, and Save Preset functions can now be controlled via MIDI, enhancing accessibility and integration with hardware controllers.
• Dual Activations: Version 2 includes dual activations, providing greater flexibility for users with multiple systems.

Think "Compressor"? One might initially conceptualize INTENSITY as a highly advanced, infinite-band compressor operating in a relative manner, with instantaneous time constants and controlled by an intelligent algorithm at audio rate. This analogy might offer a basic understanding of its application.

Or Actually, Do NOT Think "Compressor": However, it's crucial to understand that this description is fundamentally inaccurate. INTENSITY is not a compressor and operates through entirely different means. It lacks traditional compressor parameters such as RMS detection, threshold, ratio, attack, or release times. It does not exhibit pumping or other modulation artifacts, avoids overshooting, and functions consistently regardless of absolute signal levels or the type of input material. While the compressor analogy can provide a general idea of its use cases, the underlying technology is significantly different.