Square Cad: A Mastering Podcast

On this episode of Square Cad it’s all about A/D and D/A conversion. John Siau, Head of Engineering for Benchmark Media, talks about converter design and the future of conversion in digital audio. Part 1: Clock Watcher 0:00-18:33 John discusses Benchmark’s history in broadcast, and how dealing with hundreds of pieces of gear in a chain prepared him for creating high-end converters. He also talks about what goes into making an accurate converter, and why you may want to reconsider before you buy an expensive master clock. Part 2: Sigma Delta...Por Vida 18:34-26:40 Next I talk with John about conversion schemes and which are the most robust. From his point of view Sigma Delta conversion is the clear winner even though a resistor ladder network is quieter. He also talks about the extensive and lengthly testing process that takes a converter from theory to your rack. Part 3: The Future Will be Converted...Quietly 26:41-34:53 To wrap things up John speaks about the 2010 AES convention, why firewire doesn’t have to be a bad interface choice, and what he thinks future advancements in conversion will mean for working engineers. Music: Deerhunter "Spring Hall Convert"

On the inaugural episode of Square Cad, a mastering focused podcast, we hear from Joshua Reiss and Daniele Barchiesi. Josh and Daniele are researchers who have developed a reverse engineering algorithm. This algorithm can uncover the gain, panning, and equalization used on a set of tracks or a finished stereo master. The goal is to be able to reveal an engineer’s ‘performance’, and display his or her settings. You supply the tracks, it lets you know what was done to them. We’ll also hear from Chris Athens of New York’s Sterling Sound for his thoughts on the implications of this technology. Intro Music: Missy Elliot, ‘Work It’ Outro Music: Red Fang, ‘Reverse Thunder’