Square Cad: A Mastering Podcast

In the last episode of Square Cad John McCaig of Panic Studios interviews me. We discuss networking, business and client relations, proper name pronunciation. Music: Adventures With Might "Bad Boys Club" Square Cad is Sponsored by Dangerous Music. Check out all the indispensable mastering tools at dangerousmusic.com!

Scott Hampton has been making great gear at Hamptone since the late 80s. Recently he moved a new optical compressor, the HOC1, out of the prototype phase and into production. I spoke with Scott about why he loves optical compressors, his design philosophy, and what test data he thinks is most important. Music: Eric and Magill "Tangled Up In Nets" Square Cad is Sponsored by Dangerous Music. Check out all the indispensable mastering tools at dangerousmusic.com!

As more artists and consumers rediscover vinyl having quality vinyl playback is more important than ever. Many test presses are being auditioned on improperly calibrated systems. That can lead to unnecessary stress during the approval process, or worse, making a costly mistake. For Square Cad's first ever video episode I went to Stereo Types in Portland Oregon. Owner Teri Inman walks us through how to align, and set tracking force and anti-skate for two different types of turntables and tonearms. Music: The Velvet Underground "Sister Ray" Square Cad is Sponsored by Dangerous Music. Check out all the indispensable mastering tools at dangerousmusic.com!

For over 25 years Grammy nominated mastering engineer Jonathan Wyner has worked at M-Works in Cambridge Massachusetts. In that time he's mastered records for Bruce Springsteen, Aerosmith, David Bowie, DEVO, Cave In, Apples In Stereo, and loads more. He's also an associate professor at Berklee College of Music where he teaches mastering. Jonathan and I discuss whether mastering can be taught effectively in a classroom, the value of formal education, and lessons he wishes every student could learn. Music: Boris "Minha Chuva" Square Cad is Sponsored by Dangerous Music. Check out all the indispensable mastering tools at dangerousmusic.com!

Jeff Lipton's discography is filled with some of the best records of the past 15 years. His credits include The Magnetic Fields, Codeine, Arcade Fire, LCD Soundsystem, Andrew Bird, Battles, and many more. Jeff spoke with me about changing client expectations, his 6-week gear rule, and learning hard lessons. Music: Collection Of Colony of Bees "Lawn" Square Cad is Sponsored by Dangerous Music. Check out all the indispensable mastering tools at dangerousmusic.com!