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’