Music Technology C3 Comparison Mark Scheme 04

AO3 (points) AO4 (analysis/comparisons/conclusions)

Dynamics
• Fugees version • The Fugees version was produced in the 1990s, where
features more audio production techniques and approaches were more
consistent dynamics stringent (1), seeking a cleaner sounding outcome, with as
(1) less noise/little variation as possible (1) The Fugees may
have had access to more transient responsive FET and VCA
compressors, to control better the dynamic variation in
parts like vocals (1) The Flack version could have used
softer, OPTO compression (1) though it might be that the
producer of this record favoured more obvious dynamic
changes to signify progression of song structure and
texture (1)
Recording
• Flack version has • Recorded onto analogue tape (1) with hiss caused by
audible hiss (1) several pieces of analogue equipment connected (1) with
audible slight rhythmic misalignment of kick and snare rim
clicks (1)
• Flack version has • Harmony starts at 0’05’’ and is the same singer (1) and
multi-tracked vocals later provides for full sounding, homophonic vocal section
(1) at 3’45’’ with reverberant vocals (1) creating a legato
movement in semi-tone harmony (1) The Fugees version
features layers of spoken vocals, creating a complicated
texture, suiting the genre of Hip Hop (1), often associated
with large groups of rappers performing together (1)
• Audible poor editing • Clearly recorded on analogue tape (1) where engineers
point or disruption to hand to hand-cut different takes together (1) though this
analogue waveform could also have been caused by slight variations in the
on drums at 0’46’’ (1) speed of capstan on analogue tape recorder (1)
• Notably dry acoustic • Ensure clarity of parts (1) and reduces muddiness in mix
on recording (1) (1), then allowing for application of reverb to significant
parts i.e. vocals (1)
Instrumentation
• Flack version uses • Popular keyboard in soul music (1) with LFO tremolo
Fender Rhodes (1) modulation (1) as was common and to add timbral interest
(1) This instrument is also used in Fugees version, though
the mix level is lower (1)
Balance
• Flack version has • Vocals tend to be focal point in popular music (1) in order
prominent lead vocal that the message of a song is clearly delivered (1) The
(1) Fugees version features only vocals and drums for verse
sections, perhaps helping to improve clarity of the vocals
(1) and lyrical message conveyed (1)
EQ
Music Technology C3 Comparison Mark Scheme 04

• Fugees bass part has • Low pass filter applied to control higher frequencies (1), in
deep, muffled order to make space for other, brighter sounding parts e.g.
sounding bass (1) vocals and drums (1)
Effects
• Heavy reverb on • Helps parts to seem further away/ambient (1), retaining
backing vocals at focus on dry lead vocal (1) adding to and supporting
0’09’’ (1) lamenting mood (1), helping later sections to sound fuller
(1) This is replicated on the Fugees version, though with a
slower tempo, so slightly longer reverb times
Panning
• Hard panning of • Helps to keep space in centre of stereo field for lead vocal
backing vocals at (1) and creates a wider, fuller stereo image overall (1) as if
0’09’’ (1) a whole choir were singing (1) Similar approach in Fugees
version, though with addition of spoken parts, helping to
maintain space in the centre of the stereo field for lead
vocals (1)
• Hard panning of • Drums panned right, bass panned left (1) to ensure clarity
rhythm section at of guitar and lead vocal in centre of stereo field (1) create
0’31’’ (1) separation of all parts (1) and was a popular mixing
technique with increasing popularity of stereo records in
the 60s and 70s (1)
Synthesis, Sampling, Sequencing
• Fugees version • Hip Hop music is synonymous with use of loops, often
features a repetitive recorded from older records (1) using samplers like Akai
loop on drum kit (1) S950 (1) with low frequency sample rates (1) in order to
create a lo-fi outcome (1) This helps to maintain
consistency with the part in terms of dynamics and timbre,
so that focus remains on vocals (1)