Music Technology Guide
Essay Question
Compare and Contrast the Production Techniques of
'One Rose'
Recorded by Jimmie Rodgers in 1930 and Jerry Lee Lewis in 1976
16 points
Once identifying a technqiue (AO3) provide what resultant effect would be (AO4)
For example, in 1930s only one mic avaible (AO3) therefore no control of balance of individual channels (AO4)
1 point for AO3 / 1 point for AO4
What recording techniques were used to capture the audio?
1930s:
One Microphone in a live recording environment resulting in no control of balance of individual channels, a muffled sound because of the quality of poor frequency response of microphone. Mono recorded straight to disc with much crackling.
1970s:
Multi-mics set up with numerous close mics, multi-track recording (16 track machines) allowing for overdubbing and in mastered/mixed in Stereo allowing for greater separation with panning. The close mics and multiple channels result in clear individual tracks recorded, multi-mic'ed drum kit, use of overdubbing and therefore double tracking, also can edit after recording by playing back the tape.
Choice of Instrumentation
1930s:
Vocals, guitar, bass; the balance of instruments achieved by placing mic carefully in the room, resulting in poor balance focussed on Vocals.
1970s:
Piano, electric bass, drums, multiple vocals, slide guitar, tremolo guitar, hammond organ, mutli-backrgound vocal ooohhhs/ahhhs and harmoninca, violin; overall sounds modern, much clarity of each instrument through multi-track recording can achieve good volume balance, use of EQ and panning.
How have effects been applied?
1930s:
Relies entirely on Natural Reverb and appropriate microphone placement, therefore little control over the amount of ambience on individual instruments as this is determined by their distance from the mic.
1970s:
Can hear use of Tremolo guitar pedal invented late 1960s (volume controlled by LFO), several reverb types applied at different send levels. Reverb added at mixing stage to the electric instruments, to give the impression in the same a room as the band. Eq used to boost frequencies to make sounds clearer and carve out space resulting in greater clarity. Compression gives wider dynamic range.
How does the frequency range affect the recordings?
1930s:
Very restricted and no use of EQ, the frequency range limited because of the recording equipment available. There is a lack of Low and High Frequencies.
1970s:
Wider frequency range and use of EQ, mics with a wider frequency response helps with balance and separation.
How has gain/dynamics been used to maintain a good Signal to Noise Ratio?
1930s:
A general level is set, and some instruments distort or aren't loud enough resulting in a poor SNR; too much background noise recorded, adding to the general crackle.
1970s:
Levels can be set for individual instruments, and compression used to avoid distortion. Much better SNR since the signal can be controlled through appropriate gain stucture, volume and application of dynamics. Compression allows for a smoother, distortion-free capture, allowing instruments to sit better in the mix, which was rarely achievable in the 30’s.
How has Overdubbing been used?
1930s:
Not possible due to lack of technology and recording straight to disc.
1970s:
Overdubbing used on Vocals, meaning multiple individual takes could be recorded, without having to record the entire thing again. Composite vocal tracks could be compiled.