← Music Technology syllabus

EnglandMusic Technology

Capture and correction

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How is audio recorded cleanly into a DAW and then edited non-destructively to assemble the best performance?

Capturing and editing audio: setting levels and recording cleanly, non-destructive editing, cutting, trimming and moving regions, comping the best take, crossfades to avoid clicks, fades, and removing noises and breaths.
A focused answer to the Edexcel 9MT0 capture and editing content, covering recording cleanly, non-destructive editing, cutting and moving regions, comping, crossfades, fades, and removing noises.
12 min answer →

How is the pitch of a recording corrected, and how does pitch correction differ from a creative pitch effect?

Pitch correction: tuning a recorded vocal or instrument to the correct notes, transparent correction versus the hard Auto-Tune effect, retune speed and reference scale, formant preservation, and identifying pitch correction by ear.
A focused answer to the Edexcel 9MT0 pitch-correction content, covering tuning a vocal to the correct notes, transparent correction versus the hard Auto-Tune effect, retune speed and reference scale, formants, and identifying it by ear.
11 min answer →

How is the timing of a performance corrected, and how do you tighten a part without making it sound mechanical?

Timing correction: quantising MIDI and audio, the grid and note values, quantise strength and swing, groove templates, flexing or warping audio timing, and balancing tightness against natural feel.
A focused answer to the Edexcel 9MT0 timing-correction content, covering quantising MIDI and audio, the grid and note values, quantise strength and swing, groove templates, warping audio, and keeping a natural feel.
11 min answer →

What does the Component 4 corrections task require, and how do you fix supplied audio and MIDI under exam conditions?

The Component 4 corrections and producing task: working with supplied audio parts and a MIDI part in a DAW, identifying and fixing timing, tuning, level and edit problems, realising the MIDI part, mixing the materials, and working methodically under time pressure.
A focused answer to the Edexcel 9MT0 Component 4 task, covering working with supplied audio and a MIDI part in a DAW, fixing timing, tuning, level and edit problems, realising the MIDI, mixing, and working methodically under time pressure.
12 min answer →