A master recording is an original recording, from which copies may be made.
When recording on to magnetic or digital tape, the original tape is known as the master tape. When recording on to a computer hard disk, is known as session files.
A multitrack recording master tape, disk or computer files on which productions are developed (or captured, in a live session) for later mixing, is known as the multi-track master, while the tape, disk or computer files holding a mix (mono, stereo or Surround) is called a mixed master. Multitrack recording ('multitracking' or just 'tracking' for short is a method of Sound recording that allows for the separate recording of multiple sound sources to create Audio mixing is the process by which a multitude of sound sources are combined into one or more channels Monaural (often shortened to mono) sound reproduction is single-channel Stereophonic sound, commonly called stereo, is the reproduction of Sound, using two or more independent audio channels through a Symmetrical 51, Multichannel audio, Multichannel music Surround 3D Surround 5
It is standard practice to make a copy of a master recording, known as a safety copy, in case the master is lost or damaged.
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Definition
The phrase "original master recording" is commonly used indiscriminately within the music industry. There is only one original master recording, and that's the recording made at the time of the original recorded performance, but the term "master" is commonly used to describe almost anything used as a source.
There are several methods by which master recordings are created. The first (and oldest) is "direct to tape. " This is where one (mono), two (stereo), or more microphone signals are equalized, mixed, and recorded directly to a mono or stereo (2 track) tape. Monaural (often shortened to mono) sound reproduction is single-channel Stereophonic sound, commonly called stereo, is the reproduction of Sound, using two or more independent audio channels through a Symmetrical Monaural (often shortened to mono) sound reproduction is single-channel Stereophonic sound, commonly called stereo, is the reproduction of Sound, using two or more independent audio channels through a Symmetrical This tape is the master.
The other method is called "multitrack recording" and most recently in digital terms, "session files". Multitrack recording ('multitracking' or just 'tracking' for short is a method of Sound recording that allows for the separate recording of multiple sound sources to create By these methods, each microphone signal or line input is recorded to its own track on a multi-track recorder. At a later time, the signals that were recorded on this multi-track format will be reproduced, equalized, and mixed down to a stereo or mono tape, which is also called the master tape. Stereophonic sound, commonly called stereo, is the reproduction of Sound, using two or more independent audio channels through a Symmetrical Monaural (often shortened to mono) sound reproduction is single-channel
A multi-track tape may be remixed many times, in different ways, on different days, by different engineers, giving the possibility of several masters (AM radio version, mono version, LP stereo version, single version, guitarist's personal version with lead solos emphasized, etc). Any of these would have the designation "first generation", but not necessarily "master", which means there could be many alternate mixes. With multi-track recording one has the option of changing the emphasis on any given instrument, replacing it or omitting it entirely.
Ownership of the master
Song masters and album masters are considered intellectual property. Intellectual property ( IP) is a legal field that refers to creations of the mind such as musical literary and artistic works inventions and symbols names As with physical property, ownership is acquired by purchasing it, creating it or inheriting it. In this sense, the intellectual property concept applies similarly in the purchase of a house, a car or any other property.
Before a song or album master is released, the value of the master is determined by the cost to produce it. After release, the value of the master is determined by its potential to sell CDs. The master and all rights associated with it may be sold for several times the production cost or "recoupable cost".
Masters with respect to independent music and major label recording contracts
In a typical independent artist/production deal, the artist will pay the studio up front to produce songs or an album of songs. In Popular music, independent music, often abbreviated as indie, is a term used to describe independence from major commercial record labels and an autonomous In this deal, the artist, having financed the project, owns the master. If the studio, production company or record company finances the master, sometimes called a "spec" deal, then that studio or company owns the master.
Major record companies and their major indie satellite labels will not offer the artist the option to finance the production of their own master. This is because major labels have an interest in building and maintaining their catalog of albums. From Elvis to Pink Floyd to Avril Lavigne, the record companies will likely own the masters indefinitely.
An independent artist may also do a distribution deal where the independently produced master is temporarily licensed to a major label, and then returned to the original owner; the artist, manager, producer or investor as the case may be. A distribution deal is a legal agreement between one party and another to handle distribution of a product
Sale of the Master vs. Sale of Albums
A recording may generate revenue for the artist and studio/record company simultaneously, regardless of who owns the master. The breakdown of revenues from CD sales, also called "mechanical royalties", is determined by the terms of the recording contract. Royalties (sometimes running royalties) are usage-based payments made by one party (the "licensee" to another (the "licensor" for ongoing use of an Mechanical royalties are divided between the artist and the studio or record company in accordance with the terms that the artist has negotiated with that company.
Sale of the master refers to a buyout of the intellectual property, usually by a major label. Intellectual property ( IP) is a legal field that refers to creations of the mind such as musical literary and artistic works inventions and symbols names If an independent record becomes very popular, a label could consider buying the master. In this instance, the buyout price will usually be several times the raw cost (recoupable cost) of producing the recording. It is rare that an artist will purchase the master recording after its release. This may be possible under the terms of an independent release, but major labels don't sell their masters.
See also
Mastering, a form of audio Post-production, is the process of preparing and transferring recorded audio from a source containing the final mix to a Data storage deviceDapyx Software network: MP3 Explorer | Ebook Manager | Zenithic