Definition of Master recording
A master recording, or simply a master, is the original recording—including post-recording mixes and production edits—of an audio performance, from which all analog and digital copies of the audio are derived. The term refers only to the recorded performance of a song; it does not cover the composition of recorded material, which is a separate copyright that belongs to the songwriter unless ownership of the copyright is transferred or sold to a separate entity.
Related terms
Sound recording copyright
A sound recording copyright is the copyright in a recorded fixation of sounds, as…
Mastering (audio)
Mastering is a form of audio post-production which is the process of preparing and…
Super Bit Mapping
Super Bit Mapping (SBM) is a noise shaping process, developed by Sony for CD mastering.
Half-speed mastering
Half-speed mastering is a technique occasionally used when cutting the acetate lacquers…
Digital Audio Stationary Head
The Digital Audio Stationary Head or DASH standard is a reel-to-reel, digital audio tape…
Cassette tape
The cassette tape, officially named the Compact Cassette, and also known as audio…
Dynagroove
Dynagroove is a recording process introduced in 1963 by RCA Victor that, for the first…
Sound on tape
SOT is an acronym for the phrase sound on tape. It refers to any audio recorded on…
Dictabelt
The Dictabelt, in early years and much less commonly also called a Memobelt, is an…
Frequently asked questions
What is Master recording?
A master recording, or simply a master, is the original recording—including post-recording mixes and production edits—of an audio performance, from which all analog and digital copies of the audio are derived.