Master recordings

Master recordings are the original recordings of audio performances. The term covers recording as well as post-recording mixes and production edits: masters are the copyrighted recordings that are used for analog and digital duplication.^[1] Master 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.^[2]