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When recording on to magnetic tape, the original tape is known as the master tape. A Multitrack Recording master tape or disk, on which productions are developed (or captured, in a live session) for later Mixing , is known as the multitrack master, while the tape or disk holding a mix ( Mono , Stereo , or Surround ) is called a mixed master. 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. CD MASTERING Compact Disc s allow mastering in both audio and data formats, and also allow for remixing of the content. A master disc may also be referred to as a "Gold Master or "Glass Master" derived from the gold and glass presses that imprint vinyl LPs and silicon CDs respectively. OWNERSHIP OF THE MASTER Song masters and album masters are considered Intellectual Property . 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 be sold for several times the production cost or "recoupable cost". MASTERS WITH RESPECT TO INDIE 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 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 "mindy" (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 licenced to a major label, and then returned to the original owner; the artist, manager, producer or investor as the case may be. 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. 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. 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 it's release. This may be possible under the terms of an independent release, but major labels don't sell their masters. SEE ALSO |
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