Which license is required when using a pre-recorded recording?

• A. Master Use License
• B. Synchronization License
• C. Public Performance License
• D. Mechanical License

Answer: (A)

When you want to use the actual sound recording that already exists, you’re dealing with the master recording rights. The owner of that master (typically the label or the artist) must grant permission to exploit that specific recording in your project, and that permission is called a Master Use License. This license specifically covers the use of the master track itself, not the underlying song or its other rights.

If you also want to use the song’s composition in a visual project, you’d typically need a synchronization license for the musical composition in addition to the master use license for the recording. A public performance license would cover publicly performing or broadcasting the music, but it doesn’t authorize using the master recording in your production. A mechanical license applies to reproducing and distributing copies of the recording, not to using an existing master in a new project.