Which license allows use of music in timed synchronization but not the recording?

• A. Synch License
• B. Master License
• C. Synchronization License
• D. Publishing License

Answer: (A)

Syncing music with visuals relies on the synchronization license. This license covers permission to tie a musical work to a timed sequence (film, TV, video) without giving rights to use the actual sound recording. It’s the right you obtain from the song’s publisher to place the music alongside moving images, separate from any rights to the master recording itself.

The master license, in contrast, governs the use of the actual recording, not the act of syncing the music to visuals. The publishing license relates to the rights in the musical composition itself, but it does not by itself grant the specific right to synchronize with moving images. So, for timed synchronization without using the recording, the synchronization license is the correct one.