Which license covers the use of an original audio recording?

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

Answer: (D)

The key idea is distinguishing between the actual sound recording and the underlying song. The original audio recording is the master recording—the specific take captured in the studio. Using that exact recording in another work requires a master use license, which is negotiated with the owner of the master (usually a record label). This license specifically covers the right to exploit the actual recording in film, TV, trailers, ads, etc.

The other licenses protect different rights: a synchronization license is about pairing a musical composition with moving images; a public performance license covers playing the music publicly (live venues, radio, streams); a mechanical license deals with reproducing or distributing the underlying composition (the song itself), not the particular recording.