What Does 'Supplying the Master' Mean in the Digital Realm?

Hey Folks--
 
In selling songs in the good old days when they would ask for the master, etc. you gave them the 1 or 2" tape of the master you did in the studio. Now, I see songwriter postings where the producer is still asking for the master. But if I recorded it on my computer in Sonar, what's the master?
 
I record in 24/96 and then dither to red book and submit that CD. I guess I would just burn to DVD and give them the 24/96 as the master?
 
Anyone know?
 
 
Thanks!

That makes more sense. I always thought it was a licensing issue. Kind of like, "I paid you for the song, now hand over the master so you can't use it for something else...now that it's mine"
 
I guess there's also that chance they may want the actual wav files to import into CW or PT to mix themselves--right?
 
Thanks!

In the old days w/ tape someone "owned" (had possession of) the master tape - which was usually the 16-24 track reel.  The studio owner never let that go until he/she had been paid in full.  Or not if he/she wanted to get paid.  You never even let a stereo reel to reel copy of the master go, since someone could get that replicated.  Once the studio was paid, usually the label took control of the tape, since under the studio system they paid for the recording.

Things are different in the digital age, but a smart studio owner won't let a digital copy go out the door since an unscrupoulous artist could print copies and stiff the studio.  Even an mp3 can be distributed (thank you iTunes, etc.).

So, yea, ask the producer what they want.  But be sure and get paperwork and money before you send a copy anywhere, if you want to be treated as a pro (not you Razor, but anyone less experienced that is reading the thread).

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