Lets start with the Master Tape. What is that?
With few exceptions like special recordings made with only two microphones, the music released on CD by DCC Compact Classics was originally recorded on a multi-track tape machine. Instead of the traditional left and right channel like on a stereo, it began with two and three tracks in the 50s to up to 48 or more in the 80s. Each instrument or group of instruments is recorded onto separate tracksmany times on different days or in different locations around the world. Those separate tracks are then mastered down to two trackslike on a stereo. This first generation mix-down tape is the actual original master tape of the album.
