master tape

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master tape
1. In data processing, a magnetic tape volume that is used without any change to its contents. It is usually protected by a write ring, or some equivalent mechanical device, by which the operator can protect the tape from being erased or over-written even though this is commanded by the host.

2. A tape used in the preparation of a CD-ROM disk. It contains all the information to be placed on the disk, in a format defined by the disk manufacturer. A master disk is prepared from this tape (by mastering), and many final disks can then be copied by a pressing process.