Maxell brings back classic 1970s cassette tapes — 1970s ferric formula is custom-made for vintage PC data drives
Maxell and Disk Union collaborate to release special edition UD-60U cassette tapes in Japan.
Disk Union and Maxell collaborated on August 21 to release a special edition cassette tape called UD-60U. This new line of tapes aims to appeal to nostalgic customers who remember the days when cassette tapes were a popular way to share music and culture. The Disk Union press release mentions that the UD-60U tapes evoke a sense of nostalgia and even encourage people to make home recordings from vinyl.
While normal-position tapes may not be ideal for high-fidelity audio recordings, ferric tapes like the UD-60U are perfect for 8-bit home computer tape storage. These tapes work well with vintage computer systems such as the Commodore 64 Datassette or any tape interface used with the VIC-20, Plus/4, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, MSX, and BBC Micro.
Maxell UD tapes were first launched in 1970 as a high-output, low-noise mass-market cassette line. Later, they switched to PX gamma-hematite iron oxide for higher output, lower noise, and better frequency response. These tapes were often chosen by major music labels for commercial pre-recorded cassette releases. After a wave of UD revivals in 2016, Maxell and Disk Union have brought back the UD-60U tapes in both single packs and triple packs, priced at 990 yen ($6.25) and 2,900 yen ($18.28) respectively.
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