{
  "id": 2760499,
  "title": "Maxell brings back classic 1970s cassette tapes — 1970s ferric formula is custom-made for vintage PC data drives",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/maxell-brings-back-classic-1970s-cassette-tapes-1970s-ferric-formula",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-23T09:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Hardware",
    "slug": "tom-s-hardware",
    "url": "https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/storage/maxell-partners-with-disk-union-to-release-ud-60u-special-edition-cassettes-black-and-red-ud-tapes-could-be-ideal-for-use-in-your-c64-datassette"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "Maxell and Disk Union collaborate to release special edition UD-60U cassette tapes in Japan.",
  "key_points": [
    "Maxell and Disk Union collaborate on August 21 for UD-60U tape release",
    "Ferric formula custom-made for vintage PC data drives",
    "UD-60U tapes priced at 990 yen ($6.25) and 2,900 yen ($18.28)"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}