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Favorited Maxell brings back classic 1970s cassette tapes — 1970s ferric formula is custom-made for vintage PC data drives | Tom's Hardware by Mark Tyson (Tom's Hardware)
Creating mix tapes is hinted at as a possible use of a pack of UD-60Us. Normal-position tapes (Type I ferric) like these are not the best for high-fidelity audio recordings. I always liked to use Chrome (Type II) or even Metal (Type IV) tapes for my own hi-fi mixes and recordings. Nevertheless, ferric tapes are ideal for 8-bit home computer tape storage.

I read an article by Mark Tyson for Tom’s Hardware titled Maxell brings back classic 1970s cassette tapes — 1970s ferric formula is custom-made for vintage PC data drives. I have many VCR memories, but I do not have many audio cassette tape memories despite being old enough to remember when they were readily available in stores. But while I came to this article for a cassette revival story, I stayed for some fun cassette facts. I summarize below:

  • The revived 1970s cassette tapes being referenced in the article are UD-60Us.
  • According to Mr. Tyson, the UD-60Us are “normal-position tapes” (Type I ferric).
  • In Mr. Tyson’s distinguished opinion, Type I ferric tapes “are not the best for high-fidelity audio recordings.”
  • Mr. Tyson prefers Chrome (Type II) tapes for making hi-fi mixes and recordings.
  • He also finds Metal (Type IV) tapes to be acceptable for audio recordings.
  • Mr. Tyson opines that the Type I ferric tapes “are ideal for 8-bit home computer tape storage.”

I knew nothing about different types of cassette tapes, so I found that to be enlightening. The revival must be in full swing because not long after reading Mr. Tyson’s report, I read Fiio releases first look at one of its upcoming portable cassette players by Habeeb Onawole for Notebook Check.