In a curious move, Disk Union has announced a collaborative effort with Maxell, in which the two companies are jointly resurrecting a classic Compact Cassette tape series: the UD-60U. The UD-60U is a Type I ferric formula-based tape from the 1970s, which competed head on with equivalent ferric tapes from TDK, Sony, and others.
As pointed out by Tom’s Hardware, the UD series (and other Type I ferric tapes) are considered ideal for PC data drives of the 8-bit home computer era, with other tape formulations being generally considered preferable for high-fidelity audio recordings.
“Exchanging cassette tapes as an important way to share our favorite music and culture. For those who grew up with the “UD” series back then, this will evoke a sense of nostalgia. And for the younger generation, this item will offer a fresh and appealing experience,” says Disk Union in a press release translated from Japanese.
As per the press release, the reincarnated UD-60U was released to the public starting August 21 via the distributor Denkyosha Co., Ltd. For the time being, the series is exclusively available in Japan, with pricing set at 990 yen (roughly $6.22 USD) for a single tape, and 2,900 yen (roughly $18.21 USD) for a 3-pack.
What’s old is new again
Compact Cassette tapes carry with them potent levels of nostolgia
While it’s true that I placed the Compact Cassette in fourth place when I ranked various physical music formats in a previous article, the format still holds a special place in my heart. I grew up when tapes were still ever-present on the market, sitting right alongside their Compact Disc (CD) counterparts.
Cassettes are a charming audio format on the whole, what with their magnetic tapes, their double-sidedness, and their analog sound signature. Of course, they also suffered from durability issues, with sound quality tending to degrade after repeated playbacks.
The revival of the UD series tapes from Disk Union and Maxell is proof that there’s solid demand out there for retro audio formats, which is broadly in line with physical media’s overarching return to the limelight in recent times.
It’s unfortunate that the UD-60U is only making its way to Japan, but I can envision future tape hardware reboots arriving onto Western shores if enough units are moved this time around. Personally, I’d love to see a variety of blank tape styles offered for purchase in 2026 and beyond, including Type II (chrome), Type III (ferrichrome), and Type IV (metal).
