"New" Maxell UR & New EQ Professional - 2020 - Type 1 Cassettes

Here I look at the "New" Maxell UR & New EQ Professional - 2020 - Type 1 Cassettes. Is the future getting brighter?
Deck Used : Nakamichi ZX-9
Tune used : Candy Apple Blue - Can't Stop Thinking Of You (Juno Dreams Remix)
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[@vwestlife]

I just got a new (manufactured in 2022) EQ Professional cassette, which is now in a clear shell instead of white, and although it requires a lot of negative bias, otherwise it sounds fine -- no audible dropouts, and it can take levels to +3 dB with no distortion. So they must've improved their tape formulation and/or manufacturing process since this video was made.

[@monsieurlehigh4912]

Interesting... about six months ago Tony did a video on the new EQs with the clear shell, and the results were mediocre.

[@vwestlife]

@@monsieurlehigh4912 The 2022 version of th EQ Professional is different than the 2021 version Tony tested. It has white hubs and red leader.

[@monsieurlehigh4912]

@@vwestlife Ah, you're right! RTM Foxes changed their hubs too (quite a while ago). It seems all currently produced cassettes need to be re-reviewed. :D

[@kanalnamn]

@1:32 I e-mailed Kenwood Japan with a question back in the mid 90s, the response were fantastic. I had a new manual for my equipment in my (physical) mailbox here in Europe one week later.

[@thewalkmanmemes]

I remember having my whole music collection recorded onto Maxell cassette tapes. No matter what other brands come to the market, Maxell will always have a special place in my heart.

[@CassetteComeback]

I think Maxell are the most hardy of all brands.

[@shapeshifta3431]

maxell have that 'cassette herritage'. legends of the technology game

[@harlowdella-bosca6998]

I'm a dance teacher and i use to use TDK cassettes for performances - nothing better.

[@GlaciaDay]

As a Japanese, I have to confirmed that part of what you said is true. We are indeed xenophobic sometimes against foreigners who have no idea how things work in Japan. Your behaviour could be considered impolite in some way. Well, in my opinion this is total bullsh*t. I am sorry for what heppened to you.

[@CassetteComeback]

Thanks. Working for Hitachi, I picked up the right way to introduce and carry myself. My thoughts are that as soon as something is not written in Kanji, it is ignored 😔

[@GlaciaDay]

Cassette Comeback It could very well be that if i am honest with you. Anyway, I am glad that you got in touch with Hitachi. Guess that do have someone who can read and write in English.

[@interstat2222]

No, he’s saying he WORKED for Hitachi (meaning: was employed by).

[@sholimz]

Hi GlacierXD, I agree with your sentence that Japanese are "against foreigners who have no idea how things work in Japan". The story is that my daughter is a great fan of Rilakkuma and his gang. So she displays her favourite bear on her work table. She works for a Japanese International company in Malaysia. One day her Japanese boss saw the bear and thought that she was not worthy or she had no right to having that bear. Let me tell you that she has a lorry load of Rilakkuma things in her room.

[@djstephennicholls]

Yep I have no idea how used panty vending machines work in Japan 😅😅

[@PaulTaylor1]

Awww... I would have been glad to see a return to non-clear shells.

[@alexandershalin3543]

I prefer the 70s style. They look classy.

[@getzapped313]

Alexander Shalin i like being able to see whats going on inside, helps me fix issues that can happen

[@alexandershalin3543]

​@@getzapped313 You can see nothing in many cassette decks, Nakamichi, for example. Too small windows.

[@MatrixAlphaCWX]

I love the classic colors, cuz you can draw and write on them without a sticker. Clear is so boring !!! Hahha

[@andrewlittleboy8532]

I personally think if there's dropouts on new cassettes it's unacceptable. Even good quality second hand tapes can be dropout free pretty much so no excuses on a new tape.

[@wisteela]

Great stuff. That new UR is really impressive, and I really like the minimal look.

[@crucie75]

The new UR is very promising ! lets hope more players enter the market with tape as good as this :) Great review as usual Tony, thank you !

[@nasraroshan7875]

Many Thanks,Tony!. Your videos are one of our hopes in cassette world!.

[@andrewlittleboy8532]

Telling it like it is, "tough shit". That's why we love you Tony! 👍

[@summerforever6736]

Agree!! No need to be acting!!!

[@watershed44]

@Cassette Comeback Thanks for showing the graphs! I love this information.

[@Synthematix]

I got some of these dirt cheap from www.tapeline.info/v2/ about a quid each

[@doskungen]

"Azimuth stable...Aaaaah!" just gotta love ya Tony! Your videos are very informative and a lot of fun. :D

[@FelixAlter]

I saw this coming because he didn't give the azimuth time to set in at the beginning, so I thought it probably wasn't exactly on the spot.

[@steveoszman8746]

Well done and I will be looking for these. Your vids have helped me greatly on recording with my plebeian gear. God Bless keep the tape spinning man.

[@camhyde9701]

the Maxell UR is WAY more stable than the EQ Pro... no contest... and the Maxell does sound really good

[@richsherman3673]

Great detailed run through. That Nakamichi Tape Deck has features I have never seen or had been aware that existed. It looks like a Laboratory Grade Tape Deck. It is good to know that Cassettes are still alive.

[@milanlukiclundzi3681]

Thank you Mr. Tony! Very good audio video presentation of new cassettes. To me, these cassettes seem very good and very useful. If they show up in my country, I might as well buy a few. Cheers! 🍻 📼

[@watershed44]

Forgive me for sounding silly but who else finds it strangely relaxing when Tony is using the old classic Bic pen to wind the spools in these tapes!??! Brings back a LOT of memories from my childhood of endless hours listening to music on my nice stereo system with a Sony TC-K 555 cassette deck from 1985! *THANKS TONY*

[@CassetteComeback]

This hobby is 90% about Nostalgia and it's fuzzy feelings 😂

[@michaelbell75]

Nice video! In case anyone doesnt know, Amazon has these Maxell UR Type 1 cassettes for sale. I picked up a 5 pack for $11, a two pack is $7. They show up tomorrow. Looking forward to hearing how they sound, I picked up a 2 pack of some new cassettes Walmart are selling for $3.88 and they are not that great obviously. Hopefully these new URs sound good.

[@AruEsse]

"blame Apple" spot on...

[@pd1jdw630]

Sorry 😞

[@RetroCore]

Thanks for the awesome plug there, Tony. Few more subscribers from that have joined. I'm glad to hear the new Maxell tapes are good. I'll be comparing them against the new TDK AE once they arrive.

[@CassetteComeback]

My pleasure. You need to do an "Axia Spectacular" video. That'll ramp up the numbers. I found having a successful yt channel on one topic, doesn't always mean cross pollination. My video game channel has gone, as not enough people into cassettes are in to vintage video games...

[@RetroCore]

@@CassetteComeback yeah, I can see that but it's to be expected I guess. Let's see what the man at fuji can come up with for a future AXIA special.

[@Ale.K7]

Agree that the classic Maxell UR is a nice looking cassette, and also liked the white shell of the EQ Professional.

[@mariogambrelli]

Thank you for the video, Tony! I shall give the UR a try!

[@jhonwask]

I really don't care what the tape looks like, as long as it works well. I had many cheap Ampex cassettes that performed very well.

[@flyingkillerrobots877]

I'd love to get one of the new URs .. now I know they exist. That said, right before lockdown I went around to all the local Walgreen's stores and cleared them out of all their UR stock (in boxes of C-90 x5 for $9.99 each). I was told they won't be restocked, so the URpocalypse might happen sooner rather than later. Thanks for the video, Tony - it does give hope for the future!

[@AlexTechYT]

I don't want to drive the prices up, but the UR60s are available as an 8 pack (half a pack opened, unused and a sealed 5 pack) They were advertised as US UR60s but the Japanese 2020 version showed up at my door, saved me quite a bit of money in importing them!

[@MatrixAlphaCWX]

Of course its getter brighter. If we keep buying them. They will keep making money to put into them. Remember companies rely on customers! : ) This year is the biggest year for Cassette tapes here in USA for new and old bands. They are no longer releasing only vinyl. Now its vinyl and cassettes again! : D! Look out 2021, Cassette's are back.

[@dalequio7960]

Excelente.. Muy interesante. Qué bueno que las empresas clásicas están fabricando cintas de cssette , nuevamente , y de óptima calidad. Gracias por realizar y subir el video. Saludos desde Chile , Sud Amérca.

[@mylesrichardson2087]

Excellent Tony.✊

[@Rompler_Rocco]

Those UR's are exciting! That song made me feel old.

[@geetarbube]

They’ll take those non-Japanese dollars though. The rub is that they have made some awesome kit so we just put up with it.

[@CassetteComeback]

The really awesome stuff they write all about in Kanji...

[@uvb74]

Que bacana cara, fico feliz com a volta delas

[@PanaSonyc]

I just hope that "new" Maxell UR will come to European market one day

[@Musicradio77Network]

Nice cassettes, but don’t know if the Maxell UR’s will make it to the US or not, but it’s not gonna happen, but only in Japan if it’s available. You can also get Maxell UR on eBay from many generations including the 1985, 1989, 1992, 1995, and 1999 as well and they’re all sounded as good. Along with LN and UD which were both predecessors to the UR which dates back to the 1970’s when Maxell was hot for putting out LN and UD cassettes. I have the 1978 Maxell UD and it sounds good compared to the 1975 version.

[@FelixAlter]

@Ian Greenhalgh will be outside the EU soon, well, actually is but the contracts will expire in the last quarter of the year :-(

[@mrk131324]

Like the minimal design of the new UR. Make it special with what you put on it.

[@jacobbellwood6184]

Hi Tony, being in Australia I recently bought tapes through a site that has both type 1 and 2 and custom length tape and different colour cases and so far have found the tape ok. I'd only send the site if you would want to have a look through. And great vids as always.

[@davidpinfold852]

I have some Maxell UR's (bought last year) and the problem I have found is that the spring holding the pressure pad is weak and does not keep good contact with the head (at least on my Technics RS-BX404) so the sound keeps drifting muffled in and out. Having taken 1 apart it appears to to be little more than very soft copper which bends very easily and does not spring back afterwards. I'm guessing that if you have a dual capstan deck then this won't be an issue as it's the dual capstans which keep the tape tensioned against the head. Has anyone else had experience like this? BTW I downloaded the Candy Apple Blue album from Bandcamp and loving it.

[@friendstype25]

Glad were hearing and seeing the same things here.

[@chadjcrase]

I'll be happy as long as RTM Fox keeps being made if the 90's are as good as the 60's I have used. Of course the more new tapes being made the better.

[@MauroGuerreiro]

I'm putting my tapedecks back into use: Sansui D-570 and Technics RS-TR575.

[@luthiercremona]

Thanks Tony for the vídeo!!Speaking about the EQ Professional compact cassette, is very interesting how, even if left and right channels were more separated in higher frequencies than the newer Maxell UR, that didn't resulted in a bad recording or playback.All the contrary I found the EQ Professional with a fuller AND More spacious sound. I must say that I didn't hear the video with headphones.Anyway in my opinion both cassettes tapes are excellent.Regards AND thanks again for the video!Rafael

[@CassetteComeback]

That's why I do the graphs for "other" people. I don't care what they show, my ears are my reference.

[@luthiercremona]

@@CassetteComebackYou are right Tony , in the end Ears Is what counts.Regards!Rafael

[@MikeDS49]

On headphones (Audio-technica ATH-MSR7s), I feel the stereo separation on the EQ Pro wasn't as good as the UR, it sounded a bit distant, and the phantom center drifted around slightly (due to channel phase or level differences?).

[@AndyJHiscock]

I thought the UR90 test was the a playback of the same track was just a glitch as I wasn't watching - Thats how good the recording was I couldn't tell the difference, very high quality.

[@sadinskysan]

Can those type I tapes be compared to old type IV tapes? shouldn't they reproduce the better coating for the band instead of the worst type I? *confused

[@ralphreinhardt6020]

The truth, that's what we come to Tony for. Another cool video there sir. Thank you for the update on new tapes.👍👍

[@hubixl7001]

Thank you for this Tony. And you know what, haha, nothing to do with tapes, but I like the way you speak English, your accent. It's sounds like a TDK MA-R or That's MX-R PRo : pleasant to listen to :-DDD

[@absinthedude]

I really like the look of the "EQ Professional". I think it looks very clean, and is reminiscent of a lot of early 80s cassettes. Good to hear that it's a fairly good performer too. A little bird tells me that the Maxell UR from Japan is new production from Panggung....but I've no firm evidence.

[@Synthematix]

Tony thats the thing with trying to bias some tapes, it changes as the tape plays, i mean in you FF about 15 minutes into the tape and check the bias and levels a second time you will se its much different, this is the true test of a good tape.

[@James-hb6ee]

I liked the sound of that new Maxell UR, and I looked the look of it as well. Classic minimalism. Nobody does it better than the Japanese, IMHO.

[@mrnmrn1]

Tony, please help, I really can't get how these decks adjust the azimuth to a blank cassette. I would have guessed (as I haven't had the opportunity to use such high-end decks) that the azimuth adjustment has to be done during playback, to adjust the head to a tape that was recorded on another deck with possibly slightly different azimuth setting. I would have guessed when you adjust it during recording, it just shows when you reached the calibrated center point. But I see that's not the case, and the Dragon is also hunting for the best azimuth when you start recording. But what is the reference for the azimuth setting in the case of a blank tape? Is the recording head fixed, and it just adjusts the azimuth of the playback head, and if you adjust the azimuth during recording (in calibration mode) it records a test tone to the tape to give itself a reference for adjusting the playback azimuth? But if that's the case, I still can't get why this needs adjustments between different *blank* tapes. How the azimuth can change in that few mm distance between the record and playback head?

[@CassetteComeback]

It's different between the Dragon / CR-7 and ZX-9. The Dragon has a fixed record head and the azimuth of the playback head is adjusted, hence why the dragon is such a great playback deck. The playback head is fixed in the ZX-9, but the record head is adjusted. When the test tone is played, the signal hitting the playback head is measured, moving the record head azimuth will make the signal stronger.

[@mrnmrn1]

​@@CassetteComeback Thanks a lot for the answer. For me, only the Dragon's way of doing it makes sense. A: by doing it the other way you lose the ablility of the best possible playback of tapes that were recorded on other decks, and prerecorded tapes. B: Why on Earth would you constantly adjust the record azimuth? It makes no sense to me, just adjust it at the factory accurately, and that's your reference forever, you can adjust the playback head to it. If a tape was recorded with whatever azimuth on whatever deck, that azimuth angle will be the correct for that particular recording, so to play it back correctly, you need to adjust the playback azimuth to it. Although then why the ZX-9 shows it needs to be adjusted differently on different *blank* tapes? Even if the cassette shell misguides the tape, if you matched the record azimuth to the playback head with another tape previously, this should not change that. With a bad cassette shell, that might cause inaccurate azimuth if it's played back on other decks with different tape transport, but you can't really do anything against it, bad cassette shells will guide the tape erratically between different decks. So I still can't get the ZX-9's and CR-7's concept of azimuth adjustment, but at least the Dragon's is clear now.

[@vilaintrolltrollinsky8007]

Is the EQ professionnal sound better than a "new" or recent TDK Normal Bias. Because in Montreal they are easy available. The Dollorama (Rossy Company) seem to stock a nice load or them.

[@CassetteComeback]

No, I don't think they do.

[@sholimz]

BIC ball pens are great for winding the tape. I do that myself. No other ball pen fits.

[@bazza2825]

The new UR 90 I recently purchased look the same as your EU one but states its made in Indonesia. thanks enjoying your channel.

[@xray111xxx]

Don't ever look for type 2 is very dirty as you said. Type 1 is the only game in town. It has turned into fine wine huh good blank tape. I have been telling everyone who has a cassette deck to take great care of their machines and tapes. This is a never again after everything is said and done. We tape fans are a small boutique like model. Most don't know what it is we talk about. I have a decks I have given thoughts on my JV. TD-V621 for instance. I too am trying to keep the tape life alive. It is hard though. We have to be so much smarter than we were when it was the land of plenty. So enjoy what you can get. Love to the ZX-9. I love that machine. I have a CR-3a and love it and other machines too. Love to your channel. Great wake up call video!

[@CassetteComeback]

Here's the thing though, when they were plentiful and "normal", where they as magical as they are now? No. It's BECAUSE they're now hard to find, that we think of them as treasures...

[@billfranklin5772]

Well done finding these current cassettes. I'm interested in how you record and graph the frequency response curves.

[@CassetteComeback]

Using a program called Audio Tester 3

[@ramanaraomandava6771]

Excellent sir

[@devjock]

Last week I saw duplication.ca introduce laser etched shells. Mighty cool innovation. I'm betting they're banking on combining it with full shell uv printing for a 3d real embossing effect, or something like shell design for blind people. Imagine the possibilities O_o

[@karanjadhav]

Nice sir 👌

[@derekporter7658]

I use Axia minidiscs, just as good as any Sony minidiscs. Anyway, cassettes,, great video and very interesting. The Japanese UR did sound very good indeed. Thanks for another great video Tony!!

[@derekporter7658]

Further to my wee bit of info,, I also use md's from another Japanese manufacturer called Prime Media. I have found them to be very good quality too, and I wonder if your man in Japan knows if they produce audio cassette tapes? My knowledge there is limited.

[@TweezerBleezer123]

Waiting for tascam or an adjacent company to reissue a 2020 version of a Portastudio, or 8 track reel to reel like the tsr 8. Tape recorders are back! Do u think it will happen?

[@CassetteComeback]

Korg did an April Fool with the Volcasette, but no, I don't think a major company will make anything decent ever again.

[@cedrickjmackniddle3861]

Great Rant

[@alexismethenitis]

Hello, how about ATR Magnetics? They have three types new tapes, one Master 60, one Normal MDS 90 and one Pro-Chrome Master 60. Any chance of reviewing them? Thanks.

[@CassetteComeback]

Well, since ATR, like the Japanese companies, don't think I'm worthy of a reply to my emails they can go whistle as well. Why should I give people free publicity if they can't even show any common courtesy?

[@alexismethenitis]

@@CassetteComeback With you 100%, my friend! Thank you.

[@jut20five]

Also I probably should have mentioned that I was quality control manager on the Hitachi high speed train development "shed" in ashford , Kent . The high speed trains developed by Hitachi I and also had dealings with their Japanese engineers .

[@CassetteComeback]

Nice. We used to use you guys as a reference for the Hitachi iot platform.

[@killmore75]

Why do my tascam 122mk2 has a 10khz and 400hz for calibration? I'm having issues calibrating my tape for recording : (

[@mariogambrelli]

Hello, join tapeheads.net !

[@connorm955]

The 2021 EQ professional has black hubs. Looks nice IMO.

[@walkingbackwardsforchristm7322]

Hi you probably may have already reviewed the RTM Fox and compared them against the Maxell UD90. I'd be interested in your findings and results .. Also I think there is a German company from Berlin manufacturing new cassettes, but I've forgotten their name..Last question: We will probably not going to see new made type IV (Metal) tapes anymore, do we?

[@CassetteComeback]

There's two videos, near the start of my "career" which look at the RTM Fox. Correct, there won't be new Type 2, let alone Type 4.

[@verastaki]

I just purchased 20 more 5-pack Maxell UR 90 Minute Tapes at Fred Meyer to copy all of my brother's CD's, using my Professional Studio Quality MARENTZ and TEAC PROFESSIONAL STUDIO QUALITY AUDIO COMPACT CASSETTE TAPE DECKS!!! The blank Maxell UR 90 AUDIO COMPACT CASSETTE TAPE has two red bars on each side, one red bar has UR and other red bar has 90, Type I, IEC I, 120qs. Of course, since they don't sell CHROME, Type II, IEC II, 70qs or METAL, Type IV, IEC IV, 70qs. Lucky to still buy decent quality Audio Compact Cassette Tapes compared to other blank tapes they sell today. At least Maxell still continues to manufacture decent quality Audio Compact Cassette Tapes today, on June 6, 2020!

[@apislapis]

Looking forward 5 years to your "UR revisited, told you so" video, Tony. They may well be dearer than £5.00, who knows what the rate of inflation will do after Coronavirus?

[@retrotechguy9517]

I do think that the clear cassettes look better, because it was always nice to see the full size of the reels in the cassette, which you wouldn't get with the black or white cassettes. I suppose that doesn't really matter when you're wanting a good quality sound, which is the most important thing. I always thought it was nice to see the movement and see the tape becoming smaller on one side and larger on the other. I don't like MP3 files. They're okay for convenience when travelling but I don't consider them worthy enough for proper serious listening. I would far rather listen to a cassette tape any day. I still have a tape deck, a Pioneer CT-W550R. I would never swap my hi-fi for any MP3 player. They are so much more versatile and have far better superior sound than any MP3 player could ever produce. I just want to say too, that you have a nice voice. I could listen all day to you talking about anything. Sorry. I just wanted to mention it.

[@CassetteComeback]

Familiarity breeds contempt 😀 I personally can't stand my own voice, but it's the only one I've got... I like seeing the tape moving. My fave shells are opaque, but with big windows like the 1986 Sony range. I also like open well decks, so you can see the cassette in action. MP3 have their uses, like in the car when road noise negates the need for high quality, that's why I mostly listen to Spotify in the car.

[@martytoo]

Can someone tell me if Maxell communicator tapes are of any value? I have seen them offered for $0.25 a piece.

[@CassetteComeback]

I've done a video on them. Look for the professional cassette one

[@martytoo]

@@CassetteComeback Thanks.

[@bob7872]

Hi Tony. For type 2's, I don't know about Europe or other countries, but where I live, the place I mentioned had ATR ones, then sold out. Then they got more in stock, but a different brand, NRS, what the man I spoke to on the phone said was made for them, National Recording Supplies. He said on all items except cassettes, you could walk in and buy right away, but for the cassettes, you had to pre-order online, then you could have them shipped or pick them up in person. I ordered some, and plan to go there soon. I'm thinking of sending you one so you can check it out.

[@CassetteComeback]

They're filled with NOS Type 2, that's why they go out of stock them come back in again...as they locate more. New Type 2 is not being manufactured.

[@RWL2012]

which part of Hitachi did you work in, if you don't mind saying...?

[@CassetteComeback]

Data systems / Vantara

[@watershed44]

@Cassette Comeback I'm a little surprised about your experience with Japanese companies. I worked for Denso Automotive systems and the Japanese staff that was here in the USA were extremely friendly to all they contacted including people in the consumer realm and others outside the company that would ask them questions. I wonder if it depends on the industry involved? We had all ages but I will say mostly men in the demanding positions, but nature still rules when it comes down to it. Doesn't matter the culture or race on that one it would appear.

[@JamesE707]

I wonder how the shell stiffness of this Japan UR cassette compares with the current UK UR version? - you know, 5 for £4 at Wilko types. the current UK UR are a little flimsey in my opinion, but what can I expect for 80p each!?

[@CassetteComeback]

The Japanese ones seems to have the same shell design only smoked.

[@JamesE707]

@@CassetteComeback Okay Tony, thanks.

[@stephenemmett9753]

I agree with you there, Tony. DO *NOT* buy crappy Chinese made new cassettes, buy new old stock classic blank cassettes (if you can AFFORD IT, at least).

[@shadowflash705]

Stephen Emmett problem is. Old stock is not going to last forever and it's always a lottery if you'll get stuff that was stored in proper conditions or it was stored in a humid place and completely ruined. For new stuff. No one will be making MG-X level stuff anymore because it's not profitable. Cassettes aren't as big as vinyl.

[@CassetteComeback]

I didn't say don't buy the Chinese stuff, if it's good. I said that the market won't buy it if they can get NOS cheaper. But as has just been mentioned, NOS won't last forever.

[@musmodtos]

Sorry to go off topic but I have just acquired a "That's - MG-X60" cassette (still wrapped) - I'm making a video about hi-fi (tangentially related to cassettes) but will mention it in passing. Was this an acceptable tape at the time, I must admit I've not heard a great deal about 'That's' although it seems they were perfectly acceptable tapes. It claims to be a Metal type IV, is this the case (and is it a 'real' metal tape or something else masquerading as a Type IV), can anybody help me with the possible age of it? It has the earlier 'That's" logo that Tony has commented on as being one of his favorites. Also the deck I'm using has the Type-III (FeCr) position, without retelling the tale of Type-III, were the decks especially common? Cheers, Andy

[@CassetteComeback]

That's didn't make a bad cassette. Hope you've got a deck good enough to make the most of it.

[@musmodtos]

@@CassetteComeback nope, my deck is shite, absolute shite, it's a geriatric Sharp. It's part of a £250 hifi challenge. Thanks for the reply mate. It will be mentioned in passing about metal tapes etc, but as I mostly listen to Vaporwave a rough sounding deck works better for me in a way. It'll make sense in my video, there is a sideways nod to you Tony in the video I'm making, it'll be up in a few weeks.

[@FelixAlter]

I guess the newest maxell is less cobalt doped because what Tony said at the end about type II, environment issues...

[@wishusknight3009]

It is really good to see this. Some of the Type 1 tapes have been of decent quality. I don't think they rival a decent type 2 by any means but are good with some compression/expansion. I however don't know of any modern type 2 manufactures though.

[@CassetteComeback]

Type 1 Super Ferrics like the TDK AR, Fuji FR1 Super, Maxell XLI-S rival Type 4 cassettes, never mind Type 2. There are no new Type 2 and never will be again. Learn to enjoy good Type 1s...

[@wishusknight3009]

@@CassetteComeback I have not tried very many new formulations. The one's I have tried have certainly been better than the type 1's i remember from decades ago. But they are also dependent on having a really good deck too. when I was a kid, in order to get good performance out of type 1's, I used to do a type of poor mans companding. But come to think of it, i have not done that with any new formulations either so you could be right.

[@JoeBunting1751]

I think I would still go with Maxell over the Professional.

[@CassetteComeback]

It's going to come to the point where you're going to have to take what you can find...

[@phunkthat4124]

And by the way, the problem with Metal tapes on boombox recorder (not compatible with Metal types officially) was its recording ability. The power of erase head was not strong enough to make clean recordings on them. Metal sounds same excellent as Chrome but the noise of previous recording on that tape due to unsupported Metal erase head. So Type I and Type II were easily interchangable on the same equipment if you want to reach best of the best. Metal not. It requires the proper hardware and attention anyway. I think this is why Metal tapes are completely dead today. Chrome is dead too due to RoHS reasons. New Cobalt Type II cassettes exists instead.

[@DvdXploitr]

The "new" UR sounds great. They need to bring them to the US and other countries. I think the EQ Professionals are good too and i'm sure in a portable cassette player, they'd be perfectly fine, maybe not in a high end hifi when compared to other cassettes, but certainly better than the cassettes you can get at Walmart or other stores

[@CassetteComeback]

That's it. I'm sure if I wasn't intently listening for imperfections, then I probably wouldn't have heard them...

[@luisalbertobrandan2397]

Volvieron a fabricar los cassette Virgen?

[@dannydougin3925]

What about type II for use in multi-track cassette machines?

[@CassetteComeback]

NOS is your only option

[@dannydougin3925]

@@CassetteComeback That's what I figured and have plenty. Thanks!

[@fernando29113]

Buena noticia 💯👍

[@pericn]

Nice video

[@QUADBOYification]

I think you tested them wrong, no offense. I tested tapes with and without cushion that pushes the tape against the head(s). If by any means discrepancies are measurable between L&R it is because of these cushions not being centered or having a bad design (not flat). I always remove the little metal plate that most old (new) stock have to push against the cushion against the head(s) that enables better designed decks to have no tape issues with their 3 head designs. These separate rec/play heads have a distinct size and penetrate the cassette hub to a height that touches the metal plate with the cushion still in between. That's not normal to say the least. Tape should move freely over the heads slight pushed by some well designed cushion.

[@Andi12345ism]

I ordered 20 Europe Maxell UR 90 today for a cheap price before they out of stuck.

[@pancudowny]

Looking at the EQ Professional: I notice they use the same color scheme my regional supermarket used for it's "generic" products. So, I guess for "no-frills" cassette recording...! X) ;D

[@CassetteComeback]

And they haven't materialised...so it could all have been just BS

[@snoopdoggdankkush9285]

Is it hard to make metal tapes? I want some metal tapes so bad, I’ve only got one sealed and I’m saving it for my friends so we can record an album on it (:

[@CassetteComeback]

Nobody has made a metal tape in about 20 years and they never will again. New Old Stock is all that's left.

[@peacearchwa5103]

Thank you for reviewing these new tapes. Would you indulge me in a suggestion regarding source material? I really loved hearing Candy Apple Blue - Can't Stop Thinking Of You, it's cool music, but the dynamic range is poor. The audio is heavily compressed, typical of the "loudness war". Heavy-compressed source audio doesn't really test the capacity of a deck/tape system to handle wide dynamic range swings, the audibility of low-level tape hiss, and maximum saturation levels. There are many music recordings available in the YT royalty-free music library exhibiting a wide dynamic range. Additionally, more than anything else I find well-recorded piano music to be particularly useful for evaluating the audio performance of cassettes and decks. Piano music is mercilessly revealing of playback wow-and-flutter, intermodulation noise, and scrape flutter.

[@mariogambrelli]

Piano recorded on tape is merciless indeed! It can almost sound as a different instrument even! I remember an Ennio Morricone song on 8-track tape with a piano intro...

[@user-qu5tb9jg3n]

Nice

[@user-qg7ng6kj2p]

我喜欢mexell ur，声音丝般顺滑 TDK D60是乐色。

[@lordbyron3511]

National audio in Springfield has been developing new tape. Could this be the result?

[@CassetteComeback]

No. I reviewed that 18 months ago. It's lousy.

[@Jim_2E0HKM]

With a 100+ comments you probably won't get to read this, but on the off chance you do, 2 Questions, how can a shell not take 90m tape? Same size are they not? I transfer tape stock into old worn out pre-recorded tapes if its an album I like which is now released with a deluxe version I extend the cassette time with no issues ever? 2nd question, every maxell I buy is the ugly one with the annoying globe across the window, hate the look of that cassette, but all those you have are great looking. How's does the ZX-9 compare to the Dragon?

[@CassetteComeback]

ZX-9 and Dragon are a perfect combo. ZX-9 for recording, Dragon for playback. I'm just going off what the manufacturer said. I'm guessing since all other new Chinese tape are 60s, then the shells weren't designed to take 90s.

[@A0111.]

Regarding 2nd question - there's a video about Maxell URs on this channel. Have a look.

[@umeshr3054]

The difference in the HF response between the L and R means that their cassette shell is causing a difference in Azimuth angle compared to the other tapes. The Maxell tapes shells are better matched or closer to the ideal in this case and the Eq Pro shell is not as much. It may not be the quality of the material, but rather caused by the inconsistencies in the manufacturing process. The key is to maintain absolute perpendicularity of the roller shafts and maintain absolute shell surface flatness. But it is never easy. Most plastics warp to some extend when they cool down after molding. This is not a new problem. It was always there and that is what lead to the development of decks with adjustable azimuth. I am curious to know if the ZX9 Rec head azimuth was re calibrated while taking these response graphs. It was done and the result seen is the best that was possible, the shell quality is definitely poor and it has to improve.

[@CassetteComeback]

It is a temporary shell. They are developing a new one. The graphs were done using a Marantz PMD 520, not the ZX-9.

[@umeshr3054]

@@CassetteComeback Good to know. In the mean while, is there any chance to find the source for the New Maxell and get some more in Stock ?

[@JonDoe-zi3mh]

Can't say that I thought much of that EQ Professional. Not only was it quite dropouty, but the stereo image wandered back and forth over to the right a few times, too - ie treble loss on the left channel. I'm surprised that you didn't notice it. I wouldn't bother with that kind of performance. The Maxell tape was indeed great, though. Nakamichi decks are something special, no wonder they cost so much back in the day. Shame I could never afford one back then.

[@antochavez4768]

Donde los venden

[@kingcampbell98]

I bought 20 of the Walmart onn brand cassettes it’s a china tape but it sounds decent and for 4$ for 2 can’t complain to much

[@djstephennicholls]

Lol 'tough shit' us Northerners straight to the point

[@SFtheGreat]

Honestly, I genuenly would buy new tapes, those japanese ones that were reviews some time ago, the Fox, the new UR, the new EQ, had they been available in retail in my country and not at inflated prices, like the NOS UR currently are. New, old, there is no nostalgia for me when I need a load of identical cassettes to do the job, but obviously when I want personal copies i go for BASF/AGFA chromes. The only market the Fox and EQ might get is the duplication, which Fox already has dominated.

[@sevcaczech5961]

What place are you living in? Hre Foxes are quite cheap and available.

[@SFtheGreat]

@@sevcaczech5961 Next to Czechia and I have not seen Foxes available, nor for a cheap price on online auctions website...

[@kimjones308]

Man if they put wacky colored hubs and rollers in it I think they could charge a premium. Something along the lines of the clown cassette or like that screamer you had on a while back.

[@CassetteComeback]

Indeed

[@gina8818]

Who’s the singer of the song pls? Thank you!