Maxell’s market reputation was made in the mid 1970s with their UD Series (Ultra Dynamic) tapes, a series of Low Noise / High Output tapes (type 3) that required a higher bias. This made these tapes sound brighter on older equipment, and when used with the older (and cheaper) machines at the time, users felt they sounded better due to their better frequency response, particularly at 3-3/4 ips.  Later, machines with a tape selector allowed them to be used at the proper bias, where the full capabilities of the tape could be used. The UD tapes still hold their quality today and can be used today – and they still sound brighter on the older machines!

Notes:

• These are formulas that have withstood the test of time, without sticky shed or excess oxide shedding. Maxell made special note of their unique binder designed to provide a long operating life. Today the Maxell tapes have developed a reputation of arguably being the best consumer reel to reel tapes ever made. As a result, the UD tapes still hold their quality – and their value – and can be used today.
• There were a few UD generations, and their quality improved over time, especially through the early generations. The reel design changed at least three times through these generations.
• Maxell put a lot of research and development in their tape line, and they developed SP, LP, DP and TP thicknesses. For DP versions, Maxell followed the practice of BASF and AGFA and developed the tape with a 0.75 micron base and a thinner oxide coating than the SP or LP tapes, and the developed a third formula for the TP tape. Their TP tape was – by far – the best ever made, and the only one that could still claim to have a high output. The quality of these tapes still stands out even today – it’s only matched by the formulations made by Agfa and BASF (except for the TP). For some reason, the Maxell tapes – as good as they were – were never adopted in the US or Europe for commercial applications with any real volume.
• Available Refurbished: Yes, you can buy refurbished reels of Maxell UD- and the generations available will be limited to the versions we have on hand. They are sold by generation and priced accordingly. We stand behind this formula with refurbished guarantee.