The Legend of the Maxell XLII: A Complete Guide to the World’s Most Iconic Type II Cassette

For anyone who grew up in the 80s or 90s, the image of a man being blown back in his chair by the sheer power of sound is inseparable from one name: Maxell. But for audiophiles and home recording enthusiasts, the real star wasn’t the chair- it was the Maxell XLII.

Often cited as the best-selling High Bias (Type II) tape of all time, the XLII remains the gold standard for analog recording. In this guide, we’ll explore the history, technical variations, and why this specific tape continues to dominate the "New Old Stock" (NOS) market today.

 

A Brief History: From UDXL to Black Magnetite

The Maxell XLII wasn't just one tape; it was an evolving technology that spanned over three decades.

• The 1970s (The Birth of Epitaxial): Maxell introduced the UD-XLII in 1977. It used a revolutionary "Epitaxial" process- cobalt-ferric oxide particles that provided high output and low noise, rivaling the more expensive Chrome (CrO2) tapes of the era.
• The 1980s (The Golden Era): This is when the XLII became a household name. The "Gold" and "Black" shell variations from 1982–1988 are widely considered the peak of shell durability and tape consistency.
• The 1990s (Black Magnetite): Around 1991, Maxell introduced "Black Magnetite" particles in the XLII-S (the premium version of the XLII). This improved the Maximum Output Level (MOL) even further, making it a favorite for recording high-energy music like rock and early hip-hop.
• The 2000s (The Final Run): While production eventually moved to Mexico and later ceased, the Japanese-made variations from the late 90s remain the most sought-after by collectors.

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Technical Specifications & Performance

Why do engineers still prefer XLII tapes for 4-track recording? It comes down to the numbers.

Metric	Average Maxell XLII Spec (1990s)
Tape Type	Type II (High Bias / Cobalt-Ferric)
Equalization	70µs
Dynamic Range	62.2 dB
Frequency Response	20Hz – 19kHz (on high-end decks)
MOL (400Hz)	+4.5 dB to +5.0 dB

 

Pro Tip: The XLII is known for having a "bright" high end. On decks with a bias adjustment knob, backing off the bias slightly can result in an incredibly lush, warm sound that digital formats simply cannot replicate.

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User Reviews: What the Community Says

We’ve scoured forums like Tapeheads and Reddit’s r/cassetteculture to see what users think of the XLII variations today:

"The XLII is the most consistent tape ever made. I’ve found 30-year-old sealed XLIIs that record as if they were made yesterday. No dropouts, no railroading, just pure sound."

"If you're using a Tascam Portastudio, don't waste your time with anything else. The XLII handles the high-speed 4-track recording without saturating too early." 

"There’s a specific 'Maxell smell' when you unwrap a vintage XLII-S. It’s the scent of quality. The heavy shell feels premium in the hand and reduces wow and flutter significantly."

Everything You Need to Know

Is Maxell XLII a Chrome tape?

Technically, no. While it is a Type II "High Bias" tape, it uses Cobalt-doped Ferric Oxide (Epitaxial) rather than Chromium Dioxide (CrO2). This allows it to be more compatible with a wider range of vintage decks.

What is the difference between Maxell XLII and XLII-S?

The XLII-S is the premium version. It features a heavier, more vibration-resistant shell and a more advanced "Black Magnetite" formulation for higher output and even lower noise floors.

Can I record on a Maxell XLII with a normal tape deck?

Yes, but you must ensure your deck has a "Type II" or "Chrome/High" setting. If recorded on a "Type I" setting, the music will sound overly bright and harsh.

Where can I buy genuine Maxell XLII tapes in 2025?

Since original production has ceased, you must look for New Old Stock (NOS). Authenticity is key, as the market has seen a rise in modern re-shells.

 

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Ready to start your next recording?

Whether you are making a custom mixtape or archiving a rare vinyl record, the Maxell XLII is the reliable choice that never goes out of style.

Explore our curated collection of genuine Maxell XLII variations at UltraFerric →

Buyer guide:

🚀 Performance & Superiority

Why should I buy a 30-year-old Maxell XLII instead of a brand-new production tape?

Modern tapes (Type I) are great for casual listening, but they lack the high-bias cobalt formulation that made Maxell the "Gold Standard." Because Type II (Chrome/Cobalt) is no longer manufactured to 1990s standards, these NOS (New Old Stock) tapes offer a higher signal-to-noise ratio and more "headroom" for loud, crisp recordings that new tapes simply can't match.

I use a vintage/ modern deck. Is the XLII really the best choice for 4-track recording?

Absolutely. Most vintage Tascam and Fostex multi-trackers were factory-calibrated specifically for Maxell XLII. Using these tapes ensures your bias settings are perfectly aligned, giving you that legendary warm, punchy analog sound without the "muddy" high-end found in cheaper alternatives.

🛡️ Quality Assurance

How do I know these tapes haven't degraded over the last three decades?

Not all NOS tapes are created equal. We source only "Studio-Grade" stock that has been kept in climate-controlled, low-humidity environments. Unlike tapes found in damp basements or hot attics, our Maxell XLII stock maintains its original magnetic coercivity, ensuring your recordings won't suffer from dropouts or "railroading.

What if the tape case arrives cracked or damaged?

We treat every tape like a fragile vintage instrument. While others ship in flimsy padded mailers, we use oversized, heavy-duty boxes with cushioning. We guarantee your XLII arrives in "Gallery Condition"- ready to be recorded or displayed in your collection.

Is there a risk of shipping magnets or X-rays erasing my tapes?

This is a common myth! It takes an extremely high-intensity, localized magnetic field to affect a Type II tape. Modern shipping scanners and standard magnets used in transit are far too weak to penetrate the Maxell shell and its protective wrapper. Your tape will arrive with its factory-fresh "silence" intact.

I see Maxell XLII tapes for cheaper on eBay. Why buy here?

On open marketplaces, you’re often buying "blind" stock from estate sales where storage conditions are unknown. A single "hot summer" in a garage can ruin a tape's binder, causing it to shed and gunk up your expensive deck’s heads. We visually inspect every shell for clarity and integrity, so you never have to worry about "Sticky Shed Syndrome" or mold.

Is the Maxell XLII-S worth the extra investment over the standard XLII?

If you are mastering a project or recording high-dynamic-range audio (like vinyl to tape), yes. The "S" stands for the Black Magnetite formulation and a heavier, anti-resonance shell. It’s the ultimate expression of Type II technology. Since these are a finite resource, securing an XLII-S today is an investment in the best possible version of your music.

Why is the price of these tapes increasing every year?

It’s a matter of supply and demand. No company is making "true" high-bias cobalt tape anymore. As the "Cassette Revival" grows and more musicians return to 4-track recording, the global supply of sealed Maxell XLII is rapidly dwindling. Buying now isn't just a purchase- it's locking in your access to the legendary sound of the 90s before it becomes a museum piece.