Maxell XL I-S 60 cassette tape

Maxell is an iconic Japanese brand synonymous with the golden era of analog recording. The XL I-S 60 shown here is a high-performance Type I (Normal Position) audio cassette tape, originally developed to offer superior dynamic range and lower noise compared to standard tapes. The brand was founded in 1960 as a dry cell battery manufacturer, taking its name from 'Maximum Capacity Dry Cell.'

Historically, Maxell manufactured its high-end tapes primarily in Japan at its specialized facilities in Osaka and Kyoto. However, as the brand expanded globally during the 1980s and 1990s, manufacturing was occasionally outsourced or conducted in regional facilities, including locations in England, the United States, and Mexico. Today, while blank cassette production is largely a niche market of 'New Old Stock,' the Maxell brand remains an active global entity focused on diverse electronics and energy solutions under its own public corporate structure, having successfully transitioned from a long-standing subsidiary relationship with Hitachi.