HIDISC Expands Its Compact Cassette Line with New Type I Tape

Japanese brand HIDISC introduces a limited-edition C-60 cassette, offering a more affordable alternative for analog music recording. HIDISC, a brand owned by Japan’s Magnetic Laboratories Co., Ltd., is expanding its compact cassette lineup with a new limited-edition C-60 model featuring Type I (Normal Position) magnetic tape. The release follows the company’s earlier introduction of Type II cassettes, which use a chromium dioxide-based magnetic layer. The latest addition offers a more accessible option for music enthusiasts who want to record and enjoy music on traditional analog media. According to the manufacturer, the new Type I tape is designed to deliver high recording quality despite its standard formulation. In-House Assembly, Unknown Tape Supplier HIDISC says the new cassettes are assembled at its own facility. However, the company has not disclosed the identity of the magnetic tape supplier, leaving questions about the material’s origin and manufacturing process unanswered. The cassette’s limited-edition status also suggests that availability may be restricted, particularly for collectors and enthusiasts outside Japan. Pricing and Availability In Japan, the HIDISC C-60 cassette is priced at 1,100 yen, equivalent to approximately 600 Russian rubles. The company has not yet announced international availability or confirmed whether the product will reach markets beyond Japan. There is also no word on whether HIDISC intends to introduce additional tape formulations or expand its cassette range further. A Continuing Interest in Analog Audio The launch reflects the ongoing interest in physical music formats, as compact cassettes continue to attract collectors, enthusiasts, and listeners drawn to the tactile experience of analog recording. Although the new HIDISC cassette is unlikely to become a mass-market product due to its limited production, its arrival adds another option to a niche market that continues to attract attention. For now, the C-60 remains a Japan-focused release, with further details about production volumes, overseas distribution, and future products still to be announced.