The endless reel: The fascinating history of magnetic tape from BASF to RTM

In a world characterized by digital perfection and instant availability, the return of the cassette may seem like an anachronism. But the quiet whirring of the reels and the warm, analog sound are experiencing a remarkable renaissance. This article traces the eventful history of magnetic tape - from its revolutionary beginnings at BASF through the turbulent years of EMTEC to today's rebirth by RTM.

Classic BASF Chrome and Ferro cassettes from the golden era of analog recording technology

The golden years of analog sound: The BASF era

The history of magnetic tape is inextricably linked with the name BASF. As early as 1934, the company supplied the first 50,000 meters of magnetic tape to AEG, which a year later presented the world's first tape recorder at the Berlin Radio Exhibition - a sensation that would change the world of music forever ^[1]. What seems obvious today was a technological revolution at the time: for the first time, music could be recorded on a flexible tape, edited and played back as often as required.

In the following decades, BASF drove the development forward with groundbreaking innovations. In 1938, the red iron oxide tape (γ-Fe2O3) was introduced, which further improved the sound ^[2]. This formulation was based on a BASF patent from 1935 and set new standards for recording quality. The introduction of the compact cassette by Philips in 1963 marked the beginning of the triumphant advance of the medium for the mass market, and BASF was there right from the start. The introduction of chromium dioxide (CrO2) cassettes in the 1970s, which offered an extended frequency response and lower noise, cemented BASF's reputation as a quality leader ^[3].

Milestone	Year	Significance
First magnetic tape	1934	Delivery of 50,000 meters to AEG
First tape recorder	1935	Presentation at the Berlin Radio Exhibition
Gamma-ferric-oxide tape	1938	Improvement in sound quality
Start of cassette production	1966	Entry into the mass market
Chromium dioxide cassettes (CrO2)	1970s	Significant improvement in sound quality

Professional BASF tape recorder - precision mechanics for the highest demands

The digital revolution and the EMTEC era

With the advent of the CD in the 1980s and the increasing digitization of the music industry, the cassette fell behind. The digital revolution promised perfect sound reproduction without noise, without tape tangling and without loss of quality during copying. In 1996, BASF sold its magnetic tape division, which was renamed EMTEC (European Multimedia Technologies) a year later ^[4].

EMTEC continued BASF's legacy, but increasingly shifted its focus to digital storage media such as blank CDs, DVDs and later USB sticks, where the brand enjoyed great success. By 2006, EMTEC was already number one for USB sticks in France and number three in Europe ^[5]. The production of audio cassettes continued, but played an increasingly minor role in the company's portfolio. However, the original formulas and know-how were retained - a fact that would later prove decisive.

The analog renaissance and the rise of RTM

What few had thought possible happened: The cassette is celebrating a comeback. Driven by a mixture of nostalgia, the desire for a more conscious musical experience and an appreciation for the unique analog sound aesthetic, the demand for cassettes is growing again. The figures speak for themselves: in the US, sales more than doubled in the first quarter of 2025, and the global cassette market was estimated at 302 million US dollars in 2024. Over the last decade, sales have risen by more than 440 percent ^[6].

Modern RTM C60 and C90 cassettes with transparent housing and screw mechanism

In this niche, the French company RTM (Recording The Masters) has established itself as the leading manufacturer of professional analog tapes. RTM has not only taken over the original formulas from BASF, AGFA and EMTEC, but still produces high-quality tapes for studio and home use today ^[7]. The company can look back on almost 100 years of history in magnetic tape production and continues this tradition with state-of-the-art production technology.

RTM's cassettes, such as the C60 and C90, are based on the legendary SM900 formula and are prized by audiophiles for their sound quality and reliability. Particularly noteworthy is the robust mechanics of the screw-mounted housings with bridge mechanism, which ensure significantly greater durability and precision than conventional welded housings. Customers praise the consistent quality, which provides an authentic analog experience ^[8].

"I just started using the cassette tape you sent me. I really love it. I think it's the highest quality I've maybe ever experienced. I would love to get more of it if possible. I think it's really, really great."

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Quote from a test report on the RTM cassettes ^[9]

The analog renaissance: vintage BASF cassettes meet modern audio technology

The sound of today: Why cassettes are fascinating again

The fascination of the cassette is not just about nostalgia. For many hi-fi enthusiasts, it offers a unique sound experience that differs fundamentally from digital playback. The slight tape saturation, which is perceived as a pleasant compression, and the characteristic "warmth" of the analog sound are for many a welcome antithesis to digital perfection, which is often perceived as sterile. These sonic characteristics are created by the physical processes involved in magnetic recording and cannot simply be simulated digitally.

The ritual of recording also plays an important role in the renaissance of the cassette. The manual insertion of the cassette, the adjustment of bias and level, the observation of the VU meters - all these actions create a deeper connection to the music. At a time when music is often only consumed as background music via streaming services, the cassette offers a more conscious, active listening experience.

Today's cassettes from RTM offer a quality that is in no way inferior to their historical counterparts. Thanks to modern manufacturing methods and the use of BASF's proven formulas, they achieve high headroom, low noise levels and excellent frequency reproduction. The SM900 formulation, which was originally developed for professional studio recordings, still guarantees studio quality today. This makes the cassette once again a serious option for discerning music lovers who appreciate analog sound.

Conclusion: An endless story

The history of magnetic tape is a story of innovation, decline and rebirth. From its beginnings at BASF to the digital caesura with EMTEC and the analog renaissance with RTM, the medium has proven its relevance time and again. The cassette is more than just a relic from days gone by - it is a living piece of hi-fi history that is still able to inspire music lovers in the 21st century.

What the future holds remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: as long as there are people who appreciate the special character of analog sound and love the feel of physical media, the cassette will retain its place in the world of hi-fi enthusiasts. The endless reel continues to spin - and with it the fascination for a technology that has long been declared dead, but has never really disappeared.