MA
TDK’s representative standard Metal cassette
METAL ALLOY
First generation: 1979
C46: 1,250 yen.
The first generation was released in 1979. It used the same tape as the MA-R. Its new SP mechanism included a more precise shell, improved internal sheets and pressure-pad spring for stable tape transport, along with other components. Repositionable labels were also provided.
MA: explanatory notes
Released as TDK’s first conventional Metal tape, this model subsequently became one of the company’s mainstays.
When TDK released its first Metal tape, the MA-R, in 1979, it announced that a standard Metal tape in a conventional molded plastic shell would follow that autumn. Metal tape was in short supply, however, and many wanted an ordinary model cheaper than the MA-R to arrive sooner. TDK therefore established mass production of Metal tape and brought the release forward in response: the first-generation MA went on sale in July.
MA stands for Metal Alloy, with alloy meaning a blend or mixture of metals. The name referred to a technology for stabilizing pure-iron Metal magnetic material, which oxidizes readily. It was also readily understood alongside SA, the High Position cassette already representing TDK.
Although it was a standard model, it was expensive on introduction: 1,250 yen for a C46. The price was gradually reduced, but its image as a high-quality Metal tape remained, with high-grade shells and components used in every generation.
From its introduction, MA served as a standard Metal tape beyond TDK itself: many deck manufacturers used it as a reference tape. It could be called an industry standard.
Second generation: 1981
C46: 750 yen.
Released in 1981, the second generation improved tape performance by packing metal particles more densely. The first generation’s price had eventually fallen to 950 yen for a C46; the second started at 750 yen for a C46, continuing the price reductions.
MA and MA-R advertisement: 1981
Advertisement for second-generation MA and MA-R, 1981.
Metal sound evolves.
Third generation: 1983
C46: 750 yen.
The third generation was released in 1983 alongside the new MA-R. Fundamental improvements made the ultrafine Finavinx Metal particles smaller, as on the MA-R, and increased sensitivity. Dynamic range increased by a full 2 dB. The familiar grid-pattern shell featured the SP mechanism.
Fourth generation: 1988
C46: 600 yen.
The fourth generation arrived in 1988, the first update in five years, under the slogan Ultimately, the hidden power of Metal. The SP・AR mechanism, with an integrally molded two-layer transparent section, provided an exceptionally wide window. Its price matched SA and AR-X, making it excellent value for a Metal tape. Playing-time choices became more varied, including a long-playing C110.
Fifth generation: 1990
C46: 580 yen.
The fifth generation was released in 1990. Further refinement of Finavinx improved performance. The shell used the improved new SP・AR mechanism. Playing times were revised to include C40 and C70. The price matched SA and AR-X.
Sixth generation: 1991
C46: 580 yen.
The sixth generation was released in 1991, as digital media began to dim the cassette’s heyday. Finavinx continued to deliver vivid Metal sound. This model also used the high-precision SP・AR mechanism.
Seventh generation: 1993
C46: 580 yen.
The seventh generation was released in 1993. MA-X production had ended, and economical Metal tapes were coming to the fore. MA was updated as TDK’s high-grade Metal tape. Its AR・RC II mechanism joined integrally molded two-layer shell sections with screws and ultrasonic welding.
Eighth generation: 1994
C46: 530 yen.
The eighth generation was released in 1994. Together with SA and AR, it was updated to represent its tape position under the motto High performance for component systems. As digital media spread, expensive cassettes disappeared one after another. This was also the last generation of the traditional MA without an additional suffix.
MA-EX: 1998
The final version of the MA family, continuing TDK’s Metal tape tradition
METAL ALLOY EXTENDED
C46: 540 yen.
The MA-EX was the last Metal tape from both TDK and Japanese manufacturers generally. It was the only MA-series model made overseas, in Thailand. Production and shipments ended in December 2001.
MA-EX: explanatory notes
The last model to bear the MA name, TDK’s principal Metal tape brand, arrived in 1998, when the history of high-grade cassettes was nearing its end.
EX stands for EXtended. The explanation suggests the idea was that the world of analog sound was expanding.
Its magnetic material was the familiar Finavinx. Its specifications appear identical to those of the final MA.
The low-vibration Super Precision Rigid Cassette Mechanism III was used for the shell. Its damping material and construction reduced vibration transmitted by the deck’s tape transport and suppressed modulation noise that clouds the sound. It also featured numerous small dimples, like the last MA-X generation. Transparent shells were then at the height of popularity, but this cassette’s traditional black shell gave one final expression to the character of the high-quality MA Metal tape series.
MA-X
The development of MA: ultimate sound with an integrally molded dual-layer shell
METAL ALLOY EXTRA
First generation: 1985
C46: 780 yen.
The first generation was released in 1985. The CD-X mechanism gave the shell an exceptionally wide window and an appearance entirely different from MA. Tape performance was improved, and the shell and components were upgraded, yet the price stayed the same as MA. This high-grade Metal tape offered excellent value.
MA-X: explanatory notes
The name suggested a model above MA. Yet the first generation was priced the same as the then-current third-generation MA, with no new MA released at the same time. It therefore appears to have been a new MA version in practice. MA did indeed disappear from the catalogs until the fourth generation arrived in 1988.
But MA returned when this model’s second generation appeared in 1988. The position of MA-X above MA was now clear.
The first generation used the same tape as MA-XG, the improved successor to MA-R. The existing Finavinx particles were made still smaller, more highly oriented and more densely packed, reducing bias noise and expanding dynamic range. The shell also introduced the world’s first vibration-control mechanism: the integrally molded dual-layer CD-X shell. The upper and lower layers of each shell side were molded together from special plastics of different hardness. Computer analysis optimized their parameters for minimum resonance and maximum rigidity, greatly reducing modulation noise.
MA pursued more varied playing times and lower prices. MA-X, meanwhile, continued the expensive Metal tape line as an MA-XG in a conventional shell.
Second generation: 1988
C46: 800 yen.
The second generation arrived in 1988 under the slogan More powerful. More refined. Realistic Metal sound. The shell used the SP・AR II mechanism. Its integrally molded dual-layer construction further reduced resonance. Beyond its wide window, glossy deep-black components and gold lettering created a high-grade impression.
Third generation: 1990
C46: 830 yen.
The final, third generation arrived in 1990. Focused magnetic-field control achieved high orientation and dense packing of Finavinx, increasing MOL (Maximum Output Level) and reducing noise. The shell’s Multi Dimple design, with rows of small transparent square dots, further reduced resonance.