Sonic differences between Maxell UD and XLI

[iamhifi]

hello To all,
I'm a novice in reel to reel so I am doing some research. What is the sonic differenecs between Maxell UD and XLI, wich holds up better.
Thanks,
Angel

[iamhifi]

The differences I mean between Ud and XLI is sound like, detail, warmth, stage, etc.
Angel

[Des-Lab]

My experience has been that in terms of sonics, there is very little difference between the two as the actual oxide formula is [supposedly] almost identical. The main thing that sets the two apart is that the XLI is back coated. This gives the added benefit of a smooth tape pack during fast wind. Most UD's, if fast forwarded or rewound will pack very jagged and unevenly and could damage the tape if left stored in that condition for any length of time. The other added benefit is that because of the back coating, the XLI is less prone to print through than the UD, though it (as with any tape) is not immune from it.

All other things being equal, I would still have to say that the XLI is a [slightly] better tape. In my experience, the UD, if recorded in a flat bias position will sound a little dull on the high ends. XLI is warm and rich at 0. Setting the bias to a lower postion on a UD will usually compensate for that and it will then perform pretty much to perfection.

However, both tapes handle the deep lows very well and also both have a pretty high threshold before saturating/distorting. Though the XLI, again because of the back coating, can usually be pushed 1 or 2 dB further into the red before noticable saturation.

[iamhifi]

thanks Matt,
Angel