BASF

BASF SE is a German multinational chemical company headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany, with significant historical importance in audio technology. Founded as part of IG Farben, BASF played a pioneering role in magnetic tape recording technology, co-presenting the world's first tape recorder (magnetophon) at the 1935 Radio Exhibition in Berlin. The company became a major manufacturer of magnetic recording tape and was instrumental in developing cassette tape technology during the 1970s. BASF strongly supported the introduction of chromium dioxide (CrO2) cassette tapes in 1970, which significantly improved audio quality, and patented innovative security mechanisms to prevent tape issues. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, BASF was one of the world's leading cassette tape manufacturers, competing with brands like TDK and Maxell. However, in 1998, BASF transferred its cassette tape division to EMTEC, marking its exit from the consumer audio market. Today, BASF focuses on chemicals, plastics, and industrial solutions, no longer producing audio products.