While vinyl records have been enjoying its well-documented renaissance for years now, another analog format has quietly been working on its own comeback tour. Not quite as quality-driven as, say, vinyl or CDs, these compact analog reels serve as reminders of simpler times, youthful car rides, and mixtape culture. I can still remember sitting in my room, listening to the radio just so I could press “record” right when my new favorite song came on –– this was Napster for the ‘90s.
Helping to spearhead the retro boom is French audio firm We Are Rewind, who modernized the classic Walkman with its inaugural cassette players a couple years ago. This time around, the devices had Bluetooth capabilities and rechargeable batteries. Doubling down on its analog efforts, the company is set to debut its GB-001, a cassette boombox for 2025 with a tactile experience and high-end speakers.
MIXED TAPE MASTERY
Even when I was a kid, the cassette boombox was giving way to the CD boombox. However, We Are Rewind goes back a decade earlier for this cassette-only version. But it’s much more than just a pretty package on the outside. The GB-001 boasts a precision-tunable playback system that lets you fine-tune rotation speeds so that your vintage tapes can actually play exactly as intended. Likewise, the custom noise reduction circuit serves the same purpose as the hiss-combating Dolby B on vintage players.
What’s more, you can also record your own tapes with the GB-001, using both Type I and Type II Chrome cassettes for less noise, a wider frequency response, and a higher dynamic range. We Are Rewind could’ve simply slapped on some basic recording tech but instead optimized their machine to nod to the audiophiles likely to pick up this unit.
AUDIO EVOLUTION
Of course, any of these retro-inspired devices can possibly scrape by just on looks alone but We Are Rewind ensures that the GB-001 will sound great too. This is thanks in part to the quartet of speakers, including a pair of woofers and a pair of soft dome tweeters that’ll give you superb clarity and response. Boasting a total output of 104W, this setup is also designed to deliver spatialized wide stereo and dynamic power control so you can minimize distortion at higher volumes. You can also send the audio to external speakers via your aux cable as well.
MODERN CONVENIENCES
As much as we miss our old boomboxes, there are some modern features we do wish they had. Since hunting for D batteries was always a headache, the We Are Rewind thought to give its boombox a user-replaceable 3,000mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery with 10 hours of standard playback, 15 hours when connected to external speakers, or 28 hours with headphones.
While Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity can give the GB-001 some serious versatility, the 3.5mm aux cable can also be used to connect the boombox to older or non-Bluetooth devices as well. And in case you’re feeling inspired, there’s also a microphone input.
TACTILE TOUCHES
Beyond its functional capabilities, the GB-001 incorporates numerous design elements tailored to analog enthusiasts. Finished in matte black with decidedly-modern yellow accents, the device features backlit VU meters serving as actual analog gauges that respond to audio levels in real-time, providing both practical feedback for recording levels while setting the mood for your media room too. The mechanical controls are beefy like the old days, offering satisfying tactility you won’t get on your smartphone. Also, a folding metal handle used to transport the device completes the nostalgic presentation.
SPEC SHEET
Model: We Are Rewind GB-001 Cassette Boombox
Audio Output: 104W total (32W per woofer, 20W per tweeter)
Speakers: 2 woofers, 2 soft dome tweeters
Cassette Compatibility: Type I and Type II Chrome
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4, 3.5mm AUX input, microphone input
Battery: 3,000mAh lithium-ion (user-replaceable)
Battery Life: 10 hours (tape mode), 15 hours (AUX mode), 28 hours (headphones)
Release Date: Unspecified
PRICING & AVAILABILITY
Priced at €449 (~$500), the We Are Rewind GB-001 cassette boombox is expected to go live in the coming weeks, but the company hasn’t said anything concrete. Stay tuned on their social media for more updates.
Recap
We Are Rewind GB-001 Cassette Boombox
Building off their success delivering retro-inspired cassette players for the modern consumer, We Are Rewind has unveiled its first boombox, with tactile buttons, Bluetooth connectivity, and built-in premium speakers.
