Imagine if your favorite mixtape from the ’80s got a 2025 remix. That’s the We Are Rewind GB-001 — a brutally cool, ultra-modern boombox that doesn’t just flirt with nostalgia. It remasters it. With real cassette playback and recording, four speakers, analog VU meters, and Bluetooth 5.4, this machine is a sonic throwback with a futureproof attitude.
This isn’t a novelty. It’s a love letter to analog wrapped in matte black steel.
Specs & Features
• Cassette Support: Type I & Type II (chrome), record & playback, manual motor speed control
• Speakers: 2 × 32W woofers + 2 × 20W soft-dome tweeters (104W RMS total)
• Bluetooth: Version 5.4 with wireless mic and audio input support
• Inputs/Outputs: 3.5mm AUX-in, mic-in, headphone-out
• Battery: 3,000mAh lithium-ion (user-replaceable)
• Playback Time: 10h (cassette/speaker), 15h (AUX), 28h (headphones)
• Design Accents: Analog VU meters, spatialization mode, metal handle
• Price: €449 / ~$500
Deep Dive: Features That Matter
The GB-001 is unapologetically analog, but not in a gimmicky way. Its cassette deck supports recording and playback on both Type I and Type II tapes, and even lets you adjust motor speed manually — a rare and welcome detail for tape purists. That means you can fine-tune playback pitch or adapt to aging cassettes. Dolby B isn’t officially included but the circuit design emulates its effects, helping tame hiss on older media.
What makes this unit truly standout is the power under the hood: 104 watts of Class D amplification across four speakers. That’s serious firepower for a boombox. Sound separation is impressive, with spatialization tech that actually opens up the stereo image. Whether it’s lo-fi beats on tape or high-bitrate streams over Bluetooth, the GB-001 handles it all with depth and clarity.
Recording is more than a checkbox here — plug in a microphone or guitar via 3.5mm input, and you can lay down tracks directly onto tape. For creative musicians or nostalgic archivists, that’s gold.
Design & Build: Retro with Purpose
Design Section Name: “Industrial Elegance, Retro Spirit”
Everything about the GB-001 says “built to last.” The matte black chassis is thick, cold metal with a soft satin finish. It looks serious — more studio tool than street blaster. The front panel is minimal and elegant, with two glowing analog VU meters that respond in real-time to audio levels. They’re not just for show. They bring analog tactility back into the listening experience.
Buttons are solid, with a satisfying click, and the cassette transport mechanism feels dense and precise. The collapsible metal handle has a polished edge and smooth hinge, making it ready for transport — or display.
The size strikes a balance: large enough to deliver serious sound, compact enough to carry. And yes, it looks phenomenal on a shelf.
Price & Availability
• Official Website: WeAreRewind.com
Price:
€449 (~$500)
• Availability: Shipping expected Summer 2025
How It Stacks Up
Vs. TASCAM Porta 02 mkII
• GB-001 is more polished and speaker-equipped, but lacks multi-track recording.
• TASCAM is more for musicians, GB-001 is for playback lovers and home setups.
Vs. Elbow Cassette Player (conceptual)
• Elbow is ultra-portable and design-centric, but not yet available. GB-001 is real, functional, and fully featured.
Verdict: GB-001 wins in execution and audio muscle. Choose it if you’re after a plug-and-play, design-forward cassette solution.
What Others Say
“This modern cassette boombox will lure you in with glowing VU meters.” — The Verge
“We Are Rewind’s GB-001 Boombox lets you play tapes, stream music, and even plug in a guitar.” — Home Theater Review
FAQ
• Can I record on tapes?
Yes, from Bluetooth or AUX, including mics or instruments.
• Does it support wireless headphones?
Not directly — Bluetooth is for input streaming, not output.
• Can I replace the battery?
Yes, the 3,000mAh lithium-ion battery is designed to be replaceable.
• Is it plug-and-play?
Yes, no app required — just insert a cassette or connect via Bluetooth.
Cons
• No auto-stop function — tapes run to the end
• Premium price may deter casual users
• Only one color (matte black) available at launch
• Limited digital display — purists will love, others may miss modern UI
Final Verdict
Rating: 4.5/5
The first We Are Rewind GB-001 is more than a retro gadget — it’s a premium audio system disguised as nostalgia. It nails the cassette experience while delivering real sound power, wireless functionality, and head-turning design. It’s not cheap, but if you care about the analog experience in a digital world, it’s worth every cent.
