The GB-001: We Are Rewind’s Love Letter to Cassette Culture With a Modern Twist
By Qamar Shahzad — May 25, 2025 — Tech
A Blast from the Boombox Past
Remember the golden age of boomboxes, when mixtapes were personal, bass was physical, and music felt alive? We Are Rewind, a Paris-based audio company, is bringing that magic back with the GB-001, a retro-futuristic boombox that plays cassettes and streams Bluetooth. Priced at €449 (~$500 USD), it’s not just a nostalgia trip, it’s a high-fidelity audio experience wrapped in ‘80s charm.
Why the GB-001 Isn’t Just Another Bluetooth Speaker
At first glance, the GB-001 looks like a vintage boombox, aluminum body, a folding handle, and those hypnotic glowing VU meters that dance with the music. But beneath its retro shell lies modern engineering:
- Cassette Playback & Recording – Play old mixtapes, record new ones, or even digitize them via Bluetooth.
- Dolby B Noise Reduction – Minimizes tape hiss for cleaner sound.
- Four-Speaker Sound System – Two woofers for punchy bass, two tweeters for crisp highs.
- Spatial Audio Mode – Expands stereo separation for a wider soundstage.
- Bluetooth 5.0 + Wired Options – Stream wirelessly or plug in via AUX/headphone jack.
- 10-15 Hours Playback (Speaker) / 28 Hours (Headphones) – Thanks to a replaceable 3,000mAh battery.
Unlike cheap cassette players that warp sound, the GB-001 has adjustable motor speed, ensuring your tapes play at the right pitch.
Who’s This For?
- Cassette Enthusiasts – Dust off those old mixtapes and experience them like never before.
- Audiophiles Who Miss Analog Warmth – There’s a texture to tape that digital can’t replicate.
- Retro Design Lovers – That brushed aluminum and VU meter combo is pure aesthetic bliss.
- Musicians & Creators – Record demos, podcasts, or ambient sounds directly to tape.
Why This Boombox Matters in 2025
We live in a world of disposable streaming, where music feels weightless, temporary. The GB-001 forces you to slow down.
Tapes are tactile. You feel the music rewinding, flipping sides.
Recording is intentional. No algorithms, just you, a mic, and blank tape.
Older listeners relive their youth; younger ones discover why cassettes were special.
The Bigger Trend: Analog’s Unexpected Comeback
The GB-001 isn’t alone. Vinyl outsold CDs in 2024, and tape sales are creeping up. Why?
- Physical media feels real in a digital world.
- Nostalgia sells, but quality keeps people hooked.
- Hybrid devices (like this) make old formats practical again.
What This Means for the Industry
- Consumer Electronics: Expect more “retro-modern” gadgets (think: Walkmans with Spotify).
- Audio Brands: High-end cassette decks could resurge.
- Music Makers: Tape saturation is a sought-after sound, now you can record it live.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
If you love cassettes, the GB-001 is a dream machine. If you just want a Bluetooth speaker, it’s overkill, but that’s not the point.
This is for people who miss the ritual of music. Pressing play. Flipping the tape. Watching those VU needles bounce.
The GB-001 doesn’t just play music, it makes it an experience again.
References: wearerewind
