We Are Rewind GB-001: The Boombox Reimagined for the Modern Audiophile
Remember the days of lugging around a massive boombox, blasting your favorite mixtapes for the whole block to hear? Paris-based company We Are Rewind is bringing back that nostalgic era with a modern twist. Their latest creation, the GB-001 boombox, blends retro aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, aiming to lure in a new generation of music lovers.
The We Are Rewind GB-001 isn't just a pretty face. While it certainly captures the iconic look of the '80s portable stereo, it also functions as a Bluetooth speaker, allowing for wireless audio streaming from mobile devices. But the real magic lies in its ability to both play and record cassettes, potentially sparking a resurgence in the art of the mixtape.
Priced at approximately $500 USD (€449 / £379), the GB-001 boasts a high-end cassette deck mechanism featuring a user-adjustable motor for precise playback. It even includes a noise reduction circuit emulating Dolby B, ensuring optimal sound quality for older tapes. Recording is also supported, either through a wired microphone or wirelessly via Bluetooth.
Sound quality is paramount. The GB-001 features four speakers: two powerful woofers for extended bass and two soft dome tweeters for refined vocals and treble. We Are Rewind touts a "natural sound signature," aiming to avoid the overwhelmingly bass-heavy sound often associated with boomboxes of the past. A spatialization function further enhances the listening experience, creating a wider and more immersive stereo image.
Forget constantly replacing batteries! The GB-001 houses a rechargeable, user-replaceable 3,000mAh battery, providing up to 10 hours of playback when playing tapes through the speakers, or up to 15 hours using an external audio source. Headphone users can enjoy even longer listening sessions, with up to 15 hours in tape mode and 28 hours in aux mode.
Even if you're not a die-hard cassette fan, the design alone makes the GB-001 an attractive alternative to generic Bluetooth speakers. Its retro-inspired folding carrying handle and functional analog VU meters, backlit with a warm glow, evoke a sense of nostalgia for the stereo designs of the '70s and '80s.
With features like Bluetooth 5.4, a 3.5mm jack input, and microphone input with adjustable levels, the We Are Rewind GB-001 seamlessly blends the best of both the analog and digital worlds. It's a statement piece that not only plays music but also celebrates the history of audio technology.
Will the GB-001 revive the boombox craze? It's too early to say. But one thing is certain: We Are Rewind has created a compelling product that appeals to both nostalgia for the past and a desire for modern functionality. Are you ready to rock the block with this updated classic? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!