The cassette tape revival continues to gain momentum, and We Are Rewind, a French audio company, is leading the charge with its GB-001 Cassette Boombox. Launched on May 15, 2025, at the High End Munich show, this device marries the nostalgic charm of ‘80s boomboxes with modern technology. Priced at €449 (~$500), the GB-001 offers cassette playback, Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, and a robust 104W audio output. After thorough testing, I’ve evaluated its design, features, performance, and value to determine if it’s a worthy addition to the retro audio scene or just a nostalgic gimmick.
Design and Build Quality: Nostalgia Done Right
The GB-001 is a visual throwback to the ‘80s, with a neo-retro matte black finish accented by acid-yellow details and silver trim. It measures just over 50 cm wide and weighs 6.81 kg, making it substantial but portable thanks to its folding metal handle—a hallmark of classic boomboxes. The backlit VU meters, positioned above the central cassette deck, glow warmly and move in real-time to audio levels, adding both aesthetic appeal and practical feedback. The mechanical controls, including chunky buttons and knobs for bass, treble, and balance, deliver a satisfying tactile experience that modern touchscreens can’t replicate.
Build quality is impressive, with a high-end cassette mechanism that feels durable and precise. The user-adjustable motor speed, accessible via the rear panel, is a thoughtful touch for fine-tuning playback. However, the matte black finish attracts fingerprints, and the lack of an IP rating for dust or water resistance limits its suitability for outdoor use in unpredictable conditions. While the design nails the retro vibe, a more resistant finish would have made it even more practical for modern use.
Features List: A Blend of Analog and Digital
The GB-001 is packed with features that cater to both retro enthusiasts and modern users. Here’s a comprehensive list of its capabilities:
- Cassette Playback and Recording: Supports Type I and Type II (Chrome) cassettes with a high-end mechanism. Includes a noise reduction circuit emulating Dolby B for cleaner sound, an active AC erasing head for low-noise recording, and user-adjustable motor speed for precise playback tuning.
- Audio Output: 104W total power (32W per woofer, 20W per tweeter) delivered through four Hi-Fi class speakers—two woofers and two soft dome tweeters.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless streaming, a 3.5mm AUX input for wired connections to devices like turntables, a microphone input with adjustable levels, and a headphone output.
- Additional Inputs: Supports dual wireless microphones for karaoke or live recordings, and a guitar input for use as an amplifier.
- Audio Enhancements: Dynamic power control to minimize distortion at high volumes, a spatialization function for a wider stereo image, and EQ knobs for bass, treble, and balance adjustments.
- Battery: 3,000mAh user-replaceable lithium-ion battery, offering 10 hours in tape mode, 15 hours in AUX mode via speakers, and up to 28 hours in AUX mode with headphones.
- Design Elements: Backlit VU meters for real-time audio level monitoring, a folding metal handle for portability, and mechanical controls for a tactile experience.
- Pitch Control: Allows fine-tuning of cassette playback speed for optimal sound reproduction.
While the feature set is robust, the absence of an app for EQ customization or Bluetooth settings is noticeable, and the microphone input quality isn’t suited for professional recordings, leaning more toward casual use like karaoke.
Sound Quality: Powerful and Versatile
The GB-001’s audio performance is a standout, driven by its four speakers—two woofers and two soft dome tweeters—delivering a total of 104W. The sound signature is natural and balanced, with deep bass, clear mids, and refined treble. Playing Run-D.M.C.’s Walk This Way on cassette, the boombox captured the gritty energy of the track with punchy bass and minimal tape hiss, thanks to the noise reduction circuit. Streaming modern tracks like Billie Eilish’s Everything I Wanted via Bluetooth, the spatialization function created a wide, immersive stereo image, with crisp vocals and a solid low-end.
The dynamic power control ensures minimal distortion at higher volumes, though pushing it to the maximum can slightly muddy the mids. Compared to modern Bluetooth speakers like the Bose SoundLink Flex or JBL Charge 5, the GB-001 offers a more powerful and detailed soundstage, making it a viable alternative for those who don’t need cassette functionality. The EQ knobs allow for some customization, but the default tuning is well-suited for most genres, from hip-hop to electronic.
Performance: Analog Meets Digital Seamlessly
The GB-001 excels in bridging the gap between analog and digital audio. Cassette playback is smooth, with the adjustable motor speed ensuring accurate reproduction of vintage tapes. Recording is straightforward, whether from an external source via AUX or live through the microphone input. The VU meters provide practical feedback for monitoring levels, making mixtape creation a breeze. However, older, degraded tapes can cause playback issues, requiring manual adjustments to the motor speed.
Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity is reliable, with no dropouts during testing at distances up to 10 meters. Switching between cassette, Bluetooth, and AUX modes is seamless, thanks to the intuitive control layout. Battery life matches the stated claims: I achieved just over 9 hours in tape mode and 14 hours in AUX mode with the speakers at moderate volume, extending to 27 hours in AUX mode with headphones. The lack of fast charging is a drawback, with a full recharge taking about 3 hours, which feels slow compared to modern standards.
The microphone input, while a fun addition for karaoke or casual recordings, picks up some background noise, limiting its use for professional purposes. The guitar input, however, is a quirky feature that works well for impromptu jam sessions, adding to the GB-001’s versatility.
Usability: A Tactile, Retro Experience
While not a wearable device, the GB-001’s usability is a highlight. The mechanical controls are intuitive and engaging, with buttons for play, stop, and tape type selection, and knobs for EQ adjustments. The folding handle makes it easy to carry, though its 6.81 kg weight means it’s not ideal for long treks. The lack of an IP rating requires caution around water or dust, which might limit its appeal for outdoor use in rugged environments.
The VU meters aren’t just decorative—they’re functional, helping you monitor recording levels with precision. The absence of a remote control or app-based controls means you’ll need to interact directly with the device, which aligns with its retro ethos but might feel limiting for users accustomed to modern conveniences.
Value and Competition: A Niche Gem
At €449 (~$500), the GB-001 is a premium purchase in a niche market. It competes with high-end Bluetooth speakers like the Bose SoundLink Flex ($129, often discounted) and JBL Charge 5 ($179), which offer greater portability and weather resistance but lack cassette functionality. For retro audio fans, direct competitors are scarce—most cassette players are smaller, like We Are Rewind’s WE-001, and don’t match the GB-001’s power or versatility.
The GB-001’s blend of cassette playback, recording, Bluetooth streaming, and powerful audio makes it a unique option for those who value nostalgia and functionality. If you don’t have a cassette collection or interest in analog audio, a dedicated Bluetooth speaker might be a better value. However, for retro enthusiasts or anyone seeking a conversation piece that delivers solid performance, the GB-001 is a compelling choice.
Insights: A Retro Revival Worth Celebrating
The We Are Rewind GB-001 Cassette Boombox successfully blends ‘80s nostalgia with modern technology, delivering a versatile audio experience that appeals to both cassette lovers and contemporary users. Its high-end cassette deck, powerful 104W audio output, and thoughtful features like Bluetooth 5.4 and backlit VU meters make it a standout in the retro audio space. While the lack of an IP rating, fingerprint-prone finish, and absence of app-based controls are minor drawbacks, they don’t detract from its overall appeal.
For those looking to relive the cassette era while enjoying modern conveniences, the GB-001 is a fantastic investment. It’s a testament to the enduring charm of analog audio, reimagined for 2025, and a reminder that sometimes the past can sound just as good as the present.
