We Are Rewind Launches GB-001 Boombox to Combat Digital Audio Fatigue

The innovative audio brand We Are Rewind has launched the GB-001 boombox, aiming to address the growing issue of digital audio fatigue among music listeners. Priced at £379 (€449), this device revives the nostalgic mixtape culture while integrating modern technology to create a more intentional listening experience. By transitioning away from the endless scroll of digital playlists, the GB-001 encourages users to engage more deeply with their music.

Bridging Nostalgia and Modernity

The GB-001 is a next-generation audio system that combines vintage aesthetics with contemporary functionality. Weighing 6.81 kg and measuring 50.6 x 25.1 x 17.9 cm, the boombox boasts a substantial presence while remaining portable. Its matte black finish is designed to resist fingerprints, and chrome accents evoke the classic design of past eras. This attention to detail reflects a commitment to quality and aesthetic appeal.

One of the standout features of the GB-001 is its ability to create personalized recordings, reminiscent of the mixtape culture that many music lovers cherish. Users can compile live performance archives or gift custom mixes, transforming audio experiences into tangible collectibles. This approach contrasts sharply with subscription services that often remove music from libraries without warning, leaving listeners feeling disconnected from their collections.

Innovative Design Enhances User Experience

The GB-001 features twin VU meters that glow with an amber hue, providing real-time visual feedback during playback. Unlike digital waveforms, these analog meters offer a physical representation of sound through mechanical movement. The precision of these instruments enhances the listening experience, allowing users to connect with their music on a deeper level.

The device’s cassette compartment is engineered for optimal performance, accepting both Type I and Type II cassettes. With a frequency response spanning 40-11,500 Hz and a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 55 dB, the GB-001 is designed for serious audio enthusiasts. Its built-in AC erase head and Dolby B noise reduction ensure compatibility with pre-recorded tapes from the classic era, while total harmonic distortion remains below 0.5% for playback.

Users can also record from various audio sources, capturing vinyl sessions, radio shows, or live performances. The auxiliary input accommodates levels of 200 mVrms, making it versatile for mixtape creation. Substantial control knobs provide tactile feedback, allowing for precise adjustments that connect users directly to their sound.

The GB-001 also integrates modern connectivity with Bluetooth 5.4 technology, allowing seamless switching between cassette playback and wireless streaming. With multiple input options, including a microphone input for live recording and guitar input for impromptu sessions, the device serves as a central hub for music creation.

Designed for Social Engagement

The internal amplification system drives four dedicated speakers, with a total output of 104 watts RMS. This power ensures that the GB-001 can fill various environments with rich sound, making it suitable for both intimate listening and larger gatherings. The dynamic power control minimizes distortion, while spatial processing technology enhances the stereo image, creating an immersive audio experience.

A replaceable 14.8V, 3000mAh lithium-ion battery offers up to 15 hours of playtime in tape mode and 28 hours with auxiliary inputs. This feature promotes true portability, freeing users from wall outlets and enabling music enjoyment anywhere. The replaceable battery design addresses obsolescence concerns that often accompany sealed electronics, ensuring longevity.

The launch of the GB-001 coincides with a significant resurgence in physical music formats, with cassette sales increasing by over 400% in the past decade. This trend reflects a broader consumer desire for intentional music curation and ownership, contrasting with the transient nature of rental-based streaming services. We Are Rewind’s previous success with the WE-001 portable cassette player validates the demand for analog-digital hybrid products, positioning the GB-001 as premium audio equipment for dedicated music enthusiasts.

The GB-001 invites users to reclaim ownership of their music experiences, fostering lasting memories through mixtape creation and collaborative audio sessions. In a world dominated by algorithmic curation, this innovative boombox offers a refreshing alternative that values the art of music curation and personal connection over convenience alone.