Cassettes aren’t just back in style—they’re booming. Riding the wave of a 400 percent jump in tape sales over the past decade,
French audio company We Are Rewind has unveiled the GB-001, a modern reimagining of the classic boombox, at IFA 2025.
Following the success of its retro-styled WE-001 portable cassette player, the company is now scaling things up.
The GB-001 isn’t content with being a nostalgic accessory; it’s designed as a full-fledged sound system. Behind its minimalist retro chassis are four Hi-Fi speakers; two woofers handling low-end punch and two soft-dome tweeters for crisp highs.
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Together, they deliver 104 watts of power, supported by dynamic power management, a customizable EQ, and spatial audio processing for a more immersive stereo effect.
While tapes are at the heart of the GB-001, the feature set is firmly anchored in the present.
The device includes Bluetooth 5.4, a rechargeable (and replaceable) battery, and a 3.5mm input for turntables or smartphones. In other words, it’s both a Bluetooth speaker and a cassette deck, blending convenience with vintage charm.
For those who still love making mixtapes, the GB-001’s dual-capable cassette deck supports both Type I and Type II tapes with optimised biasing.
A built-in erasing head helps reduce noise during recording. Users can monitor sound levels via backlit VU meters and plug in a microphone for live recording, karaoke, or even instrument input.
Design-wise, the GB-001 tips its hat to the ’80s without feeling dated. Its clean lines, tactile knobs, and glowing meters bring a nostalgic vibe, while practical touches like Bluetooth pairing and tape selectors keep usability simple.
Priced at £379 / €449, the GB-001 isn’t just about retro appeal. It’s proof that the boombox can evolve—without losing the energy that made it iconic in the first place.