A nostalgic journey with modern innovation: we are rewind cassette player review

As a music enthusiast and a lover of vintage technology, I was thrilled to discover a particularly elegant and attractive cassette player designed by the company “we are rewind”. Inspired by the iconic Sony Walkman and driven by a passion for analogue sound, this device blends nostalgia with modern innovation.

What initially caught my attention is the story behind “we are rewind”. The founders, Romain and Matthieu, recognized the enduring appeal of cassette players in today’s digital age. Their collaboration with ORA, leveraging decades of French engineering expertise, resulted in creating a high-end cassette player that pays homage to the past while embracing the future.

One of the standout features of the cassette player is its rechargeable battery, a world-first innovation in cassette players. Users no longer need to worry about constantly replacing batteries, as the built-in Lithium-Ion battery provides up to 12 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. This enhances convenience and reduces environmental impact, which resonates with today’s eco-conscious consumers.

We are rewinding: A retro device with a modern twist

Furthermore, Bluetooth connectivity adds a modern twist to this retro device. It allows users to enjoy their favourite cassette tapes wirelessly, offering the flexibility to listen with or without headphones. Whether reliving cherished mixtapes from my youth or discovering new music on vintage cassettes, the “we are rewind” cassette player effortlessly adapts to my listening preferences.

I was impressed by the player’s fidelity and reliability in terms of performance. It supports compact audio cassettes of all types, delivering clear and crisp sound reproduction across a wide frequency range. The stereo recording capability via the 3.5mm RCA jack adds versatility, enabling users to create their mixtapes or digitize their cassette collection with ease.

The design of the “we are rewind” cassette player is another aspect worth mentioning. Its sleek and minimalist aesthetic, reminiscent of the original Sony Walkman, exudes timeless elegance. The player is available in three stylish colours—Serge (Orange), Kurt (Blue), and Keith (Grey)—allowing users to choose the one that best suits their style.

The “we are rewind” cassette player is more than just a nostalgic throwback; it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of analog audio in a digital world. With its combination of vintage charm and modern convenience, this device offers a truly incomparable listening experience. Whether you’re a music aficionado, a design enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the tactile nature of music, the “we are rewind” cassette player will surely delight.

Key Specifications

Colours: Available in three stylish options: Serge (Orange), Kurt (Blue), and Keith (Grey).

Performance:

Compatible with compact audio cassettes, all Types I to IV.

2-track stereo playback.

Frequency response: 30Hz-12500Hz with Type I cassette.

Signal-to-noise ratio: 50dB.

Distortion: 0.3% Typ.

Wow & Flutter: 0.2% Typ.

Headphones output power: 2x2mW into 32 ohms.

Stereo recording via 3.5mm RCA jack.

Input level: 50mVrms to 200mVrms typ.

Frequency response: 30Hz – 10000Hz with Type I cassette.

Signal-to-noise ratio: 45dB.

Distortion: 1% Typ.

Power source:

Built-in Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery:

Nominal voltage: 3.7V.

Nominal capacity: 2000mAh.

Battery life: approximately 10 to 12 hours.

Dimensions: 140.8 x 88.8 x 33.5mm.

Weight: Approximately 404g.

Headphones: Not included.

A renewed interest for the 80’s and 90’s

What similarities do Taylor Swift and Harry Styles share with local talents such as Soft Powder? They all chose to release their music on cassette tape in the past year.

Despite being considered a relic of the past, the cassette tape format, which peaked in 1989 with 83 million tapes sold in Britain, shows indications of a resurgence. Reports from record stores, data analysts, and music researchers support this trend.

In the United States, tape sales surged from 173,000 in 2020 to 343,000 in 2021, as reported by data provider Luminate. Similarly, the British Phonographic Industry noted that over 185,000 tapes were sold in Britain in 2021, marking the highest sales since 2003.

The increase in music cassette sales was significantly influenced by movies such as “Guardians of the Galaxy” or the phenomenon series “Stranger Things,” which released original cassette tapes with their soundtracks. At the same time, some of the protagonists enjoyed their favourite music on a traditional Walkman.