Paris-based We Are Rewind claims its $159 WE-001 EDITH cassette player merges retro charm with modern tech. This candy-colored throwback device promises to resurrect the tactile joy of mixtapes for a generation raised on playlists. Founded in 2016, the company appears determined to reinvent analog audio for digital natives with this updated portable player that looks like it fell out of a Stranger Things episode, an affectionate nod to the kind of forgotten products that once defined decades.
Design That Screams Instagram-Ready
The aluminum body comes wrapped in cotton candy pink with teal accents that make old-school Sony Walkmans look downright boring. Four black control knobs sit alongside a yellow power button that pops like a highlighter against the pink chassis.
The circular window reveals the hypnotic movement of tape spools inside – mechanical entertainment that no streaming app can replicate. The device’s bold colorway has been described by reviewers as “Barbiecore,” hitting that sweet spot of nostalgia with modern aesthetic sensibilities.
Premium Build Quality
Approximately 5.5 inches tall (140.8 mm), the device is compact enough to fit in bags, though larger than vintage Walkman models. A belt clip accessory is available separately. The aluminum construction delivers surprisingly solid build quality for what could have been just a novelty device.
Unlike the plastic-bodied players of the past, the metal construction gives the EDITH a premium feel that justifies its higher price point. The craftsmanship suggests a product built to last rather than a disposable gadget.
Modern Power Solutions
Unlike the battery-guzzling monsters of the ’80s, the EDITH recharges via USB-C for reportedly 12 hours of playback. Real-world battery life may fall short of marketing claims, but it still outlasts most vintage players by hours.
The rechargeable lithium battery eliminates the environmental waste and ongoing cost of disposable batteries. This modern power solution addresses one of the most frustrating aspects of original cassette players – their voracious appetite for AA batteries.
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth connectivity lets you pair with modern wireless headphones, though the matching yellow-padded wired ones deliver peak aesthetic points. The Bluetooth 5.1 technology represents a genuine innovation for cassette players.
This wireless capability creates an interesting tech paradox – listening to analog media through digital transmission. For those who want the best of both worlds, the standard 3.5mm headphone jack remains available for traditional wired listening.
Recording Capabilities
The 3.5mm input allows recording from phones to blank tapes, reviving the mixtape ritual without the dual-deck gymnastics we endured back in the day. This feature resurrects the creative potential of cassettes for a new generation.
Unlike streaming playlists that can be shared instantly, making a mixtape on the EDITH requires time and intention. This deliberate process is part of what makes the format special, creating a physical artifact that represents a moment or feeling.
Sound That’s Deliberately Imperfect
Let’s be clear – you’re not buying this for audiophile-grade sound. According to reviews, the EDITH delivers warm, slightly fuzzy audio with that characteristic tape hiss. That’s precisely the point.
Unlike vinyl’s recent renaissance based partly on sound quality claims, cassette revival embraces the format’s limitations. It’s all about the ritual – the satisfying click of inserting a tape, the anticipation as it begins to play, and the midway flip to side B. Several reviewers note that compared to vintage players, the EDITH produces cleaner output with less mechanical noise.
Nostalgia Tax or Worthwhile Revival?
At $159, the EDITH costs considerably more than vintage players found at thrift stores. The price reflects modern components inside that vintage shell – Bluetooth chipsets and rechargeable batteries don’t come cheap.
For creators making physical mixtapes or collectors seeking authentic playback of ’80s and ’90s tapes, the convenience upgrades justify the premium. For casual nostalgists, the price might feel steep for what could become a short-lived novelty.
The cassette revival remains niche compared to vinyl’s mainstream comeback, as confirmed by industry reports and sales data. The colorful design approach of the EDITH model might make it eye-catching enough to capture attention from casual nostalgists and social media enthusiasts alike.
