I discovered tape playback provided larger quantity ranges than Bluetooth or line-in (even with each of those set to most output), however that could be a mirrored image of the gear I used to be utilizing. To check for distortion, I recorded Billie Eilish’s “Unhealthy Man” to tape, then performed it from all three sources. With Bluetooth and line-in, the monitor’s thumping bass line induced no issues in any respect, even at 100% quantity. However after I switched to tape, the GB-001 hit the restrict of what it might deal with across the 75 p.c mark, at which level distortion turned very noticeable.
We Are Rewind says it makes use of a spatialization perform for “a wider, extra immersive stereo expertise,” and but the GB-001 stays extremely directional. Put your self dead-center, about 5 to 6 toes away, and it sounds nice. Stereo separation isn’t spectacular, but it surely’s sufficient for a soundstage that at occasions can really feel prefer it’s twice as large because the boombox. Nonetheless, should you stroll away from that heart line, stereo vanishes instantly, and so does a lot of the mid-to-high frequency definition. The sound turns into muddier the farther you go. This may occasionally additionally clarify that sense of smearing I discussed earlier.
{Photograph}: Simon Cohen
To a sure extent, that is true of any portable-size speaker, but it surely’s extra noticeable on the GB-001 than on extra trendy audio system, just like the JBL Authentics 300 or Marshall Kilburn III, which might fill a room extra evenly.
The bass and treble tone controls present a variety of changes in each frequency bands, however they don’t have an effect on the headphone output. Talking of headphones, low-impedance, high-sensitivity fashions shall be a more sensible choice for the GB-001. It wasn’t fairly highly effective sufficient to drive my 80-ohm Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Restricted Version cans as loud as I’d have favored.
For a portable speaker of its energy, the GB-001 is on the expensive facet, particularly when you think about it has a considerably decrease battery life than equally highly effective fashions. It additionally lacks water/mud resistance, and also you undoubtedly don’t need to drop it from any peak. The dearth of an AM/FM radio, Bluetooth playback controls, and a tape counter are unlucky oversights.
And but I actually like We Are Rewind’s new tackle the basic boombox. The simplicity of its design, its versatility as a recording gadget—these VU meters!—together with its substantial energy and karaoke choice, give it a worth that goes past pure nostalgia. It’s an eminently sensible method to discover (or reacquaint your self with) an analog format that’s slowly clawing its means again into the highlight. On the very least, it’s a assured dialog piece. If that’s definitely worth the cash for you, and also you miss making mixtapes, it could be price a purchase.
