Audio T Verdict
The We Are Rewind WE-001 takes the familiar portable cassette player and gives it a handful of genuinely useful modern improvements.
You can listen through conventional wired headphones or transmit your tapes to a compatible Bluetooth speaker or pair of wireless headphones. The built-in rechargeable battery also removes the need to carry a pocketful of disposable batteries.
Its stereo recording input means the mixtape is back too. Add an aluminium case, proper mechanical controls and several wonderfully retro finishes, and the result is nostalgic without being stuck entirely in the past.
We Are Rewind WE-001 Portable Bluetooth Cassette Player and Recorder
The We Are Rewind WE-001 is a modern portable cassette player designed for anyone rediscovering an old tape collection or buying newly released music on cassette.
It provides stereo playback, stereo recording, manual fast forward and rewind, a conventional wired headphone output and Bluetooth transmission to compatible wireless headphones or speakers.
A rechargeable lithium-ion battery replaces disposable batteries, with charging handled through the supplied USB-C cable.
Play Type I to Type IV Cassettes
The WE-001 can play all four principal compact-cassette formulations:
- Type I ferric or normal-bias cassettes
- Type II chrome or high-bias cassettes
- Type III ferrichrome cassettes
- Type IV metal cassettes
Playback is two-track stereo, with the cassette turned over manually to listen to its second side.
Mechanical Cassette Controls
The top-mounted controls provide direct operation of the cassette mechanism:
- Play
- Stop and eject
- Fast forward
- Rewind
- Record
The mechanism includes auto-stop, helping prevent the tape from continuing to pull against the transport after reaching the end of a side.
Stereo Cassette Playback
The current manufacturer specification gives a Type I cassette playback response of 30Hz to 14,500Hz.
Published performance also includes a 50dB signal-to-noise ratio, typical distortion of 0.3% and typical wow and flutter of 0.2%.
The final result will naturally depend on the condition, formulation and original recording quality of the cassette being played.
Bluetooth 5.1 Transmission
Bluetooth 5.1 allows cassette audio to be transmitted to compatible wireless headphones or a Bluetooth speaker.
Press the Bluetooth control to begin pairing. The blue indicator flashes while searching and remains steadily illuminated once the connection has been established.
Bluetooth compatibility can vary between receiving products. We Are Rewind advises that the player works with most wireless headphones and speakers but does not recommend it for in-ear earbuds.
Bluetooth Sends Cassette Audio Out
The WE-001 contains a Bluetooth transmitter rather than a Bluetooth receiver.
It sends the sound from a cassette to compatible headphones or speakers. It cannot receive music wirelessly from a phone and cannot make a cassette recording over Bluetooth.
Wired Headphone Listening
A conventional 3.5mm stereo output allows wired headphones to be connected directly.
The headphone amplifier is rated at 2 × 2mW into a 32-ohm load.
Begin with the volume low before connecting headphones, then increase it gradually to a comfortable listening level.
Connect to a Hi-Fi System
The 3.5mm headphone output can also feed a compatible amplifier or pair of powered speakers using a suitable 3.5mm-to-RCA or 3.5mm-to-3.5mm cable.
Connect it to a normal line-level input such as AUX, Line or CD. Do not connect it to a turntable phono input.
Begin with the WE-001 and amplifier volumes low, then raise them carefully to achieve the required level.
Create Your Own Mixtapes
A 3.5mm stereo line input allows music from a compatible analogue source to be recorded onto cassette.
Suitable sources may include a phone, computer, CD player, streamer or another device with an adjustable headphone or line-level output.
The WE-001 uses automatic recording-level control, with a published input range of approximately 50mVrms to 200mVrms.
Type I Recording
Although the player can reproduce Type I to Type IV cassettes, its recording function is specified for Type I cassettes only.
The published recording response is 30Hz to 10,000Hz with a Type I cassette, with a 45dB signal-to-noise ratio and typical distortion of 1%.
For the best result, use a new or properly erased Type I cassette in good mechanical condition.
Recording Requires a Wired Connection
Connect the source to the 3.5mm recording input before pressing Record and Play.
The Bluetooth connection cannot be used as a recording source.
No Built-In Microphone
The recording input expects a line-level signal and is not designed for a microphone connected directly.
Recording speech, vocals or an acoustic instrument through a microphone requires a suitable microphone preamplifier or mixer to raise the signal to line level.
Digitising a Cassette
Cassette audio can be taken from the 3.5mm headphone output and connected to a suitable audio input on a computer, recorder or audio interface.
Compatible recording software is then required to capture, divide and save the audio.
The USB-C connection does not carry cassette audio and cannot be used to transfer recordings digitally.
Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery
The internal 2000mAh lithium-ion battery provides approximately 10 to 12 hours of use, depending on volume, Bluetooth activity and operating conditions.
This removes the need for disposable AA batteries and allows the player to be recharged from a suitable USB power source.
USB-C Charging
A USB-C charging cable is supplied with the player.
A complete charge typically takes around four to five hours, depending on the remaining battery level and the USB power source.
The USB-C socket is for charging only. It is not a computer-audio connection and does not provide cassette digitisation.
Internal Battery Information
The rechargeable battery has a nominal voltage of 3.7V and a capacity of 2000mAh.
We Are Rewind estimates a service life of approximately four to five years. The battery is not designed to be replaced by the user.
The player can also be powered from a suitable external USB battery when required.
Aluminium Construction
The outer enclosure is made from aluminium rather than moulded entirely from plastic.
This gives the WE-001 a reassuringly solid feel and provides a premium finish inspired by early personal cassette players.
A circular front window leaves part of the cassette visible while it is playing.
Portable Rather Than Pocket-Light
The WE-001 measures 140.8mm wide, 88.8mm high and 33.5mm deep, with a published weight of approximately 404g.
Its aluminium body makes it heavier than many inexpensive plastic cassette players, but also considerably more substantial.
An optional belt clip is available separately and is not supplied with the standard Audio T product.
Available Finishes
Current Audio T options include:
- Serge in orange
- Kurt in blue
- Keith in grey
- Amy in black and yellow
Each finish uses the same WE-001 cassette mechanism, Bluetooth system, recording facility and rechargeable battery.
What Is Included?
- One We Are Rewind WE-001 cassette player and recorder
- One USB-C charging cable
- One mini pencil for taking up loose tape
- User manual
Headphones, Bluetooth speakers, recording cables, USB power adaptors, belt clips and blank cassettes should not be assumed to be included unless specifically stated with the selected product option.
Key Features
- Portable stereo cassette player and recorder
- WE-001 cassette mechanism
- Compatible with Type I to Type IV cassettes for playback
- Type I cassette recording
- Two-track stereo playback
- Stereo line-input recording
- Automatic recording-level control
- Manual play, stop, fast-forward and rewind controls
- Auto-stop cassette mechanism
- Bluetooth 5.1 transmitter
- Compatible with most Bluetooth headphones and speakers
- 3.5mm wired headphone output
- 3.5mm stereo recording input
- Headphone output can feed a compatible Hi-Fi input
- Built-in 2000mAh rechargeable battery
- Approximately 10 to 12 hours of battery use
- USB-C charging
- Approximately four to five hours for a full charge
- Aluminium outer case
- Transparent cassette window
- USB-C charging cable included
- Mini tape pencil included
- Several retro-inspired finishes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the We Are Rewind WE-001?
It is a portable stereo cassette player and recorder with Bluetooth transmission, wired headphone output and a rechargeable battery.
Which cassette types can it play?
It can play Type I, Type II, Type III and Type IV compact audio cassettes.
Which cassette types can it record onto?
Recording is officially supported with Type I cassettes.
Is it stereo?
Yes. It provides two-track stereo playback and stereo recording from its line input.
Does it have auto-reverse?
Auto-reverse is not specified. Turn the cassette over manually to play its second side.
Does it have auto-stop?
Yes. The cassette mechanism includes auto-stop.
Can it connect to Bluetooth headphones?
Yes. It can transmit cassette audio to most compatible Bluetooth headphones.
Can it connect to AirPods or other earbuds?
We Are Rewind advises that the Bluetooth transmitter is not compatible with in-ear headphones, so compatibility should not be assumed.
Can it receive Bluetooth music from a phone?
No. Bluetooth is used to transmit cassette audio to headphones or speakers. The WE-001 is not a Bluetooth receiver.
Can it record music received over Bluetooth?
No. Recordings must be made through the wired 3.5mm stereo input.
Can it record from a phone?
Yes, provided the phone has a suitable analogue output or adaptor and is connected to the recording input with the correct cable.
Can I record using a microphone?
Not directly. A microphone requires a suitable preamplifier or mixer to provide the line-level signal expected by the player.
Can it digitise old cassettes?
The headphone output can be connected to a suitable computer audio input or interface, with compatible recording software used to capture the tape.
Does USB-C transfer audio?
No. USB-C is provided for charging rather than audio transfer or cassette digitisation.
Can it connect to a Hi-Fi amplifier?
Yes. Connect the headphone output to a compatible line-level input using a suitable cable.
Does it have a built-in speaker?
No built-in loudspeaker is specified. Use wired headphones, compatible Bluetooth headphones, a Bluetooth speaker or a suitable Hi-Fi connection.
How long does the battery last?
The published operating time is approximately 10 to 12 hours.
How long does charging take?
A full charge normally takes approximately four to five hours.
Can the battery be replaced?
The internal battery is not designed to be replaced by the user.
Are headphones included?
No. Headphones are not listed among the standard supplied accessories.
Is a blank cassette included?
A blank cassette is not listed in the formal box contents or on the Audio T product page, so it should not be assumed to be included.
Is a belt clip included?
No. The compatible belt clip is an optional accessory.
How large is it?
It measures 140.8mm wide, 88.8mm high and 33.5mm deep.
How much does it weigh?
The published weight is approximately 404g.
Related Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Independent advice from experienced audio specialists
- Help choosing suitable wired or Bluetooth headphones
- Bluetooth pairing and compatibility guidance
- Advice on connecting the player to a Hi-Fi system
- Help selecting suitable blank recording cassettes
- Cassette digitisation and recording guidance
- In-store demonstrations at participating branches
- Click and Reserve from participating stores
- Nationwide UK delivery on eligible products
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss the We Are Rewind WE-001, compatible headphones or connecting it to your existing Hi-Fi system.