MIXXTAPE Draws on Nostalgia, Reinvents the Cassette

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(November 22, 2019) Here's a bit of fun AV news to digest on this rather dreary Friday morning. An upstart audio company called Mixxim has introduced a retro-looking (yet assuredly high-tech) player and multi-streaming device called MIXXTAPE. Of course, the allure of MIXXTAPE is immediately evident to anyone that was upright as late as the 1990s, as it looks and feels just like a classic cassette tape.

Before we proceed any further, it's important to recognize that MIXXTAPE tip-toes dangerously close to territory previously dominated by traditional MP3 players, which have been largely dismissed by the robust capabilities and multi-function designs of modern smartphones. But, the device does have a few tricks up its sleeve to keep intrigue alive. First is file compatibility, which includes standard MP3s, FLAC (16-bit), AAC, WMA, WAV, OGG, ACELP, and APE files. Then there's its standard 8GB of internal memory that can be expanded to a lofty 256GB with an optional microSD card (2,000 to 62,000 songs). It also houses a 1" OLED screen.

Those are all noteworthy features.

To play MIXXTAPE, plug in any 3.5mm headphones (not included) and you're off and running. You can also tap onboard Bluetooth 4.0 for streaming to your favorite Bluetooth speaker or device. And for those of you looking for true nostalgia, play it in any cassette player not equipped with tape movement sensors. And to up the ante a tad more, it also carries a Bluetooth receiver that allows you to connect your phone to MIXXTAPE for phone-playback when it's in a tape deck!

As for downsides, there's the price (which currently sits at $100) and battery life (a paltry five hours).

MIXXTAPE was initially launched as a Kickstarter product, achieving max funding (plus!) in 30 days. The device's inventor, Paul Burns, is overwhelmed by the popular response, saying: "I think people just love the nostalgic feeling MIXXTAPE gives them. And by combining digital and analog elements, it gives people an opportunity to be creative and express themselves in fun and unique ways."
 

Todd Anderson

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Imagine if they made a cheaper version of this... $20 MP3 player. You could relieve the glory days of making a mixed tape for a loved one, a crush, or a friend. Put it in a traditional case that houses the tape and a cover (for some hand drawn goodness)... and you have a really cool and affordable gift. Totally personal and possessing the ability to be personalized.
 

tripplej

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Yeah, I think price will be an issue. A bit too high for me. I suspect they will have to reduce it a lot to get the masses to get a hold of it. :)
 
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Isaac Sykes

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Ok, this is pretty neat!! As for the price, I've spent more on a dinner. :oops:
 

Jose Sifontes

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I still play (and record) on good old original cassette tape, have three decks that I rotate around the system to keep them all going (all 80s-era Nakamichis). To my ears, there is something special about the sound of a properly recorded tape that I can't let go of. And don't get me started on 1/4" tape reels... :5stars:
 

tripplej

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Speaking of cassette tapes, Sony is releasing the 40th anniversary of their original walkman, an updated version that is.. ..

see link here.
 

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I still play (and record) on good old original cassette tape, have three decks that I rotate around the system to keep them all going (all 80s-era Nakamichis). To my ears, there is something special about the sound of a properly recorded tape that I can't let go of. And don't get me started on 1/4" tape reels... :5stars:

The thing I miss most about cassette tapes: that new cassette smell. Perhaps it was the inks that labels used when printing. But had a very "ditto machine" flavor to it.
 

Isaac Sykes

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Front Speakers
GOLDEN EAR TRITON REFERENCE
Center Channel Speaker
GOLDEN EAR SUPER CENTER XXL
Surround Speakers
GOLDEN EAR INVISA 7000'S
Surround Back Speakers
GOLDEN EAR INVISA 7000'S
Front Height Speakers
GOLDEN EAR INVISA 650'S
Rear Height Speakers
GOLDEN EAR INVISA 650'S
Subwoofers
GOLDEN EAR SUPER SUB X (2)
Other Speakers or Equipment
DEFINITIVE TECHNOLOGY MYTHOS ST-L, INTEGRA DRC-R1
Video Display Device
EPSON UB6040
Screen
SI BLACK DIAMOND ZERO EDGE 110
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CARY DMS-500, BLUESOUND VAULT(2)

Todd Anderson

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Kaleidescape TERRA, OPPO UDP-203, Panasonic UB9000
Front Speakers
GoldenEar Technology Triton One.R
Center Channel Speaker
GoldenEar Technology SuperCenter Reference
Surround Speakers
SVS Ultra Surround
Surround Back Speakers
SVS Ultra Bookshelf
Front Height Speakers
SVS Prime Elevation x4 (Top Front, Top Mid-Front)
Rear Height Speakers
SVS Prime Elevation x4 (Top Middle, Top Rear)
Subwoofers
dual SVS SB16s + dual PSA XS30s
Other Speakers or Equipment
Behringer 1124p; Aura Bass Shaker Pros; SuperSub X
Video Display Device
JVC NX7
Screen
Seymour Screen Excellence, Enlightor NEO AT Screen
Streaming Equipment
iFi Audio Zen Blue
Streaming Subscriptions
Qobuz, TIDAL, Spotify, ROON
Other Equipment
LG Electronics 65-inch B6 OLED, Sony 65-inch X900F, ZeroSurge 8R15W x 2, ZeroSurge 2R15W x 2
I'm thinking about snagging one of these mixxtapes and keeping it until next fall... my oldest is heading off to college. Might be fun to throw some of our favorite shared songs on it and take some time to make a personalized jacket for it. Kind of old school, but new school!
 
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