Julius Makes just dropped a wild gadget that mixes vintage cassettes with streaming tech. It’s a game-changer for audiophiles and nostalgia lovers alike.
YouTube creator Julius Makes has developed an innovative device known as the Cassette Streamer, which merges the charm of classic cassette playback with the convenience of modern streaming technology. The resulting product embodies the retro aesthetic of a portable cassette player, featuring knobs and buttons alongside a clear front panel that showcases the movement of the tape.
Users can insert a cassette, connect their phones via Bluetooth, and stream their favorite playlists. The device captures the audio and records it in real time onto the tape, allowing for a unique listening experience. A few seconds after recording, the Cassette Streamer plays back the audio, creating a natural echo effect paired with lo-fi distortion and compression that only analog tape can deliver.
Julius’s design retains the essence of the old cassette player but includes enhancements to improve functionality. The tape path is cleverly extended beyond the original cassette casing, guided by colorful 3D-printed components that not only serve a practical purpose but also add an artistic touch. Inside, custom circuit boards facilitate the audio conversion process, reducing stereo sound to mono for compatibility with the cassette deck.
Playback involves a pre-amplification process that cleans up the audio signal before it reaches the internal speaker. Additionally, a repurposed fluorescent tube from a scanner acts as a VU meter, illuminating in sync with the music’s intensity. This feature not only adds a visual aspect but ensures longevity for the tube itself.
The Cassette Streamer includes two knobs for user control—one adjusts the recording level, allowing for variations in sound clarity or distortion, while the other manages the volume of the internal speaker. For musicians, the device features quarter-inch jacks, making it useful as a standalone tape delay pedal for guitars or other instruments.
Creating this device proved to be a complex task for Julius. Precision was key, and he utilized a software application named KiCad to design the electronic boards. He oversaw the manufacturing process and crafted 3D printed components to construct the device’s housing. The transparent panel was laser-cut for clarity, and a custom stainless steel enclosure was integrated to enhance durability and prevent overheating. He also added custom knobs for a more tactile experience.
