Dallas-based company, Mixxim, launched its first version of the MIXXTAPE in 2013. The idea was to merge classic craftsmanship with modern technology, and bring back an iconic medium that carries so many memories and emotions for many. Their redesigned mixtape represents the personal, human connection to music that cannot be done justice through tap-to-play streaming services. In 2017, their second generation MIXXTAPE was 1215% funded on Kickstarter in just 30 days and featured by Kickstarter on "Projects We Love." Their third generation in 2019 was recognized as one of ten finalists at the CES Last Gadget Standing competition. The latest, fourth-generation MIXXTAPE is the lovechild of old school nostalgia and modern playback technology.
Inventor Paul Burns calls it "nostalgia meets modern tech." As he explains, "Our enjoyment of music, and the cultural rituals surrounding that enjoyment, is a complex and deeply social thing that engages more than just our ears. The cassette is an iconic medium, steeped in musical history, that people can feel, handle, and experience together – unlike streaming files and virtual avatars."
On June 15, Mixxim launched a new Kickstarter campaign to bring the new and improved version of MIXXTAPE to the public. The company's fourth generation of product features a modern, silver and black design, and plays music in 24-bit/192kHz high resolution audio. Funny enough, when audioXpress commented the launch of the previous generation which was limited to 16-bit/48kHz, in 2019, we wrote "if you are looking for high resolution audio you wouldn't be buying a player that looks like a cassette, anyway."
Anyway, the new MIXXTAPE now has a 1-inch full-color touch display with multi-language interface support, has slighted updated Bluetooth and comes with 8GB of internal memory, supporting up to 512GB microSD cards. And it still offers the good old stereo 3.5mm audio jack that is now missing from all smartphones. A USB-C connection allows users to easily transfer files from a PC or Mac, and the internal rechargeable battery offers up to 5 hours of playback. The digital files that can be copied to the internal memory include: FLAC, AAC, DFF, DSF, MP3, M4A, WMA, OGG, APE, WAV, AAC-LC, & ACELP (works with Apple iTunes). Oh, and it plays like a real cassette as well. Users can simply drop it into an old boombox, press play.
It is still a slightly idiotic idea, the argument of "compressed" music streaming services is now an old one, and the high resolution playback argument is slightly out of tune for anyone looking for a "revival of the cassette" without the wow, flutter and jammed tape. As an added bonus, Mixxim now offers the MIXXTAPE in a new metal casing that is engravable. So users will be able to personalize the device and write down what it is and why they bought it, so they they can be reminded when they find it forgotten in a drawer a few years later.
The new MIXXTAPE player package includes also a silicone protective case, real cassette box (jewel case), USB-C charging/data cable, blank J-Card, sticker sheet. All for just $76 for those getting the Kickstarter early bird price (regular retail price will be $121). Worldwide shipping is available.
www.mixtapeboss.com
