It’s a concept piece and so you can’t buy it just yet but I couldn’t resist including it. This is a new mobile cassette player that features modern technology and a compact form
A typical cassette player uses a capstan and a pinch roller to drag the tape along a magnetic head at a constant speed. Additionally, separate pulleys rotate the take-up and supply reels to manage the tape. As tape relocates from one reel to another mechanic clutches, belts and springs adjust the speed to both pulleys. Alternatively, capstan and reel pulleys can have separate motors. All of this results in quite a complex device and takes up a lot of space.
In ELBOW, a single pulley is used to drive the tape. To maintain constant playback rate, tape speed must be tracked by optical sensor and used as a control parameter for motor adjustment.
ELBOW’s most prominent feature is the biaxial arm. It rotates in two directions – upward motion enables the insertion of cassettes, while sideways motion allows manual switching of the playing direction. In a way, the biaxial ar mimics a tonearm of a vinyl record player.
The control wheel has a triple function. On the initial position, the device is off. Turning the wheel left plays the cassette and increases the volume. Turning in the opposite direction fast forwards the cassette, with a gradual increase (the more you turn, the faster the motor goes).
The device has two connections: a standard 3.5mm audio plug and a standard mini-USB port for charging and transferring audio fro the cassette to a computer.
A small pin pushes into the back lid, enabling attachment to clothes an other textile objects.
To learn more, click elbow.co.nf
40 Comments
fixmeister
24th March 2017 at 4:18 pmamazing device, tho i got my thoughts with the fact there is no reel tension.
maybe you could add a 2nd reel driver at the back to take care of that.
Paul Rigby
24th March 2017 at 4:22 pmYes, it is interesting. Probably make the audiophiles out there shudder and run for cover, though 🙂 That said, for the casual user, if looks good. I have a soft spot for cassette so anything to increase the format’s popularity is, to me, a ‘good thing’.
FredRock
19th May 2017 at 6:01 amThere doesn’t seem to be a pinch roller. No speed control except the take up reel.
Interesting. Perhaps accurate take up reel coupled with a foam pad, (Teflon, ceramic etc.?) to present the tape to the head while providing measured tension.
Paul Rigby
19th May 2017 at 8:40 amYes, I think – in audiophile terms – that there are design issues but I also believe that, if it gets going as a commercial proposition, then it would encourage the resurgence of the cassette as a music carrier, even if that is only as a healthy niche. I like cassettes so, for me, that would be a ‘good thing’. Bit like the sub-budget turntable market introducing new users into vinyl. Another ‘good thing’.
Philip
25th March 2017 at 8:05 pmAny way we can get some specs, wow&flutter, speed, frequency range versus distortion, output level@ the 3.5mm jack. How about the output, can it be set to line level to use the player in a car plugged into the AUX jack, connected to a home based audio system, etc? How about tone controls, any available, or is the signal ‘flat’? How is the USB designed to interface with other devices, as a stand-alone unit with included software to connect to say a laptop to rip cassettes to disc? How about the head, which brand and type have you decided to use? Are the audio circuits digital, analog or a hybrid?
Great Idea, really cool, it will be interesting to see how it stands up to legacy portable/Stereo To go cassette units available one upon a time. Kudos for going out on a limb designing and marketing a really cool device like this in our digital world of today!
Paul Rigby
28th March 2017 at 11:11 amThe company is doing extensive market research based upon this concept and so will more than likely tweak the design, if they even release it. I’d keep an eye on their site for now and monitor progress.
Todd Berryman
2nd May 2017 at 6:23 pmInteresting to contemplate that this will be mass-market by the very nature of it, meaning there’s no practical way to handle Dolby NR/dbx tapes of any stripe, let alone chromium dioxide or metal in correct fashion.
For transfer purposes, it probably should include a software bundle to compensate…
Paul Rigby
2nd May 2017 at 6:35 pmHi Todd – thanks for the message. If it came to market, it wouldn’t surprise me if there were a few modifications and additions. I think that this period is aimed at public consolation for ideas just as the ones you have raised.
Lam
30th May 2017 at 12:37 amHi
I want this elbow for X-Mas 2018.
best regards.
Y.L.
Parveen Dhawan
23rd June 2017 at 9:05 amwhere can i get this Elbow cassette player please inform
Paul Rigby
23rd June 2017 at 10:09 amIt’s not available for sale just yet, Parveen – hopefully in the near future.
Jean Mosley
5th August 2017 at 8:45 amHow much is Elbow Cassette player
Paul Rigby
5th August 2017 at 11:15 amIt’s not available for sale yet, I’m afraid – it’s only a concept. As soon as it emerges into the market, I’ll post the news.
biswarup
30th July 2017 at 4:27 pmI too am awaiting for this, eagerly!
Satyam
30th July 2017 at 10:32 pmI am a good music lover n I have good collection of Olay cassettes, plz let me know where should I get it? if it’s not available now plz let me know when I will get it through my email.
Paul Rigby
31st July 2017 at 5:02 pmThis is just a prototype for now: there is no release date as yet.
Branimir Kolarov
4th August 2017 at 10:36 pmGood idea? may be like spinners,!!!
SHABBEER SOOMRO
5th August 2017 at 4:41 pmwhat is price and how it can be avalaible in Pakistan?
Paul Rigby
6th August 2017 at 10:07 amThis item is only a concept design and is not available for sale yet – if and when it is, I will post a news item relating to it.
Celso José da Silva
6th August 2017 at 3:49 amOlá,
Gostaria de saber se o Elbow já está no mercado e qual o valor.
Achei muito legal.
Desde já agradeço a atenção,
Celsinho Silva
Paul Rigby
6th August 2017 at 10:07 amThis item is only a concept design and is not available for sale yet – if and when it is, I will post a news item relating to it.
Jaffar Taufique
16th August 2017 at 11:49 amIs this available in market?
Paul Rigby
20th August 2017 at 9:21 pmSorry for the delay in replying – just returned from holiday: no, not yet. It’s a concept piece at the moment.
INDU KALADHAR POLEPEDDY
24th October 2017 at 7:11 amhow do we know when it will be avaialble in market
Paul Rigby
24th October 2017 at 1:27 pmNot yet, I’m afraid – will keep an eye on the situation though.
Amey
26th October 2017 at 1:47 pmIdea was great. How can i buy in india?
Paul Rigby
26th October 2017 at 7:29 pmIt’s only a concept at the moment – I’ll keep an eye on this and report any progress, though.
vic
30th December 2017 at 10:05 amgood idea ..do you have a unit for Hi 8 mm video ???
Paul Rigby
30th December 2017 at 11:30 pmIt’s just an ‘idea’, at the moment Vic. I’ll pass on any further updates ASAP.
Mohammed Shabbir
1st January 2018 at 2:55 pmHi Paul please update me on the Elbow player availability to the general public. THANKS.
Paul Rigby
1st January 2018 at 4:03 pmThis is directly from the design team:
Dear ELBOW followers,
It’s time to clarify a few things. We’ve received loads of messages asking about the product price, features and availability. Here are the answers:
ELBOW IS A DESIGN CONCEPT. THERE IS NO PRODUCT YET AVAILABLE.
We are currently looking for engineering heads to help us make it happen.
THERE IS NO ESTIMATED PRICE OR RELEASE DATE YET.
The project is in very early stage, nothing is clear or set in stone.
THIS IS NOT THE FINAL DESIGN.
We’re looking for ways to modify or overhaul the design to make
the project more technically feasible.
Thanks all of you for the continued support, we’ll do everything in our power to try and make this real. Peace and joy to everyone,
BrainMonk organisation
Patrick Patterson
25th October 2020 at 10:59 amIve found this site again! I sure hope that you have evolved into a product by now. Still, many questions about potential specs. If this is a viable place to find out your progress please let me know. I shall read the other comments and when they were posted. If my inquiries are redundant than good i hope im not the only one thats hoping for your continued progress. I shall check in again the next time you catch my attention.
Thx.
Paul Rigby
26th October 2020 at 10:52 amHi Patrick – I’m afraid I am a mere journalist and have nothing to do with the product itself or the company behind it. Sorry.
Patrick
14th September 2022 at 10:28 amHey man, its been a minute. Hopefully enough time has passed that you may have your sights on some new tech like this one or this became a reality. Lemme know whenever you have a minute.
Paul Rigby
14th September 2022 at 11:16 amHi Patrick – the Elbow? This one died in the water, I’m afraid and it’s stayed dead ever since. Haven’t heard of anything similar out there unless anyone else out there knows better?
Patrick Patterson
26th October 2020 at 12:36 pmWell i do appreciate the expedient response anywho. This seems like a great product especially for an old school music fan with an enormous cassette collection that i will never part with. What i miss is the way the magnetic heads will pick up the cell phone search signal so you can tell when someone’s phone is about to ring. Freaks people out when ever you tell them,” its for you” or “if its for me, im in the tub.”
Paul Rigby
26th October 2020 at 1:43 pmNo problem, Patrick – did you see this news follow up perchance? :https://theaudiophileman.com/elbow-portable-cassette-tape-player-news/
kman
17th May 2022 at 2:04 pmThis is an interesting idea, but unfortunately, it simply won’t work well enough to be an acceptable product.
No tension control is a BIG DEAL and a show-stopper. It’s impossible to control tape speed without it.
I appreciate everyone’s enthusiasm about the design and the optimism that a product like this might bring to cassette collectors, but PLEASE don’t rely on this to even be a playable option without some extensive revisions and modifications.
Paul, your reply to commenters imply that the need for tape tension and other features are an “audiophile” thing. That’s just a really a poorly thought-out response. This thing will be out-preformed by a fisher-price tape player from the ’70’s if it’s every produced as it’s designed in this story.
It’s been 5+ years and still no real product. Every video or review is just a CGI. I appreciate designers and engineers with progressive imaginations, but this is like those concept car designs of vehicles that look advanced and cool, but the designer didn’t bother to include a door.
Sorry for the rant. I see stuff like this all the time on the crowdfunding sites. Get’s people excited, but it’s an impossible product. I just wish people were a little more realistic.
Paul Rigby
17th May 2022 at 4:41 pmI’m afraid your “rant” was a little unnecessary. You might want to check out my follow-up news story which declared that it is effectively dead in the water: https://theaudiophileman.com/elbow-portable-cassette-tape-player-news/ A site-based search is to be recommended for such matters.
As such, I would have thought that any time I may have committed to a written response, based on a product borne of fiction, was not only reasonable but exceedingly generous.
k. man
17th May 2022 at 5:46 pmPaul, you are right. My own reply was short sited and poorly researched. I apologize for coming across so strongly with this article. No excuses.
Have a good day.