The Article
ELBOW: The new Walkman Cassette player?
24th March 2017
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
amazing 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.
Yes, 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’.
There 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.
Yes, 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’.
Any 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!
The 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.
Interesting 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…
Hi 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.
Hi
I want this elbow for X-Mas 2018.
best regards.
Y.L.
where can i get this Elbow cassette player please inform
It’s not available for sale just yet, Parveen – hopefully in the near future.
How much is Elbow Cassette player
It’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.
I too am awaiting for this, eagerly!
I 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.
This is just a prototype for now: there is no release date as yet.
Good idea? may be like spinners,!!!
what is price and how it can be avalaible in Pakistan?
This 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.
Ol√°,
Gostaria de saber se o Elbow j√° est√° no mercado e qual o valor.
Achei muito legal.
Desde já agradeço a atenção,
Celsinho Silva
This 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.
Is this available in market?
Sorry for the delay in replying – just returned from holiday: no, not yet. It’s a concept piece at the moment.