At a Glance
- DIY gadget streams Spotify onto cassette tape
- Built by YouTuber Julius Makes, not for sale
- Combines DAC, analog recording, tape playback with knobs and delay
- Why it matters: Brings nostalgic analog feel to modern streaming
In a year that has seen a resurgence of vintage audio gear, a YouTuber has taken streaming music a step further by creating a device that records Spotify directly onto cassette tape. The result is a one-off prototype that looks and sounds like a relic from the past.
The DIY Device
Julius Makes built a prototype that turns a digital stream into an analog tape, complete with recording and playback controls. The unit features a DAC, a thin-tape recorder, a single speaker, and a tape-delay effect.
- DAC that converts digital to analog
- Tape recorder that captures the stream
- Single speaker for playback
- Knobs for recording level, volume, and tape delay
- Quarter-inch audio jack for external use
How It Works
The device first converts the Spotify stream via a DAC, then records the analog signal onto a thin strip of tape. When played back, the tape drives the single speaker, and the knobs let users adjust levels and add an echo-y tape-delay effect.
Behind the Build
Julius admits the build was difficult, citing a steep learning curve, costly manufacturing, and longer-than-expected parts wait times. Despite the challenges, the finished product delivers a warm, lo-fi sound that feels authentically analog.
Key Takeaways
- Spotify can be streamed onto cassette tape with a homemade device
- The prototype includes recording, playback, and delay controls
- Building the unit was costly and time-consuming, but the result is a nostalgic audio experience
While you can’t buy this gadget, Julius’s experiment shows how creative DIY hardware can bring modern streaming into the analog era, offering a unique listening experience for nostalgia lovers.
