Fender’s Innovative Entry into Bluetooth Audio: Modular Headphones and Elegant Speakers
Fender, a name synonymous with musical excellence, has made a significant foray into the Bluetooth audio market with the introduction of its modular headphones and stylish speakers. Unveiled at CES 2026, these products showcase Fender’s commitment to innovation and quality in the realm of personal audio.
Fender Mix: The Modular Headphones
The Fender Mix headphones are a testament to versatility and user-centric design. Featuring a modular structure, the headband and earcups can be easily detached via USB-C connections, allowing for effortless customization and maintenance. This design not only enhances durability but also offers users the flexibility to adapt their headphones to various needs.
A standout feature of the Mix headphones is the inclusion of a compact USB-C dongle. This accessory enables users to experience lossless audio and low-latency performance, particularly beneficial for gaming. While the headphones support standard Bluetooth codecs, the dongle facilitates direct connections using LDHC and Fire codecs, ensuring full-bandwidth audio. Additionally, the built-in Auracast capabilities enhance the wireless audio experience.
Underneath one of the magnetic earcups lies a removable battery, allowing for quick and easy replacement. Fender claims that the Mix headphones can deliver up to 100 hours of playback with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) turned off and 52 hours with ANC activated. This impressive battery life ensures prolonged listening sessions without frequent recharging.
Priced at $299, the Mix headphones offer exceptional sound quality. Even when utilizing the AAC codec over Bluetooth, the audio performance is remarkable, thanks to Fender’s meticulous tuning. The addition of the USB-C dongle makes accessing lossless audio more convenient for users on the go. While they may not replace high-end DACs and wired headphones, the Mix headphones represent a significant advancement in portable audio solutions.
Elie 06 and Elie 12: Portable Bluetooth Speakers
Fender’s new speakers, the Elie 06 and Elie 12, combine aesthetic appeal with functional excellence. The Elie 06 is a compact unit with a tall, slender design, offering up to 18 hours of battery life on a full charge. Its larger counterpart, the Elie 12, provides 15 hours of playback time.
Both models feature a maple wood accent along the top, paying homage to Fender’s rich history. The design seamlessly blends retro elements with modern aesthetics, resulting in visually striking speakers available in both black and white finishes.
The Elie 06 operates in mono but utilizes the latest Bluetooth codec to enable one-button pairing with a second Elie 06, creating a stereo audio setup. This feature allows users to enjoy a more immersive sound experience.
In a bid to cater to a broader audience, Fender has incorporated connections not commonly found in Bluetooth speakers. The rear panel includes an XLR input for guitar or microphone connections, accompanied by a button for 48V phantom power. Users can mix any input with a line-out for recording to external devices, enhancing the speakers’ versatility.
The Elie 06 and Elie 12 are priced at $299 and $399, respectively. The Mix modular headphones are also available for $299. The entire lineup is expected to launch next month, offering consumers a range of high-quality audio products that reflect Fender’s dedication to innovation and excellence.
