Fender Audio Unveils Mix Headphones and Elie Speakers

Fender Audio has officially unveiled its first major lineup of consumer audio gear, featuring the modular Mix headphones and the versatile Elie speakers. The debut occurred in Las Vegas following a pre-CES announcement, marking the brand's return to general-use speakers.

The new lineup is the result of a partnership between Fender and Riffsound, which is designing and manufacturing the devices under a licensing agreement. This arrangement mirrors previous collaborations seen in the audio industry. The announcement covers two distinct product categories: high-fidelity headphones and portable Bluetooth speakers designed for both personal and party use.

Key highlights include the Mix headphones with their replaceable components and extended battery life, and the Elie speakers which offer professional-grade inputs alongside standard Bluetooth connectivity. Both product lines are set for imminent release with competitive pricing starting at $299.

The Mix headphones are designed for longevity and user customization. Their standout feature is a modular construction that allows the user to replace nearly every component. The ear cups detach from the headband, and the ear pads are easily replaceable. This design philosophy ensures the device can be maintained over a long period without needing a full replacement.

Battery management is also user-friendly. An easy-to-access slot located behind one ear pad allows for simple battery swaps. For connectivity, the Mix includes a USB-C dongle stored on the opposite side, enabling wireless lossless audio. Wired lossless audio is also supported via USB-C.

Control simplicity is a priority for the design. Fender Audio opted for a single joystick mechanism to handle volume and playback changes. This joystick also doubles as the power and pairing control. The only other physical button on the unit cycles through the active noise cancellation (ANC) modes.

Regarding audio performance, the Mix is tuned to satisfy listeners who prefer deep bass. Vocals are reported to cut through clearly, though the mid-range may require further assessment during long-term use. The most impressive specification is the battery life: the Mix offers up to 52 hours of use with ANC enabled, extending to 100 hours with ANC turned off.

The Elie speakers are designed to bridge the gap between standard portable speakers and larger party boxes. The lineup currently features two models: the Elie 06 and the Elie 12. Both units share a similar set of features but differ in size and output power.

The Elie 06 is the compact option. It houses a tweeter, a full-range driver, and a subwoofer, delivering 60 watts of output. The Elie 12 is the larger, more robust unit. It effectively doubles the specifications of the 06, offering 120 watts of output while remaining a portable option.

Both speakers offer a unique combination of inputs that set them apart from typical Bluetooth speakers. The features include:

• Two wireless inputs for microphones (with a proprietary model in development).
• A combination XLR and 1/4-inch input for instruments.
• Standard Bluetooth connectivity for streaming.

These inputs allow the speakers to function as public address systems or instrument amplifiers in addition to music playback. The units can be used individually, paired together for a stereo setup, or linked in a Multi mode that supports up to 100 speakers simultaneously.

Initial impressions of the sound quality for the Elie speakers are positive. Both models provide ample bass, with the larger Elie 12 naturally offering more 'thump.' The tuning prioritizes excellent vocal clarity and detailed highs. Test tracks featuring subtle sounds, such as banjo tunes, were used to verify the detail retrieval of the speakers.

While the Mix headphones were noted to have clear vocals and deep bass, the brief demo suggested a potential lack in the mid-range frequencies. However, a full assessment of the sound signature for both products is pending until review units are available for extended testing.

The design of the Elie speakers focuses on functionality without the distraction of flashing lights often found on party speakers. By combining standard portable speaker features with professional-grade inputs, Fender Audio aims to offer a solution for customers who require high-quality audio and versatility without the bulk of massive equipment.

Fender Audio has stated that the arrival of the entire new lineup is imminent. The products are expected to hit the market shortly following their debut at CES 2026 in Las Vegas.

The pricing structure for the new devices is as follows:

• Mix Headphones: $299
• Elie 06 Speaker: $299
• Elie 12 Speaker: $399

With these price points, Fender Audio is positioning itself competitively within the premium consumer audio market, offering repairable headphones and high-power speakers with professional connectivity options.