Fender has set out to go far beyond guitars and amplifiers which have made it famous for decades, and is now launching itself fully into the portable and personal audio market. Coinciding with its 80th anniversary, the company is embarking on a new phase with its first Bluetooth speakers and wireless headphones, placing itself against well-established rivals such as Marshall, JBL or Bose.
This new line, presented just before the CES 2026 (January 6-9), arrives under the brand Fender Audio, a consumer electronics division operated by Riffsound Pte. Ltd. Officially licensed. The idea is clear: to bring the Fender sound and philosophy into the everyday life of any user, both at home and on the street or in creative environments, without limiting themselves to producing "showy" products with a well-known logo.
Fender Audio: A new era in portable audio
Fender's entry into consumer audio is not limited to a change of categorybut it introduces features rarely seen together in speakers and headphones designed for the general public. The initial range consists of two portable speakers, the ELIE E6 and ELIE E12, And a modular wireless headphones called MIX, all of them aimed at combining entertainment, content creation and light professional use.
The brand has chosen to avoid purely nostalgic products and has opted for features specific to more specialized equipment: simultaneous mixing of multiple audio sources, advanced wireless modes such as Auracastlossless audio, replaceable batteries and designs built to last for years. All of this places Fender Audio in a position where it will have to compete with brands like Marshall, Brane Audio, Final Audio or Skullcandy, very present in Europe and Spain.
The strategy involves combining the appeal of a historic brand with unusual features. in the “lifestyle audio” segment. And, at least on paper, the specifications suggest that Fender intends to compete head-to-head with some of the most ambitious models on the market today.
ELIE: Bluetooth speakers with a stage spirit
The speaker family ELIE (Extremely Loud Infinitely Expressive) It is composed of two models: the E6designed as a compact, portable option, and the E12Larger and geared towards those who need more punch and volume. In both cases, Fender opts for a meticulous design with nods to its classic aesthetic., with finishes in tones such as “Olympic white” or “skyscraper black” and a format that vaguely resembles miniature stage amplifiers.
The two speakers integrate dedicated subwoofer and an exclusive implementation of a Waves Audio chip (known for their professional studio plugins), with which the brand promises higher sound pressure and less distortion than other speakers of the same size. Furthermore, they offer dust and splash resistance with IP54 certificationdesigned for use both indoors and on terraces, gardens or small events.
One of the most striking features of the ELIE is its ability to mix up to four simultaneous audio sources.A mobile phone or computer can be connected via Bluetooth 5.3, while the physical XLR and 1/4″ jack inputs allow microphones or instruments to be plugged in. In addition, two additional wireless channels when using specific Fender Audio accessories, which turns these speakers into a kind of portable mini mixing console without the need for extra equipment.
Both models can work in true stereo mode (L/R) pairing two units and also offer multiroom or multi-speaker modewith the theoretical possibility of synchronizing up to one hundred speakers to cover larger spaces. This feature is especially useful for small bars, studios, rehearsal spaces, or parties where sound needs to be distributed without resorting to more complex installation systems.
ELIE E6 and ELIE E12: Key differences between the two models
Key features
El ELIE E6 is the compact option from the range. It offers up to 60W of power with a sound pressure level of approximately 96 dB, sufficient for fill a terrace or a living room without the sound breaking up at high volumes. Its integrated battery lasts for around 18 hours of playback according to data provided by the brand, and has fast charge: in about 15 minutes of plugging in you get approximately 1,5 extra hours of use, which is useful if it runs out in the middle of a meeting.
In terms of wireless connectivity, the E6 integrates Bluetooth 5.3 with codecs such as SBC, AAC, LC3, and LHDCThis allows you to take advantage of mobile phones and devices compatible with higher-quality audio. Physically, it features an XLR/jack input for instruments or microphones, a 3,5 mm minijack line output, and USB-C port with reverse chargingso it can also function as a small power bank to charge your phone.
El ELIE E12 positions itself as the most powerful and forceful version. Embed two tweeters, two woofers and two subwoofers, reaching 120W of power in two 60W channels and a sound pressure level close to 101 dB. All of this translates into more volume and dynamic margin before distortion appears, designed to easily cover a barbecue, a large gathering, or even small impromptu bowling matches.
In addition to replicating the same philosophy of connections and functions as the E6, the larger model incorporates Physical controls for bass and trebleThis is becoming increasingly rare in Bluetooth speakers, where almost everything is handled by apps. Its battery life remains around 15 hours of use, with the same system of 15 minute quick charge which provides about 2 extra hours of battery life. In return, it's a bulkier and heavier speaker, weighing close to 5 kg, with a design more suited to occasional transport than carrying around all the time.
In both cases, Fender sets its prices in the mid-to-high range of the sector.: approximately $299,99 for the ELIE E6 y $399,99 for the ELIE E12Converted to euros, that would be around € 255 and € 340 At the current exchange rate, it competes directly with models like the ELAC NAVA100 or the Brane Audio X. Although there is still no no specific dates or official rates for Spain or the rest of EuropeThe brand itself has announced that they will be available for purchase online through platforms such as Amazon and selected distributors.
MIX Headphones: Modular design and long battery life
Alongside the speakers, Fender Audio is launching its first wireless headband headphones, MIXwith a bet that stands out from the norm: true modularity, replaceable battery and autonomy well above averageThe goal is that the user does not have to replace the product after a few years due to battery wear or breakage of a specific part.
The MIX integrate 40mm graphene driversdesigned to offer deep bass with good definition in the mids and highs, and feature hybrid active noise cancellation supported on dual microphones which also improve voice quality during calls. The entire set is designed for intensive use: work, leisure, travel, and multimedia content, going beyond a simple occasional accessory.
In terms of battery life, the figures are striking: Up to 100 hours of playback without ANC and around 52 hours with cancellation activated at an average volume, which is practically equivalent to a week of daily use without needing to charge itThe fast charging system allows you to recover several hours of playback by simply plugging them in for about 15 minutes, and a full charge takes around two hours.
One unusual detail is that The battery can be replacedThis is something almost nonexistent in modern Bluetooth headphones. This significantly extends the device's lifespan and fits with the product's modular philosophy. Furthermore, if the battery ever runs out, The MIX can still be used via a 3,5 mm cable in the old-fashioned way, connecting them to analog sources or to music equipment without Bluetooth.
FWD Tx transmitter, advanced modes and "lifestyle" focus
One of the most distinctive elements of the MIX is the USB-C transmitter included, called FWD TxThis isn't just a simple accessory; it's the heart of Fender's advanced wireless capabilities. This dongle allows three different transmission modesdesigned to adapt to different uses: uncompressed audio (up to 96 kHz/24 bits) to listen to music with the highest quality, low latency mode geared towards video games and video, and compatible with Auracast to wirelessly share audio with other compatible devices.
These advanced modes—with support for LHDC, LC3, and Auracast—are tied to the use of the USB-C transmitter.When connected via standard Bluetooth, the MIX devices operate using the following codecs: SBC and AACThis is in line with most high-end wireless headphones. This combination allows, on the one hand, easy use with any mobile phone or laptop, and on the other hand, unleash high-end audio features when using the dongle with compatible equipment.
In terms of design, the headphones opt for a discreet aesthetic, with robust finishes and interchangeable partsThe modular system allows for replacement. key components such as the headband or the casings without replacing the entire assembly, and also offering aesthetic customization options if Fender expands its catalog of replacement parts and colors. The design also includes a compartment for storing the transmitter itselfavoiding losing it in daily life or during travel.
The MIX products are priced in a range of $299,99, which in turn remains around the 255 EurosWith these figures, they are positioned against proposals such as the Final Audio UX5000 or Skullcandy Aviator 900, a segment where competition abounds, especially targeting young people and users looking for everyday headphones with a certain design touch.
For now, The arrival dates in Spain and the rest of Europe have not been specified.But the brand has confirmed that it will provide more information and demonstrations during the CES 2026The product will be sold through online channels and select retailers. All indications suggest that, barring any delays, it could be available in the European market later this year.
With this first batch of ELIE speakers and MIX headphonesFender stakes its claim in a saturated market, but does so with arguments that go beyond just the name: simultaneous source mixing, multiroom, lossless audio, replaceable batteries, and modular designIt remains to be seen how they perform in independent tests and in the hands of users in Spain and the rest of Europe, but the move makes it clear that the brand wants to play seriously in the personal audio field and that this new Fender Audio division could be just the starting point for a much wider range.
