Photo Credit: MusicTech
Fender, the titan of the electric guitar world, is officially pivoting toward the mainstream listener with the launch of Fender Audio. While the company has previously catered to pro-audio markets and producers through its ownership of PreSonus, this new offshoot marks a dedicated foray into consumer-grade Bluetooth speakers and wireless headphones.
ELIE: “Extremely Loud” Portable Power
The flagship of the new lineup is the ELIE speaker series—an acronym for Extremely Loud Infinitely Expressive. Designed to bridge the gap between a hi-fi home speaker and a portable practice amp, the series includes the E6 and the E12.
Both models utilize a specialized system-on-a-chip (SOC) implementation to maximize acoustic clarity and volume.
- The ELIE E6 ($300): Offers 60 watts of power and up to 18 hours of battery life.
- The ELIE E12 ($400): Packs a massive 120-watt punch with 15 hours of playback.
In a nod to the brand’s musical heritage, both speakers feature a combined XLR and ¼” input. This allows users to plug in a guitar or microphone directly, transforming a standard Bluetooth speaker into a low-latency jamming hub.
MIX Headphones: A 100-Hour Battery Beast
Alongside the speakers, Fender revealed the MIX wireless over-ear headphones ($300). The specs are aimed squarely at the high-end consumer market, featuring 40mm graphene drivers and hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC).
The standout feature is the battery longevity: the MIX delivers an astounding 100 hours of playback with ANC off (and 52 hours with it enabled). Furthermore, the headphones utilize a modular design, allowing users to replace individual components rather than the entire unit—a move toward sustainability and product longevity that is rare in the consumer tech space.
The New “Big F” Strategy
This expansion follows Fender’s recent software push, including a simplified mobile DAW intended to compete with GarageBand and BandLab. By moving into the lifestyle audio space, Fender is leveraging its “cool factor” to capture a market that values both legendary aesthetics and modern technical specs. All three products are scheduled for a major showcase at CES 2026 in Las Vegas.
About the Author
