Fender Audio, the consumer electronics division of the legendary guitar company, is making a significant move into the high-fidelity audio market. The brand will unveil two flagship product lines at CES in Las Vegas, developed through a partnership with Singapore-based RiffSound. The first announcement is a new series of Bluetooth speakers named ELIE, standing for Extremely Loud Infinitely Expressive. The initial lineup will feature two models, the E6 and the E12. These speakers are engineered with a focus on powerful, efficient sound. Fender states they utilize a combination of digital signal processing and system-on-a-chip technology to achieve higher volume levels without sacrificing power efficiency. A key feature of the ELIE speakers is their multi-channel connectivity. Each unit can manage up to four audio sources simultaneously. This includes one Bluetooth source, one wired input via XLR or quarter-inch jack, and two additional wireless channels designed to work with future Fender Audio accessories. For a wider soundstage, users can also pair two ELIE speakers together in a stereo configuration. While detailed specifications differentiating the E6 and E12 are still under wraps, images suggest the E12 is the larger of the two models. Alongside the speakers, Fender is introducing the MIX headphones. These are described as modular over-ear headphones, built to adapt to individual user preferences for both sound and style. They are equipped with 40mm graphene drivers and feature active noise cancellation technology. The headphones support both wired and wireless operation, with Fender claiming an impressive battery life of up to 100 hours. A notable inclusion with the MIX headphones is a USB-C transmitter. This accessory enables several advanced wireless modes, including lossless audio streaming, a low-latency mode ideal for gaming or video, and support for the emerging Auracast broadcast audio technology. Specific details on the modular customization system and the headphone’s design have not been fully disclosed. Pricing and exact availability for both the ELIE speaker series and the MIX headphones will be announced at a later date. The products represent Fender Audio’s ambitious push to blend its iconic musical heritage with modern consumer audio technology.
