Fender: Bluetooth speakers and headphones for musicians
Fender unveils portable Bluetooth speakers with XLR combi-input for instruments/mics, and wireless headphones with interchangeable components.
The Fender Elie E12 plays music via an XLR jack combi-input or via Bluetooth.
(Image: heise medien / André Kramer)
Instrument and amplifier manufacturer Fender has unveiled portable Bluetooth speakers and wireless headphones at CES 2026 in Las Vegas – both product categories that are not exactly underserved. Marshall is firmly established in the speaker market. And there are plenty of headphones available too. However, Fender's products are characterized by a few interesting features.
Bluetooth speakers with instrument input
The Elie series (Extremely Loud Infinitely Expressive) includes two portable Bluetooth speakers. Both support Bluetooth 5.3 as well as the Bluetooth codecs SBC, AAC, LC3, and LHDC. Additionally, they feature a combi-input for XLR plugs and 6.3 mm jack plugs, as well as a 3.5 mm jack output. This allows electric guitars and professional microphones to be connected.
According to Fender, both models can process four low-latency audio channels simultaneously. Stereo pairing and operating multiple speakers are intended. The housings are protected against dust and splashing water according to IP54.
Fender is primarily targeting guitarists, singers, and other musicians who need a mobile, battery-powered speaker with an instrument or microphone input, as well as brand-conscious customers looking for a speaker with a rehearsal room aesthetic.
(Image: heise medien / André Kramer)
Elie E6 and E12 in detail
The compact Elie E6 contains tweeters, full-range speakers, and woofers. Fender specifies the maximum output power at 60 watts and the maximum sound pressure level at 96 dB at a distance of one meter. The speaker weighs around 2.3 kilograms and measures 12 Ă— 20 Ă— 10 cm. It is said to last up to 18 hours on a single battery charge. A quick charge function provides about 90 minutes of playback after 15 minutes of charging.
The larger Elie E12 features two tweeters, two full-range speakers, and two woofers. The maximum output power is 120 watts, distributed across two amplifiers, each with 60 watts. The maximum sound pressure level increases to 101 dB. The battery life is slightly shorter at up to 15 hours; after 15 minutes of charging, about two hours of playback should be possible. The weight is around 4.8 kilograms with dimensions of 28 Ă— 18 Ă— 15 cm.
(Image: heise medien / André Kramer)
Wireless mix headphones with modular design
In addition, Fender is introducing its wireless mix headphones. They use 40 mm drivers with graphene diaphragms and, according to Fender, cover a frequency range of 20 Hz to 40 kHz. The headphones support active noise cancellation and suppress ambient noise for phone calls. They also support Spatial Audio.
In addition to Bluetooth 5.3 with the codecs SBC, AAC, LC3, and LHDC, a USB-C transmitter is included, which is said to transmit with low latency and losslessly. The headphones can also be operated wired via a 3.5 mm jack.
An important feature is the modular design, where components such as ear pads and headband pads, outer shells, and the battery can be replaced.
Fender specifies the battery life at up to 100 hours without active noise cancellation and up to 52 hours with noise cancellation enabled. After 15 minutes of charging, up to 14 hours of playback should be possible without ANC, and eight hours with ANC.
(Image: heise medien / André Kramer)
Market launch and prices
The audio devices presented are positioned in the upper price segment. For the US market, the company states the following non-binding price recommendations: The Elie E6 is to cost $299.99, and the larger Elie E12 $399.99. The Mix headphones are also announced for $299.99.
Euro prices have not yet been set. The devices are expected to be available in Germany in June.
heise online is an official media partner of CES 2026
(akr)
