Palms-on with Fender Audio's headphones and audio system at CES 2026

Fender Audio might have introduced its new headphones and audio system proper earlier than CES, however Las Vegas afforded us the primary alternative to see the model’s new lineup in particular person. Fender Audio is a Fender-owned model from Riffsound that’s designing and making new gadgets after licensing the title. It’s been some time because the guitar and amplifier firm made any general-use audio system of its personal, and this new association is just like what Zound was doing with Marshall for a spell.

Logistics out of the way in which, let’s get right down to what the Combine and Ellie are like within the flesh. First, the Combine headphones supply a modular building that permits you to substitute practically each piece as wanted. The ear cups detach from the scarf and the ear pads are replaceable. You can even swap out the battery, because of an easy-to-access slot behind one ear pad. And on the opposite aspect, a USB-C dongle for wi-fi lossless audio is stowed for protected holding (wired lossless audio over USB-C can be accessible).

Fender Audio saved the controls easy on the Combine, choosing a single joystick for quantity and playback adjustments. The joystick additionally serves as the ability and pairing management as the one different button cycles by way of lively noise cancellation (ANC) modes. When it comes to sound, the Combine will fulfill listeners who crave deep bass, and vocals minimize by way of clearly. In my temporary demo, I might’ve favored extra mid-range, however I’ll wait till I get a overview unit for a full evaluation there. I ought to point out the opposite standout function is battery life: the Combine will supply as much as 52 hours of use with ANC enabled (as much as 100 hours with it off).

Then there are the Elie audio system. Each supply the same set of options, which incorporates two wi-fi inputs for microphones (the corporate is working by itself mannequin) and a mix XLR and 1/4-inch enter for devices. The Elie 06 is the smaller unit, housing a tweeter, full-range driver and subwoofer with 60 watts of output. The bigger Elie 12 doubles all of that, serving as a extra strong however nonetheless very transportable choice.

Each Elie items can be utilized in a single configuration or as a stereo pair. You can even join as much as 100 of the audio system through a Multi mode. Fender Audio has finished a pleasant job right here of checking all the common Bluetooth speaker packing containers whereas providing one thing distinctive in phrases all of these inputs. It’s like the corporate mixed “common” transportable audio system with bigger occasion packing containers, providing one thing for purchasers who don’t need a large gadget or any of the flashing lights.

After all, none of those specs matter if the corporate didn’t ace the sound high quality. Whereas I’ll wait till I can spend a number of hours with some overview items earlier than I make any last judgement on these, I can inform you that each Elie audio system made an excellent first impression. There’s ample bass within the tuning for each, however clearly the bigger Elie 12 gives extra thump. Each items additionally present wonderful vocal readability and good particulars within the highs, as I made positive to pick take a look at tracks with a number of delicate sounds — like Bela Fleck’s banjo tunes.

Fender Audio says the arrival of the complete new lineup is imminent. Each the headphones and the Elie 6 will value $299 and the Elie 12 is $399.