A brand new firm must make a strong first impression. For Fender Audio, a brand new outfit owned by the legendary Fender Musical Devices Company however operated by Riffsound, that introduction comes within the type of two audio system and a set of headphones. The Elie 6 ($300) and Elie 12 ($400) are transportable Bluetooth audio system with subtle designs and distinctive options, providing related performance in two totally different sizes. These units are basically speaker/amplifier hybrids, since they each have ¼-inch/XLR combo inputs amongst their connections. Regardless of the distinctive mixture of connectivity, the audio system nonetheless have to sound good and work properly to compete with the various wonderful transportable choices out there at present.
Fender Audio/Engadget
The Elie 12 is a big, highly effective transportable speaker with loads of inputs, however weight and battery life may very well be deal breakers for some.
- Wonderful audio readability
- 4 inputs
- Refined design
- IP rated however there’s uncovered wooden
- Massive and heavy
- No app for personalization
- Battery life lags behind prime competitors
Fender Audio
The Elie 6 punches above its dimension in audio readability and connectivity, nevertheless it’s heavy for such a small speaker and a few opponents supply higher battery life.
- Wonderful audio readability
- 4 inputs
- Refined design
- IP rated however there’s uncovered wooden
- Restricted playback controls
- No app for personalization
- Battery life lags behind prime competitors
The great: Design, inputs and total readability
The primary time I noticed the Elie 6 and Elie 12 in individual, my eyes had been instantly drawn to the design. These actually don’t appear like your typical Bluetooth audio system. That’s due largely to the refined, virtually retro look that’s constant throughout each fashions. The Elie duo are merchandise you gained’t thoughts exhibiting off, whereas many transportable audio system are too flashy or brightly coloured to be stored in a outstanding place.
The entire onboard controls are clearly labeled bodily buttons or dials, so that you’re not left questioning how something works. Round again, each the Elie 6 and Elie 12 have combo ¼-inch/XLR inputs (with 48V phantom energy) in addition to buttons for 2 wi-fi inputs and a 3.5mm line out. That combo jack means each audio system can double as amps, and the twin wi-fi connections permit you to sync microphones for karaoke periods or internet hosting trivia night time. This expanded performance speaks to Fender’s historical past as a guitar icon, nevertheless it additionally provides the Elie audio system an higher hand over a lot of the competitors at these sizes. Usually if you’d like most of these inputs, you’ll want to think about a a lot bigger social gathering box-style speaker to get them.
Earlier than I transfer on from the controls and inputs, I want to say the devoted three-way mode change for single, stereo and multi-speaker makes use of. That is a lot simpler than what’s on most transportable audio system, which normally entails some bizarre dance with Bluetooth pairing or an app to sync a number of items collectively. Enlisting a bodily change so precisely the place issues stand is a a lot better and quicker expertise.
A few of the Elie 12’s controls (Billy Steele for Engadget)
When it comes to sound, the perfect factor the Elie 6 and Elie 12 audio system have going for them is their total readability. The crisp, clear high quality provides these Fender Audio items a bonus over the competitors at these sizes. All through a variety of genres — together with bluegrass, alt-rock and heavy steel — each the Elie 6 and Elie 12 dealt with the various types with ease. The Elie 12 has twice the audio system because the Elie 6 (two full vary, two tweeters and two subwoofers) and double the ability output at 120 watts. So, after all, there’s extra quantity and bassy oomph on the bigger speaker.
Each the Elie 6 and Elie 12 have a wider soundstage than many audio system of comparable sizes. You’ll be able to actually hear this on American Soccer’s debut album, the place the guitars ring clear, interlaced with drums whereas the vocals float on prime. The entire components stand on their very own, however are seamlessly blended all through each observe. The Elie 12 options extra bass and quantity, however the total sound high quality, and importantly, readability, is fairly related for each audio system. I did discover extra instrumental separation on the bigger mannequin although, so the album is a little more immersive there.
The not so nice: Controls, no app and battery life
Whereas I admire the bodily controls on the Elie 6 and Elie 12, the playback choices are restricted, which suggests you’ll be reaching on your telephone typically. There’s solely a play/pause button on each audio system, and no controls for skipping tracks. And no, you possibly can’t skip forwards or backwards with a double or triple press on the play/pause button. Plus, solely the Elie 12 has bass and treble dials, so there’s at present no choice for adjusting the sound on the Elie 6.
That’s as a result of Fender Audio continues to be engaged on an app for its audio system and headphones. The dearth of customization was a problem for me on the Combine headphones, and it continues to be one right here. Clients want entry to options and settings on units like this, even when an organization decides to supply audio presets as an alternative of a full EQ. Some sort of visible interface would additionally assist whenever you’re utilizing a couple of of these inputs without delay. A primary mult-channel mixer possibly? Hey, a boy can dream.
Going again to the controls, the quantity dials on each audio system may use refining. First, a listenable quantity doesn’t occur till midway. Something under that and that wonderful readability isn’t current, and you’ll’t actually hear the content material properly in any respect. There’s loads of energy at 50 % and above, in order that’s not a priority, however the management must be recalibrated for extra even will increase. What’s extra, changes are barely delayed: whenever you flip the dial, it takes a second or two for the speaker to catch up. To me, it looks like that ought to be instantaneous.
The enter panel on the Elie 6 (Billy Steele for Engadget)
When it’s time to enterprise outside, each the Elie 6 and Elie 12 are IP54 rated for mud and water splashes. Nonetheless, each audio system have a wooden panel on prime, which actually gained’t face up to a lot moisture. As such, I discover the IP scores complicated, because it’s apparent everything of the designs aren’t as much as that process. In the event you’re cautious about water although, each audio system have sufficient quantity for open-air use.
One different consideration for the Elie 6 and 12 is their weight. The smaller speaker weighs simply over 5 kilos, whereas the bigger mannequin is a whopping 8.8 kilos. For comparability, the Sonos Play is simply 2.87 kilos and JBL’s Xtreme 4 suggestions the scales at 4.63 kilos. This implies the Elie 6 and 12 are transportable choices, however they aren’t the grab-and-go sort of audio system a few of the competitors provides — particularly when weight issues.
Battery life is one different space the Elie 6 and Elie 12 fall behind a few of their competitors. The smaller Elie 6 provides 15 hours of use whereas the bigger Elie 12 ought to last as long as 18 hours. That appears like greater than sufficient because it’s longer than a full day, proper? Properly, JBL Bluetooth audio system at comparable costs final 24 and 34 hours. The new Sonos Play is rated at 24 hours, and one among my private favorites, the Bose SoundLink Max, lasts as much as 20 hours.
Wrap-up
The Elie 6 (left) and Elie 12 (proper) (Billy Steele for Engadget)
There’s little question Fender Audio constructed two versatile, great-looking audio system right here. Each the Elie 6 and Elie 12 are succesful units, and also you don’t should sacrifice a lot when you go for the smaller of the 2. The distinctive assortment of inputs is often solely out there on a lot bigger audio system and the general sound high quality is well-suited for a variety of genres.
Audio system like these actually need an app although, particularly when an organization provides 4 inputs to juggle. I’m certain would-be prospects would additionally wish to dial within the EQ to their preferences, too. Certain, you’ll find longer battery life elsewhere, however the mix of design, sound and connectivity stands out at these costs. I’d name {that a} stable first impression.
