Fender has entered the wireless headphone market with the Audio Mix, a $299 over-ear model emphasizing modularity and repairability. The headphones feature detachable parts and a versatile wireless transmitter for various connection options. Reviewers praise their build quality and battery life, though sound performance falls short of top competitors.
Fender, renowned for electric guitars and amplifiers, released its first wireless headphones, the Audio Mix, priced at $299. Drawing from founder Leo Fender's design philosophy, the over-ear, noise-canceling model prioritizes modularity with fully replaceable components, including the headband, ear cups, ear cushions, and a large battery. Parts will eventually come in five colors, with ear cushions available in materials suited for different climates; replacements for cushions are set to cost $29 per pair later this year, and batteries $49, though availability dates remain unspecified.
The headphones share manufacturing origins with the Fairphone Fairbuds XL but consist of four main parts rather than nine. A key feature is the included USB-C Bluetooth transmitter, which supports lossless audio via LHDC v5 codec, low-latency mode with sub-20-millisecond performance, and Auracast for audio sharing via LE Audio/LC3. However, a companion app for firmware updates and Auracast assistance is still in development and expected later this year, limiting iPhone users' access to Auracast features.
Comfort is generally positive, with soft ear cushions providing a good seal, though the openings feel narrow and initial clamping force is firm. Controls include a joystick for volume and track navigation, plus a button for ANC and EQ modes, but lack wear sensors for auto-pause and require cycling through modes for transparency. The default Music EQ offers balanced sound across genres, with Entertainment and Voice alternatives; an undocumented spatial audio mode is accessible via double-clicks.
Audio quality is solid but not elite, comparable to Beats Studio Pro or Sennheiser Accentum Plus, lacking the bass depth of Sony's WH-1000XM6 or sibilance control of Bose's QuietComfort Ultra. ANC effectively reduces background noise for everyday use, and call quality is clear, though transparency mode muffles the user's voice slightly. Battery life impresses, with claims of 52 hours using ANC and 100 hours off; one tester reported 15 percent remaining after 10 days of regular use.
Accessories include a hard case, analog cable, airplane adapter, and USB-C cable for lossless audio while charging. Overall, the Mix stands out for repairability and versatility rather than premium sound.
