Tag Archives: Audio Technology

Shokz OpenFit Pro review: Reducing distractions while keeping your ears open

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Rarely does a set of open-fit earbuds actually impress me. I tend to find them underwhelming because overall sound quality is subpar compared to the more “traditional” in-ear models. Any promise of noise reduction, or a far-fetched claim of noise cancellation, usually doesn’t hold true. The first time I used the Shokz OpenFit Pro ($249.95) I was immediately met with better audio performance than I’d just experienced on Sony’s new LinkBuds Clip and noise reduction technology that actually lessened some distractions. These aren’t the perfect set of open earbuds, but they have a lot more to offer than most of the competition. 

Shokz has a number of over-the-ear hook earbud designs under its belt, and they all carry the OpenFit name. That is also an apt description of these products since they all sit outside of your ear canal, which inherently allows you to remain aware of your surroundings. The company currently offers the OpenFit 2 and 2+ in addition to the OpenFit Air, at prices ranging from $120 to $200. The OpenFit Pro looks similar to its predecessors, albeit with a slightly smaller main housing and more pops of silver. Those ear hooks have a titanium wire inside and are wrapped in “ultra-soft” silicone. They’re plenty flexible and provide a secure yet comfortable fit for daily wear and workouts. 

Both earbuds of the OpenFit Pro have tiny physical controls for media playback, volume adjustments, calls and noise settings. The various actions are customizable through the Shokz app. During several weeks of testing, these buttons responded quickly to my clicks and using them didn’t cause the OpenFit Pro to shift out of place. 

The OpenFit Pro comes with a charging case that's larger than most other earbuds, which is understandable since Shokz had to accommodate that ear hook. However, the case is quite flat, so it doesn’t take up too much room and easily fits in a small pocket. There’s a USB-C port around back for charging and a Bluetooth pairing button inside. The case also supports wireless charging, if your charging pad is large enough. 

The OpenFit Pro is the first set of Shokz earbuds with what the company calls Open-Ear Noise Reduction. This is essentially the company’s take on active noise cancellation (ANC), but it’s designed to be effective with earbuds that don’t enter your ear canals. Since your ears aren't completely sealed off from the noise of the outside world, Shokz is limited in just how much sound it can reduce. But I’m happy to report the company’s microphone and algorithm combo is actually quite effective. 

Shokz says its noise reduction works best in moderately loud environments, like offices and cafes. I’ve found the OpenFit Pro does well to reduce the distraction of constant noise sources like HVAC systems, fans and white noise machines. The earbuds completely silenced a particularly raucous HVAC fan in my hotel room during CES. It's not the most effective at cutting down environmental noise, but in exchange you get a more comfortable set of earbuds while also remaining somewhat alert and aware of your surroundings

The rectangular housings of the OpenFit Pro hold larger drivers
The rectangular housings of the OpenFit Pro hold larger drivers
Billy Steele for Engadget

The OpenFit Pro is Shokz’ most premium set of earbuds, so the features don’t end at noise reduction. Head tracking, customizable EQ, multipoint pairing, find my earbuds and wear detection are also available here. The company’s app displays battery percentages for each earbud and the case right at the top of the main screen with access to the rest of its tools just below. You don’t have to go searching and tapping through menus until you’ve found what you’re looking for. As someone who has to contend with a lot of headphone apps, I appreciate when all of the options are quickly available from the home screen. 

Like other companies offer on their open-type earbuds, Shokz has given the EQ settings a few presets specifically designed for the open nature of the product. Those include a Vocal option that boosts mids for audiobooks or calls and a Private mode that reduces high frequency sounds to prevent leakage. I usually kept the OpenFit Pro around 70 percent volume, which is loud enough that a nearby neighbor in a quiet room could hear the muffled rage of Incendiary’s “Echo of Nothing.” 

Another audio feature that’s worth mentioning is Dolby Atmos support. More specifically, the OpenFit Pro is “optimized for Dolby Atmos,” thanks in part to the aforementioned Dolby Head Tracking. You can disable the enhanced audio and head tracking individually in the Shokz app, but I found leaving Atmos on all the time, even when I wasn’t listening to Dolby Atmos music, gave the earbuds a more immersive, more detailed sound profile. 

Overall sound quality is another area where the OpenFit Pro shines. Many open-design earbuds struggle to manage much bass or detailed highs, both of which Shokz has addressed with its driver design. Dual 11x20mm diaphragms power a larger, rectangular driver that’s the equivalent of a 16.7mm round driver in a “normal” set of earbuds. For comparison, most in-ear models typically use 10-12mm drivers, with smaller designs housing 6-8mm units. Shokz says it tuned the OpenFit Pro with what it calls OpenBass 2.0 and DirectPitch 3.0, features that provide better bass performance and audio that’s beamed more directly into your ears. 

All of that combines for some truly impressive audio performance in a set of open earbuds. The OpenFit Pro still doesn’t muster the bombastic bass that earbuds like the WF-1000XM5 offer, but the low-end performance here is greatly improved over other open models like the LinkBuds Clip. While Thrice’s “Silhouette” still has enough driving kick drum, bass guitar and riffs to do the track justice, there isn’t as deep of a growl as the song has on flagship options from Bose, Sony and Sennheiser. 

The OpenFit Pro case is large, but it's not overly bulky
The OpenFit Pro case is large, but it's not overly bulky
Billy Steele for Engadget

There’s also more clarity and detail in the tuning here than on other open models, which is on full display when listening to albums like Wet Leg’s alternative masterpiece moisturizer. I love how I can hear the texture of the guitars and drums, and even the vocals, which are the kind of subtle details open earbuds typically lack. 

I should also mention that overall sound quality will depend on how the OpenFit Pro sits on your ears. I can easily improve the bass tone if I slightly push the earbuds in closer to my ear canals, but all of the observations I just made were with the earbuds in their natural resting position. 

Shokz says the three-microphone setup that assists with its noise reduction tech also helps with calls. That configuration, combined with AI-powered voice recognition, should be able to block over 99 percent of background noise and deliver sharper vocal clarity overall. While that first part holds true — the OpenFit Pro does a great job canceling any ambient roar — the overall voice quality here is below average. It will certainly work for casual chats, but I wouldn’t recommend it for regular work calls or any scenario where you might need to record what you’re saying. My voice sounded muffled during calls and voice memos, more like I would over speakerphone than a set of carefully tuned earbuds. 

Shokz promises up to 12 hours of battery life on the OpenFit Pro with up to 50 hours of total use when you factor in the charging case. That’s with noise reduction disabled though; you can expect up to six hours with that turned on (24 hours total with the case). During weeks of testing, I never encountered any issues hitting those figures and the OpenFit Pro never struggled to get through a full work day of music, podcasts and calls using a combination of the default Open Mode and Noise Reduction mode. 

As I mentioned, the charging case can be topped up wirelessly if you have a compatible accessory that’s large enough. And if you find yourself with a pair of completely dead earbuds, Shokz includes a quick-charge feature that gives you up to four hours of use in 10 minutes. 

The OpenFit Pro earbuds sitting in their charging case
The OpenFit Pro earbuds sitting in their charging case
Billy Steele for Engadget

If you’re looking for something that closely resembles the design of the OpenFit Pro, Shokz’ other OpenFit models are likely your best alternatives. The $200 OpenFit 2+ offers 11 hours of battery life and Dolby Audio with both physical buttons and touch controls. The most affordable option, the OpenFit Air ($120), lasts up to six hours on a charge but doesn’t have enhanced audio or wireless charging. As you step down from the OpenFit Pro, you’re missing out on noise reduction, Dolby Atmos and longer battery life. 

JBL will soon have three models of its own to rival the Shokz OpenFit line. The Soundgear Sense is currently available for $165 and the Sense Pro and Sense Lite are coming in March for $200 and $150, respectively. These all have a variety of seemingly handy features, but none of them offer any kind of noise reduction and they all have shorter battery life than the OpenFit Pro and OpenFit 2+. I also cannot vouch for them as I haven’t tested any of JBL’s open designs yet. 

Shokz has achieved a rare feat. The company managed to build a set of open-fit earbuds that retain all of those inherent benefits while also providing some relief from distractions with noise reduction. No, the over-the-ear hook design isn’t for everyone — especially if you wear glasses — but the comfy, secure fit and IP55 rating make these a great choice for workouts. The OpenFit Pro is also good enough to be your all-around set of earbuds, and that noise reduction can be beneficial in the office or your favorite work from home space. Sound quality is better than you’ll find on most open earbuds as well, but you’ll probably enjoy not having anything crammed into your ears most. And you don’t have to make too many sacrifices here for that satisfaction.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/shokz-openfit-pro-review-reducing-distractions-while-keeping-your-ears-open-130000443.html?src=rss

Sennheiser debuts new models of wired headphones and earbuds

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Wireless audio has become the industry standard, but there are still options out there for people who prefer a wired connection. Two new choices joining the market come from Sennheiser, which has released the CX 80U wired earbuds and HD 400U wired over-ear headphones. These new takes on the company's previous models for wired listening have replaced the 3.5mm audio jack connector with a USB-C cable. Both sets support 24-bit, 96 kHz digital audio playback. They're compatible with a broad array of devices, including iOS, iPadOS, Android, ChromeOS, MacOS, Windows and SteamOS. 

Both of these items are priced at an entry level for a brand that might charge up to $500 for its higher-end headphones. The CX 80U earbuds cost $40 and the HD 400U headphones retail for $100. Both products are available starting today.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/sennheiser-debuts-new-models-of-wired-headphones-and-earbuds-201245058.html?src=rss

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are 35 percent off

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It's that time of year where a great pair of headphones double as earmuffs and a current sale will ensure you get a great quality — and good looking — option. One of our favorite wireless headphones for 2026 is available for 35 percent off. 

Amazon is offering the first-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones for $279, down from $429. Since coming out last April, they've become our choice for best noise-canceling wireless headphones. Notably, the sale is only available in the headphone's nice limited edition Deep Plum model. 

We gave the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones an 86 in our review, thanks, in part, to their incredible active-noise cancellation (ANC) — an industry-lead Bose has held for years. They also offers improved audio, producing a warmer and clearer sound than other Bose headphones. Plus, they live up to their name, remaining comfortable even after hours and hours thanks to cushioning inside the headband and earpads. 

Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-bose-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-are-35-percent-off-130020033.html?src=rss

Sennheiser introduces new TV headphones bundle with Auracast

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Sennheiser has unveiled its RS 275 TV Headphones, which are bundled with a BTA1 digital receiver. These headphones use Auracast technology to provide low-latency audio at a range of up to 50 meters, and can connect to other devices enabled with Auracast or Bluetooth Classic. For those unfamiliar, Auracast is broadcast Bluetooth audio; we have an explainer about it after CES 2024 put this audio tech onto the big stage. The digital receiver introduces an Auracast signal in a physical space for any other compatible devices, which might include hearing aids or loudspeakers as well as other headphone sets.

The company promises 50 hours of listening with the RS 275 TV Headphones on a single charge, and the set can be powered up from the receiver's USB-C port. Sennheiser designed the headset for long-term comfort; the ear cushions and battery can be replaced by the device's owner. The headphones can be further personalized with the Sennheiser Smart Control Plus App. In addition to finding lost headphones, the app provides controls such as transparency mode, left-right balance, hearing profiles and device-type audio modes.

The RS 275 TV Headphone bundle will retail for $300, while a standalone BTA1 receiver will cost $130. Pre-orders will open on February 3 and the audio gear is expected to start shipping on February 17.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/sennheiser-introduces-new-tv-headphones-bundle-with-auracast-233735294.html?src=rss

Marshall’s new Heddon hub adds multi-room audio to speakers with Auracast

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Marshall plans to add seamless multi-room audio to its Bluetooth speakers via a newly announced music streaming hub called Heddon. The $300 hub makes it possible to connect and synchronize multiple older Marshall speakers together, not unlike Sonos' audio devices.

Rather than use Wi-Fi to get multiple speakers playing the same audio, though, the Marshall Heddon uses Auracast. The hub connects to services like Spotify Connect or Tidal over Wi-Fi, or other devices through Google Cast and AirPlay, and then shares that audio over Auracast to the Marshall Acton III, Stanmore III and Wobrun III speakers. You can control playback over a connected Marshall app and the Heddon also has RCA ports to connect other speakers or a record player to the system.

Because the Heddon requires a Wi-Fi connection, Marshall says it could add features to the system over-time, but even in the short term, the hub should meaningfully extend the life of the company's speakers. Rather than switch to newer models with built-in Wi-Fi, you can just grab a Heddon. Sonos offers similar functionality through its Sonos Port and Sonos Amp accessories, and third-party hubs from companies like WiiM can add even more options. The Marshall Heddon is more streamlined in comparison, but if you're already invested in the company's speakers, or planning to build out your audio system with them, the hub could be a helpful tool to have.

The Marshall Heddon is available to purchase now for $300. Marshall says that customers purchasing an Acton III, Stanmore III or Woburn III can get a Heddon at half price, and the hub is included for free when you buy two or more eligible Marshall home speakers.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/marshalls-new-heddon-hub-adds-multi-room-audio-to-speakers-with-auracast-210500811.html?src=rss

Sony LinkBuds Clip review: Open-fit benefits aren’t enough to stand out

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I vividly remember when Bose announced the Ultra Open Earbuds. While I applauded the company for trying something different, I wasn’t sure if the clip-on design would take hold. Well, here we are almost two years later and most earbud makers now have something akin to Bose’s fashion experiment. You can now count Sony among those as the company revealed its LinkBuds Clip ($230) open-fit earbuds today. 

These aren’t the first open-wear earbuds in Sony’s LinkBuds lineup. The company has two generations of the LinkBuds Open (originally called just LinkBuds) under its belt, giving users a more traditional earbud fit with donut-shaped drivers that let ambient sounds in. Now Sony is taking a cue from Bose and others with a clip-on design that attaches securely and comfortably to the ear while leaving the ear canal unobstructed. It’s clear companies believe customers like this type of earbuds, but Sony’s challenge is to make the LinkBuds Clip unique among the growing list of alternatives.

Sony isn’t offering anything distinctive in terms of design here, but that’s okay. To be fair, I haven’t seen too much innovation in terms of aesthetics in these clip-on-style earbuds. For the most part, they all have similar shapes: two cylindrical cases connected by short, flexible cable. True to its predecessors, Sony put the drivers in a squatty housing while the bulk of the components are in a larger one that sits behind your ear lobe. 

Sony kept the weight of the LinkBuds Clip low, and it avoided the bulk of the Ultra Open Earbuds. Both of these factors contribute to a very comfortable fit, so the IPX4-rated earbuds can be easily worn all day without becoming a burden. And while I didn’t need them, Sony includes a pair of flexible silicone “fitting cushions” in the box. These clip on to the short, flat cable of the newest LinkBuds for a more secure fit. During my tests, the LinkBuds Clip stayed in place just fine without them, but there also wasn’t any decreased comfort when I did install them. 

The last design-related item I’ll mention is the touch controls. On the LinkBuds Clip, the flat connector between the two housings accepts taps for playback controls, volume changes, cycling through sound modes and more. You can tap along this area to make an adjustment, and you don’t have to do so right in the center. The LinkBuds Clip were pleasantly responsive during this review, quickly completing the task without delay or repeated taps. That is, except for volume, because you have to keep tapping for that change to happen. 

Controls are situated along the connector between the two cylindrical housings
Controls are situated along the connector between the two cylindrical housings
Billy Steele for Engadget

Sony typically throws a whole host of features at its earbuds. Even though they’re technically the company’s midrange line, the LinkBuds family has a robust set of conveniences that make them well suited for both productivity and leisure. Unfortunately, the LinkBuds Clip doesn’t have as much to offer here. The company gives you the basics, like the ability to fine-tune the tap controls or customize the EQ, and there’s even the Adaptive Audio tool that lets you customize settings based on activity or location (Sony calls them “scenes”). But there are some handy features I’ve come to expect from Sony that are notably absent. 

The LinkBuds Clip doesn’t support speak-to-chat, Sony’s voice recognition feature that pauses audio and activates ambient sound when you start talking. Quick attention mode, the tool that lowers the volume and lets in ambient sound for brief chats, isn’t here either. These earbuds don’t even have wear detection, and you have to settle for regular ol’ DSEE audio upscaling instead of an enhanced version of that tech.  

Sony did equip the LinkBuds Clip with unique listening modes meant to enhance the audio performance in two scenarios. First, Voice Boost increases the volume of voices when you’re on a call or listening to podcasts or audiobooks. The company says this is designed for noisy environments where the ambient sound is overly raucous. During my testing, I found the setting to be an extreme treble boost and volume increase — something that’s definitely not well-suited for music. 

Next, Sound Leakage Reduction dials back high-pitched tones to avoid annoying your neighbors in the office or coffee shop. To me, this is the opposite of Voice Boost, removing the highs for a more mid- and bass-heavy tuning, but it doesn’t sound very good compared to the default setting. Plus, my family wasn’t really able to hear any leakage on the LinkBuds Clip anyway, unless I had the volume cranked uncomfortably high. I’ll also note that any EQ customization/presets and DSEE upscaling are only available in Standard (default) listening mode. 

The LinkBuds Clip have both noise reduction and bone conduction tech for calls
The LinkBuds Clip have both noise reduction and bone conduction tech for calls
Billy Steele for Engadget

Open-fit earbuds typically struggle to muster adequate low-end tone, and the LinkBuds Clip meets the same fate. However, it’s not all bad in the audio department as these earbuds have great clarity and provide a solid soundstage so overall quality doesn’t suffer to the point of being unpleasant. The lack of bass is most apparent in booming genres, like hip-hop and synth-heavy electronic tunes. 

The LinkBuds Clip doesn’t fare much better with more chaotic music styles like rock and metal. Spiritbox’s “Holy Roller” doesn’t have the depth that it does on closed-fit earbuds like the AirPods Pro 3 or over-ear headphones like Sony’s WH-1000XM6. As such, the band’s songs aren’t nearly as immersive or impactful without adequate amounts of bass. So if pristine, enveloping sound quality is your primary aim, you’ll want to look elsewhere, and you’ll want to tread carefully with any other open-type earbuds. 

The open nature of the LinkBuds Clip makes them well-suited for calls. Since your ears aren’t plugged, you can clearly hear your own voice so you never feel like you need to shout. Sony says these earbuds have AI noise reduction and a bone conduction sensor for voice pickup, both of which are supposed to keep you sounding good. During the course of this review, I found the background noise reduction worked well without making me sound overly processed. However, the overall voice quality is average at best, which means you can get by with using these for calls, but there are better options if you really value clarity here.   

When it comes to battery life, Sony says you can expect up to nine hours of use on a charge with up to 37 hours when you factor in the case. That means the LinkBuds Clip alone is enough to get you through a full workday, especially if you’re pausing for the occasional office chat or in-person meeting. And you’ll get more if you’re docking the earbuds in their case once or twice a day. If you do find yourself with a depleted battery though, a three-minute charge will give you an hour of play time. 

In multiple attempts at a full, nine-hour run down, I wasn’t able to hit Sony’s stated figure. In Standard mode with DSEE upscaling set to automatic and volume at about 60-70 percent, the LinkBuds Clip lasted just over six hours. This timeframe included a mix of music, podcasts and calls — typical work day activities.

The including "fitting cushion" (left) can help with a secure fit
The including "fitting cushion" (left) can help with a secure fit
Billy Steele for Engadget

Based on my testing, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are still the best in this emerging clip-on category. However, they’re the bulkiest and the most expensive at $299. While they offer all the perks of open wear, sound quality can vary based on how they fit your ears and the lack of multipoint Bluetooth could be a deal breaker for some. 

If you’re hoping to pay less than either Bose or Sony, Anker’s Soundcore line offers the AeroClip for $170. Or if you’re truly ballin’ on a budget, JLab has the Flex Open Earbuds that are now just $40. JBL just announced a new $150 set during CES too, but those won’t be available until March. I’ve only given these two a casual listen without any in-depth testing, so I won’t make a definitive call on which one stacks up best against the LinkBuds Clip. But they’re also just three of currently available options, and there are many more if none of these seem compelling. 

The LinkBuds Clip expands Sony’s midrange lineup with a completely different design that comes with inherent perks. They’re plenty comfortable and exploit the benefits of open-type designs while doing basic earbud functionality well. Subpar bass performance and the omission of some of Sony’s more attractive features (and even some basic ones) mean the company hasn’t done enough to distinguish the Clip from the competition in an obvious way. Sure, these earbuds work as intended without being flashy or overly complicated, but there are plenty of other options that do that too.

Update, January 21 2026, 4:45PM ET: After conducting additional battery testing, I still wasn’t able to meet the nine hour figure Sony promises. Due to this, I’ve adjusted the score from a 72 to a 70 to reflect the performance in this area. I’ve also updated the battery life section with more detailed impressions.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/sony-linkbuds-clip-review-open-fit-benefits-arent-enough-to-stand-out-160000140.html?src=rss

Roland’s Go:Mixer Studio is an affordable but capable mixer for budding recording engineers

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Roland just unveiled the Go:Mixer Studio, a powerful entry in the company's line of audio interfaces. This one promises to be a portable and affordable way to create high-quality recordings with a smartphone or PC.

The biggest news here are the 12 input channels and six output channels. This means that users can record multiple instruments at once and even run the signal through outboard gear if so desired. There are two XLR inputs on the back with phantom power, an instrument jack, stereo ¼-inch line-in jacks, an aux input, TRS MIDI ins and outs, two headphones jacks and stereo line outs for connecting monitor speakers.

It records up to 24-bit/192kHz audio, which will certainly get the job done. The device comes with built-in effects for mangling audio on the fly. Each audio input also has a dedicated EQ and compressor directly on the channel.

It connects via an app that's available for iOS, Windows and MacOS. The iOS app actually lets users capture both video and multitrack audio at the same time, which should be a boon for streamers and content creators of all stripes. The Windows and MacOS apps allow for complete control of the mixer remotely.

As for the unit itself, there are several big knobs to adjust parameters and a color display. It's also really small and light, making it easy to pack away in case of an unexpected recording session. The device can even be mounted on a mic stand.

The Roland Go: Mixer Studio is available right now and costs $300. The Roland Go line of audio products has been around for years, but this one seems like a major step up.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/rolands-gomixer-studio-is-an-affordable-but-capable-mixer-for-budding-recording-engineers-163927262.html?src=rss

The first-gen Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are $150 off right now

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The first-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are on sale right now for $280, marked down from $430. That 35 percent savings is an even steeper discount than we saw last year Black Friday.

In our review of the first-generation Ultras, we gave them a score of 86 out of 100, noting their best-in-class active noise cancellation (ANC) and comfort. Bose improved its stock tuning for these headphones, which we could immediately tell sounded warmer and clearer. Bose has typically lagged behind the likes of Sony and Sennheiser in raw sound quality, but the first-generation QuietComfort Ultra was a big step toward catching up.

Bose added "Immersive Audio" to this model, which is the company's take on spatial audio. The company claims this feature effectively puts you in the acoustic sweet spot of a set of stereo speakers. In our testing, we felt this didn't always make songs sound better, but it did make them louder and in some cases made certain details more noticeable.

The Ultras offer up to 24 hours of battery life with ANC turned on and about 18 hours with both ANC and Immersive Audio enabled. In our testing, however, we were actually able to beat Bose's estimates for battery life.

The second generation of these headphones are currently our top pick for best noise-canceling headphones, but when this older model is heavily on sale, the differences between them are less dramatic. If you're in the market for a pair of great noise-canceling cans, consider checking these out.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-first-gen-bose-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-are-150-off-right-now-164826329.html?src=rss

Hands-on with Fender Audio’s headphones and speakers at CES 2026

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Fender Audio may have announced its new headphones and speakers right before CES, but Las Vegas afforded us the first opportunity to see the brand’s new lineup in person. Fender Audio is a Fender-owned brand from Riffsound that’s designing and making new devices after licensing the name. It’s been a while since the guitar and amplifier company made any general-use speakers of its own, and this new arrangement is similar to what Zound was doing with Marshall for a spell.

Logistics out of the way, let’s get down to what the Mix and Ellie are like in the flesh. First, the Mix headphones offer a modular construction that allows you to replace nearly every piece as needed. The ear cups detach from the headband and the ear pads are replaceable. You can also swap out the battery, thanks to an easy-to-access slot behind one ear pad. And on the other side, a USB-C dongle for wireless lossless audio is stowed for safe keeping (wired lossless audio over USB-C is also available).

Fender Audio Mix headphones
Fender Audio Mix headphones
Billy Steele for Engadget

Fender Audio kept the controls simple on the Mix, opting for a single joystick for volume and playback changes. The joystick also serves as the power and pairing control as the only other button cycles through active noise cancellation (ANC) modes. In terms of sound, the Mix will satisfy listeners who crave deep bass, and vocals cut through clearly. In my brief demo, I would’ve liked more mid-range, but I’ll wait until I get a review unit for a full assessment there. I should mention the other standout feature is battery life: the Mix will offer up to 52 hours of use with ANC enabled (up to 100 hours with it off).

Then there are the Elie speakers. Both offer a similar set of features, which includes two wireless inputs for microphones (the company is working on its own model) and a combination XLR and 1/4-inch input for instruments. The Elie 06 is the smaller unit, housing a tweeter, full-range driver and subwoofer with 60 watts of output. The larger Elie 12 doubles all of that, serving as a more robust but still very portable option.

Fender Audio Ellie speakers
Fender Audio Ellie speakers
Billy Steele for Engadget

Both Elie units can be used in a single configuration or as a stereo pair. You can also connect up to 100 of the speakers via a Multi mode. Fender Audio has done a nice job here of checking all of the usual Bluetooth speaker boxes while offering something unique in terms all of those inputs. It’s like the company combined “regular” portable speakers with larger party boxes, offering something for customers who don’t want a massive device or any of the flashing lights.

Of course, none of these specs matter if the company didn’t ace the sound quality. While I’ll wait until I can spend several hours with some review units before I make any final judgement on these, I can tell you that both Elie speakers made a great first impression. There’s ample bass in the tuning for both, but obviously the larger Elie 12 offers more thump. Both units also provide excellent vocal clarity and nice details in the highs, as I made sure to select test tracks with lots of subtle sounds — like Bela Fleck’s banjo tunes.

The back of Fender Audio Ellie 06 speaker
The back of Fender Audio Ellie 06 speaker
Billy Steele for Engadget

Fender Audio says the arrival of the entire new lineup is imminent. Both the headphones and the Elie 6 will cost $299 and the Elie 12 is $399.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/hands-on-with-fender-audios-headphones-and-speakers-at-ces-2026-203104561.html?src=rss

Klipsch Atlas HP-1 hands-on: A return to hi-fi headphones at CES 2026

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Klipsch hasn’t debuted new headphones in years, but that’s going to change in 2026. At CES, Klipsch announced the upcoming Atlas hi-fi series that includes wireless and both closed and semi-open back models. All three are expected to arrive this summer, but the company hasn’t announced pricing or many details on any of them just yet. However, I was able to listen to the Atlas HP-1, the wireless model with active noise cancelation (ANC).

Without going into specifics, Klipsch says the HP-1 is designed for both daily wear and travel. This is thanks to the combination of light weight, comfort and “standout” battery life. Inside, coaxial drivers provide the company’s warm signature sound profile. Third-party support for spatial audio and hearing compensation is also in the works. This concludes the info Klipsch announced this week.

After seeing the HP-1 in person at CES, I can tell you they look quite similar to Bowers & Wilkins recent headphones designs. Klipsch has opted for wood accents on the outside of the ear cups, likely as a nod to its speaker heritage. But the combination of leather and metal, as well as the headband and ear cups, remind me a lot of B&W’s Px7.

Klipsch Atlas HP-1
Klipsch Atlas HP-1
Billy Steele for Engadget

During my brief time with the HP-1, the excellent sound quality was the thing that stood out most. Klipsch is demoing the headphones with lossless audio over USB-C, so it will be interesting to see what the audio is like in wireless mode. However, the company’s trademark warmth and deft tuning is immediately apparent, giving preference to highs and mids without overbearing bass. There’s ample low-end tone, but it compliments everything else and didn’t overpower in the Rage Against The Machine songs and other tracks I listened to.

It’s difficult to paint a comprehensive picture here since I wasn’t only really able to observe sound quality — and only for a short time. But the HP-1 is certainly a premium set of headphones that are comfy to wear (at least for the few minutes I wore them) and definitely sound good. The biggest downside will likely be price, which I expect to be at least $500.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/klipsch-atlas-hp-1-hands-on-a-return-to-hi-fi-headphones-at-ces-2026-130000415.html?src=rss