Unlike the Fairbuds XL, which can be almost completely disassembled into nine parts, this Mix consists of four main components: headband, ear cups, ear cushions and battery. While customization is an advantage, Fender’s main focus is the ability to mix and match parts – hence the name. Finally, each part will be available in five different colors, and some parts, like the ear cushions, will come in different materials for hot or cold weather.
My 10 days with the Mix wasn’t nearly enough time to assess whether the USB-C connections between the ear cups and the headband (a feature they share with the Fairbuds XL) will prove to be sturdy enough for long-term use, but they didn’t show any signs of weakness. In fact, I was impressed with the way the parts clicked together, and the overall feel of these cans. If you hold them or wear them, you would never guess that they can be pulled by pulling on a rope.
Photo: Simon Cohen
I found the Blend pleasant to wear, even with glasses. The ear cushions provide a soft but effective seal, and the headband does a good job of distributing pressure. The compression felt a little messy when I first put it on, but after a few minutes, I got used to it and happily wore it for hours at a stretch. My only nitpick is the size of the ear cushion openings; they are a little thin for my taste. I prefer a more comfortable room.
Like Apple’s AirPods Max, the earcups hold the earcups with magnets, but on the Mix, it serves two purposes: Not only does it make swapping out the cushions a breeze (they’ll sell for $29 a pair later this year), but it’s also how you get to the USB-C Bluetooth transmitter, which sits under the left battery and under the right earcup. one). Fender expects replacement cells to cost $49 but has not said when they will be available.
Goodbye Bad Infections
Photo: Simon Cohen
A transmitter is a very useful little tool. Using its button (and LED indicator), you can switch between lossless (red), low-latency (blue), and Bluetooth Auracast (purple) modes. It’s lossless (via the LHDC v5 codec if you were wondering) which is a bonus, especially for iPhone owners, who usually have lossy SBC and AAC connections. I don’t play the game, but if Fender’s claim of a 20-second performance latency is correct, that should satisfy all the more serious and fast-paced game players. Auracast (via LE Audio/LC3) is pretty cool: It lets you share your audio with anyone who has Auracast-compatible headphones or earphones. The combo can also watch any other Auracast broadcast, but there’s a catch.
