The Fender Audio ELIE 12 is unusually useful when music playback shares space with microphones or instruments. Its combination input supports a microphone, line source or instrument, and its dedicated wireless channels allow a more involved setup than most portable speakers.
The larger ELIE also includes physical bass and treble controls. That makes it the more flexible choice within the pair for someone who wants to make quick tonal adjustments. Its nearly four-kilogram weight and charging behavior should still fit the way it will be used.
Sound
- Two full-range drivers, two tweeters and two subwoofers
- 120 W maximum rating
Engadget found both ELIE speakers clear, with the ELIE 12 producing stronger bass and greater volume. 1
The physical bass and treble dials are a meaningful advantage over the smaller ELIE. They let a performer or host adjust the balance directly when the speaker changes position. The maximum-power figure remains a manufacturer rating, and should not be compared as though it were a standardized loudness measurement.
Connectivity
- XLR/quarter-inch combo input
- Two dedicated wireless channels
- 3.5 mm line output
The combo socket supports microphone, line and instrument use, with 48 V phantom power for suitable microphones and a pad for hot signals. That opens practical possibilities for a vocal microphone, an acoustic instrument pickup or a mixer output. Matching the input mode to the source is part of setting it up correctly.
The two dedicated low-latency wireless channels are separate from ordinary Bluetooth playback. Their presence does not mean arbitrary Bluetooth microphones will join them. Check the intended accessory connection before assembling a multi-input setup.
The 3.5 mm connection is an output. It is useful for sending a signal onward, including to suitable recording equipment, and should not be confused with an auxiliary music input. A physical mode switch selects single, stereo or linked multi-speaker operation.
Controls
The physical mode switch makes the selected speaker arrangement visible without opening a phone app. That is useful when several people share the setup or when the speaker moves between ordinary playback and a linked configuration.
The source and speaker have separate volume controls. Check both before judging the available level, and keep the speaker controls accessible while setting up a microphone. The bass and treble dials make quick corrections possible when the cabinet changes position.
Battery & design
Fender Audio claims two hours of playback from a 15-minute charge, alongside a 15-hour maximum runtime. The product page does not state the listening conditions for those figures. They are useful planning estimates, with a full charge preferable before a performance.
The manufacturer warns that using a lower-powered adapter can limit maximum playback while charging. A suitable supply matters if the speaker is expected to run loudly from power. The IP54 rating handles limited dust and splash exposure, while the weight makes a short carry more realistic than extended walking.
Alternatives
The ELIE 6 keeps the versatile input arrangement in a much lighter 1790 g body, giving up the larger model’s physical tone controls and output. The JBL PartyBox 520 is a much larger wheeled alternative with dual XLR/quarter-inch inputs for events where scale outweighs easy carrying.
Verdict
The ELIE 12 is a compelling fit for musicians and hosts who will use its inputs and direct tone controls. It is less necessary for simple phone playback. Confirm the power supply and accessory connections, and its distinctive hardware can replace several awkward workarounds.