Not like the Fairbuds XL, which may be virtually utterly disassembled in 9 elements, the Combine are composed of 4 most important components: the scarf, the ear cups, the ear cushions, and the battery. Whereas repairability is clearly a profit, Fender’s most important focus is on the flexibility to combine and match the elements—therefore the identify. Ultimately, every half will probably be out there in 5 totally different colours, and a few elements, just like the ear cushions, will come in several supplies for hotter or cooler climates.
My 10-day stint with the Combine wasn’t practically sufficient time to judge whether or not the USB-C-based connections between the ear cups and the scarf (a component they share with the Fairbuds XL) will show sturdy sufficient for long-term use, however they did not present any apparent indicators of weak spot. The truth is, I used to be impressed at how solidly the elements clicked collectively, and simply how nicely constructed these cans really feel usually. Holding them or carrying them, you’d by no means guess they could possibly be pulled aside with a tug.
{Photograph}: Simon Cohen
I discovered the Combine cozy to put on, even with glasses. The ear cushions present a smooth however efficient seal, and the scarf does a good job of distributing stress. The clamping power felt a bit of aggressive after I first put them on, however after a couple of minutes, I received used to it and fortunately wore them for hours at a stretch. My solely nitpick is the scale of the ear cushion openings; they’re a bit of slender for my style. I desire a roomier match.
Just like the Apple’s AirPods Max, the ear cushions magnetically latch to the ear cups, however on the Combine, it serves a twin function: Not solely does it make swapping cushions a cinch, (they’ll promote for $29 a pair later this yr), nevertheless it’s additionally the way you entry that USB-C Bluetooth transmitter, which lives below the left ear cushion, and the way you get to the battery compartment (below the precise one). Fender expects substitute cells to value $49 however hasn’t stated after they’ll be out there.
Farewell Dangerous Transmissions
{Photograph}: Simon Cohen
The transmitter is a remarkably helpful little software. Utilizing its button (and LED indicator), you possibly can swap between lossless (purple), low-latency (blue), and Bluetooth Auracast (purple) modes. Lossless (through the LHDC v5 codec in case you have been curious) is a bonus, particularly for iPhone house owners, who’re usually restricted to lossy SBC and AAC connections. I don’t sport, but when Fender’s declare of sub-20-millisecond efficiency for the low-latency mode is correct, that ought to fulfill all however essentially the most diehard, fast-action sport gamers. Auracast (through LE Audio/LC3) is an actual deal with: It enables you to share your audio with anybody who has an Auracast-compatible set of headphones or earbuds. The Combine may also tune into every other Auracast broadcasts, too, however there’s a catch.
