The Fender Audio RIFF is a portable Bluetooth speaker that also functions as a guitar practice amp, combining two essential pieces of musician gear into one 60-watt unit. Fender Audio introduced the RIFF at NAMM 2023 as its first home-audio device designed to amplify both music and instruments. The appeal is straightforward: musicians can stream songs from their phone while using the same speaker to practice guitar without lugging a dedicated amp to a friend’s place or a rehearsal space.
Key Takeaways
- The Fender Audio RIFF is a 60-watt speaker that works as both a Bluetooth device and guitar practice amp.
- It includes four speakers, two bass woofers, USB-C charging, and up to 30 hours of battery life.
- A 1/4-inch instrument input lets you plug in electric guitar or bass directly.
- The RIFF can pair with other units to create stereo or multi-speaker setups.
- Fender’s companion app provides EQ adjustment and playback controls.
What Makes the Fender Audio RIFF Different
Most portable Bluetooth speakers play music. Period. The Fender Audio RIFF does that, but it also amplifies guitars. This hybrid approach fills a real gap for musicians who want a single device for listening and practicing. The speaker system packs four drivers plus two bass woofers, delivering balanced sound whether you’re streaming a podcast or plugging in an electric guitar. A 1/4-inch instrument input sits alongside a 3.5mm aux jack, giving you flexibility in what you connect.
Fender’s earlier Bluetooth speakers, the Newport and Monterey, were pure playback devices—no amp functionality. The RIFF changes that equation by adding guitar-amplifier capabilities without sacrificing portability. You get treble, bass, and volume sliders to shape your tone, plus the companion app for deeper EQ tweaking. This positions the RIFF as a genuine alternative to carrying a practice amp and a speaker to different locations.
Practical Features for Musicians and Listeners
The Fender Audio RIFF runs on a lithium-ion battery that lasts up to 30 hours on a full charge, making it viable for weekend trips or outdoor sessions. USB-C charging means you’re not hunting for proprietary cables. A removable carry strap keeps the unit portable, and the speaker is described as water-resistant and splash-proof, so light rain or spilled drinks won’t kill it.
Pairing two RIFF units creates a stereo speaker system, and the device supports multi-speaker pairing for larger setups. A dual microphone array handles phone calls and voice commands more clearly than single-mic designs. If you’re serious about jamming with friends, you can sync multiple units for a cohesive sound across a room.
How the Fender Audio RIFF Stacks Against Other Options
Fender also makes the Mustang Micro, a dedicated practice amp that’s smaller and cheaper but lacks Bluetooth and speaker functionality. If you need pure guitar amplification, the Mustang Micro is leaner. If you want one device that handles both music streaming and guitar practice, the RIFF is the more versatile choice. Premium Bluetooth speakers from brands like Bose offer superior sound quality for pure listening, but they cannot amplify a guitar, so the comparison depends on your priorities.
The RIFF occupies a specific niche: musicians who want a single portable device that doesn’t compromise on either listening or practicing. That positioning—neither a stripped-down speaker nor a dedicated amp—is what sets it apart from the broader market.
Is the Fender Audio RIFF Worth the Investment?
The Fender Audio RIFF targets musicians who travel, practice in shared spaces, or want to minimize gear. If you’re a casual player who practices at home and has a dedicated amp, the RIFF is unnecessary. If you’re in a band that rehearses in different locations, jam with friends regularly, or travel with your guitar, the dual functionality justifies the cost. The device eliminates the friction of carrying separate speakers and amps, which matters more than you might think when you’re packing a car for a gig.
What battery life can I expect from the Fender Audio RIFF?
The Fender Audio RIFF delivers up to 30 hours of battery life on a full charge. USB-C charging is standard, and a 30-minute quick charge provides roughly 8 hours of playback, making it practical for day trips and weekend sessions.
Can I use the Fender Audio RIFF as a regular Bluetooth speaker?
Yes. The RIFF works as a standalone Bluetooth speaker for any device—phone, tablet, laptop. The guitar amp functionality is optional; you only use it when you plug in an instrument via the 1/4-inch input. This makes it a legitimate speaker for music streaming, podcasts, and calls.
How do I adjust the sound on the Fender Audio RIFF?
The device has physical treble, bass, and volume sliders on the unit itself for quick adjustments. For deeper EQ control, Fender’s companion app lets you fine-tune the sound and manage playback wirelessly.
The Fender Audio RIFF solves a real problem for musicians: the need for a portable device that handles both streaming and amplification without compromise. It’s not the cheapest Bluetooth speaker, and it’s not the most powerful practice amp, but it’s the only device that does both well in one package. That focused mission is its strength.
Edited by the All Things Geek team.
Source: Tom's Guide
