Ed Sheeran and Orange Unveil the First-Ever Outlowd Signature Amplifier Series

June 18, 2026, 9 a.m.

Orange has officially partnered with global superstar Ed Sheeran to launch the artist’s first signature amplifier and Bluetooth speaker lineup, known as the Outlowd by Ed Sheeran ES Series.

The announcement follows a surprise public performance in Sheeran’s hometown of Ipswich, where fans first caught a glimpse of the new amplifier in action before its official introduction to the market.

The release forms part of a broader international initiative called Play It Home, developed jointly by Ed Sheeran and Orange. The program is focused on supporting grassroots musicians, encouraging emerging talent, and investing in the local communities where musical careers often begin.

Surprise Ipswich Performance Marks the Beginning of the Campaign

On June 5, Ed Sheeran performed a six-song acoustic set at Ipswich Harbour before an audience estimated at around 2,000 people. Joining him was local singer-songwriter Lianne Kaye.

The performance was announced only one day in advance when Sheeran shared a Google Maps location pin on social media and tagged Orange Amps in the post.

One of the most memorable moments of the event came when the artist presented a nine-year-old boy named Felix with the very signature Orange amplifier used during the performance.

In addition, Orange confirmed that Felix’s music education for the next twelve months will be fully funded through the Play It Home initiative.

Play It Home Expands Around the World

Following its launch in the United Kingdom, the Play It Home program will expand internationally through events hosted by Orange Amps and selected retail partners.

Cities currently included in the initiative are:

  • Guildford
  • Toronto
  • Paris
  • Sydney
  • Los Angeles
  • Tokyo
  • Bamberg

Each location will benefit from dedicated music-support programs, including:

  • equipment donations;
  • youth music education initiatives;
  • rehearsal-space assistance;
  • direct community project funding;
  • additional local music development efforts.

Introducing the Outlowd by Ed Sheeran ES Series

The new lineup consists of three amplifier models designed for different performance requirements and player needs:

  • Outlowd by Ed Sheeran ES100 – 100-watt flagship model;
  • Outlowd by Ed Sheeran ES60 – 60-watt amplifier;
  • Outlowd by Ed Sheeran ES3 – compact 3-watt practice and portable model.

ES3: Compact and Travel-Friendly

The ES3 is the smallest and most portable amplifier in the range.

Its features include:

  • USB-C rechargeable battery;
  • built-in reverb control;
  • 4-inch full-range speaker;
  • Bluetooth audio playback;
  • leather carrying strap.

These specifications make it ideal for practice sessions, travel, and casual performances.

ES100: Professional Performance Solution

At the top of the lineup sits the ES100, which the company describes as a professional acoustic amplification solution designed for larger performances and demanding live environments.

Key components include:

  • a 12-inch Celestion full-range neodymium driver;
  • a Celestion HF neodymium high-frequency tweeter.

This speaker configuration is intended to provide detailed and accurate reproduction of acoustic instruments and vocals in live settings.

Ed Sheeran on the Inspiration Behind the Project

Discussing the launch, Ed Sheeran emphasized that music careers rarely begin in stadiums or on streaming platforms.

According to the artist, music starts in bedrooms, youth clubs, pubs, schools, parks, living rooms, and street corners. These were the environments where he developed his own voice and performance skills.

He explained that smaller venues remain essential training grounds for musicians, while busking teaches performers how to focus on what truly matters and handle challenges with confidence.

Sheeran also noted that he wanted the project to remain authentic by celebrating local musicians and local communities. In his view, every artist deserves the opportunity to begin somewhere and build their own musical path.

The singer added that making music should always remain enjoyable and serve as a creative escape. Now in his thirties, he prefers to focus on projects that genuinely excite and inspire him.

When considering the collaboration with Orange, his main question was whether he would personally use the products as a working musician. His answer was yes, which became a major reason for moving forward with the partnership.

Orange Highlights the Importance of Grassroots Music

Sarah Yule, Managing Director of Orange Amplification, stated that the partnership with Ed Sheeran felt natural from the very beginning.

She explained that long before streaming success and stadium tours, Sheeran’s musical journey started in community spaces and on street corners.

According to Yule, that path remains relevant for countless young musicians today. Supporting local music ecosystems therefore remains essential to the long-term health of the entire music industry.

She added that the ES Series was designed to reflect the different stages of a musician’s development, resulting in products that are approachable, inspiring, and genuinely useful for players at various points in their careers.

Orange Founder Praises the Collaboration

Cliff Cooper, Founder and CEO of Orange Amps, also shared his thoughts on the project.

He described working with Ed Sheeran as a genuine pleasure, highlighting not only the artist’s exceptional talent but also his commitment to helping more people discover and engage with music.