The Audeze Maxwell has served as a frontrunner in reasonably-priced high-fidelity audio for the gaming space since its release. Now, Audeze has dropped a new and improved version of the headset. Let’s take a look at it!

What’s in the Box?

• Maxwell 2 headset
• Detachable boom mic with pop filter
• USB-C wireless dongle
• USB-C to USB-C cable (1.5m)
• USB-C to USB-A adapter cable (0.3m)
• 3.5mm TRRS analog cable (1.2m)

The Maxwell’s box sports all the basics its owner would need upon purchase, including a cord, cardioid, pop-filtered mic, and connecting USB C for your home console. It is important to note: the Maxwell only supports either PS5 or XBOX, depending on the unit that is bought, utilizing its USB wireless port connection. However, there are work-arounds, such as USB bluetooth adapters which, when plugged into a console, could connect the headset using its bluetooth capabilities regardless of version. You could also plug the headphones 3.5mm jack into your controller which would work for a wired connection if the bluetooth isn’t as important to you. This product also works with the Nintendo Switch regardless of version.

The one thing that doesn’t come in the box that I think could be a great addition is a carrying case, considering its versatility. With its bluetooth and noise cancellation, the Maxwell could be a great all-purpose or on-the-go headphone if the owner didn’t already have one lying around. A carrying case would be a great way to heighten that ability.

Build, Design, and Comfort

The Maxwell’s sleek grey and black design gives it a nice, stylish look. Like all Audeze products, the build quality is great, supporting a nice blend of metal, foam and plaster. However, this quality does come with a potential negative side effect: weight (an issue I’ve found in other Audeze products). At 560 grams, the Maxwell isn’t heavy per se, but you definitely notice it on your head unlike other products from the likes of Sennheiser or Meze at similar price points. I definitely felt some effects from the weight after a few hours of continuous use. Although I wouldn’t dare call the Maxwell uncomfortable at all, they are certainly less comfortable than other premium headphones in this price point. 

What you don’t have to worry about with this headphone is battery life. At 80 hours of power fresh out of the box, and only requiring two hours to recharge that, you could play through a lengthy RPG without even remembering that they are battery powered. Definitely a commendable feature.

Other features include bluetooth compatibility for Windows, Android, and IOS/Mac regardless of version, noise cancelation, a dedicated knob to control between game and live-chat volume, and its rather high quality detachable mic. There is also a great deal of customization for your sound with the new Audeze EQ app which lets you boost whatever frequency your heart desires. If you’re jumping from nothing but built in speakers and no microphone to this, it’s hard to go wrong here. 

Audio

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Soundstage/Imaging

The Maxwell boasts a quite wide soundscape despite being closed back. When listening to live performances, a sense of space is felt even if not as widely as a top of the line open-back. Gaming, unsurprisingly, is where the Maxwell really shines. The spatial imaging during gameplay is really top notch, and with the added noise cancellation, it’s easy to get lost in the game. If you want to take your gaming sound to the next level and don’t want to drop a thousand or more dollars on a 5.1 home setup, the Maxwell is the way to go. Additionally, there is little to no bleed. If you live amongst others, this would be a huge plus especially if you play late.

Overall Frequency Review

The frequency response is honest to the original source. It’s quite smooth across the spectrum, with little competition between the lows and highs. My biggest complaint would be the comparative lack of bass. The treble really shines across each track, but the bass, while there, isn’t quite as pronounced. You can add some more bass with the EQ provided via the phone app, which does help out but it’s still missing that X factor in my ears. While this does ensure a cleaner experience in terms of frequency competition, I could see some drawbacks for those who really like a kick in their music or to horror players who really want to feel those drones and bass hits.

The mids and treble are nice and full, which is great considering that that’s where most of your gameplay will sit at. Nothing gets muddy, even when there’s a lot going on either musically or within a game. There is a clear cohesion to the music, atmosphere, and sound effects that will enhance any well-mixed game. 

Comparison to Original Maxwell

While I never got my hands on the original Audeze Maxwell, these do seem to be a major step up in terms of features. Their frequency response is similar to the original’s, however this newer version offers a great deal of further customization and better noise cancellation. Whether or not these new features warrant a repeat purchase from current owners of the original, I’m not entirely sure, but if you don’t own one already I’d definitely go with the 2 rather than the original. 

Final Thoughts

The Audeze Maxwell headphones offer great sound at a reasonable price. If you are a console gamer who wants something that has a lot of versatility and immersion, I’d highly recommend it especially if you’re just getting into the audiophile space. For a PC gamer, it’s a harder sell. There is much steeper competition in this price range for something that would be good for a PC such as a Sennheiser HD 600 with a small headphone amp, which offers better sound for a lower price (albeit not including a microphone). Generally, there is more opportunity for a sound setup on a PC and I wouldn’t personally lock myself up with a pair like the Maxwell.  If you’re a gamer who has no sound setup or knowledge that just wants something that will sound good with a lower price range, it’s an easy recommendation.  

You can buy the Audeze Maxwell 2 at Audio 46 as well as more Audeze Products.

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Kye

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