Audeze Maxwell 2: New Wireless Gaming Headset Released

The Audeze Maxwell 2 has been announced as the successor to the original Maxwell wireless gaming headset. Released during CES, the new headset replaces the first version with a variety of technical upgrades and a revised price point.

Key enhancements focus on audio performance and connectivity. The device introduces SLAM technology, which pairs 90mm planar magnetic drivers with patented magnets and waveguides to deliver a frequency range of 10Hz to 50kHz. This technology is intended to provide heightened spatial immersion and punchier bass. Additionally, the Maxwell 2 features an AI noise-cancelling microphone with twice the bandwidth of its predecessor, designed to improve voice clarity. The headset is supported by a new 'Audeze' mobile app, available on Windows and Mac, which allows users to customize various aspects of the device, including custom EQs for console games.

While the audio specifications have improved, the physical design has seen a weight increase. The new model weighs 560 grams, up from the original's 490 grams. To compensate for the added mass, the headset includes a redesigned head strap. It maintains the impressive 80-hour battery life of the previous model. The Maxwell 2 is currently in stock at various retailers, with the PlayStation version priced at $329 and the Xbox version at $349. In the UK, prices are £339 for the base model and £369 for Xbox support.

The centerpiece of the Audeze Maxwell 2 is the integration of SLAM technology. This proprietary acoustic design utilizes the firm's 90mm planar magnetic drivers in conjunction with patented magnets and waveguides. According to the specifications, this combination delivers an expansive frequency response ranging from 10Hz to 50kHz. The technology is engineered to produce what the manufacturer describes as 'heightened spatial immersion and precision along with punchier bass response'.

This specific acoustic architecture is not entirely new to the brand's lineup. The same technology is currently utilized in Audeze's S20 and CBRN2 headphones, both of which have attracted largely positive reviews regarding their sound quality. The inclusion of this technology in the Maxwell 2 suggests a significant acoustic upgrade over the original model, specifically targeting the bass response and spatial accuracy that competitive gamers often seek. The move to pair these drivers with advanced waveguides aims to refine the soundstage, potentially offering a more immersive experience for both gaming and media consumption.

Alongside the hardware upgrades, Audeze has released a new software ecosystem to support the Maxwell 2. The company launched a redesigned mobile app simply titled 'Audeze'. This application allows users to customize various aspects of the headset directly from their smartphones. The app is also available for desktop use on Windows and Mac platforms.

The introduction of robust software customization brings the Maxwell 2 in line with key competitors. Specifically, the ability to set custom EQs for console games is a feature highlighted in recent SteelSeries releases, such as the Arctis Nova Elite. It remains to be seen how the Audeze app compares in terms of power and flexibility, but its release indicates a focus on user-tunable audio profiles. On the hardware side, the headset features an AI noise-cancelling microphone. This mic offers twice the bandwidth of the previous generation, a trend seen across the gaming headset market over the last year, intended to ensure clearer voice transmission during multiplayer sessions.

While the internal components have received a significant overhaul, the physical design of the Maxwell 2 presents a notable change in weight. The original Maxwell was criticized for its heavy build, weighing in at 490 grams. Unfortunately, the successor has increased this figure to 560 grams. This substantial weight increase may be a concern for users who engage in long gaming sessions.

To address the potential discomfort caused by the added mass, the headset includes a redesigned head strap. The hope is that this ergonomic adjustment will distribute the weight more effectively than the previous model. Despite the increase in physical mass, the headset retains the original's impressive battery performance. The Maxwell 2 continues to offer a hefty battery life figure of 80 hours, ensuring that the device can withstand extended use without frequent recharging. This combination of high-capacity battery and physical durability remains a selling point for the series.

The Audeze Maxwell 2 is currently listed as in stock at various retailers. The pricing structure reflects the upgrades made to the device, coming in at a slightly higher cost than the original release. In the United States, the headset is priced at $329 for the PlayStation version and $349 for the Xbox version.

Comparatively, the original Maxwell launched at $299 for the PlayStation model and $329 for the Xbox version. In the United Kingdom, the pricing is set at £339 for the base model and £369 for the version with added Xbox support. Consumers should also note that a pricier version featuring Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) support is expected to be released later this spring. This tiered release strategy suggests that Audeze is looking to capture different segments of the high-end gaming audio market.