Audeze Maxwell 2: Next-Gen Gaming Headset Boasts Enhanced Audio and Comfort
Audeze has unveiled the Maxwell 2, a meaningful upgrade to one of the highest-rated gaming headsets on the market. The new iteration promises superior sound quality for both gaming and music, improved microphone noise cancellation, and refinements to comfort and design.
The core innovation driving the Maxwell 2 is the integration of Audeze’s SLAM (Spatial Local Audio matrix) technology.According to the company, SLAM is engineered to deliver “heightened spatial immersion and precision along with punchier bass response.” This technology initially debuted in Audeze’s flagship CRBN2 electrostatic headphones in 2024 before making its way into the Maxwell lineup.
the Maxwell 2 retains the original’s extraordinary 90mm planar magnetic drivers, offering an expansive frequency response range of 10 – 50,000 Hz. This is substantially wider than the typical 20 – 20,000 Hz range found in moast gaming headsets, suggesting a more detailed and nuanced audio experiance.
Early impressions from Tom’s Hardware’s Jeffrey Kampman, who previewed the headset at CES, highlighted the enhanced detail and positional audio. He anticipates this will be particularly beneficial for competitive gamers, allowing for more precise identification of in-game sounds like footsteps and gunfire.Kampman also noted the headset’s transparency when playing music, describing a soundstage that was slightly confined due to the closed-back design, but overall “great.”
Audeze has also implemented improved AI-powered noise-canceling technology for the detachable boom microphone. While the extent to which this technology applies to the built-in microphones remains unclear, initial tests of the sidetone functionality yielded positive results.
Design-wise, the Maxwell 2 closely resembles its predecessor, featuring large, round plastic earcups, plush leatherette-covered memory foam earpads, and a robust steel headband. However, Audeze has incorporated a wider, ventilated head strap and redesigned the earpads to accommodate a broader range of head sizes. Despite these comfort-focused adjustments, the headset remains relatively heavy, weighing 1.23 pounds (560g) – a 2.5-ounce (70g) increase over the original Maxwell (1.08lbs / 490g).
the headset also features magnetic side plates, allowing for customization with option designs, though no options are currently available.Connectivity options include 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and wired connections, with a battery life of up to 80 hours on either wireless connection.
The Maxwell 2 isn’t the only new planar magnetic gaming headset making waves. Asus showcased the ROG Kithara, a
The Audeze Maxwell 2 is available for purchase now, priced at $329 for the PlayStation version and $349 for the Xbox version. Both versions are compatible with PC, Android, iOS, and Nintendo Switch.
Why: Audeze released the Maxwell 2 to improve upon its already highly-rated original Maxwell gaming headset, focusing on audio quality, microphone performance, and comfort.
Who: Audeze, a well-known audio equipment manufacturer, developed and released the Maxwell 2. It is targeted towards gamers and audiophiles.
what: The Maxwell 2 is a next-generation gaming headset featuring Audeze’s SLAM technology, 90mm planar magnetic drivers, AI-powered noise cancellation, and improved comfort features.
How did it end?: The Maxwell 2 was unveiled at CES and is now available for purchase, with pricing varying between PlayStation and Xbox versions. It represents an evolution of Audeze’s gaming headset line, competing with other high-end options like the Asus ROG Kithara.
