Audeze Maxwell Gaming Headphone Review

BRAEDON CROWDER | MOON AUDIO STAFF/JUN 28TH 2023

To Be [Wireless], or not to be. That is the Question.

Audeze is a familiar name to those in the audiophile community, but potentially an unfamiliar one to those in the gaming community. So if you are a serious gamer and this is your first time hearing of Audeze as a brand, get ready to level up. If you are an audiophile who enjoys gaming or are thinking about jumping into the gaming world, you’re equally in for a treat.

Audeze is one of the few high-end audio companies that has demonstrated unwavering dedication to making quality products for gamers. This isn’t some crazy marked up mediocre product that is simply made to look “gamery”. The Audeze Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headphones are audiophile-grade headphones that incorporate great gaming-specific features, such as a wireless WiFi connection with incredible battery life, a high-quality detachable microphone with AI Noise Filtration, and a sound stage with EQ customization designed to enhance the user's choice of immersion or competitive edge.

Audeze Maxwell Review: Don't Make THIS Mistake

Design

The Maxwell's construction is much more premium than its predecessors, the Mobius and Penrose. The overall design features far less plastic. Both the yoke and headband are constructed of metal. Despite the increase in metal material, the Maxwell maintains excellent flexibility. The ear cups are larger and feature the same control scheme as the ear cups on the Mobius. So if you are upgrading from the Mobius you’ll be very familiar with the on-headset functionality while enjoying far more durability.

The Maxwell's are definitely going to err on the heavier side of the headphone weight spectrum. However Audeze did not skimp out on the cushioning, which helps ensure a high level of comfort. I personally have a very sensitive head to the point where I can’t even wear hats. But I was able to wear the Maxwell for roughly two hours before noting any discomfort. While that may be a consideration for some to keep in mind, I feel pretty confident that the vast majority of people will be able to comfortably wear these during long gaming sessions with no problems.

The headband is adjustable, but it only has three options. If I were to change one thing about the physical design of the Maxwell, it would have to be the headband adjustment. All in all, it is a small price to pay for the host of other features at this price point.

Speaking of incredible features for the price point, the Maxwell's somehow manage to pack in roughly 80 hours of battery life per full charge AND fast charging capabilities. If you want a wire-free experience, this is about as good as it gets.

Sound

The Maxwell Headphones are going to lean more towards the analytical side of the sound signature spectrum. Which is exactly what serious, competitive gamers would want out of a headset. Analytical sound is going to be neutral and balanced for the most part with more emphasis on high frequencies. This is highly practical for games with subtle audio cues that can provide a huge competitive edge. Think footsteps, distant gunshots, reload sounds etc. This, combined with a fantastic soundstage, will allow you to more accurately hear enemies behind walls or across the map and visualize their exact position.

These Headphones are Crisp.

You can go even one step further by customizing EQ presets for different games and use cases. So if you truly want to maximize your competitive edge at the expense of pleasant sound, you have that option. And for those that favor more single player or casual experiences, you can run a more balanced or bassy EQ and even Dolby Atmos on the Xbox model.

Truly no compromise here.

As mentioned before, these headphones can truly stand alone as a fantastic option for Hi Res music listening as well. The planar magnetic drivers are excellent at detail retrieval. They feel punchy and dynamic. On top of all of this the passive noise cancellation is fantastic. If you’re like me, active noise cancellation can present a host of problems but it truly isn't necessary with the Maxwell. Whether you’re in-game or enjoying some music, it’s going to take a decent amount of external volume to distract you from the moment.

Lets focus on the microphone here for a second as it is the feature that turns the Maxwell from simply a great pair of audiophile-grade headphones into a gaming headset.

Right off the bat, One very important note is that although the Maxwell's do have Bluetooth, which is great for convenience, I do not recommend using Bluetooth in a competitive setting. Anytime a wireless headset is outputting sound to your ears and inputting sound to your mic simultaneously, you’re going to take a big hit in sound quality. So the wireless USB or wired options are going to be your friends here to ensure both quality and your competitive edge.

Overall, the mic is solid. Your teammates are going to be able to understand you clearly and the AI noise filtration can be enabled in the event you’re in a noisier-than-ideal environment. Obviously, it would be ideal to have a dedicated microphone during competitive play, but a solid microphone alone could be anywhere from $150-$600. So, to have a solid mic built into your headset can be a lifesaver, especially if you are traveling or attending LAN events.

Features

80hr+ Battery Life with Fast Charge for All Day Play in 20 min
Ultra-Low Latency Wireless with 3X Range of Traditional 2.4Ghz
First-in-Class Bluetooth 5.3 supports LE Audio, LC3plus, LDAC
Class-Leading High-Resolution Audio up to 24-bit/96kHz

Embedded Dolby Atmos® License (Xbox version only)
All-New Reinforced Chassis Built with Aluminum and Steel
FILTER™ Noise Reduction Technology for Clear Communications
Award-winning Audeze 90mm Planar Magnetic Drivers

Audeze has a proprietary software to complement the Maxwell Headphones that features EQ customization and preset options and - they work - but this is probably the only weak link when it comes to the Maxwell's. The software just isn’t that great. It can get the job done, but there are better EQ software options out there that we’d recommend like Steel Series’ Nahimic. It’s just much easier to use and is compatible with any pair of headphones you throw at it.

Dragon Cables

[Silver Dragon Portable Headphone Cable]

We recommend pairing the Audeze Maxwell Gaming Headphone with our popular Silver Dragon Portable Headphone Cable. This cable will bring out more detail and clarity in your gaming session when it matters the most. The Silver Dragon will provide more resolution, clarity, and detail in your music. It pairs well with bass-heavy headphones, as it will tighten up the lower frequencies and correct a bloated low end. It's also a great choice for analytical listeners, as it emphasizes clarity in the instrumentation and increases the overall soundstage. Compatible with any genre, the Silver Dragon works especially well with classical, jazz, and other music with lots of instrumentation and nuance. If you're a critical listener, there's no substitution for the Silver Dragon. Level up to the Silver Dragon and experience your music like never before.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DRAGON CABLES

Generally, stock audio cables are manufactured with subpar materials, metals with impurities, poor geometries, and an overabundance of layers to make them look and feel like a fire hose. Inconsistency and lack of quality control in stock cables can lead to poor sound quality and a veiled sound vs. what the musician intended for you to hear and feel from the music. Dragon Audio Cables are handcrafted with the highest standards and made to order according to your specific needs. At Moon Audio, we create a custom cable for you using the highest quality UP-OCC silver or copper conductors that can be manufactured. UP-OCC metals are void of impurities and are optimized for signal transfer and sound quality. We have one of the largest collections of audio and headphone connection options available online and we create limitless audio cable options depending on your specific gear and needs.

Why Dragon Cables?

You’ve heard the saying that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, right? Well, the same applies to your brand new audiophile-grade headphone or other audio components. The weakest link, in this case, is your stock audio cable or the cheap interconnects the manufacturer threw in the box just to get you up and running. Why is the audio cable always an afterthought, when it’s just as important as the rest of your system? At Moon Audio, we use the purest and best raw materials in our cables to unveil your music. We believe that materials matter and your audio cables should have the same care and craftsmanship that manufacturers put into their audio components and headphones. Audio cables are ultimately the connection to your music. The fact remains that cabling is often considered the last priority to that of the main product and a means to cut down the overall production costs. It’s as simple as that. Dragon Cables elevate every note - as if you were hearing your favorite music for the very time.

Verdict

All in all, I highly recommend the Audeze Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headphone to any gamer who is looking to take the next step in their gaming experience and competitive play. For only $299 for the PlayStation version and $329 for the Xbox version, you’re getting wireless audiophile grade sound quality, a solid microphone, long lasting comfort, durability, and personalization. There’s a reason it's been so hard to get your hands on these.

What's in the Box

Maxwell headset
Detachable hypercardioid boom microphone
USB-C wireless dongle
USB-C to USB-C cable
USB-C to USB-A adapter (not shown)
3.5mm TRRS analog cable
Quickstart guide and warranty card

Specifications

Style: Over-ear (circumaural), closed-back

Weight: 490g (1.08 lbs)

Transducer Type: Planar Magnetic

Transducer Size: 90 mm

Magnetic Structure: Fluxor magnet array

Phase Management: Fazor

Magnet Type: Neodymium N50

Diaphragm Type: Ultra-Thin Uniforce

Maximum SPL: >120dB

Frequency Response: 10Hz - 50kHz

THD: <0.1% (@ 1kHz, 1mW)

Spatial Audio: Dolby Atmos (Xbox version) | Tempest 3D (PlayStation version)

Boom Microphone: Detachable, Hypercardioid

Beamforming: Microphone voice noise suppression + AI noise reduction

Battery Type: Lithium-polymer, 1800mAh

Battery Life: Over 80 hrs wireless playback @ 80dBA

Fast Charge: USB-C, 5v 1.8 Amp max–25% charge / 20 min (full charge 2 hr)

CONNECTION:

Wireless: Ultra-low-latency

Bluetooth 5.3: Supports multipoint, LE Audio, LC3, LC3plus, LDAC, AAC, SBC

Wired–Digital: USB-C with dual-audio endpoints and game-chat mix

Wired–Analog: 3.5mm TRRS active

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

Maxwell headset

Detachable hypercardioid boom microphone

USB-C wireless dongle

USB-C to USB-C cable

USB-C to USB-A adapter

Quickstart guide and warranty card

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