Audeze
Maxwell 2 ANC – Planar Gaming Headset
$429.00 USDPay Over Time
Split your purchase into easy payments.
Fast approval with Klarna.
Select Klarna at checkout to split your purchase into smaller payments.
Features
90mm planar magnetic drivers for powerful, lifelike sound clarity
Dual dedicated 1.4W balanced amplifiers for professional-grade audio
Ultra-low latency wireless with up to 24-bit/96kHz hi-res audio
FILTER™ AI-powered noise removal for crystal-clear voice chat
Self-calibrating advanced head tracking for immersive spatial audio (Dolby Atmos & Tempest 3D)
Detachable hypercardioid boom mic with pop filter
Wide, ventilated headband with memory foam earpads for all-day comfort
Customizable ReSkin™ magnetic side plates for personalized style
Broad compatibility across PC, Mac, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, iOS & Android
What's in the Box?
Warranty
Planar Magnetic 90mm Drivers
3x larger for the most powerful, clear, lifelike sound
Ultra-Low Latency Wireless
Lag-free high-resolution audio up to 24bit/96kHz
FILTER™ AI Noise Removal
Get clear, natural voice comms with no distractions
Aviation-Grade Noise Cancellation
Enjoy deeply immersive audio in any environment
Maxwell 2 ANC
Gaming, Uncompromised
No Noise, No Compromises
Maxwell 2 ANC is carefully engineered to maintain consistently accurate audio response with ANC on or off, providing next-level sound every time you put them on.
Dual Balanced Amplifiers
For professional-grade sound quality and noise reduction, Maxwell 2 ANC features dual dedicated 1.4W amplifiers operating in balanced mode.
Advanced Head Tracking
Enjoy incredibly immersive spatial audio from Maxwell 2 ANC's integrated, self-calibrating head tracking in supported applications:
Get Personalized Spatial Audio for All PC Games
For Professional Atmos Content Creation
More spatial audio partners coming soon
Hear Beyond
Lose yourself in the intricately crafted sonic worlds of your favorite games with Maxwell 2 ANC’s vividly lifelike audio.
Comfort, Upgraded
Ready for marathon gaming sessions with a wide, ventilated head strap and new memory foam earpads for optimal noise reduction.
Tactical Precision
Hear every footstep and reload with surgical accuracy, thanks to our most advanced planar drivers to date. Experience heightened spatial positioning and studio-grade clarity.
Great Bass without Compromise
Powerfully dynamic bass that hits hard, goes low, and never gets muddy.
Dual Chamber Earcups
With acoustic dampening for enhanced passive noise reduction.
Uniforce Diaphragm
Laser-etched 90mm drivers for unparalleled high-bandwidth audio precision.
Fluxor Magnets
Patented magnetic array delivers 2x the driving force of standard magnets.
SLAM Tuning System
Precisely engineered acoustic channels enhance bass and spatial detail.
Advanced Comfort
Magnetic-attaching ergonomic ear cushions provide all-day comfort.
Premium Design
Crafted with attention to detail, featuring premium materials and modern aesthetics.
Durable Construction
Built to last using metal and advanced composites, with reinforced stress points
Customizable Fit
Suspension headband with extra-wide, breathable strap for fatigue-free comfort
Removable Boom Mic
Hypercardioid capsule for directional pickup and high noise rejection.
Intuitive Controls
Tactile wheels change volume, game-chat mix, equalizer, and playback.
AI-Powered Microphones
Sound even clearer on chat and stream with new high-bandwidth FILTER™ AI noise removal. Any distracting background noise is silenced instantly at the push of a button.
Versatile Connectivity
Maxwell 2 ANC plays well with all your devices, offering up to 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution audio in ultra-low latency with USB-C wireless dongle and USB-C wired connections. Bluetooth supports Auracast, LE Audio, LDAC, and AAC.
ReSkin™ Your Maxwell 2 ANC
You can easily change the look of your headset with ReSkin attachments. Just remove Maxwell 2 ANC’s magnetic side plates, then pop on your choice of curated styles. Keep your eye on the ReSkin store for monthly content drops and limited edition designs!
PC/ MAC
Ultra-Low Latency Wireless
USB-C Digital Audio
3.5mm Analog Audio
Dolby Atmos
Game/Chat Mix
Audeze App Support
Xbox
Ultra-Low Latency Wireless
3.5mm Analog Audio
Dolby Atmos
Game/Chat Mix
PlayStation
Ultra-Low Latency Wireless
USB-C Digital Audio
3.5mm Analog Audio
Tempest 3D
Switch
Ultra-Low Latency Wireless
Bluetooth Audio
USB-C Digital Audio
3.5mm Analog Audio
iOS
Ultra-Low Latency Wireless
Bluetooth Audio
USB-C Digital Audio
3.5mm Analog Audio
Audeze App Support
Android
Ultra-Low Latency Wireless
Bluetooth Audio
USB-C Digital Audio
3.5mm Analog Audio
Audeze App Support
Audeze LCD-GX Headphone Review
Read Time: Approx. 19 min.
TL;DR:
- The LCD-GX is a true audiophile-grade planar magnetic headphone first and a gaming headset second, featuring the same open-back design as the rest of Audeze's flagship LCD lineup and most professional headphones.
- The included microphone cable and standard audiophile cable let the LCD-GX switch seamlessly between gaming headset and hi-fi headphone duty, with the microphone running independently from the headphone circuitry.
- The LCD-GX's wide open-back soundstage, planar magnetic technology, and ability to distinguish between voice, game effects, and music/soundtrack, including Dolby Atmos and other immersive audio formats.
- The Black Dragon adds warmth, low-end weight, and intimacy for rock, EDM, and bass-heavy gaming, while the Silver Dragon opens up the soundstage, tightens the low end, and retrieves buried details for classical music and directional gaming audio.
- The LCD-GX shares the LCD-24's magnesium housing, sound signature, and open-back planar character, but uses a single rather than double Fluxor magnet array — delivering most of the sonic experience at a fraction of the price.
One Small Step for Audeze, One Giant Leap for Gaming Headphones
Another gaming headphone from Audeze? This is too good to be true! Audeze has developed quite the knack for making remarkable headphones that blur the line between the gaming and audiophile world, and the Audeze LCD-GX walks this line perfectly, offering a lot for both audiophiles and gamers alike.
It used to be difficult being both an audiophile and a gamer because the audiophile would be looking for those extra details in the overall experience. The gameplay is important, but the sound and music are what truly transport you to that world; not just looking at a screen, but experiencing through auditory cues what you are seeing. Gaming headphones and audiophile headphones were always two separate worlds; the upstairs and downstairs. Audiophilia was too exclusive, while gaming headphones were cheap and functional but nothing more. The Audeze LCD-GX changes that entirely, bringing the precision craftsmanship, materials science, and planar magnetic technology of Audeze's flagship LCD lineup to a headphone that a gamer can actually use as a daily gaming headset.
PROS
- Two included cables for music listening and gaming
- Open-back soundstage and planar magnetic performance that rivals top flagship models
- Easier to drive than most LCD headphones
CONS
- Some may feel it's too heavy for long sessions
Design
If you know anything about the LCD lineup by Audeze, then you know these are heavy headphones. The suspension headband is made from metal construction, with a wide leather cushion for the top of the head. The design is such that the suspended leather band really distributes the weight across a wider surface of the head to relieve any pressure points or weight in any concentrated area.
The ear cup design is also a magnesium housing with the grill being a familiar design as the rest of the LCD product line. The GX has a black and red grill design, mirroring a lot of the color-scheme trends of gaming machines; especially laptops. Outside of the gaming world, it’s a very aggressive design but accented tastefully.
The earpads are also similar to that of the LCD product line: large thick memory foam pads which taper as you get closer to the front. This design allows for the headphones to sit naturally over the shape of the ear, giving more space in the back where your ears are furthest from your head. This angle also directs the drivers parallel to your ear canals, rather than directly at your head.
Apart from the microphone cable and the color scheme, the design of the LCD-GX matches other LCD headphones verbatim, especially the LCD-24. The Audeze LCD-X and LCD-4 have more of a right-angled outside ear cup whereas the GX and 24 are more rounded. You know what they say: “If it ain’t broke…” Like the LCD-24, the GX has a magnesium housing for the ear cups, thus reducing the overall weight of the headphone. Coupled with the suspended headband, the GX is still on the heavier side, but overall the comfort level is dramatically improved over previous LCD iterations. I easily used them for a couple of hours at a time while gaming without any fatigue.
The Audeze LCD-GX comes in a large hard plastic, latched travel case. It’s plenty of protection if you are ever going to transport them, but I won’t be using these as my travel headphones any time soon. Audeze has included two separate cables: one with an attached microphone and the other without. The cable without the microphone is a braided rubber with a single-ended quarter-inch connector to your source and 4-pin connectors to the headphones. The mic cable has the same 4-pin connectors to the headphone, but with the addition of a microphone attached just below the left connector. The microphone is the same used on the Audeze Mobius headphone and comes with an included pop filter/windscreen. The boom extension is flexible but quite sturdy enough to stay in place - I think it’s slightly more stable than the Mobius version. The cable has a microphone mute switch just below the cable split and terminates in a 3.5mm TRRS connector. Audeze has included an adapter for the connector that switches the ground and microphone order depending on if you are connecting to android/PC or iOS.
They’ve also included a splitter from the TRRS to separate microphone and audio connections (3.5mm) for PC use.
The case itself is lined with foam with specific cutouts for the headphones and accessories. There’s plenty of room if you want to throw in a few more items if you’re taking them on the road with you.
Sound
If you haven’t listened to Audeze’s LCD product line, it might take a few times to get used to the signature. They’re known for a resolute and distinctive sound.
An Intro to the LCD Product Line: The Audeze LCD-2 Classic and LCD-3 are very warm in presentation. Audeze later came out with the LCD-X and XC models - giving more of a forward tonality with open-back and closed-back variations (the C in “XC” signifying the closed-back variation). The open-back headphone will give a “wider” presentation to the sound whereas the closed-back version will offer a “taller” soundstage. To get the best of both worlds, the LCD-4 was released as an amalgamation of the LCD-2/3 and the X/XC signatures, providing one of the best reference headphones ever. The LCD-24 was recently developed to refine and improve on the LCD-4 by increasing performance and reducing the overall weight. At the absolute summit of Audeze's lineup, the Audeze CRBN Electrostatic Headphones represent the company's most advanced transducer, with the LCD-S20 closely following suit.
The Audeze GX has planar magnetic drivers like the rest of the LCD line. The GX uses Fluxor N50 neodymium magnets in its proprietary magnet array, making them more efficient and easier to drive. You can plug them directly into your computer audio and mic ports, but I would recommend adding an additional amp/DAC to make sure you have more than enough power to really crank them to 11 if you want to. In my setup, I used the Chord Mojo via USB to my computer. It’s small enough to provide more than enough juice to the headphone without having to conjure up some ridiculous wiring to make it work, especially if you are wanting to use the microphone cable with the included splitter.
The Stock Cable Experience
Audeze’s stock cable is made fairly well. Listening to various genres of music it becomes apparent that the cable itself sounds clean but not necessarily defined. The frequencies never really have enough room to be voiced properly, without texture. The problem gets alleviated only from the fact that these are open-back headphones, so the soundstage is wider than that of a closed-back headphone. If you had nothing to compare it to then you would probably think it sounds good enough. However, the veil was completely lifted once I upgraded to a Dragon headphone cable.
Gaming
So how do these cables translate to gaming? Short answer: it depends on the types of games you play, but both dragon cables are going to improve the sound pretty dramatically on the stock cable.
Both the Silver Dragon and Black Dragon Premium Headphone Cables are going to help bring out details and clarity in the game audio. If you’re playing a racing game, you might want to go with a Black Dragon to help bring out the lower frequencies of the car engine rumble while you’re racing down a street. Or you might want to use the Silver Dragon if you’re playing a game that requires you to focus on directional auditory cues. Assassin’s Creed and Fallout are my favorite franchises, and both have amazing classical and cinematic music in their soundtracks and detailed worlds with ambient effects everywhere. The Silver Dragon unmasks these details and brings them to life in the open digital world. The Dragon Cables also improve not just the game effects, but the fidelity of the mix and music. There are a lot of benefits to be had here. The Black and Silver Dragon cables help you remove the veil of the stock cable and really let the Audeze LCD-GX breathe and flex its muscles.
Features
Microphone
The Audeze LCD-GX uses the same microphone as the Mobius. In my review of the Mobius, I stated that the microphone worked fine enough, albeit hindered by some of the digitalization of the headphone. Audeze has absolutely fixed this with the GX, despite still using similar noise attenuation. Before these companies started developing gaming-centric products, I noticed a small trend in the gaming audiophile community where gamers who cared about their audio experience invested in high-end audiophile-grade headphones and they would attach a third-party solution for a microphone attachment, either wired or wireless.
The important thing to note is how they managed to find a solution. They didn’t settle for a sub-par gaming headset, but rather found a solution where they ran the audio and microphone channels independently so they could adjust each independently. Audeze managed to do this with the LCD-GX. First and foremost it is an audiophile headphone. The microphone does not get fed through the headphone circuitry, only the cable (unlike the Mobius and headphones with in-line microphones).
I like this approach much better than other implementations due to the fact that it adds various usage configurations: you can use these as both audiophile headphones and a gaming headset. The microphone itself is superb. All my gaming sessions reported voice clarity and great volume. Of course, you’ll have to do most of the adjustments in the settings on your computer, but you should have no issue if configured properly. It was literally a ‘plug & play’ scenario for me.
Comparisons
Audeze LCD-4 Headphones
The LCD-4’s low end is responsive and the presence in the bass is dynamic, really extending itself when needed with precision and weight. It has added resolution in the top end as well. Some might find the mids to be more recessed than other headphones, but it’s a great headphone for all genres, especially bass-eccentric genres. The LCD-4 is still revered as one of the best reference headphones on the market today. We usually match it with either our Black Dragon or Silver Dragon cables for added detail and a wider soundstage, and it’s a hard matchup to beat.
Stylistically, the LCD-4 is quite comparable to the GX headphones. They are slightly heavier since the 4’s have a wooden frame around the ear cups and use more metal than the GX. Audeze came out with the 4Z variant which implements the magnesium rings, making it 25% lighter than the original model, much like the LCD-24 that came out later. You’ll need more power to drive the LCD-4 than the GX, so an amplifier is a must-have to get the most out of them. That’s one benefit of the GX, and although they are easier to drive than the LCD-4, I would still recommend an additional powered source like the Chord Mojo or a well-powered DAP like the KANN Cube if you also want to listen to music on them.
Audeze LCD-24 Headphones
Concerning the sound signature, the GX is going to be more along the lines of the LCD-24. The purpose of the LCD-24 was to refine and improve the LCD-4 by reducing weight and the number of magnets. This makes the LCD-24 have a larger diaphragm, thereby increasing the speed, dynamics, and minimizing distortion. The 24’s have the same design and dimensions of the previous LCD series headphones, but due to engineering improvements, the comfort level is also significantly increased and lighter in weight.
The LCD-24 is also easier to drive than other planar magnetic headphones. The impedance is about a quarter to one-half of the impedance of any other top planar magnetic headphones on the market today. It has lower headamp distortion and maximizes the overall definition as a result. The planar technology utilizes the entire diaphragm to produce all frequencies of music simultaneously with powerful specialized magnets moving a space-age film only about 1.5 microns thick.
The LCD-24 uses the same magnesium design as the LCD-GX headphones, looking almost identical in every way except for the red grill on the GX ear cups. Don’t be fooled that they’re the same headphone minus the price point. That $2600 difference lies in numerous architectural elements that enhance the LCD-24 above and beyond the LCD-GX. Both headphones are an over-ear, open back, and planar magnetic design. The 24 (and the LCD-4) on the other hand utilizes a Double Fluxor Magnetic Array whereas the GX only has a single array. More flux density means more control over how the diaphragm moves, and that translates to more accuracy in sound reproduction; faster transients, lower distortion, etc.
In a perfect world, I’d choose the LCD-24 with the microphone cable from Audeze. That would be the ultimate gaming headset if the price wasn’t a factor.
Though sonically the GX sounds great like the LCD-4 or 24 (with a similar sound signature as well), I can definitely hear extra sonic resolution and definition coming from the double Fluxor magnet array. You get what you pay for here.
Dragon Cables
Black Dragon Premium Cable for Audeze
The Black Dragon Premium Cable for Audeze is going to create a warmer presentation of the music. Thicker rock tones: electric guitar mid-ranges and snare drums will have a weight to the mix and really add depth and definition to the low end. Songs by some of my favorite bands Weezer and Semisonic sounded fuller, instruments sounded more balanced with the vocals. More forward sounding headphones can unintentionally accentuate the vocal frequency range, keeping low mids back in the mix, usually where guitars and some snare mixes lie.
In specific classical or orchestrated soundtracks, the Black Dragon cable can really thicken the low brass and string sections for a nice balanced sound. On a number of tracks, I tested it with, the cable rolled off a lot of the piercing high frequencies, giving them just enough attention without causing too much pain in other headphone scenarios. Of course, this is sometimes an issue with the mix rather than the headphones, but it’s nice to know there is a cable solution for this kind of thing.
One element of the Black Dragon with the LCD-GX headphones is that it adds an intimacy especially in softer and more ballad-esque music. The breathiness becomes weighted, as if the singer is whispering or singing right into your ear. It’s a substantial enough difference that would make me purchase an upgraded Dragon Cable with the LCD-GX without hesitation.
So if you listen to EDM, power rock or bass-eccentric music, the Black Dragon is a no brainer.
Silver Dragon Premium Headphone Cable for Audeze
The Silver Dragon Premium Headphone Cable for Audeze is going to provide a more broad soundstage to your music with additional detail and clarity. All the Dragon Cables provide a nice 3dB boost to your overall output, so you don’t have to drive your headphones as much, albeit an incremental boost in efficiency.
In listening to a number of tracks of the album The Dance by Fleetwood Mac, one of my favorite albums, the Silver Dragon really helped boost the USC drumline on Tusk - a feature in the mix that was buried using the LCD-GX stock cable. The bass drums and the snare line break through along with the drum kit, adding that additional percussive oomph to help drive the song. On rock music, the Silver Dragon helps tighten up the low-end frequencies, and more of the high-mids on electric guitars shine through.
I think the Silver Dragon really shines with the LCD-GX in classical music, adding weight and depth to the violas and cellos. String sections become an absolute joy to listen to, whereas in most cases the overall ensemble becomes a slurry mess on cheaper headphones.
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 cable or the cheap interconnects the manufacturer threw in the box just to get you up and running. Why is the cable always an afterthought, when it’s just as important as the rest of your system? At Moon Audio, we use the best raw materials in our cables to unveil your music. We believe the 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.
Verdict
When it comes to being a gamer and an audiophile, there is no better product on the market right now that adheres to both hobbies so well. The LCD-GX is a true audiophile headphone that is aimed at the gaming community in a way to make both communities very content with the product. After using the LCD-GX for a while, I can confidently say that it is the best gaming headphone for most home uses. The large ear cups and weight do not lend the GX to being a good headset for the road, and for optimum sound quality, you’re going to want to hook up an amp with the headphones also.
The LCD-GX is a true audiophile headphone first and foremost, and that is what I appreciate about Audeze’s take on it: they’re not trying to hide it. The inclusion of two different cables (one with a microphone and one without), also help the LCD-GX to do double duty as an audiophile headphone or a gaming headset. You have an incredible amount of versatility with this one product. The best part: it does both phenomenally well.
The Audeze LCD-GX is a steal for all the features, versatility, and overall quality of what you get.
As a gamer, they took my experience to the next level; allowing me to truly live in the gaming environments with a soundstage and audio depth I had not experienced before.
Subtleties in details and definition amongst the different audio segments: voice, game effects, and the music/soundtrack were all distinguishable and didn’t compete with each other.
As an audiophile, the LCD-GX with Black Dragon or Silver Dragon gave my music the added definition and boost it needed. The open-back design of the headphones helps let my music breathe and come alive; I was not disappointed with what the headphones had to offer in the audiophile spectrum. And that’s the beauty of the Audeze LCD-GX: it doesn’t sacrifice its audiophile identity for a gaming one. Finally, we have a headphone that truly does both. I can’t recommend it enough.
Featured Products
Related Videos
Audeze LCD-GX Gaming Headphone Unboxing Video
Audeze LCD-GX Gaming Headphone Comparison Review Video
Audeze LCD-GX Headphones | Need to Know
What's in the Box
- Audeze LCD-GX Headphone
- Professional Travel Case
- 8ft long cable with Microphone (1/8" TRRS connector)
- LCD series standard cable without Microphone (1/4” TRS connector)
- Audio adaptor - OMTP to CTIA (Reverses the mic and ground connection)
- Splitter (1/8" TRRS to dual 1/8” TRS connectors for audio and microphone)
- User guides, Warranty cards
Specifications
Style: Over-ear, open-back
Transducer type: Planar magnetic
Magnetic structure: Single Fluxor™ magnet array
Magnet type: Neodymium N50
Diaphragm type: Ultra-thin Uniforce™
Transducer size: 106 mm
Maximum power handling: 500mW RMS
Maximum SPL: >130dB
Frequency response: 10Hz – 50kHz
THD: <0.1% @ 100dB
Impedance: 20 ohms
Sensitivity: 100 dB/1mW (at Drum Reference Point)
Minimum power requirement: >100mW
Recommended power level: >250mW
Weight: >460g
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Physical Specifications | |
| Style | Over-ear (circumaural), closed-back |
| Weight | 560g |
| Earpads | Memory foam, optimized for noise reduction |
| Headband | Wide, ventilated design |
| Technical Specifications | |
| Transducer Type | Planar Magnetic |
| Transducer Size | 90mm |
| Magnetic Structure | Fluxor™ magnet array |
| Phase Management | Fazor™ |
| Acoustic Management | SLAM™ |
| Magnet Type | Neodymium N50 |
| Diaphragm Type | Uniforce™ |
| Maximum SPL | >115dB |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 50kHz |
| THD | <0.1% @ 100dB |
| Spatial Audio | Dolby Atmos® / Tempest 3D |
| Amplification | Professional-Grade Dual 1.4W Balanced |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Up to 35dB, Transparency Mode |
| Microphone Specifications | |
| Boom Microphone | Detachable, Hypercardioid, with pop filter |
| Beamforming | Physical and AI noise reduction (FILTER™), internal mic for chat |
| Power Specifications | |
| Battery Type | Lithium-polymer, 1800mAh |
| Battery Life | ANC OFF: 40hr, ANC ON: 35hr (Bluetooth, continuous playback, pink noise @80dBA) |
| Fast Charge | USB-C, 5V 1.8A max — 25% charge in 20min (full charge 2hr) |
| Connection Specifications | |
| Wireless | USB-C, Ultra-low latency; Bluetooth 5.3 (Auracast, LE Audio, LC3, LC3plus, LDAC, AAC, SBC, Multipoint) |
| Wired – Digital | USB-C with dual-audio endpoints and game-chat mix |
| Wired – Analog | 3.5mm TRRS active |
| Additional Information | |
| Price | $429.00 |
| Compatible Platforms | PC / Mac, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, iOS, Android |
| Package Includes | Maxwell 2 ANC 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) |