In the realm of gaming audio, Audeze has consistently pushed boundaries with its premium planar magnetic headphones, and the Audeze Maxwell for Xbox and PC continues that tradition. This wireless headset aims to redefine what gamers expect from audio, delivering unparalleled fidelity, immersive soundscapes, and a host of features designed to elevate the experience. But with a premium price tag attached, does the Audeze Maxwell live up to its promise of sonic bliss? Let’s dive deep into its design, audio performance, features, and value proposition to see if it’s worth the investment.

Unboxing the Maxwell: A Premium Experience

From the moment you look at Audeze Maxwell’s packaging, it’s clear that Audeze takes pride in presenting a premium product. The box exudes elegance, with a minimalist design and a focus on showcasing the headset’s key features. Inside, you’ll find the Maxwell carefully nestled in a protective foam enclosure, accompanied by a treasure trove of accessories.

These include a detachable boom microphone, a USB-C charging cable, a USB-C to USB-A adapter, and a 2.4GHz wireless dongle for low-latency connection. This comprehensive suite of accessories showcases Audeze Maxwell’s versatility, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of platforms and setups. It’s a testament to Audeze’s commitment to providing a complete package that caters to the needs of discerning gamers.

Design and Build Quality: Elegance Meets Functionality

Audeze Maxwell’s design philosophy revolves around balancing elegance and functionality. It’s a headset that looks and feels luxurious, while also delivering on the practical demands of extended gaming sessions. The lightweight yet robust construction ensures comfort during long hours of play, and the plush memory foam earcups and headband provide a snug and secure fit that conforms to your head shape.

The understated branding and premium materials used throughout the headset further elevate its aesthetic appeal. The metal frame exudes durability, while the leatherette and soft-touch plastic accents create a sense of refined sophistication. Subtle details, such as the engraved Audeze logo and the meticulously crafted earcup grilles, contribute to Maxwell’s overall air of exclusivity.

Audio Performance: A Symphony of Immersion

At the heart of the Audeze Maxwell’s allure lies its exceptional audio performance. The 90mm planar magnetic drivers deliver a level of clarity and detail that’s simply unmatched by most traditional dynamic driver headphones. The soundstage is remarkably wide and immersive, allowing you to pinpoint the direction of in-game sounds with uncanny precision. Gunshots crack with startling realism, footsteps echo with chilling accuracy, and environmental soundscapes come alive with depth and nuance.

Maxwell’s ability to reproduce a vast frequency range with astonishing fidelity makes it a joy to use for all forms of media consumption. Bass notes are deep and impactful, providing a visceral punch that elevates the intensity of action sequences. Mids are rich and detailed, allowing vocals and instruments to shine through with clarity. The highs are crisp and airy, adding a sense of openness and spaciousness to the soundstage.

Maxwell’s audio prowess is particularly evident in games that feature rich and dynamic soundscapes. In open-world adventures, you’ll be transported to vibrant and lifelike environments, with every rustle of leaves and distant bird call adding to the sense of immersion. In competitive shooters, you’ll gain a tactical advantage by being able to accurately pinpoint the location of your opponents based on their footsteps and weapon fire. And in story-driven games, you’ll be captivated by voice actors’ emotive performances and the musical score’s subtle nuances.

Dolby Atmos: 3D Audio Immersion

A standout feature of the Maxwell for Xbox and PC is its built-in support for Dolby Atmos. This cutting-edge spatial audio technology creates a truly immersive 3D soundscape, placing you at the centre of the action. You’ll hear sounds coming from all around you, adding a new layer of realism and immersion to your gaming experience. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos is a major factor in the slightly higher price point of this version compared to the PlayStation variant, which lacks this feature. If you are using the Audeze Maxwell on a PC make sure you have the headphone sound configured correctly please use this link from Audeze.

Microphone Quality: Crystal-Clear Communication

The Maxwell’s detachable boom microphone ensures that your voice is heard loud and clear. The cardioid polar pattern effectively isolates your voice from background noise, while the high-quality capsule delivers natural and accurate voice reproduction. Your teammates will appreciate the clarity of your communication, even in the heat of battle.

The microphone’s flexibility allows you to easily adjust its position to find the optimal distance and angle for your voice. And when you’re not using it for voice chat, the detachable design ensures a clean and streamlined look for the headset.

Connectivity and Features: A Multitude of Options

The Audeze Maxwell’s versatility extends beyond its impressive audio performance. It offers a wide range of connectivity options, catering to both console and PC gamers. The included 2.4GHz wireless dongle ensures low latency and stable connection for lag-free gaming on compatible devices. Bluetooth 5.3 support adds another layer of convenience, allowing you to seamlessly pair the headset with mobile devices for on-the-go listening.

For those who prefer a wired connection, the Audeze Maxwell supports both USB-C and 3.5mm audio jack inputs. This flexibility ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices, from gaming consoles and PCs to smartphones and tablets.

The Audeze Maxwell also boasts a suite of features designed to enhance your gaming experience. Its AI-powered noise cancellation technology effectively reduces background noise, ensuring crystal-clear communication even in noisy environments. The onboard controls on the earcups allow for easy adjustment of volume, microphone mute, and EQ settings, giving you quick and convenient access to essential functions without having to interrupt your gameplay.

Battery Life: Endurance for Extended Sessions

Audeze Maxwell’s battery life is a testament to Audeze’s commitment to providing an uninterrupted gaming experience. With up to 80 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, you can enjoy marathon gaming sessions without worrying about running out of power. Even with heavy use, including wireless connectivity and active noise cancellation, the battery easily lasts for multiple days.

The inclusion of a USB-C charging port allows for fast and convenient recharging. A quick 20-minute charge provides several hours of playback, ensuring that you can get back in the game quickly even if you forget to charge overnight. With an 80-hour battery live quoted from Audeze, I got like 64 hours, that was a mix of PC and Xbox as well, and PS5 as well, you can use the Audeze Maxwell on PS5 if you put the Maxwell dongle in PC mode first.

Software: Customization and Control

The Audeze HQ software provides a comprehensive suite of tools for customizing Maxwell’s audio settings to your preferences from PC and Mac and Android and iOS. You can adjust EQ presets, create custom profiles for different games or media types, and fine-tune microphone settings. The software also provides firmware updates to ensure optimal performance and compatibility with new devices and features.

The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing you to quickly access and adjust settings without any hassle. Whether you’re a casual gamer looking for a simple way to enhance your audio experience or a seasoned audiophile seeking granular control over every aspect of the sound, the Audeze HQ software provides the tools you need to personalize your Audeze Maxwell to perfection.

Pricing and Availability:

• USA:

  • Xbox/PC version (with Dolby Atmos): $329
  • Available at major retailers like Amazon, and Best Buy, and directly from Audeze’s US website.

• UK:

  • Xbox/PC version (with Dolby Atmos): £349
  • Available at select retailers like Amazon UK, as well as directly from Audeze’s UK website.

Pros:

• Exceptional audio quality with an immersive soundstage and detailed reproduction
• Dolby Atmos support for Xbox and PC enhances 3D audio experience
• Wide range of connectivity options for versatile use
• Comfortable design for extended gaming sessions
• Long battery life for uninterrupted gameplay
• AI-powered noise cancellation for clear communication
• Detachable boom microphone with excellent voice clarity
• Customizable audio settings through Audeze HQ software

Cons:

• Premium price points may be prohibitive for some
• Earcups may feel slightly tight for some users initially
• The software interface could benefit from further refinement

Conclusion:

The Audeze Maxwell for Xbox and PC is a testament to Audeze’s dedication to crafting premium audio experiences for gamers. Its exceptional sound quality, comprehensive feature set, and comfortable design make it a top contender for discerning players who demand the best. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos further elevates the immersive experience, making it a particularly compelling choice for Xbox and PC gamers who want to take full advantage of spatial audio technology.

While the price tag may be steep, Maxwell’s unparalleled audio performance, versatility, and longevity make it a worthy investment for those who prioritize audio fidelity and immersion. Whether you’re exploring vast open worlds, engaging in intense firefights, or simply enjoying your favourite music and movies, the Maxwell delivers an audio experience that’s second to none. It’s a headset that elevates gaming to an art form, enveloping you in a symphony of sound that’s both captivating and exhilarating. If you’re seeking the pinnacle of gaming audio, the Audeze Maxwell is the headset that will take you there.

TNC Score

4.6/5.0