Over the past few years, Audeze has established itself as a distinctive player in the gaming world, bringing a distinctly audiophile approach to video games. In fact, the brand is the only one to offer gaming headphones equipped with planar magnetic transducers, a technology usually reserved for high-end hi-fi. The Audeze Maxwell 2 wireless headphones are part of this sophisticated line-up, replacing a model already considered a benchmark by many gamers. Presented as a controlled evolution rather than a radical change, they aim to perfect the key features that made the original Maxwell so successful, while meeting the expectations of the most passionate gamers.
Audeze Maxwell 2: a new acoustic architecture
With this second generation, the Audeze Maxwell 2 gamer headphones retain a solid technical base, but introduce several targeted improvements. The most notable of these concerns the internal acoustic architecture, with the arrival of SLAM (Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator) technology. This system, already used in the manufacturer’s hi-fi headphones, aims to better control air pressure inside the ear cups.
The expected result is a more impactful bass response, while maintaining excellent detail clarity. For gamers, this translates into better ambience perception and more precise localization of quiet sounds such as footsteps or reloads.
The Audeze Maxwell 2 wireless headphones also offer improved comfort and modularity. The ear pads are now magnetically attached, making them easier to replace and extending their durability. The headband has also been enlarged to distribute weight more evenly over the head during long gaming sessions. However, this new version is heavier than its predecessor, a choice justified by the manufacturer, who emphasizes improved overall ergonomics to compensate for this increase.
The headphones also feature a system of ReSkin magnetic side plates, making it easy to customize their appearance. These plates can be removed and attached without the need for tools, allowing you to quickly change the look of your headset to suit your personal taste, or to take advantage of special editions offered by the manufacturer. This solution is not only aesthetically pleasing, it also simplifies maintenance and replacement of external components, while maintaining a premium, perfectly integrated finish.
Finally, the detachable hypercardioid boom microphone uses AI-controlled noise reduction to effectively isolate your voice. As a result, vocal rendering gains in clarity, both in gaming and online communication, compared to the previous model.
Specifications
- Headphones type: closed-back, over-ear
- Transducers: 90mm planar magnetic transducers
- Acoustic technology: SLAM, Fluxor, Fazor, Uniforce diaphragm
- Frequency response: 10Hz – 50kHz
- Harmonic distortion: < 0.1% at 100 dB
- Spatialized audio: Dolby Atmos (Xbox version) or Tempest 3D (PlayStation version)
- Wireless connectivity: ultra-low-latency USB-C dongle and Bluetooth 5.3
- Bluetooth codecs: LDAC, LE Audio, LC3, LC3+, AAC, SBC
- Wired connections: USB-C audio, 3.5mm TRRS jack
- Microphone: detachable hypercardioid boom with AI noise reduction
- Autonomy: over 80 hours (wireless)
- Fast charge: approx. 24 hours of playback after 20 minutes
- Weight: 560g (without microphone)
Console and PC compatibility
The Audeze Maxwell 2 gaming headphones are designed for a wide range of uses, and feature extensive cross-platform compatibility. On PCs and Macs, the main connection used is the ultra-low-latency wireless USB-C dongle, guaranteeing ideal audio synchronization for competitive gaming. A wired USB-C connection is also possible, offering a stable, uncompressed digital audio signal. Gamers can also use the headphones in analog mode via the 3.5mm jack, making them compatible with numerous audio interfaces and controllers.
The Audeze Maxwell 2 gamer headphones come in two distinct versions, one optimized for PlayStation and the other dedicated to Xbox. The PlayStation version supports the Tempest 3D Audio technology of PS5 consoles, while the Xbox version is Dolby Atmos compatible. In both cases, wireless connection via the USB-C dongle ensures minimal latency. The headphones also work with the Nintendo Switch, in both docked and portable modes, as well as with smartphones and tablets thanks to Bluetooth 5.3 or the USB-C connection. This versatility makes it a model capable of replacing several headphones depending on use.
With the new Audeze Maxwell 2 wireless headphones, the brand’s high-end orientation and its commitment to accurate, detailed sound is confirmed. Without overturning the original formula, they bring concrete improvements in acoustics, comfort and modularity, while retaining an impressive battery life and extensive compatibility. Its heavy weight and lack of active noise cancelling may put off some, but it’s designed above all for discerning gamers looking for a near hi-fi audio experience, whether on PC or console.
