Audeze Maxwell Wireless review: A premium gaming headset for audiophiles

Price When Reviewed

329

Best Prices Today: Audeze Maxwell Wireless

Finding a wi-fi gaming headset with a sound high quality nearly as good as any studio grade pair of cans isn’t any straightforward feat. Many premium headsets sound nice – spectacular even – however a gaming headset reaching the standing of audiophile grade? That’s significantly uncommon.
Audeze begs to vary, with the corporate’s latest gaming headset, the Maxwell Wireless, which is sort of merely one of many best-sounding gaming headsets I’ve had the pleasure of utilizing.

Its secret sauce? Try the 90mm planar magnetic drivers for starters, which produce a particularly heat, high-fidelity audio that ought to please even probably the most discerning audiophiles. Yet regardless of the distinctive high quality on supply, this set is ideally primed for the very particular world of wi-fi gaming.

It is available in two variants, an Xbox model (my evaluate mannequin) or a PlayStation choice, each of which undercut some close to rivals in worth, whereas additionally they upstage cheaper fashions in performance. Read on to seek out out extra.

Further studying: See our roundup of the the best wireless gaming headsets to find out about competing merchandise.

Design and construct

Oval-shaped cups are sometimes referred to as spherical by reviewers, however the Maxwell’s cups are literally spherical. I’m speaking the traditional UFO-saucer sort of form. Of course, spherical cups will solely match snugly over oval ears after they’re fairly giant — which is strictly the case right here. The earcups are so giant in actual fact that Audeze has ignored any mechanism to regulate the headscarf up or down — it’s a one-size-fits-all size.

Still on that thread, my first thought after unboxing it was: Why so huge? Then it dawned on me… you want bloomin’ huge cups to suit 90mm drivers. Yes, of us, the Audeze Maxwell has a number of the largest audio drivers you could find in a gaming headset and it’s apparent that its kind is dictated by that formidable {hardware}.

For its half, although, the Maxwell Wireless has loads of luxe enchantment because of the high-end supplies in its chassis. The headband, for example, is constructed from spring metal, whereas the yokes are a premium aluminum. Of course, all that metallic takes a toll on weight — it weighs barely greater than a pound (490 grams), which is quite a bit, even for a headset on this premium class.

But truthfully, I by no means discovered the load a problem, there’s sufficient luxurious on board to counteract any discomfort I may need felt. For instance, the leatherette materials over the comfortable reminiscence foam pads felt plush on my ears and there was ample cushioning to maintain my head feeling unpressed.

Doing somewhat check on how lengthy I may put on the headset with out taking it off noticed me final roughly three hours, which is fairly first rate for a headset of this measurement. Then once more, I solely wanted to take it off as a result of my ears had been changing into somewhat too scorching — the leatherette feels nice, however as I’ve discovered so typically in headsets with leatherette, it does lack the breathability of mesh and tends to warmth up somewhat after some time.

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Despite there being no vertical adjustment accessible within the headband correct, there’s loads of motion within the set total. The cups tilted upwards within the yokes, offering me with a medium-grade clamp stress. They additionally swiveled 180 levels so I may comfortably relaxation them on my neck — the headset wasn’t fairly lengthy sufficient to achieve my chest.

An internal versatile suspension strap is situated beneath the primary band — this distributed a lot of the headset’s weight neatly throughout the highest of my head. It’s adjustable to 3 consolation settings and replaceable ought to it put on out, but it surely does undergo from a cumbersome hole-punch adjustment mechanism.

As to the styling, the Maxwell is exceptionally elegant, sporting a metallic end, the sort I used to be blissful to put on anyplace. I particularly preferred the distinction between the gun metallic outer elements and the black cup coverings.

Connectivity and compatibility

I had the Xbox variant of the headset, which is designed to work with Windows PC, Mac, Xbox 360, Xbox X/S, and Nintendo Switch, in addition to Android and iOS gadgets. But I additionally managed to get it to work with a PlayStation 5 console utilizing the equipped USB-C to USB-A adapter.

This sort of cross compatibility just isn’t potential with the Xbox if you are going to buy the PlayStation variant, which suggests the Xbox variant is the one you’ll actually need for those who’re in search of the very best connectivity you will get.

One level of warning on that, although, is that this system isn’t formally sanctioned to work with PlayStation, so there’s no method of understanding if it’ll work down the road when Sony or Audeze resolve to replace their firmware.

As nicely because the aforementioned USB-C to USB-A adapter, you get a 2.4GHz USB-C dongle for low-latency Wi-Fi, a USB-C to USB-C cable for organising a wired connection, and a 3.5mm cable for making an old-school analog connection.

After plugging the dongle into my laptop computer, the headset labored instantly, with out me having to do something additional. To pair Bluetooth, nonetheless, was a bit difficult. The on/off change doubles because the Bluetooth pairing button, which suggests it’s sort of straightforward to unintentionally flip off the set whereas attempting to pair. A devoted Bluetooth button would have been helpful right here. Still, since my cellphone remembered the system as soon as I paired it, it’s an issue I solely encountered as soon as.

I used to be barely bummed additionally by the truth that the Audeze Maxwell’s chipset doesn’t assist simultaneous Bluetooth audio whereas utilizing the Wi-Fi dongle, like you’ll be able to within the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headset. Still, all just isn’t misplaced because it does assist simultaneous audio when utilizing Bluetooth and a wired connection or Bluetooth and an Aux connection. That simply means you’ll must be tethered to take pleasure in that performance.

Controls and microphone

The management setup on the Maxwell Wireless is similar as its predecessor the Audeze Mobius. Located on the left earcup is an influence button and a mute mic change, in addition to two dials — one to manage the audio and one other the mic quantity. The cluster of controls additionally features a button on the entrance to show the AI noise suppression characteristic for the microphone on and off.

Overall, I discovered the controls straightforward to make use of. I may tweak the Bluetooth quantity from the highest dial on the headset, which saved me having to do it on the system itself. The controls are additionally nicely spaced out, which meant I by no means hit the fallacious one by mistake.

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Attaching the headset’s removable hypercardioid increase microphone was as straightforward as slotting it into the underside of the left earcup. It labored very well, conveying my voice loudly and clearly in voice chats, whereas properly blocking out undesirable noise with the AI noise suppression characteristic switched on.

A giant win for the microphone is the addition of the pop filter that helped soften the enter of my voice. It sounded altogether smoother at the start and ending of phrases — one thing my gamer buddies seen in our chats.

Audio efficiency

As nicely as spectacular 90mm Audeze planar magnetic drivers, the Maxwell options improved driver housing that Audeze says makes it “more acoustically balanced than the Penrose and Mobius” gaming headsets.

Not having both predecessor for comparability I used to be nonetheless very impressed by the balanced (as much as 24-bit / 96kHz) sound coming by means of my cups, and much more impressed by how full-bodied it sounded, being primarily accustomed to the extra restricted audio from headsets with smaller 40mm or 50mm neodymium drivers.

There’s no doubting how nicely the audio was primed for aggressive gaming too. In video games like CounterStrike: Global Offensive and Fortnite, the headset delivered balanced impartial tones by means of the decrease to mid finish of the spectrum, whereas tones on the greater finish of the spectrum — just like the higher mids and highs — sounded exceptionally detailed and pronounced.

This is strictly the sort of audio that critical avid gamers are in search of, in that they’ll distinctly pick refined sport seems like footsteps and explosions within the distance — audio cues that always get misplaced in headsets with narrower audio signatures.

Dominic Bayley / IDG

I personally discovered sounds that are inclined to fall by the wayside in my video games quite a bit simpler to listen to — just like the chug of opponents’ weapons reloading, their footfalls, and bursts of fireplace within the distance. Environmental seems like birds’ chirps and the pitter patter of rain drops additionally sounded eminently extra reasonable than I’m used to listening to in video games like Kingdom Come: Deliverance.

Although there’s no Active Noice Cancellation (ANC) to talk of, the passive noise cancellation is great in these cans. The spherical cups met my ears with a skintight match that minimize out a lot of the ambient noise instantly round me. It additionally did a terrific job protecting additional away sounds just like the roar of a leaf blower outdoors and the incessant muttering of a radio in a next-door neighbor’s condominium down to only faraway murmurings that had no influence on my play.

If that weren’t sufficient, the Maxwell Wireless can play again audio for lots longer than a number of rival headsets. Despite all its power-draining performance, its battery life is rated for a large 80 hours. That’s a formidable determine that’s double the Razer Barracuda Pro’s 40 hours, and just below thrice longer than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro’s 22-hour battery life.

With such an extended battery life, I truly didn’t must cost as soon as throughout my playtesting. But had I wanted to, the headset’s fast-charging functionality may have fastened me up proper sensible — it costs the unit to 100 p.c in as little as two hours.

Software

Should you wish to tinker with EQ settings, or change presets, you are able to do that within the Audeze HQ software program app. The app is simple to navigate and is completely appropriate for making these sorts of adjustments, but it surely’s not as detailed or as consumer pleasant as some rival apps. Indeed, for those who’re used to utilizing competitor apps like SteelSeries GG with Sonar — you could be wishing the Audeze had one thing comparable.

Being the Xbox variant, my headset additionally got here with a Dolby Atmos license for Windows 10/11 and Xbox. Setting it up on Xbox was merely a matter of connecting the system after which deciding on Dolby Atmos for Headphones from Audio Settings — a course of that took beneath a minute. On PC it was virtually as straightforward, requiring me to first obtain the Dolby Atmos app from the Microsoft Store, then join the system and launch Dolby Access.

Dolby Atmos is a world class app that actually does elevate your gaming expertise, offering you the sort of encompass sound expertise that may assist offer you an edge in aggressive play. For that motive, it’s a terrific worth addition by Audeze.

How does the Audeze Maxwell Wireless evaluate to rivals?

My Xbox variant presently prices $329 (£349.00) whereas the PlayStation prices $299 9 (£319.00). While these costs are on the excessive finish of the dimensions for what you’d anticipate to pay for a premium gaming headset, for those who have a look at what you’re getting right here versus the competitors, it doesn’t appear exorbitant.

For instance, the $349 SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is dearer than the Maxwell, and but it lacks audio applied sciences that the Maxwell has — like beamforming microphones and an AI noise filtration processor. It additionally has only one third of the Maxwell’s exceptionally lengthy 80-hour battery life. Although, on the flipside, this headset does characteristic simultaneous Bluetooth audio that works with the headset’s USB dongle, one thing I want the Maxwell had too.

Reversing the value dial, and choices just like the $249 Razer Barracuda Pro, and $299 Astro A50 Gen4 are cheaper than the Maxwell, nonetheless they evaluate even much less favorably in design and performance comparisons. For instance, the Razer’s plastic construct is quite a bit flimsier than the Maxwell’s strong metallic one and the headset lacks a removable microphone.

The Astro A50 Gen4, alternatively, lacks a suspension headband, has only a 15-hour battery life, and likewise omits a swathe of audio applied sciences you could find within the Maxwell. Consequently, and on stability, I feel it’s fully worthwhile spending somewhat extra for the sort of premium performance Audeze is providing right here.

Should you purchase the Audeze Maxwell Wireless?

Despite its giant and heavy design, Audeze’s Maxwell Wireless headset is a formidable audiophile-grade wi-fi gaming headset with a full set of premium options for avid gamers. As nicely as a cushty and sturdy design, this headset sports activities glorious cross compatibility and the benefit of all the key connectivity sorts.

Thanks to its 90mm planar magnetic drivers, the headset’s audio high quality is without doubt one of the greatest within the enterprise, sounding heat and full-bodied and tuned completely to focus on refined cues in aggressive video games. The microphone additionally produces a close to good voice copy, which is simply excellent for voice chats.

To prime that each one off this system has an extended battery life the likes of which leaves rivals lapping at its heels. Ergo, recommending this headset is simple: It’s definitely among the finest premium gaming headsets cash should purchase.