Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC Review: The Gaming Headset You'll Fall in Love With for Music
Read Time: Approx. 13 min.
TL;DR:
- The Maxwell 2 is an audiophile headphone disguised as a gaming headset, with sound that rivals dedicated headphones costing much more
- Adds aviation-grade ANC (up to 35dB), the first in a planar magnetic wireless headphone
- New SLAM tuning and dual 1.4W balanced amps make music sound dramatically better than the original Maxwell
- Available with or without ANC, in PlayStation or Xbox versions
- Heavier (560g) with shorter battery life (35–40 hours) than Gen 1
The Maxwell 2 ANC Is a Major Evolution, Not a Refresh
Audeze has been a player in the gaming headset industry for some time now–first with its Mobius Headset, then the Penrose, first-generation Maxwell after that, and most recently, the Maxwell 2 Wireless Gaming Headset. They ushered in a new era of gaming, one where the same headset you use to chat online with players can also be used to enjoy your favorite hi-res music. The Maxwell 2 is Audeze's most audacious attempt yet, delivering sound quality that rivals dedicated audiophile headphones costing twice as much. While that might seem like a bold statement, after spending quite a bit of time with them, I can confidently say the Maxwell 2 is an audiophile headphone disguised as a gaming headset.
Between the first-generation Maxwell Gaming Headset and this one, Audeze has elevated its sonic abilities, upgraded its physical design, and introduced active noise cancellation–a first for any planar magnetic wireless headphone. The Maxwell 2 comes in two models, with or without active noise cancellation (ANC), and each is available in a PlayStation or Xbox version. We're excited to offer the ANC model, available now for both PlayStation and Xbox.
PROS
- Exceptional sound quality for both gaming and music. A noticeable upgrade from the original Maxwell
- Exciting new additions: ANC and head tracking
- Versatile connectivity and compatibility across devices
CONS
- Heavier than the original
- Peg-style headband offers only three fit positions and is stiff to adjust when new
- Shorter battery life than the original
Design
The Maxwell 2 ANC Headset has a similar design to its predecessor, the Maxwell, with large round ear cups, a wide headband, and plush earpads. Audeze has made subtle upgrades to the Maxwell 2, starting with the headband suspension strap. A ventilated hole-punched design adorns the top of the suspension strap with three sets of holes along its end for fit adjustment. Rather than using a slider or auto-adjustment function, Audeze implements what I could best describe as a peg system.
Two fixed black pegs stick out from the frame on either side, and users manually adjust the headband by pulling the strap off the pegs and pushing it back into a new position. With only three sets of holes to choose from, there isn't room for making micro-adjustments, so you may find they don't fit as perfectly on your head as other headphones do. I found the middle position most comfortable, but I'm anxious to see if the strap will stretch and loosen over time. Now I will say this: adjusting the headband is not easy. Given that the headset was fresh out of the box, the leather holes had not been stretched out yet, so I struggled to push the holes back over the pegs. The first-generation Maxwell uses the same suspension design, and when I went to adjust the strap on our demo pair, the holes slid over the pegs like butter. Knowing that, I'm confident the same will happen with the Maxwell 2 the longer I adjust and use them.
When it comes to comfort, the Maxwell 2 doesn't wow you right out of the box, but it grows on you. I immediately noticed its weight. At 560 grams, it's 70 grams heavier than the first-generation Maxwell. I'm not sure why that's the case, but Audeze says the new headband and plusher ear pads are intended to offset that. Surprisingly enough, most of the weight was felt at my ears, not at the top of my head, which is not what you'd expect. However, the ear pads do a good job of offsetting some of the weight. The clamping force is moderate right out of the box. It's not overwhelmingly tight or loose. I experienced some fatigue after listening for close to two hours, but when I slipped them on the next day, I noticed they had loosened up a bit.
As for functionality, all of your basic controls are located on both ear cups. On the bottom of the right ear cup sits the power button and a toggle switch for muting and unmuting the boom mic. Press the power button once to play or pause a track, and press it again to answer or end an incoming call. Consider the bottom of the left ear cup your control center with the following functions: a volume wheel, a Game/Chat mix wheel, a USB-C port, a boom mic port, a 3.5mm jack, and an ANC button.
Turn the volume wheel to adjust volume, click it once to cycle EQ presets, or double-click to skip tracks. A Game/Chat mix wheel next to the volume adjusts the relative volume levels between your game audio and your voice chat so you can make one louder or quieter than the other. If you've ever been in the middle of an intense combat game with players chatting in the mic, then you know how useful this feature is. This function works right out of the box on the Xbox version, but it requires configuring separate audio endpoints on PC and macOS, and it is not available for PlayStation. Your PlayStation version will still come with this button, but it cannot be used on PlayStation consoles.
Included with the Maxwell 2 is a detachable boom mic with a pop filter, a USB-C wireless dongle, a USB-C to USB-C cable, a USB-C to USB-A adapter cable, and a 3.5mm TRRS analog cable. The USB-C dongle is what connects the Maxwell 2 to your PC or gaming console, and the USB-C to USB-A adapter cable comes in handy if your gear doesn't support USB-C. The headset will automatically connect to the included dongle when it's plugged into a compatible device.
Sound
Having both the original Maxwell and Maxwell 2 at my disposal, I was eager to test out each and see who reigns supreme. The original Maxwell set the tone as a formidable gaming headset that happened to double as a wireless headphone. The Maxwell 2 blows that out of the water, making its predecessor sound like nothing more than a valiant effort.
As a gaming headset, the Maxwell 2 delivers on all fronts. Advanced head tracking is available in supported applications (Embody Immerse Gaming Hive and Dolby Atmos Renderer), with more spatial audio partners coming soon, and the ANC gives you complete immersion without distractions. I grew up playing video games with my dad and younger brother, mostly Lego Star Wars on our PlayStation 2. As I approached preteen years, I grew out of it, but my brother fell in love and slowly entered the online space. Over the years, I've seen him cycle through many gaming headsets, and I've even taken a turn chatting with players while he controlled the "sticks."
Of the games we've played together, Fortnite, Call of Duty, and Minecraft are some of my favorites for chatting online, so I hopped on Fortnite just long enough to test out the Maxwell 2's capabilities. Using the included boom microphone, I performed a quick mic check before joining the lobby and loading up a game. The Maxwell 2 reproduced the sound of approaching footsteps in the distance clearly. Those far away sounded faint, and anyone trying to approach sneakily from behind was quickly caught. Timing was great too. Each time I swung my pickaxe to strike a structure, the blows were rendered accurately and clearly in the headset. I didn't chat too much with other players–I only said a few words out of slight embarrassment that I'm not the strongest player–but I had no problem hearing them, and it seemed the same in return.
One thing to note: there's some audible background hiss present when using the USB DAC dongle in PC mode while gaming, listening to music, and enjoying a video podcast on YouTube. It was more noticeable when nothing was playing, but it did fade into the background when audio came through, though it was never fully gone. This isn't necessarily surprising given the fact they're wireless cans performing multiple functions.
Knowing how well the first-generation Maxwell performed as a gaming headset, I wasn't surprised that the Maxwell 2 did the same. It was only when I hopped off the game and switched over to YouTube and Qobuz that the headset proved it was far better than its older sibling. The first-generation Maxwells fell short for me in this department. Their sound quality with music was average at best–minimal fine detail retrieval and midrange musicality, strained dynamics, and a poor bass response. I hate to say it, but they almost sounded veiled. It wasn't until I AB tested them against the Maxwell 2 that I realized how drastic the sonic difference was. It's night and day.
With the Maxwell 2, everything hits with immediacy. Instrumentation wraps around your head, fully immersing you in the music. Whether you're enjoying a podcast, audiobook, or YouTube video, spoken words are clear and pronounced. Simply put: everything was closer, more immersive, with greater clarity, dynamics, and low-end impact. Both generations use the same 90mm planar magnetic drivers, but the new SLAM tuning system on the Maxwell 2 is the reason for its stellar sound quality. The Maxwell 2 is the headset you buy for gaming, but fall in love with for music.
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By Rainbow Kitten Surprise
(How to: Friend, Love, Frefall)
Oh Well
By Ariana Grande
(Petal)
Go Your Own Way
By Fleetwood Mac
(Rumors)
Regardless
By Raye
(Euphoric Sad Songs)
Features
- Industry-leading aviation-grade Active Noise Cancellation (up to 35dB)
- 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
The Maxwell 2 features the same 90mm planar magnetic drivers seen in the original Maxwell, powered by dual 1.4W amplifiers running in balanced mode. The ANC model adds aviation-grade active noise cancellation that blocks up to 35dB of outside noise without changing the headset's sound. For voice chat, the removable boom mic pairs with FILTER AI noise removal to keep your voice clear and background noise out, whether that's in the middle of a heated match or taking calls during work hours.
Comparisons
Audeze Maxwell vs. Audeze Maxwell 2
What's Stayed the Same
- 90mm Planar-Magnetic Drivers with 10Hz-50kHz rated frequency response
- Fluxor magnets, fazor waveguides, uniforce diaphragms
- Bluetooth 5.3 with support for the top Bluetooth codecs
- Detachable hypercardioid boom mic and USB-C plus 3.5mm wired options
- 1800 mAh battery and 20-minute fast charge
- Low-latency USB-C dongle connection with 24-bit/96kHz capability
What's New
- Hybrid ANC with up to 35dB reduction; transparency mode
- Integrated, self-calibrating head tracking; Embody and Dolby Atmos support
- Dual dedicated 1.4W balanced amplifiers
- New SLAM tuning system
- 40-hour battery life ANC off; 35 hours ANC on
- 560g weight compared to 490g on original
- New ventilated head strap, memory-foam pads, magnetic ear cushions, reinforced stress points
The Maxwell 2 shares its foundation with the original: 90mm planar magnetic drivers, the same 1800 mAh battery, Bluetooth 5.3, a detachable boom mic, and a low-latency USB-C dongle. Beyond that, nearly everything has been reworked. The Maxwell 2 adds hybrid ANC, integrated head tracking, dual 1.4W balanced amplifiers, and the new SLAM tuning system. Comfort has been redesigned with a wider headband suspension strap, memory foam ear pads, magnetic ear cushions, and reinforced stress points. Despite a shorter battery life and heavier weight, the Maxwell 2 stands out for its stellar sound quality with improved dynamics, detail retrieval, and clarity.
For most, the sound quality improvements, noise cancellation, and new features make the Maxwell 2 the clear choice.
Dragon Cables
[Bronze Dragon Portable Headphone Cable]
For those interested in using the Maxwell 2's 3.5mm jack, we recommend upgrading the stock cable to our Bronze Dragon Portable Headphone Cable. The Bronze Dragon is musical with bigger and fuller body, adding bottom-end strength and muscle to your music.
Our HiFi Audio Dragon Cables bring out more of what you love in your music and audio gear. If you love your headphones but wish they had a bit more top-end sparkle - a Silver Dragon Headphone Cable would be a great option. If your USB cables keep dying - as many stock cables do - then check out our quality USB Audio Cables. We say time and time again that materials matter, and our audio cables and custom geometries actually help to bring out those desired properties in your gear and music. We make tons of custom options for our customers so that you can get the right HiFi Audio cable for your exact needs. If you have any questions feel free to Contact Us and we'll be more than happy to help.
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 first time.
Verdict
The Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC Wireless Gaming Headset is a major leap from the original Maxwell, and it's the rare model that's just as rewarding for music. Its 90mm planar drivers, new SLAM tuning, and balanced dual amplifiers deliver precise positional audio for gaming and a far more detailed, dynamic, and immersive sound quality for music, podcasts, and video. Active noise cancellation, head tracking, and a redesigned comfort system make it more versatile, though it's heavier than its predecessor and sports a shorter battery life.
My colleague uses the original Maxwell at his desk to answer sales and customer service calls. After /testing every feature on both models, I told him to start saying his goodbyes to the original. Not because it's going anywhere, but because once he tries the Maxwell 2, he won't want to go back. If you own the original Maxwell and have been contemplating the upgrade, consider this your sign to do so. From its musical, dynamic sound quality to its head tracking and compatibility across several devices, the Maxwell 2 is the gaming headset you'll buy for play and keep for music.
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What's in the Box
- 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)
Specifications
Size: Over-ear (circumaural), closed-back
Weight: 560g
Earpads: Memory foam, optimized for noise reduction
Headband: Wide, ventilated design
Transducer Type: Planar Magnetic
Transducer Size: 90mm
Magnetic Structure: Fazor
Phase 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
Boom Microphone: Detachable, Hypercardioid, with pop filter
Beamforming: Physical and AI noise reduction (FILTER), internal mic for chat
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 20 min (full charge 2hr)
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
Compatible Platforms: PC / Mac, Xbox, Playstation, Switch iOS, Android
