There’s no doubt about it, Audeze make some of the finest headsets on the market. It makes the announcement of the Audeze Maxwell headset for Xbox, PlayStation and PC even more exciting.
Announced today with a view to seeing release of the first units in January 2023, the Maxwell is Audeze’s latest attempt at taking over the gaming scene. After being wowed by one of best sounding gaming headsets in the Audeze Penrose X, and having had some serious Game Pass fun making the most of the Audeze Euclid buds, hopes are extremely high.
The Maxwell is a planar magnetic headset that will come to market featuring low latency wireless connection, an upgraded chassis and – get this – a battery life that will keep you going for some eighty odd hours.
Two versions of the Audeze Maxwell will become available: Maxwell for Xbox and PC, officially licensed by Microsoft and sporting an auto-activating Dolby Atmos license, as well as the Maxwell for PlayStation and PC, with that coming complete with Tempest 3D audio.
As a whole, Maxwell is Audeze’s new line of purpose build gaming headsets. Promising to let players connect and game anywhere, without limitations, you’ll find that it is complete with ultra-low-latency, high resolution audio running up to 24-bit 96kHz when connected through the included USB dongle.
What’s more, the Maxwell comes with a wireless range and stability that is apparently some three times better than what was in the Penrose. Seeing how we hardly had a bad word to say about that headset, that’s some going.
Further are other wired and wireless connectivity options; Bluetooth 5.3 LE Audio, as well as other codecs like SBC, AAC and LDAC.
There is some lag-free AI powered noise filtration included too. The hardware based AI system automatically eliminates background noise at the touch of a button, with no additional software or setup required. This will mean that friends, colleagues and teammates will never miss your communications, all thanks to five built-in microphones and a detachable boom mic that has been designed by those at Shure).
Need more? Well, how about the studio-quality sound and lifelike, powerful dynamics that come about through Audeze’s latest planar magnetic drivers? 90mm planar magnetic drivers will deliver sonic detail, authority and impact, whilst a spring-steel headband will be accompanied by an adjustable suspension strap for greater comfort. The earcups on the Maxwell come with a reinforced dual-chamber design too, ensuring class leading passive noise isolation.
It goes without saying that the chance to play with a Game-Chat mix, work through audio presets and enjoy a personalised multi-band equaliser will be in place too. As will the Audeze HQ app.
In all, the specifications you need include:
Physical
- Style: Over-ear (circumaural), closed-back
- Transducer Type: Planar Magnetic
- Transducer Size: 90 mm
- Diaphragm Type: Ultra-Thin Uniforce™
- Magnetic Structure: Fluxor™ Magnet Array
- Magnet Type: Neodymium N50
- Phase Management: Fazor™
- Earpads: Synthetic Leather / memory foam
- Weight: 490g
Microphones
- Boom Microphone: Detachable Hypercardioid, Designed by Shure
- Beamforming Microphones: Inbuilt 5-mic array for convenience and noise reduction.
- A.I.-Powered Hardware Noise Filter removes unwanted noise
Audio Performance
- Frequency response: 10Hz-50kHz
- THD: <0.1% (@ 1 kHz, 1mW)
Power
- Battery: Lithium-polymer, 1800mAh
- Battery Life: 80+ hour wireless playback @ 80dBA
- Charging: USB-C, 5v 1.8A max
- Charge time: 0-100% in 2.5hr, 0-25% in 20min (with 1.8A charger)
Connectivity
- Ultra Low Latency Wireless: When used with included USB-C dongleBluetooth: 5.3, supports multipoint, LE Audio, LC3, LC3plus, LDAC, AAC, SBC
- Wired USB: USB-C, PC connection supports dual USB audio endpoints with inbuilt game-chat mix
- Wired: 3.5mm TRRS active analog
Connectivity
- Xbox edition: XBox Series X, XBox Series S, Windows 10/11, macOS, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch
- Playstation edition: Playstation 5, Windows 10/11, macOS, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch
Audeze’s Maxwell is looking to ship in January 2023, with the Maxwell for Xbox running at some $329, including that Dolby Atmos license. Maxwell for PlayStation is slightly cheaper at $299. Both versions will support Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS and Nintendo Switch. The official Audeze site will be your friend.
We’ll be sure to let you know how good these sound!