Amidst the whirlwind of CES announcements, the Audeze Maxwell 2 has made its debut, following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the original Maxwell. This new gaming headset comes with an array of upgrades, enhancing audio and mic quality, comfort, and bass response, albeit at a slightly higher price point.
Revolutionary Audio Experience
The standout feature of the Maxwell 2 is Audeze’s SLAM technology, which promises to offer gamers an elevated spatial immersion and more impactful bass. This is achieved by combining the headset’s 90mm planar magnetic drivers with proprietary magnets and waveguides, ensuring an impressive 10Hz to 50kHz frequency range. This technology has already received positive feedback in Audeze’s other models, the S20 and CBRN2, suggesting a significant acoustic improvement for the Maxwell 2.
Furthermore, the new headset includes an AI noise-cancelling microphone that provides double the bandwidth of its predecessor, aiming to deliver clearer game-time communication.
Enhanced Features and Functionality
Users of the Maxwell 2 and the original Maxwell can now take advantage of the new Audeze app available for mobile, Windows, and Mac. This app allows for customization of various headset features, similar to what is offered by the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Elite, enabling personalized EQ settings for different console games.
Despite the increased weight of 560 grams, the Maxwell 2 aims to maintain comfort during long sessions with its redesigned head strap. Gamers can also enjoy an impressive 80-hour battery life, making it a reliable choice for extended use.
Availability and Pricing
The Maxwell 2 is now available from multiple retailers, priced at $329 for the PlayStation model and $349 for the Xbox version in the United States. This is a slight increase from the original Maxwell’s pricing. In the UK, the headset is available at £339 for the base model and £369 for the version supporting Xbox. A more expensive version with active noise cancellation (ANC) is anticipated to launch later this spring.