{"product_id":"audeze-open-box-maxwell-2-wireless-gaming-headset-for-xbox-a-grade","title":"Audeze OPEN BOX Maxwell 2 Wireless Gaming Headset for Xbox - A Grade","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"col_narrow\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBorn from a company that started in a Southern California garage on a quest to adapt NASA technology for high-resolution audio, Audeze has a reputation for building some of the world's most technically advanced headphones. The new Maxwell 2 gaming headset takes their legendary planar magnetic driver technology and delivers what gamers actually need: hyper-precise directional imaging for competitive play, audiophile-grade immersion for cinematic games, and a monstrous battery life so the headset never dies mid-session.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen we got these into our testing lab, we wanted to see if they could truly bridge the gap between a competitive shooter headset and a cinematic single-player experience. What we found was a headset that effortlessly handles both, while still feeling like true reference-grade audio gear when you throw on a high-res music playlist, setting it apart from most other gaming headsets on the market today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLet’s dig into the technology driving this headset, what has changed from the original award-winning Maxwell, and why the Maxwell 2 has become such an easy recommendation for anyone who wants one headset that can do it all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_full\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Audeze Maxwell 2 Headphones\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/MAXWELL_2_STILL_LIFE_314.jpg\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_narrow\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eWhat is Planar Magnetic Technology?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo understand why the Maxwell 2 sounds so different from a standard gaming headset, you have to understand the drivers. Most gaming headsets use traditional dynamic drivers (essentially tiny cones pushed by a voice coil). The Maxwell 2 utilizes massive \u003cstrong\u003e90mm Planar Magnetic drivers\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstead of a cone, a planar magnetic driver uses an ultra-thin, lightweight diaphragm suspended between magnetic arrays. Audeze takes this a step further with three proprietary technologies:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUniforce™ Voice Coils:\u003c\/strong\u003e Delivers uniform driving force across the entire diaphragm to achieve near-zero distortion.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFluxor™ Magnets:\u003c\/strong\u003e An incredibly powerful magnetic array that doubles the driving power for high efficiency.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFazor™ Waveguides:\u003c\/strong\u003e Manages the flow of sound waves to prevent resonance, resulting in a more accurate frequency response and holographic 3D imaging.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhy does this matter for gaming?\u003c\/strong\u003e Speed. Because the diaphragm is virtually weightless, it reacts instantly to audio signals. In our testing with competitive shooters, this lightning-fast transient response meant the booming bass of a nearby explosion didn't smear into the midrange and mask the subtle, high-frequency \"crunch\" of enemy footsteps.\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eWhat’s New: Maxwell 2 vs. Maxwell 1\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAudeze didn't reinvent the wheel with the Maxwell 2; they polished a formula that was already winning awards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.audioadvice.com\/blogs\/expert-advice\/audeze-maxwell-wireless-gaming-headset\"\u003eAudeze Maxwell Overview\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring our A\/B testing between the original Maxwell and the Maxwell 2, a few core differences immediately stood out:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eS.L.A.M. Acoustic Management:\u003c\/strong\u003e Trickling down from Audeze's $6,000 flagship headphones, the new SLAM (Slam Acoustic Management) system reshapes how bass energy behaves within the ear cup. Out of the box, our team found it delivers a warmer, slightly friendlier tuning with fantastic body. It isn't necessarily a massive increase in literal bass quantity, but rather a highly controlled, incredibly separated low-end that responds beautifully to EQ.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMagnetic Ear Pads:\u003c\/strong\u003e This is a massive quality-of-life upgrade. The new pads attach magnetically, making swapping and replacing them completely effortless. Plus, we found the pads to be slightly wider and plusher, providing a much more reliable seal around the ear to lock in those planar bass frequencies.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCustomizable Outer Caps:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Maxwell 2 introduces removable, twist-off outer caps for personalized aesthetics. While a fun touch for streamers and modders, accommodating these caps meant Audeze had to relocate some onboard controls, most notably shrinking the mic mute switch, which we did find to be a bit fiddly to operate mid-game.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUpgraded Head Strap:\u003c\/strong\u003e To combat fatigue, the suspension strap is now wider and perforated, doing a much better job of distributing the headset's substantial weight over a larger surface area on your head.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_half\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Audeze Maxwell 2 detail view\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/MAXWELL_2_DETAIL_9.jpg\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_half col_last\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Audeze Maxwell 2 detail view\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/MAXWELL_2_DETAIL_8.jpg\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_narrow\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"hp-title\"\u003eDesign, Build Quality \u0026amp; Comfort\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you unbox the Maxwell 2, it immediately feels like premium audio gear. The chassis is constructed from high-quality aluminum and steel, far surpassing the creaky plastic feel of typical mainstream gaming headsets. We also loved the new recessed dials on the ear cups, which completely eliminated the accidental volume bumps we used to sometimes get when leaning back in our gaming chairs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eThe Elephant in the Room: Weight\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause this headset houses massive 90mm magnetic drivers, robust metal yokes, and a massive battery, it is incredibly heavy—clocking in at \u003cstrong\u003eover 560 grams\u003c\/strong\u003e (over 10% heavier than the original Maxwell). While the new head strap definitely helps distribute the load, mass is still mass. During our longer testing sessions, we found that the weight does become noticeable right around the two-hour mark. If you’re sensitive to neck fatigue, you might find yourself taking these off during long loading screens to give your neck a stretch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eIsolation \u0026amp; Fit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe clamping force is moderate and comfortable. Because it is a closed-back design with a fantastic seal from the new plush pads, passive noise isolation is excellent. It easily blocked out keyboards and office chatter in our lab. Just note that the closed-back leatherette pads can retain heat, so expect some warmth during long sessions. While upgrading to a more breathable material may have you lose out on some passive noice canceling quality, it’s easy enough to buy a pair and pop them on when you start to get too warm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_full\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Audeze Maxwell 2 headphones on a model\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/MAXWELL_2_LIFESTYLE_351.jpg\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_narrow\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"hp-title\"\u003eFeatures, Connectivity \u0026amp; Usability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eBattery Life\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNothing is more frustrating than a dead battery mid-match. Audeze packed a massive 1,800mAh Lithium-Polymer battery into the Maxwell 2, allowing for up to \u003cstrong\u003e80 hours of battery life\u003c\/strong\u003e. We can confirm this isn't just marketing hype. Over a full week of multi-hour evening gaming sessions, we were only draining about 20% of the battery. You simply stop worrying about battery life altogether with the Maxwell 2’s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eConnectivity\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Maxwell 2 offers a low-latency USB-C dongle, USB-C wired audio, a 3.5mm analog connection, and a Bluetooth 5.3 connection. It even supports high-res codecs like LDAC and LC3plus, meaning your music is going to sound phenomenal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, there is a major catch: The Maxwell 2 does not support true simultaneous audio mixing. If you are used to headsets from SteelSeries or Astro that let you hear game audio from your console and Discord audio from your phone at the exact same time, you will not find that here. The Maxwell uses source prioritization. If you are gaming via the dongle and a notification or call comes through on your Bluetooth-connected phone, the headset will take over the feed, cutting out your game audio entirely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause of this, the Bluetooth here isn't a multitasking gaming tool; it’s strictly a convenience feature for when you put the controller down and want to use the Maxwell 2 as a dedicated pair of high-fidelity music headphones. Although, we would recommend using a wired connection for the highest resolution, instead of the Bluetooth when you listen to music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAudio Advice Pro-Tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e USB-C vs. 3.5mm Analog Speaking of wired connections, here is a crucial tip: if you want to use the Maxwell 2 wired for critical listening, always use the USB-C cable over the 3.5mm analog jack. The USB-C connection feeds a pure, uncompressed digital signal directly into the headset, acting as its own internal DAC and delivering flawless 24-bit\/96kHz high-res audio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou might be wondering—why not plug the 3.5mm jack into a high-end external DAC or headphone amp (like a Chord Mojo 2) to get even better sound? The truth is that the Maxwell 2 does not have a \"passive\" mode. When you feed it an analog signal, the headset must remain powered on to run that signal through an internal Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), apply its built-in DSP\/EQ, and convert it back to analog. You cannot bypass its internal electronics, meaning an expensive external DAC won't actually improve the performance here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo why include the 3.5mm jack at all? It’s there for universal compatibility. It’s perfect for plugging directly into a PSVR2 or Meta Quest 3 headset, running straight into a console controller if you take the headset to a friend's house, or hooking up to an in-flight entertainment screen on an airplane. Treat it as a highly convenient fallback option, not an audiophile port.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eDolby Atmos Integration (Xbox\/PC Version)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor PC or Xbox users, the Xbox version of the Maxwell includes an embedded Dolby Atmos license. This lets you take full advantage of spatial audio soundtracks on today’s games via the Dolby Access app. For audio professionals working in Dolby Atmos production, this is a massive perk, allowing you to preview your work in full Atmos and utilize head-tracking integration for the Atmos Renderer. \u003cem\u003e(Note: The PlayStation version uses Sony's Tempest 3D audio instead)\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eControls and The New \"Audeze HQ\" App\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOn the left earcup\u003c\/strong\u003e, you will find your connectivity ports—the 3.5mm analog jack, the USB-C port for charging and wired audio, and the input for the removable boom mic. It also houses two newly recessed dials for master volume and game\/chat mix. We really like these dials; pressing them in allows you to cycle through EQ presets and side-tone levels, aided by incredibly helpful built-in voice prompts so you never have to guess what setting you are on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOver on the right earcup\u003c\/strong\u003e, you have the power button and the mic mute switch. In our testing, this new mute switch was one of our few ergonomic gripes. To accommodate the new customizable outer plates, Audeze shrunk the mute switch and tucked it at the bottom of the cup. It is tiny, recessed, and can be frustratingly hard to find and flick quickly in the heat of a match. We definitely preferred the larger, easier-to-reach mute toggle on the back of the version 1 earcups. It isn’t terrible, and you do get used to it, but it feels like a slight downgrade in usability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinally, the \u003cstrong\u003eAudeze HQ app\u003c\/strong\u003e (available on PC, Mac, and mobile) has been completely overhauled. It now offers a buttery-smooth interface to adjust the multi-band EQ, fine-tune voice prompts, and tweak your mic's noise reduction settings with ease.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_full\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Audeze Equalizer App on iPhone and tablet\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/ADZ_Maxwell2_AppPreview.jpg\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_narrow\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"hp-title\"\u003eAudio \u0026amp; Microphone Performance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eGaming: Positional Dominance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn our chaotic \u003cem\u003eBattlefield\u003c\/em\u003e testing, the layering and separation were spectacular. The precise directionality—even without artificial surround sound—is uncanny. We could clearly hear an enemy shuffling up a staircase to our left while a jet flew overhead, without either sound stepping on the other.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is worth noting that while the planar drivers deliver highly accurate bass, they don't produce the literal, physical \"head-rumble\" of dynamic drivers found in headsets like the Astro A50. Some of our testers missed that physical thump for pure cinematic immersion, but for pure competitive advantage, the Maxwell 2 is unmatched.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eMusic \u0026amp; Movies: Audiophile Clarity\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor music, the Maxwell 2 is a true reference headphone. The frequency response is wonderfully flat and accurate, offering lifelike, detailed reproduction across any genre. Out of the box, the tuning leans more analytical than \"boomy.\" However, the drivers are incredibly EQ-friendly; if you prefer a punchier, cinematic rumble, you can boost the low-end in the app without introducing any distortion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you love the idea of a planar magnetic gaming headset but prefer a purely analog, open-back wired design for an even wider soundstage, be sure to check out \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca\u003eour Audeze LCD-GX review\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003eDual-Microphone System\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned with input from Shure Electronics, the Maxwell 2 features a versatile dual-mic setup:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Boom Mic:\u003c\/strong\u003e When plugged in, a dedicated A.I. processor uses the boom mic and onboard beamforming mics to obliterate background noise. In our Discord tests, turning the A.I. noise reduction to \"Low\" perfectly eliminated keyboard clatter while keeping voices clear. Leaving it on \"High,\" however, made our voices sound a bit too compressed and robotic.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInternal Beamforming Array:\u003c\/strong\u003e If you remove the boom mic to take the headphones on the go, the internal mics automatically take over, easily picking up your voice for phone calls without looking like you are wearing a gaming headset in public.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_full\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Audeze Maxwell 2 driver view\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/ADZ_Maxwell-2_DriverView.jpg\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_narrow\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"hp-title\"\u003eAt a Glance: Is the Maxwell 2 Right For You?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd width=\"50%\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho It’s For\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd width=\"50%\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho Should Pass\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd width=\"50%\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAudiophiles\u003c\/strong\u003e wanting a wireless headset that excels at high-fidelity, 24-bit\/96kHz music and movies.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd width=\"50%\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTravelers\u003c\/strong\u003e looking for a lightweight, foldable, throw-in-the-bag headphone.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd width=\"50%\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompetitive Gamers\u003c\/strong\u003e who rely on pristine detail, sound separation, and hyper-accurate directional cues.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd width=\"50%\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMulti-taskers\u003c\/strong\u003e who absolutely require simultaneous Bluetooth and USB dongle audio mixing.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd width=\"50%\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePower Users\u003c\/strong\u003e who want an 80-hour battery life and deep, distortion-free EQ customization.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd width=\"50%\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGamers sensitive to heavy headsets;\u003c\/strong\u003e the 560g weight is highly noticeable over long sessions.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_full\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Audeze Maxwell 2 Headphones\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/MAXWELL_2_STILL_LIFE_PS.jpg\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col_narrow\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"hp-title\"\u003eFinal Verdict\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Audeze Maxwell 2 remains one of the most impressive-sounding wireless gaming headsets on the market today. It successfully bridges the gap between a high-end audiophile reference monitor and a feature-rich gaming headset. While the hefty 560g physical weight and lack of simultaneous Bluetooth audio mixing keep it from being absolutely flawless, its class-leading planar magnetic soundstage, pristine clarity, and unbelievable 80-hour battery life make it an easy recommendation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"subhead margin\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Audeze","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47431115505748,"sku":"AUD:MAXWELL-2-XBOX-BSA","price":299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0572\/3281\/8260\/files\/ADZ_Maxwell2_Xbox_3Q_Right_Filter_caf02882-9e95-41cc-8ad2-88338c2c7cc1.jpg?v=1785335396","url":"https:\/\/www.audioadvice.com\/products\/audeze-open-box-maxwell-2-wireless-gaming-headset-for-xbox-a-grade","provider":"Audio Advice","version":"1.0","type":"link"}