Audeze recently sent me what is possibly the best gaming headset I have ever had the chance to try out for Xbox. The Audeze Maxwell headset is available now in two varieties (one for PlayStation with MSRP of $299 and one for Xbox with MSRP of $349) and I’m in love with it. Before I really get into it, I want to talk about some of the specifications.
The Maxwell features over-the-ear and closed back headphones with 90mm drivers. It has a suspension headband instead of the more typical adjustable headband and is advertised to have a battery life of 80+ hours. As far as connectivity, the Maxwell can use Bluetooth 5.3, wired USB, wired 3.5mm, and a USB dongle with ultra low latency wireless.
It also has Xbox Wireless via the USB dongle. Maxwell also offers integrated A.I. noise filtration for the microphone as well as microphone EQ controls. In addition, the Xbox version comes with an embedded license to Dolby Atmos for the optimal audio experience while gaming.
That’s enough boring talk. The Maxwell is absolutely incredible. The audio quality is absolutely fantastic. Everything sounds so clear and crisp. Combined with the fact that it is very comfortable to wear, and it’s just a fantastic headset. The padding they use for the cups is just very comfortable yet secure. The use of the suspension headband actually works better for staying on my head when I bend over versus pretty much any adjustable headband headset.
Before the Maxwell, my only other Xbox headset was the Razer Kaira Pro. This was a decent headset, especially for the price. However, it’s safe to say that the Maxwell blows it out of the water (albeit with a price tag over double).
I recorded a few samples using the Kaira Pro, the Maxwell, and my go-to PC mic the Dark Matter Sentry. I had fairly loud music playing in the background as I recorded each sample and tested external and internal microphones on both headsets and various levels of noise suppression on the Maxwell.
In my opinion, the Sentry gives the best audio quality, but it also lets a lot of the background music through. The Maxwell is definitely in second place though with the external boom mic and has much quieter background noise, even with the noise suppression turned off.
