Audeze Maxwell 2: The second generation of the popular planar-magnetic gaming headset

The Maxwell 2 was announced today (the 5th) by the American planar-magnetic headphone manufacturer Audeze. The second generation of the Audeze Maxwell arrives with improvements implemented in the brand’s professional over-ear lineup, but unfortunately it still does not support simultaneous Bluetooth transmission. In addition, it brings features such as AI-assisted noise reduction on the microphone input.

What improvements were implemented in the Audeze Maxwell 2?

The Audeze Maxwell 2 features a structure very similar to that of the Audeze LCD-S20. However, unlike the S20, the flexible headband that rests on the head is perforated, allowing for greater thermal comfort for the user.

In terms of the driver (speaker), it apparently uses the same planar-magnetic driver found in the S20, featuring a 90 mm Uniforce diaphragm with Fazor technology and N50 neodymium magnets using the Fluxor magnetic design.

To deliver even better bass reproduction, Audeze adopted an acoustic design called “SLAM,” which consists of ducts placed at the junction between the ear cups and ear pads to relieve pressure.

To make ear pad replacement easier, they now feature a magnetic attachment mechanism instead of relying on plastic mounting structures.

The internal space to accommodate the ears has been increased, improving comfort for a larger number of people, as shown by the GadgetryTech channel on YouTube.

Still on the ear cups, it is also possible to change the appearance by removing a magnetically attached plate — just press on the top and pull.

There has also been an improvement in the microphone quality on the Maxwell 2. According to GadgetryTech, the background noise — which was “annoying” in the first version of the headset — is now gone. However, to mute the microphone, the button has changed position and is now harder to access because it sits deeper and requires using a fingernail.

How Bluetooth works with USB and 3.5 mm connections

According to GadgetryTech, you can use the Maxwell 2’s Bluetooth simultaneously in the following cases:

• When using the USB cable
• When using the 3.5 mm cable

If audio is being transmitted via Bluetooth, the microphone input is disabled over the USB connection.
If you use the USB transmitter included in the box, Bluetooth will not work simultaneously.

New app

According to Audeze, along with the Maxwell 2 a completely new version of the control app has been released, redesigned from the ground up for quick and practical adjustments. The app is available for PC (desktop), Android, and iOS.

Compatibility

The Audeze Maxwell 2 is compatible with PC, Mac, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch 2, Android smartphones, and the iPhone (iOS).

Audeze Maxwell 2 — Specifications

• Headphone type: over-ear (circumaural), closed-back
• Driver type: planar magnetic
• Magnetic structure: Fluxor magnet array
• Phase management: Fazor
• Acoustic design: SLAM
• Magnet type: N50 neodymium
• Diaphragm type: Uniforce
• Diaphragm size: 90 mm
• Maximum SPL: >115 dB
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 50 kHz
• THD: <0.1% @ 100 dB
• Spatial audio: Dolby Atmos (Xbox version) / Tempest 3D (PlayStation version)
• Weight: 560 g
• Microphones: Detachable hypercardioid boom mic with physical and AI noise reduction
• Battery: 1800 mAh lithium-polymer
• Battery life: 80 hours in wireless mode
• Fast charging via USB-C, 5V/1.8A
• Charges to 25% in 20 minutes
• Full charge: 2 hours
• Connections: Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, and 3.5 mm
• Supports: Auracast, LE Audio, LC3, LC3plus, LDAC, AAC, SBC, Multipoint

Launch and availability

The Audeze Maxwell 2 is already available on the brand’s official online store for US$329.