Audeze Maxwell 2 Xbox

Three years after the original Maxwell, Audeze is back with the Maxwell 2. This second generation keeps the 90 mm planar magnetic drivers that built the reputation of the previous model, but introduces SLAM acoustic technology to boost bass and spatial precision. The headband has been widened and ventilated, and the earpads redesigned. The app has been completely overhauled for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

Oversized planar drivers for gaming

The Maxwell 2’s 90 mm planar magnetic drivers offer nearly three times the surface area of the dynamic drivers found in most gaming headsets. This technology, usually reserved for high-end hi-fi headphones, works differently from conventional speakers: a thin, lightweight diaphragm is suspended between two arrays of magnets, allowing it to vibrate more uniformly and to stop more quickly. The result is extremely low distortion (less than 0.1% at 100 dB) and an extended frequency response from 10 Hz to 50 kHz.

Audeze has built several proprietary technologies into these 8th-generation drivers: Fluxor magnet arrays, Fazor waveguides for phase management, and Uniforce diaphragms. The major new addition is SLAM (Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator), a system of calibrated acoustic channels that modulates air pressure inside the earcups. According to Audeze, SLAM boosts low frequencies by up to 6 dB and improves spatial accuracy without relying on digital processing.

Multiple connections and high-resolution audio

The Maxwell 2 Xbox supports audio up to 24-bit / 96 kHz via wired USB-C or through the included 2.4 GHz wireless dongle. This dongle uses the Xbox Wireless protocol and offers very low latency for competitive gaming. The Xbox version includes a Dolby Atmos license, Microsoft’s spatial audio format.

Bluetooth 5.3 rounds out the feature set with a wide range of codecs and profiles: LE Audio, Auracast, LDAC, AAC, SBC, LC3, and LC3plus. LDAC allows bitrates of up to 990 kbps for music listening on compatible devices. A 3.5 mm TRRS jack input allows analog connection to Xbox controllers or other sources.

One limitation remains: the Maxwell 2 does not allow simultaneous use of the dongle and Bluetooth to mix two audio sources. You have to switch manually from one to the other.

Comfort reworked for long sessions

The original Maxwell weighed 490 g, already heavy for a gaming headset. The Maxwell 2 reaches 560 g, with the additional 70 g mainly due to the inclusion of the SLAM system. To compensate for this mass, Audeze has widened the suspension headband (from about 45 mm to 70 mm) and added perforations for ventilation. The main headband is still steel, and the hinges are forged aluminum.

The memory foam earpads, covered in synthetic leather, now attach magnetically. This makes replacement or cleaning easier. The internal space has been enlarged to accommodate ears of various sizes. Note: the earcups no longer swivel 90° as on the previous model, which makes flat storage or wearing the headset around the neck less convenient.

Dual microphone capture system

The Maxwell 2 offers two voice capture modes. The detachable boom microphone is hypercardioid: it mainly picks up sound from the front, reducing ambient noise. A foam pop filter comes pre-installed. When the boom is removed, the headset automatically switches to the built-in microphones in the earcups, which use beamforming to focus on the user’s voice.

Audeze’s FILTER AI technology processes the microphone signal to remove background noise in real time. This version offers double the bandwidth compared with the original Maxwell, which should preserve more detail in the voice. Three levels of noise suppression are accessible via a button on the left earcup.

Battery life and power management

The 1,800 mAh lithium-polymer battery delivers over 80 hours of wireless use at 80 dBA, an identical figure to the previous model despite the added technologies. Fast charging provides about 25% battery in 20 minutes, equivalent to a day of use. A full charge takes two hours via USB-C (5V / 1.8A max).

App and customization

The Audeze app, available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, has been completely redesigned. It provides access to a 10-band equalizer with six presets and four customizable profiles. Game/chat mix, mic sidetone, and noise suppression level settings are also available. Custom profiles are stored in the headset and can be selected directly via the volume wheel.

The ReSkin system lets you replace the side plates on the earcups with differently finished versions. These plates attach magnetically and are removed with a twist. Audeze has announced upcoming collaborations and limited editions.

Compatibility and game/chat mix

On Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, the Maxwell 2 fully exploits the dongle’s Xbox Wireless protocol. The lower wheel on the headset adjusts the balance between game audio and voice chat in real time, without going through the console menus. This native mixing function is specific to the Xbox and Windows ecosystem.

The headset also works with PC, Mac, PlayStation (without native game/chat mixing), Nintendo Switch 2, iOS, and Android. Depending on the device, connection is via USB-C dongle, Bluetooth, or analog cable.

Technical Specifications

General Information

• Type: closed-back, over-ear wireless gaming headset
• Compatibility: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch 2, iOS, Android

Audio

• 90 mm planar magnetic drivers (8th generation)
  • SLAM, Fluxor Magnet Arrays, Fazor Waveguides, Uniforce Diaphragms
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 50 kHz
• Total harmonic distortion: less than 0.1% at 100 dB
• Maximum audio resolution: 24-bit / 96 kHz
• Spatial audio: Dolby Atmos
• Native Xbox game / chat mixing

Connectivity

• 2.4 GHz wireless
  • Ultra-low-latency USB-C dongle (Xbox Wireless protocol)
• Bluetooth 5.3
  • Codecs and profiles: LE Audio, Auracast, LDAC, AAC, SBC, LC3, LC3plus
  • Multipoint
• Wired digital USB-C
  • High-resolution audio with game / chat mixing
• Active 3.5 mm TRRS analog jack

Microphone

• Detachable hypercardioid boom microphone with pop filter
• FILTER AI noise reduction (dual bandwidth)
  • Combined physical and artificial noise reduction
• Integrated microphones for boomless use

Battery life and power

• Battery type: lithium-polymer, 1800 mAh
• Wireless battery life: over 80 hours at 80 dBA
• Fast charge: 20 min for 24 h of playback
• Full charge: around 2 hours via USB-C, 5 V / 1.8 A max
• Charging port: USB-C

Comfort and design

• Weight: 560 g
• Steel headband with widened ventilated suspension strap
• Memory foam earpads
  • Leatherette covering
  • Magnetic attachment
• Customization: ReSkin system (interchangeable magnetic side plates)

Companion app

• Audeze App available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
• 10-band equalizer: 6 presets and 4 custom profiles
• Control of game / chat mix, mic sidetone, AI noise reduction

Box contents

• Maxwell 2 headset
• Detachable boom microphone with pop filter
• Low-latency wireless USB-C dongle (Xbox Wireless)
• USB-C to USB-C cable (1.5 m)
• USB-C to USB-A adapter (0.3 m)
• 3.5 mm TRRS analog cable (1.2 m)