The Audeze Maxwell 2 gaming headphone arrives with something to prove. Its predecessor earned a rare distinction in audio: it made audiophiles take gaming headsets seriously. Now, with patent-pending SLAM technology borrowed from Audeze's flagship $5,000 model and a redesigned comfort system, the Maxwell II aims to widen that gap between itself and the competition.
If you like gaming and music, this is really exciting news.
Why SLAM technology matters
Plenty of gaming headsets promise immersion; the Maxwell 2 delivers it through high-end acoustic engineering. Audeze has integrated its patent-pending SLAM (Spatial Localization and Augmented Metrics) – originally debuted in the $5,000 CRBN2 electrostatic headphones – to provide heightened spatial immersion and punchier bass. This works in tandem with 90mm planar magnetic drivers featuring patented Fluxor magnets and Fazor waveguides.
The resulting 10Hz to 50kHz frequency range promises that every detail, from faint footsteps to heavy explosions, is articulated with near-zero distortion. To manage these features, Audeze has launched an all-new Audeze app for Windows, macOS and mobile, offering a sleek interface for deep customisation and lightning-quick responsiveness. For creative professionals and gamers alike, this means a refined, professional-grade monitoring experience that functions seamlessly across consoles, PC, and mobile platforms.
For creative professionals, this translates into one headset that can handle Zoom calls, game audio, reference monitoring and casual listening, without requiring constant device switching or tonal recalibration in your head. The original Maxwell managed this balance. The Maxwell 2 appears to refine it.
Built for the long haul
The Maxwell 2 addresses practical needs that matter during extended sessions. Over 80 hours of battery life means multiple workdays between charges. The redesigned suspension headband is wider and ventilated, distributing weight more evenly. Magnetic earpads swap in seconds for cleaning or replacement.
Connectivity is comprehensive: ultra-low latency 2.4GHz wireless for gaming and production, Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC for mobile devices. The AI-powered FILTER microphone with doubled bandwidth handles calls and chat, with a removable boom that disappears when you don't need it.
Whether the Maxwell 2 justifies its price depends on your workflow. If you need one headset for gaming, monitoring and calls, that's consolidation at a reasonable premium. If the original Maxwell's audiophile-meets-gaming proposition appealed to you, this appears to be a genuine refinement rather than a cynical refresh. We're keen to test that claim properly, though, so keep your eyes glued to Creative Bloq.
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