Audeze announces Maxwell gaming headset with Bluetooth 5.3 and 90 mm planar magnetic drivers

Audeze makes high-quality headsets, some of which we've looked at. Today, the company announced its latest headset aimed squarely at the gaming market.

The Audeze Maxwell is a wireless gaming headset that can be used with consoles or PCs. There will be two models available when the headset launches: one for the Xbox that "includes the first auto-activating Dolby Atmos license" (according to Audeze) and one for the PlayStation that supports Tempest 3D Audio. Both versions can be used with a PC.

The Maxwell headset can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.3 LE and supports a variety of codecs, including LC3, LC3Plus, SBC, AAC, and LDAC. It has an 1800 mAh battery that Audeze claims lasts over 80 hours at 80 dB. Charging from 0-100% takes roughly 2.5 hours via the included 9 Watt charger.

Maxwell can also connect via USB and supports up to 24-bit 96 KHz lossless audio, but only when wired.

The headset offers noise reduction courtesy of Audeze's in-house A.I.-powered noise filtration powered by a built in 5 microphone array. It will also come with a detachable cardioid boom microphone designed by Shure.

On the audio front, the Maxwell headset has a closed-back over-ear design and houses 90 mm planar magnetic drivers. The headset's frequency response ranges from 10 Hz up to 50,000 Hz. The ear cups are bordered by synthetic leather filled with memory foam which Audeze says creates "class-leading passive noise isolation." The ear cups are attached via a steel headband and adjustable synthetic strap. The whole getup weighs roughly 490 g.

Maxwell is compatible with practically any electronic device that supports audio over USB or Bluetooth, including PCs, Macs, smartphones, the PS5, the Xbox Series X, and the Nintendo Switch. Audeze is expecting to ship Maxwell sometime in January. The PlayStation version retails for US$299, while the Xbox model retails for $329 (due to the included Dolby Atmos license).