Audeze - Maxwell 2 Wireless Gaming Headset

I have the Maxwell 2. They released a firmware update yesterday that resolved launch issues. The sub bass is now pretty much identical to what the original version had. The rest of the sound signature was already great. They also fixed the processed sound the side tone had. Side tone sounds natural and instant. I am loving this new headset now. This is the only headset I want for PC, work calls, or whatever else. However I would never personally use open backs because I work from home and we have three dogs. There's just too much irritation going on around me at any given time for open backs. I need at least the noise isolation you get from a Maxwell or Maxwell 2. If you're in a quiet environment, I'm sure something like a 490 Pro is amazing.

Actually, if you care at all about side tone, it sounds like the 2 are an upgrade in that department. That is my biggest issue with the M1.

I read that the robotic voice is a bug that goes away if you disconnect and reconnect the mic from the headset each time you connect to the dongle. They said after you do that the voice is very clear and the side tone is excellent. It seems like the M2 simply has some fw bugs they need to sort out, but it's good with workarounds. I'm sure Audeze will patch the bugs over time like they did with the M1. From your position the M2 will probably be amazing once you EQ them. Do keep in mind they are flat without EQ, but they take very well to it. I'm waiting for the M2 to pop up on Amazon before I get one.

TBH, the Maxwell 1 is excellent already. If you want to save money, definitely go for it. Maxwell 2 is the option for those who want an updated product at a similar price to the first.

Thanks — you said it perfectly. For me, the most important thing is definitely the weight. Everything else is kind of okay, but the weight is an absolute dealbreaker if you want to wear them for home office and long hours like I do :D And honestly, I’d buy them even if they were 500 EUR or more — with that sound quality in a wireless (or generally) closed-back? Insane… I’m actually really happy that the sidetone issues are being addressed too. That was another dealbreaker for me, since I’m very used to having real-time monitoring/sidetone in my current setup — I wanna hear myself during calls lol.

The upcoming ANC version is kind of their last chance here. They need to just retcon the initial version, and actually fix the short list of problems that everyone had with the M1.

It's not even a sidestep. It's a slight downgrade.

Reports I'm seeing is that the sidetone issues were NOT fixed.

I'm honestly amazed. They had such a short, but potent list of things to fix. And they didn't fix any of them. And then somehow made it a little worse.

You are assuming he doesn't have a firmware issue or defective DAC in the Maxwell 2. My Maxwell 2 @ 100% volume was quieter than my Maxwell 1 at 60% volume. I went back and forth with Audeze and they had no solution. Audeze QA and firmware have historically been pretty bad, like Hifiman bad. They have amazing drivers and headphones when they work but I had issues with my Maxwell 1 and now the Maxwell 2 and it's very frustrating.

Same issue here. I returned mine. Tried everything. Could've been defective.

Simultaneous audio is a real game changer. I play on a PS5 Pro, and I used to avoid mixing game audio with music because it felt distracting. However, I found it incredibly useful to play games while listening to podcasts or watching YouTube. Recently, while playing Arc Raiders, I often watch YouTube videos for loot directions. With simultaneous audio, I can hear the game, a YouTube video, and communicate with my teammates at the same time; all clearly and without issues on my SteelSeries headset. I was interested in the Audeze Maxwell 2, but I can’t give up simultaneous audio. It’s a huge quality of life feature, one of those things you don’t fully appreciate until you experience it. I watched several reviews of the Audeze Maxwell 2, and it seems you can sort of use simultaneous audio but not when using the microphone. Simultaneous audio stops working as soon as you communicate with teammates in game or answer a call via Bluetooth. Hopefully, this can be fixed with a software update, but if that were possible, it raises the question of why the same issue wasn’t resolved on the original Maxwell.

Pretty sure there is well known software/firmware bug with Maxwells that dramatically lower its volume. I think it has to do with what headset firmware you're running, other audio/spatial software on your PC, and what % the volume is on the PC and headset are each at when connected. My Maxwell 1s were were loud enough when I first got them but never too loud above 50% which I've heard many people claim. As people who been on this sub awhile know, there was a huge wave of people having their planar magnetic drivers crack. While this was close to its peak, Audeze released a firmware that drastically reduced the headset's max volume limit (I have a feeling this was done in an effort to reduce all the drivers breaking from overpressure, needing to be replaced, and causing bad reviews - the Maxwell 2's main "upgrade" is allowing for more air to escape the ear cup. This reduces the pressure in the ear cups which is why the new headset actually has worse bass than the old version. Ideally, it should reduce the amount of broken drivers that Audeze needs to replace though). After a ton of complaints about firmware update creating a lower max volume, Audeze would claim the volume reduction was an unintended firmware bug. They later released another patch where they increased headset's max volume a little higher but it still wasn't nearly as loud as the headset had been originally. I spent a bunch of time digging into this and am fairly technical with this kind of stuff (if you search the subreddit, OP is FAR from the only one who's experienced this issue). I eventually came across some thread that discussed how to fix it. I don't remember the exact details but I had to flash the headset's firmware, install a very old firmware version, and ensure my volume was turned low on the PC and headset before installing/connecting everything. Even at their loudest, 100% had never been too loud for me with the Maxwells but after completing everything 80% was too loud for me. Like 4-6 months later, the headset randomly reverted back to 100% being just barely loud enough for me but I had already started moving on to other headsets for gaming (mostly due to the Maxwells being uncomfortable for longer session and poor audio imaging/sound isolation in chaotic games with a bunch of audio layers like Deadlock) so I haven't really taken the time to try to fix the headset again. Unfortunately, it seems like the max volume firmware bug is still alive and well in Maxwell 2 which is disappointing. They probably should of held off on the "Maxwell 2" branding until they were able to make more sweeping changing and address more of the headsets issues.

Also , I find it nuts more people are not complaining about the new mute button design , Gadgetry did a mini review and said if you don't have long fingernails you will need a tool to access it lol come on hahaha crazy

I use my mute button constantly , this alone has made me hold off on this purchase in hope they change it for the upcoming ANC version , or I will go with the nova elite

Audeze Maxwells. Easy decision. It’s better than everything on your list by a mile An audiophiles entry level gaming headphones

How is this the most hype-killing releases ever, when you were prepared to buy the v1s only a few months ago and they’re very similar. At best it’s a side grade, but again, you were prepared to buy the v1s, so what’s the hang up now? This feels like rage bait