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Audeze has announced the release of a new limited edition variant of their popular Maxwell gaming headset. The Maxwell Wasabi Edition, exclusively available for Xbox (but works with PC), brings a vibrant new aesthetic to the critically acclaimed audio device.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audeze Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset for Playstation |
£315.05 | Buy on Amazon |
A Splash of Colour
The Maxwell Wasabi Edition features an eye-catching iridescent chameleon-like electroplated finish that shifts between shades of green and gold. This striking visual design follows in the footsteps of last year’s Maxwell Ultraviolet Edition, which was part of Microsoft’s “Shimmer” campaign of limited edition Xbox accessories.
While the exterior has received a bold makeover, the internals of the Maxwell Wasabi Edition remain unchanged from the standard model. This means gamers can expect the same high-quality audio experience that has made the Maxwell a favourite among audiophiles and gaming enthusiasts alike.
Technical Specifications
The Maxwell Wasabi Edition boasts an impressive array of features that set it apart in the competitive gaming headset market:
- 90mm planar magnetic drivers
- Ultra-low latency wireless connectivity
- FILTER™ A.I. noise-reducing microphone technology
- 80-hour battery life with quick-charge capability
- Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC support
- Dolby Atmos license for Xbox and PC gaming (Xbox version only)
Planar Magnetic Drivers: A Cut Above
One of the standout features of the Audeze Maxwell, including the new Wasabi Edition, is its use of planar magnetic drivers. To understand why this technology is significant, it’s worth comparing it to the more common dynamic drivers found in most headphones.
Dynamic Drivers
Dynamic drivers are the most common type of driver used in headphones and speakers. They consist of a cone-shaped diaphragm attached to a voice coil, which is suspended in a magnetic field. When an electrical signal passes through the voice coil, it moves back and forth, causing the diaphragm to vibrate and produce sound.
Advantages of dynamic drivers:
- Cost-effective to produce
- Capable of producing strong bass
- Efficient, requiring less power to operate
Disadvantages:
- Can suffer from distortion at high volumes
- May lack precision in the higher frequencies
- Prone to resonance issues
Planar Magnetic Drivers
Planar magnetic drivers, on the other hand, use a flat diaphragm suspended between two arrays of magnets. The diaphragm has a printed circuit spread across its surface. When an electrical signal passes through this circuit, it interacts with the magnetic field, causing the entire diaphragm to move uniformly.
Advantages of planar magnetic drivers:
- Extremely low distortion
- Excellent transient response (ability to react quickly to changes in the audio signal)
- More precise and detailed sound reproduction
- Better handling of complex audio
Disadvantages:
- Generally more expensive to produce
- Typically require more power to drive effectively
- Often result in heavier headphones due to the magnet arrays
The use of planar magnetic drivers in the Audeze Maxwell contributes significantly to its high-quality sound reproduction, offering gamers and audio enthusiasts a more detailed and immersive listening experience.
Performance and Sound Quality
Reviews of the standard Audeze Maxwell have been largely positive, with many praising its audio quality and versatility. The planar magnetic drivers deliver a wide, detailed soundstage that can enhance both gaming experiences and music listening.
Out of the box, the Maxwell’s sound profile may require some adjustment to suit individual preferences. The default tuning emphasises the 3-6kHz range, which can enhance atmospheric sounds and string attacks in games. However, there’s a slight underemphasis in frequencies above 6kHz and in the bass range.
Fortunately, Audeze provides a companion app, Audeze HQ, which allows users to fine-tune the headset’s audio output. The app offers several EQ presets, including:
- Bass boost: Enhances low frequencies without overwhelming the mix
- Competition: Boosts high frequencies to make crucial gaming cues more audible
- Footsteps: Specifically designed to enhance the sound of footsteps in competitive games
- Immersive: Provides a balanced boost to both low and high frequencies
- Treble boost: Enhances high frequencies while slightly reducing sub-bass
These presets allow users to tailor the Maxwell’s sound to their specific needs, whether they’re engaging in competitive gaming or enjoying music and films.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The Audeze Maxwell offers a wide range of connectivity options, making it a versatile choice for multi-platform gamers. Users can connect via:
- USB-C
- 3.5mm audio jack
- 2.4GHz wireless (using the included RF dongle)
- Bluetooth 5.3
The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.3 with support for the LDAC codec is particularly noteworthy, as it allows for high-quality wireless audio streaming from compatible devices.
It’s important to note that there are two versions of the Maxwell: one for Xbox/PC and one for PlayStation. While both versions can connect to various devices, certain features (such as Dolby Atmos support) are specific to the Xbox/PC version. PlayStation users will instead have access to Tempest 3D audio.
For the new Maxwell Wasabi, these are specifically for the Xbox/PC.
Comfort and Design
The Maxwell Wasabi Edition, like its standard counterpart, is a substantial headset weighing in at 490g (1.07 lbs). This weight, combined with the headband design, has led to mixed feedback regarding comfort during extended gaming sessions.
The ear cups are generously sized and deeply padded, which should accommodate most ear sizes comfortably. However, the headband design, which uses a leather-like strap suspended between anchor points, has been a point of contention for some users. While it aims to distribute weight evenly, the effectiveness can vary depending on head shape and size.
The physical controls on the left ear cup have been praised for their intuitive layout and functionality. These include:
- A game/chat mix wheel
- A volume wheel that doubles as a track control
- A power button with multi-function capabilities
- A dedicated mic mute slider
Microphone Performance
The Audeze Maxwell features two microphones: an internal one and a detachable boom mic. The boom mic, in particular, has received positive feedback for its clear audio capture and noise reduction capabilities.
The FILTER™ A.I. noise-reducing technology helps to minimise background noise, ensuring that your voice comes through clearly during online gaming sessions or voice calls.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the standout features of the Audeze Maxwell is its impressive battery life. While Audeze claims up to 80 hours of use on a single charge, independent testing has shown a still-impressive 64+ hours of continuous use.
The quick-charge feature is particularly useful, allowing users to get 20-30 hours of playback from just a 20-minute charge (when using a compatible 1.8 amp charger). This means that even if the battery runs low during an extended gaming session, a short break is all that’s needed to get back in the game.
Software and Customisation
The Audeze HQ app plays a crucial role in getting the most out of the Maxwell headset. Available for Windows 10 and 11, the app allows users to:
- Update firmware
- Adjust EQ settings
- Enable spatial audio features
- Customise button functions
The app’s stability and user-friendly interface have been noted as positives, especially compared to some competitors’ software offerings.
Pricing and Availability
The Audeze Maxwell Wasabi Edition is positioned as a premium gaming headset, with a price tag to match. It will be available for order in limited quantities starting October 22, 2024, priced at $329.00 USD.
In the UK, the standard Audeze Maxwell retails for £319, and I expect the Wasabi Edition will be priced similarly.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Audeze Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset for Playstation |
£315.05 | Buy on Amazon |
While this places it at the higher end of the gaming headset market, the combination of high-quality audio, versatile connectivity, and long battery life may justify the investment for serious gamers and audio enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The Audeze Maxwell is regarded as one of the best gaming headsets on the market that has exceptional connectivity options and a well-regarded Audeze HQ app to find tune the performance. Then, of course, you get the amazing sound quality that Audeze and planar magnetic drivers are famous for.
The new Wasabi Edition is the same product but with a new eye-catching design. I think some people will find the iridescent green a bit jarring, but considering how much PC gamers love RGB then I am sure the striking colour will be appealing for many. I personally like it, though I may be biased as I have used a toxic green colour with a brand design in the past.
Just like the normal Maxwell, potential buyers should consider factors such as the headset’s weight and the importance of getting the correct version for their gaming setup. The high price point also means that it may not be the best choice for casual gamers or those on a tight budget.
Ultimately, the Audeze Maxwell Wasabi Edition is likely to appeal to a niche market of gamers and audio enthusiasts who value top-tier sound quality and are willing to invest in a premium product. Considering the popularity of PC gaming and the price of high-end GPUs, I am not even sure you would describe it as a niche market anymore. For those users, the Maxwell Wasabi Edition offers a unique combination of visual flair and audio excellence that’s hard to match in the current gaming headset market.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
Last update on 2025-03-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
