[EdgeOfDarkness]

It may in fact be required for the Maxwell. A pre-production Maxwell with beta firmware just arrived at HFHQ and I took it for a quick spin over a couple of hours. In my time with it the dongle didn't output audio when connected to the USB-C jack, and an included USB-A to USB-C adapter that came in the box was needed to get me going. I'm not yet familiar with the PSVR2's cable requirements, but the original PSVR takes up most of my USB ports when in use.

Meanwhile USB-C straight from a computer worked like a champ.

I get audio out from the front USB-C port to my Creative SXFI Amp on the PS5 so it should work with the dongle. PSVR2 will use the front USB-C port for a single cable solution.

 

[tokkun]

Areas where I'm hoping for improvement:

• With Penrose, the frequency response of the mic is noticeably compressed in wireless mode compared to wired.
• Noise floor for the earphones is also pretty noticeable when not playing anything.
• Perhaps related to noise floor, a feedback issue where you occasionally get a sound like swirling wind

My biggest issue was with the comfort of the headstrap, but that's clearly different in the new design and hopefully improved.

Also, maybe don't put a constantly blinking LED on the dongle. Yeah, this one is easily rectified with a piece of electrical tape, but it baffles me as a design decision.

 

[timwillhack]

5Ghz has a lower range than 2.4ghz wifi. The Audeze rep may be able to clarify, but I'd assume/assess they have their own codec for use over 2.4ghz thats why they have their own dongle rather than just having bluetooth connectivity, they could be using a raw wifi like signal that they can use a higher bandwith of, rather than in bluetooth where you are restricted by the specification with various needs for handshakes/encryption and limited bandwidth. Think of how much bandwidth there is when you are streaming netflix over wifi. Imagine being able to utilize a large portion of that rather than being limited to 990 kbps of LDAC while using bluetooth. Them mentioning they have 3x the range, makes me think this is comparable to a bluetooth class 1 chip which has stronger signal strength (I believe 10 times as much if I remember correctly, 100mw vs 10mw or less I think) based on significantly higher power output. I'm glad to hear that, and surprised it can maintain that strong of a signal for 80 hours. I'm in, and have a preorder in. I was disappointed in the Mobius soft coating pealing and Penrose, where they both are plastic and have poor engineering where the yokes meet the headband. Having the Maxwell with metal frame will hopefully defeat both of those issues.

Question for Audeze, can you use bluetooth for something like music, simultaneously with a connection to the dongle for say xbox gameplay?

 

[Tuscany]

The Maxwell page shows the USB-C dongle plugged directly into a PS5, so it may be chalked up to pre-release. Or perhaps I'm messing up a setting somewhere.

A few quick early (pre-production) impressions:

• They feel extremely solid in the hand. Pad swapping has been vastly improved over the experience with my Mobius.
• As cliched as it may be, I forgot I was wearing headphones. There's a quite natural, organic feel to the sound that just felt "right" while gaming the past two nights.
• Out of the box they're great for music listening so far, but admittedly I look forward to being able to EQ it a touch.
• I like the new headband system but I did need to insert a shallow spacer between the strap and my head to get what felt like the perfect fit.

It's tough to coordinate a multiplayer game session so I haven't had a chance to test either mic yet, but hopefully that'll be possible over the weekend. I also want to sit down soon and try a movie (Windows, Atmos) to see how that is.

Can you compare them with Penrose on that front only - music listening?

 

[Audeze]

5Ghz has a lower range than 2.4ghz wifi. The Audeze rep may be able to clarify, but I'd assume/assess they have their own codec for use over 2.4ghz thats why they have their own dongle rather than just having bluetooth connectivity, they could be using a raw wifi like signal that they can use a higher bandwith of, rather than in bluetooth where you are restricted by the specification with various needs for handshakes/encryption and limited bandwidth. Think of how much bandwidth there is when you are streaming netflix over wifi. Imagine being able to utilize a large portion of that rather than being limited to 990 kbps of LDAC while using bluetooth. Them mentioning they have 3x the range, makes me think this is comparable to a bluetooth class 1 chip which has stronger signal strength (I believe 10 times as much if I remember correctly, 100mw vs 10mw or less I think) based on significantly higher power output. I'm glad to hear that, and surprised it can maintain that strong of a signal for 80 hours. I'm in, and have a preorder in. I was disappointed in the Mobius soft coating pealing and Penrose, where they both are plastic and have poor engineering where the yokes meet the headband. Having the Maxwell with metal frame will hopefully defeat both of those issues.

Question for Audeze, can you use bluetooth for something like music, simultaneously with a connection to the dongle for say xbox gameplay?

Maxwell will switch between dongle and BT. It will not playback simultaneously. For instance, if you are playing with USB dongle mode and a call comes in, you will be able to answer the call with Maxwell. Once the call is over, you will switch back to USB dongle mode.

 

[Breadwinka]

Is the warranty the usual Audeze one i.e. 1 year cosmetic and 3 years on the drivers?

Will most likely be just 1-year like the Penrose. But Audeze is really good at replacements. They replaced mine after a year and a bit with the broken ear piece. My current set is starting to crack so ill be waiting on reviews for maxwell to see if i go ahead and purchase them.

 

[crea1986]

490 grams for a gaming headset is a bit too much imho.

 

[timwillhack]

Thank you for that clarification. Were there any sample units sent out for reviewers? I was hoping to read a couple reviews rather than just advertising copy even though I already have a preorder in. Thanks

 

[Audeze]

1. Can you adjust headphone volume on PC from windows? (On penrose, you cannot)
2. What is the microsoft chip? Would it benefit me who will only use the headphones on windows? (You already stated to buy the ps5 version if I'm only going to use it on PC due to lower cost, I'm just curious about that chip)

1. Yes, System volume control can be adjusted externally. So peripherals like keyboards will change the Volume, and is directly tied to Maxwell.
2. The Microsoft chip is what allows headsets to work at the system level on Xbox consoles. Without it, no headphones work outside of connecting directly to the controller, or through a device that has the chip, like a Mixamp sort of device.

Do these have double sided magnet array like the regular LCDs?

It is a single sided Fluxor magnet array.

You can see it on the 3d explosion shots on the webpage (under Unrivaled Audio): https://www.audeze.com/products/maxwell-wireless-gaming-headset

Can you use a usb A adapter on the dongle for the PS5 version? Or is it not going to work at the same time as the upcoming PSVR2?

The Maxwell includes a type C to USB A adapter, which yes, you will use for PS5 USB-A audio playback.

One of the main reason for me not sticking with penrose is background noise floor, has this issue been addressed? Because as an audiophile product, this issue should be fixed as standard and is not acceptable to have annoying noise floor in the background or wooshing like in penrose!

Maxwell uses a completely different design and chipset from Penrose.

 

[Monstieur]

Does the Maxwell fit in the Mobius carrying case? Is there a new carrying case planned for this?

 

[Audeze]

Hi @Audeze. Which of the two versions would be best for watching movies and YouTube videos on Windows/Mac? I do not play games, but I currently use wireless headphones.

I am using LCD-4 for music, so I am very tempted to get one of these.

Thank you!

Really, UNLESS you have an Xbox, most everyone else should get Playstation version and save $30. Xbox version does come with the Dolby ATmos license, but this is something you can purchase separately as well.

Will Windows volume control be able to control the volume, which it can't on the Penrose?

Windows volume will indeed be controllable via the headset. This is one of the improvements made.

And now my questions!!! I know most of them are made expecting Audeze answer....but if other honarable members can give their opinions, they are most welcomed...

1.- I have read in many posts that XBOX and PS5 versions have the same Headphone. The only difference is in "optimizations" and as Audeze said, in the Dongle...So basically is a software difference not a hardware one? It is so noticeable? I ask because I bought both Penrose versions, but to be honest, I only use XBOX one and mainly for Multiplayer Games...PS5 was bought to play Sony exlusive titles that..dont exist. So my intention is Maxwell Xbox version only and if needed using it with my PS5.

2.- Will Maxwell be able to automatically mute party chat when a Phone Call is in progress instead of manually doing it like Penrose?

3.- Can someone tell me about their experiencie with Audeze preorders? When Audeze says January (first orders)..is January...or June- July?

4.- There will be a new Android app? or the same one as Penrose?

Thanks for the time!!!

1. Unlike the Penrose, Maxwell WILL have differences, in which you will need to pair PS headset with PS dongle, Xbox headset with Xbox dongle. You cannot change between them, and buying a dongle for the wrong headset means you have a wasted dongle.

2. Our target is that when a call comes in, you tap/double tap the power button (not finalized yet) and the audio will switch over to the call. Afterwards, the audio will revert back to the other audio source.

3. We anticipate January for our initial shipments, but of course there may be unforeseen situations that we can't account for. But we are fully expecting first shipments out in January.

4. It will use the existing Audeze HQ app.

 

[Audeze]

Does the Maxwell fit in the Mobius carrying case? Is there a new carrying case planned for this?

We currently do not have plans for a specific case.

If one owns both Playstation and Xbox, can one of the dongles be purchased separately?

We are currently focused on the complete units. It stands within reason that at a later date we may offer dongles for purchase separately, however, keep in mind that you cannot change between models. Xbox dongles will ONLY work with Xbox headsets, and PS dongles with PS units.

Sounds like a crossed wire somewhere. Literally.

@Audeze allowing for this issue potentially being because pre-production/beta, can you confirm please this isn't a hardware issue that'll affect production models?

We are currently still finalizing firmware, and will have more info on connectivity closer to launch.

Is the warranty the usual Audeze one i.e. 1 year cosmetic and 3 years on the drivers?

As with our other gaming headsets, warranty is 1 year on parts and drivers (2 in EU).

 

[Audeze]

Thank you for that clarification. Were there any sample units sent out for reviewers? I was hoping to read a couple reviews rather than just advertising copy even though I already have a preorder in. Thanks

We are focusing on customers first and foremost, though you can anticipate some reviewers will be popping up within the next few weeks.

 

[hawkjacq]

Really, UNLESS you have an Xbox, most everyone else should get Playstation version and save $30. Xbox version does come with the Dolby ATmos license, but this is something you can purchase separately as well.




Windows volume will indeed be controllable via the headset. This is one of the improvements made.




1. Unlike the Penrose, Maxwell WILL have differences, in which you will need to pair PS headset with PS dongle, Xbox headset with Xbox dongle. You cannot change between them, and buying a dongle for the wrong headset means you have a wasted dongle.

2. Our target is that when a call comes in, you tap/double tap the power button (not finalized yet) and the audio will switch over to the call. Afterwards, the audio will revert back to the other audio source.

3. We anticipate January for our initial shipments, but of course there may be unforeseen situations that we can't account for. But we are fully expecting first shipments out in January.

4. It will use the existing Audeze HQ app.

Thanks for your time and answers... They have a lot of value for me... Have a nice day...

 

[Audeze]

Thanks for your time and answers... They have a lot of value for me... Have a nice day...

You're very welcome, and we hope to hear from you and your positive experiences!