Overview

The Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC is a closed-back, planar magnetic wireless gaming headset built for players who want studio-grade sound without giving up focus. It uses 90mm planar magnetic drivers with a Fluxor magnet array and Fazor phase management, backed by dual 1.4W balanced amplifiers for detailed, accurate audio whether active noise cancellation is on or off. ANC removes up to 35dB of background noise, so footsteps and voice comms come through clearly even in a loud room, and a transparency mode lets outside sound back in when you need it. A detachable hypercardioid boom mic with FILTER AI noise removal keeps your voice clean on calls and streams, and the headset connects via an ultra-low latency USB-C wireless dongle, USB-C wired, Bluetooth 5.3, or 3.5mm analog. It's available in PlayStation and Xbox versions.

Simcoe Audio Video Insight

The dual balanced amplifier setup is worth noting here — most gaming headsets run a single unbalanced amp, and running two in balanced mode is closer to what you'd find in a dedicated headphone amp than a typical gaming accessory.

• Planar magnetic drivers borrowed from Audeze's audiophile lineup, tuned for gaming
• Up to 35dB of active noise cancellation with a transparency mode for when you need to hear the room
• Detachable boom mic with AI-powered background noise removal for cleaner comms

Best for the Audeze Maxwell 2 ANC: pick this over the standard Maxwell 2 if you regularly game in a noisy room or shared space — the ANC is the main thing separating the two models.

More Details

Why It Wins

• 90mm Planar Magnetic Drivers: Audeze's largest gaming driver to date, using a Fluxor magnet array and Fazor phase correction for a wide, accurate soundstage.
• Aviation-Grade Active Noise Cancellation: Cuts up to 35dB of background noise, with a transparency mode that lets outside sound back in when needed.
• Dual 1.4W Balanced Amplification: Two dedicated amps keep audio quality consistent whether ANC is switched on or off.

What Makes It Different

Most ANC gaming headsets pair noise cancellation with a small dynamic driver, which tends to change the sound signature once ANC kicks in. Audeze built the Maxwell 2 ANC around a 90mm planar magnetic driver instead, so the frequency response stays consistent with ANC on or off — you're not trading tuning for quiet.

Technical Highlights

• 10Hz-50kHz Frequency Response: A wide range for both low-end impact and detail at the top end.
• Bluetooth 5.3 with Multipoint: Supports Auracast, LE Audio, LC3, LC3plus, LDAC, and AAC, plus connecting to two devices at once.
• Up to 40 Hours of Battery Life: Rated at 40 hours with ANC off and 35 hours with ANC on, with fast charging that adds 25% in 20 minutes.

Buyers Guide

Who This Is For

• Competitive Gamers: Anyone who wants to hear footsteps and directional cues clearly without background noise creeping in.
• Streamers and Content Creators: The detachable mic with AI noise removal is built for clear voice capture on stream or in chat.
• Multi-Platform Players: Switch between PC, console, and mobile using the wireless dongle, USB-C, Bluetooth, or analog connections.

Ideal Use Case

• Shared Spaces or Noisy Rooms: The ANC is genuinely useful for gaming around roommates, family, or outside noise.
• Long Gaming Sessions: Memory foam earpads and a ventilated headband are built for extended wear.
• Streaming Setups: Game/chat mix and a detachable mic make it easy to balance game audio with voice comms.

What To Pair It With

• The Audeze App: Available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android for quick access to EQ and headset settings.
• A Second Bluetooth Device: Multipoint Bluetooth lets you stay connected to a phone for calls or media alongside your gaming setup.
• A Dolby Atmos or Tempest 3D Enabled Game: Both spatial audio formats are supported depending on your platform, for more precise directional cues.

Alternative Options

If you don't need active noise cancellation, the standard Audeze Maxwell 2 delivers the same planar magnetic driver and wireless connectivity at a lower cost. For a wired, PC-focused option with a similar driver, the Audeze LCD-GX is worth a look.