Video Summary - Audeze Maxwell 2 Review

Product reviewed

Audeze Maxwell 2 (video text refers to “Maxwell 2Os,” likely meaning Maxwell 2)

Uses 90mm planar magnetic drivers with a flux/neodymium magnet array and “slam tuning system.”
Described as “some of the best headphones you will ever hear.”
Sound is praised for “crispness and clarity,” with lots of detail (reveals details in music/films/games).
Very flat / reference-style listening, compared to Audeze’s LCD 4 used for instruments and digital drum kit reference.
EQ is customizable via the Odyssey app, including:
- built-in EQ modes
- further user tweaking
Listener fit:
- Great for analytical listeners (sounds “separated,” instrument-by-instrument clarity)
- Reviewer finds it too flat/perfect and feels it doesn’t emotionally “move” them like a conventional-driver headset
Gaming performance is strongly praised:
- Footsteps and small movements are “effortlessly clear.”
- Incredible directionality, even without faux surround
- Overall gaming performance is described as the best the reviewer has seen/wished for

Reviewer says the microphone is not broadcast quality despite the excellent drivers.
Described as:
- compressed and tiny
- harsh high frequencies that sound grating
AI noise reduction / noise removal:
- There is an AI NR setting in software
- Reviewer uses Low, but it pumps up microphone volume a lot
- With AI noise removal enabled, reviewer experienced clipping, requiring them to lower capture volume in Audacity
- They don’t notice much improvement at the highest setting beyond potential background reduction
- Conclusion: noise removal degrades quality further, so they recommend leaving it off unless noise is very significant

Connection options mentioned:
- USB-C dongle with a toggle for PlayStation or PC
- USB-A via an included USB-A to USB-C adapter cable
- Direct USB-C to the headset
- 3.5mm jack
- Bluetooth
No simultaneous audio:
- Can’t listen to phone audio while gaming/using chat (e.g., Discord on PC while also hearing phone audio)
Bluetooth prioritization creates a liability:
- If paired to a phone and then game audio is active via the 2.4GHz dongle, phone audio/notifications/music can cause the headset to drop the 2.4GHz game connection

Left earcup controls are described as busy/overloaded:
- button cycling mic AI noise removal levels
- detachable microphone jack
- USB-C port
- 3.5mm jack
- two separate volume dials:
  - one for game/chat mix
  - another for volume/EQ when pressed
Right earcup:
- power button (also Bluetooth pairing)
- mic mute switch
Worst mic mute switch ever (deal breaker #2):
- tiny recessed dip switch with no useful tactile/visual feedback
- requires long fingernails or a flathead screwdriver
- reviewer can’t tell if the mic is muted

Weight comparison:
- Original Maxwells: 508g
- Maxwell 2: 560g (reviewer says over 10% heavier)
Comfort issues:
- Headband adjustment uses an (almost permanently attached) strap/leather-like material with limited size adjustments
- clamping pressure is too weak, causing the headset to slide off with normal head movement (leaning back makes it slip off repeatedly)
- Reviewer states it’s not comfortable to game with

Price mentioned for Maxwell 2: £339
Heavy comparison against Sony H92s:
- Sony H92s are £39 less than Maxwell 2 (when not on sale)
- Sony H92s are credited with:
  - broadcast quality microphone
  - much better comfort
  - more immersive/moving listening experience
  - active noise cancellation (Maxwell 2 mentioned as lacking it / not providing it similarly)
Reviewer conclusion:
- cannot recommend Maxwell 2
- H92s are still the best gaming headset available (per their claim)

Microphone quality is disappointing (compressed/tiny/harsh highs)
AI noise reduction seems to worsen quality and can cause clipping
No simultaneous audio, and Bluetooth can disconnect/drop 2.4GHz game audio
Mic mute switch is poorly designed (hard to operate, no feedback)
Heavy (560g) and comfort/clamping is bad (slides off during head movement)
Poor value vs Sony H92s considering:
- price
- missing/underperforming features (notably mic quality and comfort)
- also ANC mentioned

Despite exceptional sound quality—especially for gaming, the reviewer says dealbreaking issues (microphone, connectivity behavior, mic mute usability, and comfort/weight) make the Audeze Maxwell 2 not recommendable.
They strongly prefer Sony H92s as the better overall premium gaming headset experience.

Do not recommend Audeze Maxwell 2 for the reviewer’s use case (gaming + comms + comfort).
Recommend Sony H92s instead (described as “still hands down the best gaming headset available” by the reviewer).

Single speaker / main reviewer: provides the full evaluation, comparisons, deal-breakers, and conclusion.