This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:24:26
The video provides a comprehensive review of the Audeze Maxwell, a wireless planar magnetic gaming headset priced at $300. Andrew from headphones.com introduces the headset, highlighting its features and versions compatible with both Xbox and PlayStation systems. The headset offers Bluetooth, USB-C, and 3.5mm connectivity options, with a sturdy and professional design suitable for both gaming and office use.
Key features include a detachable microphone, which, while adequate for in-game communication, falls short compared to higher-end alternatives. The headset lacks active noise canceling but compensates with filter technology improving audio clarity. Its weight is notable at around 500 grams but boasts an impressive 80-hour battery life.
The review heavily focuses on sound quality, praising the Maxwell for its best-tuned audio to date from Audeze, achieving a neutral sound signature with a bass boost, closely aligned with the 2018 Harman over-ear target. Despite some minor sound preferences, the Maxwell excels without requiring extensive EQ adjustments and outperforms many gaming headsets in tonal balance and clarity.
Though the Maxwell's soundstage is described as intimate, its performance in gaming modes like footsteps and competition presets is highlighted. Compared favorably to previous Audeze models, the Maxwell stands out for its tuning and noise isolation, making it a strong recommendation for users seeking high-quality sound and versatility in a heavier headset.
Concluding the review, the speaker encourages viewers to explore additional resources, including a forum thread, audio samples, written articles, and a Discord community for further engagement.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, Andrew from headphones.com introduces the Odyssey Maxwell, an over-ear, closed-back, wireless planar magnetic gaming headset priced at $300. He highlights its key features, including a detachable microphone, mic mute button, volume controls, 3.5mm and USB-C inputs, and a wireless dongle for low latency. Notably, the headset lacks active noise canceling but includes filter technology to improve audio clarity through the microphone. There are different versions of the headset, with the Xbox version offering a Dolby Atmos license and the PlayStation version providing Tempest 3D. Andrew also mentions that the 3.5mm input is for convenience and may not offer significant synergy with high-end audio equipment.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the speaker explains the wireless functionalities of a specific headphone, mentioning that it supports Bluetooth, USB-C, and a 3.5mm jack for convenience. They emphasize the importance of downloading the “Odyssey HQ” app and updating the firmware for both the headset and dongle to ensure optimal performance and sound quality improvements. PC users are advised to use the USB dongle on a dedicated USB controller to avoid issues like audio distortion caused by bandwidth saturation. The segment also critiques the headset’s build quality, praising its sturdy and sleek design without gaudy features. It is highlighted as a professional-looking device suitable for office use, with ergonomic design features like a cup swivel, adjustable leather strap, and large cushioned ear pads.
00:06:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the comfort and weight of planar magnetic headphones. These headphones tend to be heavier due to their larger driver structures, weighing around 500 grams. While the overall comfort is reported as good, the added weight can be a downside for those used to lighter gaming headsets, especially during long, competitive sessions. The speaker mentions they had to switch to lighter headphones in the past due to this issue. However, the weight distribution of these specific headphones is managed well, making them comfortable for less intense use.
The battery life is highlighted as impressive, with a rated 80 hours of usage. The speaker notes that the headphones rarely needed charging and would quickly recharge in about 20 minutes.
Additionally, the speaker evaluates the microphone quality, stating that it is adequate for in-game communication but not exceptional. They compare it unfavorably to other headset microphones like the Sennheiser PC38X and note it is inferior to dedicated microphones. Despite this, they consider the microphone sufficient for its intended purpose.
00:09:00
In this segment, the speaker discusses two main features: side tone and noise suppression. Side tone allows users to hear their ambient environment through their headphones, which can be toggled using buttons or customized using the Odyssey HQ app. However, the speaker finds it produces an unwanted noise and wouldn’t use it often. The standout feature is Odyssey’s filter technology, which effectively filters out ambient sound, allowing clear voice transmission even in noisy environments. The speaker performs tests with pink noise and crinkling a bag, demonstrating that noise suppression, even at a low level, significantly reduces background noise, albeit with some degradation in microphone quality.
00:12:00
In this segment, the speaker evaluates the sound quality of the Odyssey Maxwell headphones, focusing on performance for both music and gaming. They highlight that while traditional Odyssey headphones are known for technical excellence but lack in tuning, the Maxwell stands out as the best-tuned headphone Odyssey has produced. Priced at $300, it is positioned as a top contender among closed-back headphones due to its exceptional tonal balance achieved through digital signal processing. The Maxwell’s default sound signature is described as neutral with a bass boost, aligning closely with the 2018 Harman over-ear headphone target. The segment emphasizes the clarity of sound provided by the Maxwell, especially in comparison to traditional gaming headsets, attributing this to its strong presence around the 3kHz frequency range.
00:15:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses how to read headphone measurements and their preferences regarding certain sound qualities. They highlight minor quirks in the headphone’s sound, such as preferring slightly less energy at 3K and a more sub-bass-focused output. Despite these preferences, they commend the Maxwell headphones for not requiring EQ adjustments for satisfying the majority of listeners. The speaker explains that the Odyssey HQ app offers various presets, including treble and bass boosts, an immersive mode, competitive, and footsteps presets. Although custom EQ settings on mobile are basic and missing on PC, the Maxwell performs well without extensive EQ. Subjectively, the Maxwell provides good sound quality for its price, with controlled performance in busy music passages and clear instrument separation, outperforming other headsets and some wired headphones in similar price ranges.
00:18:00
In this part of the video, the reviewer discusses the performance and characteristics of the Audeze Maxwell headphones. The Maxwell excels in subjective performance and clarity, but lacks in dynamics, contrast, and physicality typical of planar headphones. Its soundstage is more intimate due to filled mids, and vocals are more prominent. For gaming, the Maxwell’s footsteps and competition presets enhance important audio cues, though it lacks 5.1 surround sound functionality. Immersive and default Odyssey presets are praised for enhancing game audio, though the headphones are relatively heavy. Comparatively, the Maxwell is seen as an improvement over Audeze’s previous gaming headsets like the Mobius and Penrose, offering better execution while maintaining a similar concept.
00:21:00
In this segment, the speaker discusses the strengths of the Maxwell headphones, emphasizing their excellent sound quality and suitability for both gaming and music enthusiasts. They highlight that the Maxwell outperforms many other gaming headsets, including the Penrose, in terms of tuning and reduced issues. The Maxwell is appreciated for its versatility, serving as a robust wireless Bluetooth headset with great passive noise isolation, even though it lacks active noise canceling. The speaker strongly recommends the Maxwell, particularly for users comfortable with a heavier headset, noting its outstanding integration and value for the price. They consider it potentially a generational product, rare in its excellence.
00:24:00
In this part of the video, the speaker wraps up by directing viewers to additional resources. They mention that more data is available via a linked forum thread in the description and recommend checking out audio files and written articles on headphones.com. Viewers are also encouraged to join a linked Discord community to connect with the speaker and other audio enthusiasts. The segment ends with a farewell.