Audeze Maxwell Headset User Guide
Audeze Maxwell Headset User Guide
The Audeze Maxwell Wireless Gaming Headset is the culmination of years of gaming headphone production and experience, and
represents the next leap forward in Audeze gaming headphones. Maxwell features Audeze’s legendary planar magnetic drivers,
tough-wearing industrial materials, bleeding edge tech with its AI noise filtration, and exceptional comfort for an incredible gaming
experience.
Table of Contents
Getting Started
To update to the latest firmware, please visit the Firmware Updates section.
Your Maxwell has an expected battery lifespan of 80+ hours (at 80dB listening level). We recommend fully charging your Maxwell
before first use via any 5v USB source. Maxwell supports 1.8 Amp fast chargers and will be capable of 20 to 30 hours of charge time
in 20 minutes .
Power on your Maxwell by holding down the power button on the front cup for 3 seconds (Audio cue: Power On). Your Maxwell will
automatically connect to the first connected source in the connection priority.
Maxwell will connect to the dongle out of the box as long as it’s plugged into a compatible device and the switch on the dongle is set
to the appropriate mode for that device (Audio cue: Connected).
To turn the microphone on or off, use the toggle switch on the outside of the left earcup (up is on, down is off).
Bluetooth Connection
Pairing via Bluetooth is similar on most platforms. To put your Maxwell into Bluetooth pairing mode, just double tap the power
button (Audio cue: Pairing).
Maxwell supports swift pair on Windows and quick pair on Android phones. Simply put your Maxwell into pairing mode near your
Windows machine or Android phone and it should prompt you to pair automatically.
Note: When pairing to any device, do not select “Audeze Maxwell BLE”. This refers to the low energy mode and is not the correct
device for initial pairing.
Windows
From Windows settings, go to Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Add Device. Click “Bluetooth” and then “Audeze Maxwell BT”
from the device menu.
Mac
From the desktop, click the control panel icon at the top right
corner. Click the Bluetooth button, then click “Bluetooth
Preferences” on the following window. On the Bluetooth
Settings window, click the “Connect” button adjacent to
“Audeze Maxwell BT”.
Android
Go to Settings > Bluetooth. With our Maxwell in pairing mode it will show in the devices list:
iOS
Go to Settings > Bluetooth. With our Maxwell in pairing mode it will show in the devices list:
USB Connection
Your Maxwell will automatically switch to USB mode (Audio cue: USB) when a USB cable is plugged into the port on your
headphones with an active data connection. USB mode supports 24bit/96khz lossless hi-res audio on compatible systems.
If you want to charge your Maxwell PlayStation while using it in Bluetooth mode, you’ll need to plug it in to a power only USB port like
a wall wart charger (a USB Condom will also work for charging on sources with a data connection).
Maxwell has compatibility with iOS products via wired USB while using them with official Apple adapters. Compatibility cannot be
guaranteed with other adapters.
AUX Connection
Maxwell will automatically switch to AUX mode when an AUX cable is plugged into the correct port on your headphones. PLEASE
NOTE: There are two AUX in ports on your headphones, the AUX in port is the one at the bottom of the headphones nearer to the
volume wheels. The recessed port at the front of the headphones is for the Boom mic only.
When using your dongle on your preferred console, the switch on the side of the dongle must be set to the appropriate setting for full
functionality. To set the dongle, unplug it from your source device and flip the switch to PS or Xbox (depending on the version you
own) and plug it back in. Your Maxwell will automatically reconnect to the dongle if it’s detected (Audio cue: USB Dongle).
Here are the instructions for pairing a new Maxwell dongle to your headset (or re-pair an existing dongle).
Plug your dongle into your PC or Mac machine. Download and install the Audeze HQ software for Mac or Windows (v80 or higher).
From the "Settings" tab in the software, you'll see a button that says "Pair Dongle" (if your dongle is already paired to your headset,
you'll have to power your headset OFF before the button will show).
When you click the Pair Dongle button, a new prompt will appear. Follow all on screen instructions to finish dongle pairing.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you're currently on firmware version [Link] or lower, you need to hold down the noise reduction button as
you triple-tap the power button to put your headset in pairing mode.
Hardware fallback:
In case the above pairing instructions do not work, you can re-pair using a button on the dongle.
Firmware v46 or lower: Insert a paperclip into the small hold on the side of the dongle until you see the dongle's LED begin to flash.
Once the LED is flashing, hold down the noise reduction button on the front of your headset, and then while holding that button down,
press the power button three times in quick succession (it may take a few moments for pairing to occur) You'll hear a "pairing" voice
prompt.
Firmware v49 or higher: Insert a paperclip into the small hold on the side of your dongle and click the button once. Once the LED
begins to flash, triple tap the power button on your headset. You'll hear a "pairing" voice prompt in the headset.
Your headset may power off and power back on after it re-pairs.
Note on the “PC” dongle setting
The PC mode on the dongle should be used for all other devices, including other consoles like the Nintendo Switch, Steam
Deck, etc. as well as PC and Mac. The PS and Xbox modes are specifically tailored to those consoles and PC mode will give
you the best functionality on other devices.
The wireless dongle that comes with your Maxwell offers ultra low latency playback, very robust wireless transmission strength and
hi-res audio. For devices that support Bluetooth LE Audio, the dongle is not required for low latency playback as long as LE Audio
enabled on your device (currently this option is in the Developer Options menu on Android. This is a part of the new Bluetooth 5.3
protocol that will become available on more Android devices in the future, for more information on setup, see the Advanced Bluetooth
Function section).
Simultaneous Audio
Your Maxwell chooses its connection automatically based on available connection types. If a wired connection source is active while
using Maxwell via Bluetooth, it will attempt to play through both audio sources. Please note that simultaneous audio through any
connection type while a Dongle connection is active, or through two simultaneous wired connections (USB+AUX) is not
possible.
Note on charging while using the dongle: The USB dongle must be unplugged before the USB cable will function via wired
connection. If you wish to charge your Maxwell while wired USB while listening to a dongle source, the USB cable must be plugged
into its wired source BEFORE you plug in the dongle. You can also use a USB condom or a power-only (no data) usb charging brick.
Note on Mic usage during simultaneous audio: If you’re using Maxwell wired via USB + Bluetooth simultaneously, the mic will
prioritize the Bluetooth connection for input. The mic will work through USB only while Bluetooth is not active. If your BT source
plays audio, the mic will only work on the Bluetooth connection.
Game/Chat mixer and PC Setup
Maxwell features an on-board game/chat mixer wheel for use on compatible platforms. For Xbox, the game/chat mixer is integrated
into the console’s party chat feature and will work out of the box. For PC and Mac, the chat mixer wheel uses two endpoint audio
devices to separate the game and chat channels for individual control.
These audio devices can be selected as the primary or secondary audio devices using your machine’s audio settings. For more
specific instructions on how to set up this function, see our support article.
Adjusting the game/chat wheel on your headphones or in the app changes the relative volume levels of these two endpoints,
meaning that you can make the chat channel louder or quieter compared to the game channel by scrolling the wheel up or down.
The dual endpoint method of game/chat mix is available on PC and Mac platforms on all connection methods except 3.5mm AUX.
On other platforms that don’t support two simultaneous audio outputs like PS5 or Nintendo Switch, game/chat mix will have to be
adjusted manually through system settings on the source device (see Xbox and PlayStation Setup sections for more info on platform
specific setup).
PlayStation Setup
Maxwell is compatible on PS4 and PS5 using the USB Dongle (into the console USB ports), wired USB connection (into the console
USB ports), or via 3.5mm AUX connection (into the controller). On PS5, you can connect the dongle or cable via the USB-C port on
the front or any USB-A port using the included adapter.
Maxwell will show as one of two devices depending on the connection method used:
Note on PlayStation Game/Chat mix: Due to the complexity of the system, Sony has not made the game/chat functionality
publicly available for third party headphones and the built-in game/chat interface on your headphones will not work with
PlayStation’s chat features. You will need to adjust game/chat balance from the quick menu.
Note on system volume controls: These controls are not tied to Maxwell’s on-board volume controls. We recommend
leaving this setting close to max and fine-tuning the volume from the headphones themselves to give yourself the maximum
headroom and gain control. The lower this setting is, the less volume you’ll have to play with on Maxwell’s own physical
volume control.
Here a brief explanation on PS5 system audio settings:
Audio Output
Switch Output Device Automatically - With this setting, toggling it on will allow the Playstation to switch automatically to the
Maxwell as soon as it is connected.
Output To Headphones - You can either set this to ‘All Audio’ or ‘Voice Chat Audio’. Self explanatory. If you wish to hear all
audio coming from the Playstation set it to ‘All Audio’. If you only wish to hear your party chat, set it to ‘Voice Chat Audio’. For
the vast majority of users, you will want to leave this on ‘All Audio’.
Mono Audio For Headphones - If you have any hearing issues or want to hear all incoming audio on both ears, you can
toggle this on.
Note: You will get no positional/directional audio cues with this setting, as this will force both sides of your headphones to play
the exact same audio at the exact same volume.
Microphone
Mic Level - Adjusts how loud your microphone is for other users. This should be set to a balanced level.
Note: Maxwell uses automatic gain control to help automatically optimize the mic volume levels, so adjust your mic levels
accordingly.
3D Audio Settings
These settings are used for customizing Sony’s Tempest 3D audio engine.
Enable 3D Audio For Headphones - Off means Maxwell is set to basic stereo output. Toggling this on will enable spatial 3D
audio virtual surround on Maxwell.
Adjust 3D Audio Profile - Here you can select between 5 types, all which have varying heights. Choose whichever sounds
closest to your ear level for the optimal 3D audio experience.
Listen and Compare - Here you can quickly switch between a test of basic stereo, and 3D audio enabled.
Xbox Setup
Maxwell is compatible with Xbox One consoles and Xbox Series S|X using the USB Dongle (into the console USB ports with the
included USB-C to A extension), or via 3.5mm AUX connection (into the controller).
Quick Access Menu
Most Xbox Series S|X audio settings can be accessed through the quick menu. You can access it by pressing the
Xbox button on your controller, then navigating to the speaker icon for “Audio & music”. You can quickly and easily
change the output device, volume levels and game/chat mix through this function, as well as enable mic monitoring.
We recommend using the built-in sidetone function of your Maxwell for the best performance.
You can also access a shortcut to the Dolby Access app (which may need to be downloaded separately in the Xbox
Store). Your Maxwell comes with a license that will automatically be active while the headset is in use on Xbox and
PC, but the function will need to be enabled through your console options.
Note on system volume controls: These controls are not tied to Maxwell’s on-board volume controls. We
recommend leaving this setting close to max and fine-tuning the volume from the headphones themselves to give
yourself the maximum headroom and gain control. The lower this setting is, the less volume you’ll have to play with on
Maxwell’s own physical volume control.
Additionally, while you can adjust the volume of the Headset chat mixer with the chat scroll wheel on your
headphones, this option is only configurable on the Xbox menu while you are in a party chat.
Speaker audio - This option will allow you to set the preferred audio format. You can choose between spatial audio or
Stereo uncompressed. We recommend selecting Dolby Atmos to utilize the Atmos license embedded in the Maxwell
for Xbox headset.
Headset audio - This option can be configured for several different 3d audio spatialization or PCM audio options.
You’ll need to enable “Dolby Atmos for Headphones” to take advantage of the built-in Atmos license on your
headphones (settings for this can be configured through the Dolby Access app)
Additional options
Mute speaker audio when headset attached - Checking this option will disable your TV or sound system speakers.
Unchecking this option will allow simultaneous audio through both your speakers and headphones.
Chat mixer - This option will allow you to select the default chat audio mixing. You can choose among four options:
Mute all other sounds, reduce volume of other sounds by 80%, reduce volume of other sounds by 50%, and Do
nothing.
Party chat output - This option toggles between your speakers and headset for party chat audio. Select Headset to
listen to your party chat audio via Maxwell.
Dolby Atmos spatial audio configuration
Open the Dolby Atmos app either via the Xbox audio settings or directly via your Games & Apps list.
Products - This menu show your current Atmos configuration. This should be set to Dolby Atmos for headphones for
use with Maxwell:
Settings - This menu will allow you to configure your EQ options (note that these are separate from the EQ profiles on
the Maxwell headset). Here you can choose pre-configured Game, Movie, Music options each with Intelligent
equalizer options for your preference, as well as three custom profiles for fine tuning your own Equalization. We
recommend keeping these settings on the default EQ values
Firmware Updates
You can update the firmware using the Audeze HQ application. The latest versions can be found on our software page here:
[Link]
PC/Mac app:
1. From the HQ app, navigate to the settings tab. From there, while the dongle is plugged in, press the “update dongle” button.
2. Unplug the dongle and plug in Maxwell via wired USB. Click “Update Headset”.
3. Plug the dongle back in, make sure both dongle and headset firmware display that they are up-to-date:
Android app:
1. From the settings menu, if an update is available, simply click “Update Headset”
Please note: Dongle updates are currently not available on Mobile devices. You must update your dongle via the PC
or Mac app to maintain version parity.
Adjusting the Head Strap
To adjust the headband strap length, pull the strap straight off of the set screws. You do not need to remove the screws to adjust the
strap length. Line up the holes of the appropriate adjustment level and slide the headband back over the screws. For very large
adjustments, the head strap can be removed entirely and the upper band is cushioned to give more headroom for those blessed with
an extra large brain.
Attaching/Detaching Earpads
Maxwell comes with detachable earpads for quick swapping between new sets. To detach the earpads, pinch one side of the cushion
and rotate the pad clockwise. It should click out of the bracket and you can pull it straight off. To attach a new set of earpads, make
sure you use the appropriate side (L or R) and that the earpads have the correct side up. Slot the cutouts of the plastic retention ring
to the “feet” on the headphones and then rotate the earpad counter-clockwise until it clicks into place.
Sidetone
Maxwell features a “sidetone” functionality (also known as mic monitoring) that lets you hear your voice in real time by playing back
the mic audio in your headphones. This lets you adjust your voice and hear what others are hearing from your mic.
To toggle the sidetone on or off, double-click the game/chat wheel (Audio Cue: Sidetone on, Sidetone off)
To adjust the sidetone volume, single-press and scroll the game/chat wheel up or down (Audio Cue: Sidetone). You will hear a low
boop sound when you reach minimum sidetone volume, and a higher pitched beep when you reach max sidetone volume. The wheel
will revert to its normal function after a few seconds if the wheel is not adjusted.
Media controls
In Bluetooth, wired USB, and wireless dongle modes you can control your media using on-board media controls:
Control Function
Power Button - Single press (call incoming) Answer call, End call
Maxwell has several on-board EQ settings, as well as 4 programmable EQ slots for custom equalizations. You can use the Audeze
HQ software to both select EQ presets and program in new presets.
To change the EQ presets on-the-fly, you can double tap the headset volume wheel (Audio Cue: EQ). Scrolling the wheel up or down
will toggle through the available EQ presets (Audio Cue: Competition, Footsteps, Immersive, Bass Boost, Treble Boost, Audeze,
EQ1, EQ2, EQ3, EQ4)
Audeze This is our default EQ curve. Our engineers tuned Maxwell with this “house
sound” in mind, and it brings out the most rounded and well-tuned
experience for your headphones.
Bass Boost This EQ curve applies a bass shelf, and relaxes the upper midrange, for a
warm, punchy sound inspired by vintage Audeze headphones.
Competition This EQ curve brings forward details in the midrange and lower treble, and
lessens bass from explosions and effects that can otherwise overwhlem
critical game actions.
EQ1, EQ2, EQ3, EQ4 These are blank EQ profiles that can be programmed using the Audeze HQ
app to make your own tailored audio experiences.
You can program one of the 4 customizable EQ presets via the Audeze HQ app to suit your personal preferences when it
comes to your audio experience. These EQ presets are saved onto the headset for on-the-fly switching using the switching
method detailed above.
Mobile app:
EQ Profiles can be saved to one of the four preset slots on your headphones by going to
the option menu in the upper right corner and selecting “Equalizer”
Note: Music must be playing while EQ adjustments are done.
PC/Mac:
On PC and Mac, EQ values can be changed by first selecting one of the user Preset options on the main page. These
changes will be automatically saved to the corresponding preset profile and will be active when switched to that EQ mode.
Settings tab in Audeze HQ
Auto-Shutdown
The auto-shutdown feature found in the settings tab of HQ can be used to turn off the headphones automatically after it
detects a period of inactivity. Please note that this feature ONLY works on the wireless modes (Bluetooth and wireless
dongle).
Voice Prompts
The voice prompts slider will set the level of the automated voice cues (power on, power off, EQ callouts, etc.)
Factory Reset
This feature can be used to rest all settings and EQ values from your headphones and reestablish the connection. It will NOT
roll the firmware version back to the factory default.
Volume Limiter
To comply with EU regulations, the volume limiter slider limits the overall output volume of the headset to a safe listening
range. This slider can be turned on or off to suit your volume preferences but does not otherwise affect performance.
Maxwell uses Audeze’s innovative FILTER A.I. noise reduction technology to selectively filter out and eliminate background noise
from your environment. The processing is done via an integrated chip, without extra software required for extremely low performance
overhead. This gives you the benefits of advanced noise filtration without the extra cost to system performance. The noise filtration is
trained on over 500,000 different types of noise. The noise suppression function works with both the internal and external boom
microphones.
You can watch a short demonstration of the capabilities of the FILTER A.I. technology using Maxwell here.
To enable the A.I. Noise filtration, single tap the A.I Noise Suppression button to cycle between the three modes (Voice Cue: Noise
suppression off, noise suppression low, noise suppression high).
Microphones
Maxwell features several different microphones to give you the maximum performance and flexibility.
Boom Mic
The detachable Shure designed boom microphone gives you the maximum voice quality and clarity. It features a max SPL of
more than 140dB and built-in noise filters that reduce up to an additional 20dB of background sound.
For the best performance, we recommend setting the boom mic capsule about 2 inches from your mouth, just below your
bottom lip with the mic facing forward (if the pop filter is removed, the silver grille should be facing towards your mouth).
The boom mic comes with a foam pop filter preinstalled on the end of the mic capsule. This can be removed for washing or
preference by simply pulling it off the end of the mic.
Internal Mic
When the boom mic is unplugged, Maxwell will automatically switch to the internal microphone for communications. This can
be used for on-the-go conversations or for those that prefer a lower-profile look to their headset.
Beamforming array
Maxwell features a multi-mic beamforming array built into the earcups. These mics help triangulate and narrow down the
area of mic pickup to a narrow cone in front of your face. This helps eliminate pickup from other sources like keyboards, noisy
children, hurricanes, and other nuisances and greatly enhances voice quality.
The Maxwell microphones (both internal and boom mic) can be disabled by switching the mute switch on the left earcup to the
DOWN position at any time.
Connection Priority
Maxwell uses a dynamic connection priority system to automatically output audio from your audio sources. Due to the complex
nature of these interactions, priority differs slightly depending on the sources available and which mode the dongle is in.
1. AUX has first priority, but Bluetooth audio can be played simultaneously
2. Bluetooth has next priority. If the dongle is plugged in and the dongle is in use, any Bluetooth audio will interrupt the dongle
audio stream.
3. Dongle audio
4. USB wired (can be used simultaneously with Bluetooth)
NOTE: Some instability can occur if switching between devices rapidly. AUX connection should be plugged or unplugged while the
headphones are powered off to ensure stability while switching.
Most versions of Android will tell you which codec is currently in use in your Bluetooth device menu:
Your Maxwell will automatically use the highest quality Bluetooth codec available, however, in some cases to enable the high
quality LDAC or LC3 codecs (for Android phones that support them), you may need to navigate to your phone’s developer
settings.
This process varies from phone to phone, so the instructions below may vary slightly on your device and you’ll need to reach
out to your device manufacturer for more precise instructions, but the process is generally as follows:
Maxwell is compatible with advanced Bluetooth multipoint functionality, allowing it to switch seamlessly between multiple
paired Bluetooth devices and allows you to answer incoming calls easily by pressing the power button once when a call is
incoming. This puts a primary call on hold when a second incoming call is answered.
Multipoint should work out of the box once you’ve paired your Maxwell to two compatible Bluetooth devices. Switching
between audio is as simple as stopping playback on one and starting it on the other device.
The LED indicator light on the left earcup will tell you the current status of your Maxwell:
● If the headphones have excessive pressure put on the earpads without a means for the air inside the ear cups to escape
(such as dropping them on a flat surface, or pushing them down quickly while they’re on the users head), the pressure bubble
created by trapped air volume inside of the ear pads can damage the diaphragm. This type of damage is not covered by
warranty.
We recommend putting your headphones on slowly without pressing them down, giving the pressure time to equalize
naturally. You can read more about the unique diaphragm materials of planar magnetic headphones in our support article
here.
● To prevent possible hearing damage, do not listen at high volume levels for long periods. Also, higher volume may cause
distortion. We recommend using your headphones at a comfortable, moderate volume level.
● Turn the volume down on your device before placing the headphones in/on your ears, then turn the volume up gradually until
you reach a comfortable listening level.
● An alarm (beep), warning tone, will sound when the volume is increased to maximum. This is meant to protect your ears when
you raise the volume setting beyond a specific level.
● Do NOT use your headphones while driving for phone calls or any other purpose.
● Use this product only with an agency approved power supply which meets local regulatory requirements (e.g., UL, CSA, VDE,
CCC).
● Do NOT make unauthorized alterations to this product. (e.g. remove the Li-ion polymer rechargeable battery from this product
and install an after-market battery by yourself.) This could result in a potential battery explosion risk or premature failure of
your headphones, which are not covered by warranty.
● Do NOT expose products containing batteries to excessive heat (e.g. from storage in direct sunlight, fire or the like)
● This product contains magnetic material. Consult your physician on whether this might affect your implantable medical device.