Today, we’re diving into the world of gaming headsets, comparing two major players: the Audeze Maxwell and the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro, both priced at $299. While they share the same price point and aim to deliver an immersive gaming experience, their approaches differ significantly. This article will break down the differences and similarities to help you make an informed decision.
What’s In The Box?
| Audeze Maxwell | Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro |
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Look and Feel
The Audeze Maxwell weighs 450 grams and features a suspension headband to distribute the weight. The ear pads are soft with moderate clamping pressure, offering a snug fit. The button layout is intuitive, with precise and responsive controls. The detachable microphone and wireless functionality add to its modern appeal, despite its somewhat heavy and convoluted design.
In contrast, the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro boasts high build quality with aluminum yokes and velour ear cushions. The clamping style might feel tight for some, but it ensures comfort during long gaming sessions. However, its wired design, non-detachable mic, and bulky cable system make it a bit more cumbersome compared to the Maxwell.
Design, Battery, Bluetooth, and Specs
The Maxwell impresses with an 80-hour battery life and quick charge capabilities. It connects seamlessly via a USB-C dongle or Bluetooth. The transparency mode and detachable boom mic deliver excellent clarity, and the 90mm planar driver ensures powerful and clean low-end reproduction. It supports high-resolution audio formats like LDAC, providing strong passive isolation even without active noise cancellation (ANC).
The MMX 300 Pro features the 45mm STELLAR.45 driver for studio-quality sound. It performs best on a PC due to the volume limitations of the 3.5mm connector. The cardioid condenser microphone provides clear chat audio, ideal for communication during gameplay.
Soundstage & Imaging
The Maxwell excels with its 3D Audio compatibility, offering an expansive and detailed soundstage that enhances the gaming experience by allowing precise pinpointing of sounds. This feature is particularly useful in competitive shooters.
The MMX 300 Pro delivers a realistic soundstage with a natural stereo field, suitable for both competitive and atmospheric gaming experiences. Its more natural soundstaging makes it versatile for both music and gaming.
Sound Impressions
The Maxwell features a V-shaped tuning, emphasizing the bass and treble while slightly recessing the mids. This results in thunderous sub-bass, crisp sound effects, and detailed imaging. I was deeply impressed with its ability to parse out layers of sound during busy moments in games. But while this tuning is excellent for gaming, it can feel unnatural for certain music genres.
The MMX 300 Pro offers a balanced bass response with a theatrical tone, enhancing the gaming experience with smooth and textured low frequencies. The midrange is clear and neutral, providing ample space for sound effects. The highs are subdued by Beyerdynamic’s standards, but overall, they add a tactile feel that provides traditional detail in a way that the Maxwell can’t.
Final Thoughts
Both the Audeze Maxwell and Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro offer excellent but different features. For gamers prioritizing 3D sound immersion and wireless convenience, the Maxwell is the better choice. However, the MMX 300 Pro is more versatile, performing well for both gaming and music. Ultimately, it’s great to see audio companies providing a range of gaming solutions to suit different preferences.
The Audeze Maxwell and Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro are available at Audio46.Â
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