Compare Razer BlackShark V3 Pro vs Audeze Maxwell 2

Reviewers broadly praised the headset for strong gaming sound, with several calling it fantastic or greatly improved, while a few found it less convincing for music or all-around use.

The Maxwell 2’s planar drivers deliver exceptional clarity, detail, and resolution across games and music, making sound quality its most consistent strength. A few listeners prefer a more visceral or less analytical presentation, but fidelity is overwhelmingly praised.

ANC drew strong praise from many reviewers for blocking fans, AC, transit, or household noise, but some found it weaker or dependent on seal and pad design.

The standard launch model does not include ANC, and several buyers see that as a notable omission at this price. Some specifically suggest waiting for the announced ANC version if active isolation matters.

Footstep scaling divided reviewers: some liked it as a competitive extra, while others found it gimmicky, game-dependent, or disruptive to other sounds.

Competitive cues such as footsteps remain clear even when explosions and other low-frequency effects pile up. That cue separation gives the headset a strong advantage in shooters.

Frequency response was seen as improved but imperfect, with good tonal accuracy or enjoyable tuning offset by V-shaped balance and treble/bass issues.

The tuning is widely described as balanced, natural, and reference-like rather than heavily colored. That accuracy suits detail-focused listening, though bass- or excitement-seeking users may want EQ.

Passive isolation was mixed because the cloth pads and fit can leak noise, though one reviewer thought passive isolation was enough for typical gaming.

The plush closed-back pads form a strong passive seal that blocks keyboards, chatter, and other everyday noise well. That isolation is useful at a desk, though people who prefer hearing their surroundings may find it too closed off.

Soundstage impressions were mostly positive for gaming, with reviewers hearing wider or more open presentation, though one found it narrower and another said it was not open-back wide.

The closed-back design still produces an unusually spacious stereo field with convincing width and depth. Games and layered music benefit from the open-feeling presentation and easy placement of sounds.

Bass was generally viewed as punchy and useful for games, though some reviewers said it was only above average, too boosted, or not a true bass-monster.

Bass is clean, tight, and well controlled, yet opinions split on how much physical sub-bass slam it delivers. EQ and firmware updates can add weight without much distortion, but some listeners still find deep rumble too restrained.

Spatial audio was usually positive for immersion and positional depth, though some reviewers preferred stereo for competitive play or found ANC narrowed the presentation.

Native stereo imaging is already so precise that spatial processing can be impressive without being essential. Dolby Atmos or platform 3D modes can add immersion, though at least one listener preferred the natural stereo presentation.

Positional audio was a standout strength, with reviewers repeatedly locating footsteps, gunshots, enemies, and environmental cues accurately.

Directional imaging is exceptional and one of the Maxwell 2’s defining strengths. Footsteps, reloads, vertical movement, and distant effects are easy to locate even in crowded competitive mixes.

Mic noise reduction was highly variable, from excellent background suppression to complaints about weak rejection or EQ/noise tools changing the voice tone.

FILTER noise reduction can suppress keyboards and loud background sounds effectively, especially on lower settings. Stronger processing can raise volume, clip, compress, or robotize the voice, so the best setting depends on the environment.

Multipoint and simultaneous audio reliability was mostly strong, with reviewers noting calls and dual-device mixing worked well; one found the switching implementation clunky.

This is one of the clearest drawbacks: the Maxwell 2 cannot mix Bluetooth and 2.4GHz dongle audio at the same time. Bluetooth can coexist with wired USB or analog audio, but fully wireless two-source use remains awkward.

Earpad replacement evidence was limited but mildly positive because removable pads support repairability, even if the clip mechanism could be better.

Magnetic earpads pop on and off with very little effort, making replacement and aftermarket swaps unusually convenient. This is widely treated as a meaningful quality-of-life improvement.

Value was sharply split: some reviewers said the premium was justified or competitive, while others preferred cheaper V2 or non-Pro alternatives.

The premium price is easier to justify for buyers prioritizing top-tier sound, battery life, and build quality. Value drops sharply for original-Maxwell owners, since many reviews see the second generation as a modest sidegrade rather than a must-have upgrade.

Fit and seal were mixed: one reviewer liked the seal, while SoundGuys found the yoke and fabric made a reliable seal difficult.

The larger pads usually create a secure over-ear seal that supports bass and passive isolation, but the headset’s mass can make it shift or slide during head movement. Fit therefore depends heavily on head shape and strap position.

Preset EQ evidence was negative from SoundGuys, especially for the Music preset, which they said worsened balance and listening quality.

The included presets offer useful starting points for immersive listening, bass boost, and competitive play. Their usefulness varies by game, and some users prefer custom EQ because certain presets do not change key cues enough.

Headband adjustment had limited positive evidence, with one reviewer finding the sliding earcup mechanism refreshingly different and effective.

The fixed-hole suspension strap holds its setting securely but is cumbersome to adjust and offers limited fine tuning. Users between sizes or sharing the headset may find the three-position approach especially frustrating.

The added swivel/rotation was welcomed as a comfort and fit improvement, even if the headset still does not rotate fully flat.

The reduced swivel is a step backward for storage and around-the-neck use. The cups no longer rotate fully flat, making the headset bulkier to pack than the original Maxwell.

Detachable microphone convenience had limited evidence and was mildly negative because one reviewer disliked detachable mic design as a personal preference.

The removable boom mic is handy for solo play, videos, travel, or public use because it reduces clutter when voice chat is unnecessary. It also makes the headset look less overtly gaming-focused.

Portability was weak because the headset does not fold or rotate flat and is not ideal for travel or handheld setups with the dongle.

Portability is poor for such a large, heavy headset. The cups do not fold or lie fully flat, so travel and compact storage are noticeably less convenient.

Multi-platform compatibility had limited but very positive evidence, with one reviewer saying it could cover an entire gaming ecosystem.

PC, PlayStation, Switch, Mac, and mobile coverage is broad, with the correct console model extending support to Xbox or PlayStation. Moving between devices is generally easy once the connection method is configured.

Ear cup padding was praised for breathability, sweat control, and softness, though one reviewer found the pads getting warm after about an hour.

The large, plush earpads are generally soft, roomy, and supportive, with enough space for full over-ear fit. Heat buildup varies by user, but padding quality itself is usually praised.

Treble was the most repeated audio caveat: several reviewers found harshness, distortion, spiky peaks, or fatiguing high-end energy despite some tunability.

The top end is detailed and airy for many listeners, adding definition without masking the mids. Others hear the stock tuning as sharp, sibilant, or metallic enough to become fatiguing over time.

Replaceable ear plates were viewed as easy and potentially cool, but some reviewers considered them limited or not very useful out of the box.

Removable magnetic outer plates add easy cosmetic customization and can shave a little weight when left off. The feature is fun and practical, though the redesigned controls needed to accommodate it are not universally liked.

Midrange comments leaned positive, with reviewers noting natural voices, present mids, and improved accuracy compared with earlier tuning.

Voices, dialogue, instruments, and game effects come through with excellent definition and natural body. The clear, articulate mids also help dense mixes stay intelligible during busy gameplay.

Replaceable earpads had limited positive evidence, with one reviewer noting the pads are user-serviceable.

Replaceable magnetic earpads make long-term maintenance and comfort customization simple. Being able to swap worn or alternative pads extends the headset’s practical life.

Stability was mixed: one reviewer had game-audio reliability issues, while another praised the wireless range and signal performance.

The wireless connection is usually stable at a desk, but physical stability is more mixed because the heavy cups can shift with movement. Some users report no dropouts while others encounter disconnects or sliding fit.

One reviewer found the available volume headroom initially disappointing until changing PC audio settings.

Volume behavior is less consistent than the headset’s overall fidelity. Some users find mobile or wireless output quieter than expected, while others report enough level for normal listening.

Game/chat balance control was praised as an extremely welcome and practical control, especially for quickly shifting focus between chat and gameplay.

The physical game/chat wheel is convenient on supported platforms and gives quick control without opening software. Its usefulness is reduced on PlayStation, where the mix may need to be handled through console settings.

Included accessories had limited positive evidence, with one reviewer appreciating the included 3.5mm cable for passive use.

The box provides the main cables, USB adapter, wireless dongle, and detachable boom mic needed for the supported connection modes. The bundle is practical and makes switching between devices easier.

Instrument separation and detail were praised, especially by reviewers who heard clearer instruments, better tonal separation, and less congestion than older models.

Separation is a standout strength: individual effects, voices, and musical layers remain distinct even when the mix gets chaotic. That clarity is especially useful for competitive shooters and dense music.

Connectivity versatility was a major selling point because reviewers valued Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, USB, analog, simultaneous audio, and broad device flexibility.

The Maxwell 2 covers USB-C dongle, Bluetooth, USB wired, and 3.5mm analog use across many device types. That flexibility is excellent, although the rules for combining sources are more restrictive than the connection list suggests.

Dongle feedback was the clearest hardware complaint: most reviewers disliked the wired/bulky dongle, though one praised its technology and range.

The USB-C dongle delivers responsive low-latency wireless audio, but source priority, mode switching, and occasional connection quirks can make it less seamless than expected. Some users also find its range only average.

Microphone quality was the most divisive feature: some reviewers found it clear or excellent, while others saw it as muffled, stuffy, or a downgrade from V2 Pro.

The detachable boom mic ranges from very clear and near broadcast-like to compressed, distorted, or disappointing depending on software and firmware. In-game chat often fares better than Discord, making mic quality one of the more mixed areas.

Sidetone adjustment was mixed: some reviewers found it fuzzy or unpleasant, while others liked its real-time performance and usability.

Sidetone is adjustable from the headset or app and can be useful for monitoring your voice, with improved behavior over the original in some tests. Opinions vary on its sound and usefulness, so many users leave it low or off.

Wireless latency was one of the strongest technical positives, repeatedly described as ultra-low, imperceptible, and among the fastest available.

Wireless response is consistently quick, with little or no noticeable delay over the 2.4GHz dongle and surprisingly good Bluetooth latency in some tests. It suits fast-paced games well.

Maximum-volume clarity was mixed: one reviewer heard off-sounds at higher volume or peaks, while another heard no crackle or distortion even very loud.

The planar drivers generally stay composed and detailed when pushed louder, with little muddiness or distortion. A few users still encounter harshness or source-dependent limitations at higher levels.

Weight comfort was generally good because the headset does not feel too heavy, though a few reviewers noted lighter alternatives or extra weight from new features.

At roughly 560g, the Maxwell 2 is exceptionally heavy and the weight is its most repeated physical drawback. The wider suspension strap distributes the load better, but many users still notice neck, jaw, or head fatigue during long sessions.

Comfort was one of the strongest consensus positives, with many reviewers wearing it for long sessions without fatigue, pressure, or discomfort.

Comfort is highly fit-dependent. The wider strap and plush pads let some people wear the headset for four to six hours comfortably, while others need breaks after one or two hours because of weight, warmth, or pressure.

Design and aesthetics were highly praised for the aviation-inspired look, premium finish, sleek styling, and recognizable BlackShark identity.

The look is understated, mature, and more audiophile than typical RGB-heavy gaming gear. Some love the premium metal styling and removable plates, while others find the bulky shape plain or generic.

Clamp comfort evidence was limited but positive, with one reviewer appreciating the reduced clamp force for longer wear.

Clamp is usually described as moderate or light enough to avoid excessive ear pressure, and several glasses wearers appreciate the fit. A few users experience more squeeze or instability depending on head shape.

Build quality was strongly praised across reviews, with comments on sturdiness, premium finish, improved robustness, and well-built construction.

Construction is consistently praised as sturdy, premium, and tank-like, with metal components and little creaking or flex. The substantial materials inspire confidence, even though they contribute to the headset’s heavy weight.

Call and chat mic quality was split: PCMag praised Discord clarity after EQ, while other reviewers found it muffled or merely usable.

Call quality can be clear and easy to understand when the microphone behaves normally. It is suitable for everyday voice use, but the headset’s mic performance is more variable than its playback quality.

Physical controls were generally useful and snappy, but reviewers disagreed on usability, with some loving them and others finding buttons hard to distinguish or unintuitive.

The recessed dials and physical controls are generally functional, but the tiny recessed mic-mute switch receives repeated criticism for being hard to find and operate quickly. Multi-function wheels also take some learning.

Bluetooth was consistently valued for simultaneous or extra-device audio, with reviewers calling it a huge win or a blessing despite some implementation quirks.

Bluetooth is convenient and broadly useful for phones and secondary devices, with generally good sound and easy pairing. Its automatic priority over the dongle can interrupt gaming audio, which makes source behavior frustrating for some setups.

Software/setup simplicity was mixed to negative: setup could be easy, but Synapse and mode switching were described as finicky, clunky, or buggy.

Basic pairing and setup can be straightforward, but firmware, dongle modes, and app recognition introduce friction for some owners. The experience ranges from plug-and-play to surprisingly convoluted when troubleshooting is needed.

The companion apps and software were useful for EQ and mobile/PC control, but one reviewer found the app workflow awkward in simultaneous mode.

The redesigned Audeze app is cleaner, faster, and easier to navigate than the old software, with straightforward access to EQ, sidetone, mic filtering, and updates. A few users still encounter connection or recognition quirks.

EQ customization was a major strength, with reviewers praising onboard EQ, 10-band controls, Synapse depth, and game-specific tuning flexibility.

The 10-band EQ is flexible and the planar drivers respond very well to aggressive tuning without falling apart. Multiple custom profiles make it easy to add bass or tailor the sound, though some users want deeper parametric control.

Battery life was mostly praised as long or solid, though some reviewers noted feature use can reduce runtime and that the 70-hour claim is not always the whole story.

Battery life is exceptional, commonly lasting around 80 hours or more and often stretching through a week or two of regular use. It is one of the headset’s strongest practical advantages.

Reliability is the biggest customer-side concern, with reports of white noise, buzzing, disconnects, freezes, mic glitches, and firmware-related behavior. Some problems improve after updates or replacements, but the frequency of failure reports makes consistency a real caveat.

Auracast is part of a strong modern Bluetooth feature set and adds to the headset’s wireless flexibility on compatible devices. It is praised alongside LDAC and LE Audio rather than treated as a headline reason to buy.

Bluetooth codec support is unusually broad and is praised for covering modern high-quality options such as LDAC, LE Audio, and Auracast. The main omission is aptX.

Firmware has already improved bass and microphone behavior, showing that Audeze can correct issues after launch. The update process and occasional regressions still create frustration for some owners.

Android works across the headset’s supported wireless options, but dongle volume can be much lower than expected on phones and may need to be pushed to maximum. The platform is supported, though the experience is not flawless.

The lack of aptX is a small codec gap rather than a deal-breaker. The rest of the wireless codec selection is strong enough that it matters mainly to buyers specifically invested in aptX.

Digital USB playback is a major strength, supporting clean 24-bit/96kHz audio through the headset’s internal processing. It helps the Maxwell 2 function as a serious music-listening headset as well as gaming gear.

Cable quality had one clear negative note: the USB-C-to-3.5mm cable produced distracting cable noise when brushing clothing.

Console support depends on buying the correct version, and some controls do not work identically everywhere. PlayStation game/chat mixing and cross-console wireless restrictions are the most notable limitations.

The roomy pads and moderate clamp work especially well with glasses, with multiple users reporting little extra pressure or sealing trouble. The fit is notably accommodating around eyewear.

The built-in microphones are convenient when the boom is removed, but their sound quality is clearly weaker. They are adequate for casual calls or quick communication, while serious voice chat benefits from the boom mic.

LDAC is a welcome option for higher-quality Bluetooth listening on compatible devices. It strengthens the Maxwell 2’s appeal as a music headset as well as a gaming headset.

Overall sentiment is positive because the sound, imaging, battery life, and build are genuinely high-end. Satisfaction falls for buyers who cannot tolerate the weight, need better dual-wireless behavior, encounter reliability problems, or already own the original Maxwell.

Presentation feels appropriately premium, with the headset and accessories arriving in a polished, high-end package. The unboxing experience reinforces the solid build and premium positioning.

Transparency or ambient mode had limited but positive evidence, with one reviewer valuing it for hearing surroundings while wearing the headset.

USB-C is especially valuable for wired listening because it carries a clean digital signal into the headset and supports high-resolution playback. It is also the preferred wired option over the analog jack for maximum fidelity.

Range is adequate for normal desk and room use but inconsistent beyond that. Some units hold through nearby rooms, while others drop after roughly 10–12 feet or when moving between floors.

Audio-video sync evidence was limited but excellent, with SoundGuys reporting no noticeable delay on the low-latency wireless connection.

USB-C charging is simple, and fast charging adds many hours of playback from a short top-up. Combined with the large battery, charging rarely interrupts normal gaming routines.

Hinge durability evidence was mixed: reviewers noted smoother or reinforced parts, but one still wished the earlier weak spot had been better addressed.

The recessed boom-mic socket guides the connector into a snug, secure fit with little ambiguity. It is a small but well-executed physical detail.