Compare Fractal Design Scape Headset vs Audeze Maxwell

Multiple reviewers explicitly note there is no active noise cancellation.

Reviewers consistently noted that the Maxwell lacks active noise cancellation, so isolation depends on the closed-back pads rather than ANC processing.

Android support is generally treated as straightforward Bluetooth compatibility; where mentioned, reviewers note it can pair with Android phones like any standard Bluetooth headset.

Android support is present through Audeze HQ, but mobile EQ/app behavior was described as limited or inconsistent in one review.

Fractal's Adjust Pro is commonly referenced as a browser-based configuration tool. Several reviewers like avoiding heavyweight desktop utilities, while some note Chromium-based browser requirements or prefer offline access options.

The Audeze HQ app supports battery, firmware, sidetone, and EQ controls, but reviewers often called it barebones, clunky, buggy, or incomplete.

aptX support is not offered according to reviewers discussing Bluetooth codecs.

Audio-video sync is fine on 2.4GHz/USB in most accounts, but Bluetooth use can introduce noticeable lag in games or video.

Wireless audio-video sync was generally praised, with reviewers reporting minimal lag or no noticeable delay during gaming and media playback.

Bass is described as impactful but controlled, tending toward tight rather than boomy, which helps clarity for both music and competitive gaming.

Bass performance drew strong praise for punch, control, definition, and sub-bass impact without overwhelming the rest of the mix.

Battery life is generally considered solid with RGB off (often landing in the 30–50 hour range depending on use), but becomes noticeably shorter with RGB on (roughly around the low-20s hours in several accounts). Battery replacement appears possible but not user-friendly, with at least one reviewer wishing it were as easy as more serviceable designs.

Battery life was one of the strongest points, with reviewers repeatedly confirming very long runtimes near the advertised 80-hour range.

Wireless connectivity is generally stable, but a few reviewers report occasional 2.4GHz dropouts or early reliability issues; repositioning the dongle via the dock is suggested as a mitigation. Simultaneous wireless plus Bluetooth audio (or Bluetooth mixing) is commonly noted as not supported, limiting flexibility for multitasking workflows.

Bluetooth support is modern and useful, with Bluetooth 5.3 and strong codec support, though some reviewers preferred the dongle for gaming.

Build quality is frequently described as premium for the price, mixing sturdy plastics with metal parts and refined mechanisms. One reviewer reported an early unit failure, but most impressions are very positive.

Build quality was mostly praised for metal construction and sturdy materials, but a few reviewers raised concerns about early-unit durability or headband parts.

Reviewers noted internal DSP/DAC handling and high-resolution digital playback, making the headset work without external DAC equipment.

Controls are generally considered well-thought-out, with distinct buttons and an easy-to-use crown/dial. One recurring nit is that some buttons have low travel, making certain combos less satisfying.

Physical controls were generally appreciated, though reviewers were split between calling them clever and finding the multi-function layout confusing.

Included USB cable quality is described positively in unboxings, including braided construction in at least one review.

Cable quality received only limited attention, with one reviewer describing the USB-C cable as basic but functional.

The Maxwell does not include a carrying case, which reviewers considered a drawback for a premium and bulky headset.

The magnetic inductive charging dock is a standout convenience feature and helps keep the headset topped up; USB-C charging is also available and faster. Some reviewers wanted clearer charging indicators or noted you cannot listen while it is sitting on the dock.

Charging was praised for fast top-ups, with multiple reviewers noting that short charging sessions restore many hours of playback.

Clamping force is commonly described as snug to strong: it helps seal and stability, but can be fatiguing for some head shapes or very long, uninterrupted sessions.

Clamp was usually comfortable or light despite the headset’s size, although one reviewer initially found the fit somewhat clamp-like.

Codec support over Bluetooth is described as basic, with reviewers noting SBC and AAC rather than higher-end options.

Codec support was a clear strength, with reviewers citing LDAC, LE Audio, LC3/LC3plus, AAC, and SBC support.

Comfort feedback is mostly positive for long sessions thanks to breathable fabric and well-shaped pads, though some reviewers report headband top padding pressure after a few hours.

Long-session comfort was mixed-positive: several reviewers wore it for hours, but heat, bulk, and weight remained recurring caveats.

Connectivity versatility was a major strength, with dongle, Bluetooth, USB-C, and analog options across gaming and everyday use.

Console compatibility depends on variant; reviewers repeatedly warned that PlayStation and Xbox wireless support are not fully interchangeable.

Across reviews, Scape is repeatedly praised for a minimalist, premium look that reads more like a luxury headphone than a typical gaming headset, with a clean dock that fits on a desk or living-room setup.

The design was described as understated, sleek, and premium rather than flashy, though several reviewers also noted its bulk.

Detachable boom mic convenience is praised: it is removable for a cleaner look, and flip-to-mute style behavior is noted as quick to use.

The detachable boom mic was praised as convenient because the headset can be used more like regular headphones when the mic is removed.

The 2.4GHz dongle integration is well-liked, with the dock doubling as storage and, for some, a way to position the dongle away from USB noise/interference.

The dongle was often praised for low-latency wireless, but one review noted USB-related artifacting and finicky behavior.

Ear cup padding is often described as thick, soft, and spacious, helping comfort and seal. A minority dislike the fabric texture or mention rustle when moving.

Earpad quality was generally strong, with reviewers praising plushness and seal, while some noted heat or a desire for velour/cooling pads.

Several reviews note limited cup articulation, including that the headset does not lay flat, which affects portability and how it rests around the neck.

The earcups swivel enough for storage or neck wear, and reviewers found the rotation comfortable and practical.

A recurring complaint in a couple reviews is earpad rustle or fabric noise when putting the headset on or moving around.

Earpad replacement was praised as easy, with multiple reviews noting twist-off or easily removable pads.

EQ customization is a major strength: multiple reviews describe a robust, often parametric EQ that updates quickly and can be stored on the headset for use across devices.

EQ customization was a strong feature, with 10-band or custom profiles helping tune the Maxwell for music, games, and personal preference.

Fit and seal were generally reliable, with reviewers crediting the pads and clamp for a solid passive seal.

Footstep-focused EQ support exists and can help emphasize cues, though competitive-gaming opinions were mixed.

Frequency response accuracy was praised by audio-focused reviewers for close target matching, linear bass/mids, and well-controlled tuning.

Native game/chat balance control is frequently listed as missing; some reviewers rely on external software as a workaround.

Game/chat balance control was valued on the headset and in software, though one reviewer saw app changes undo themselves.

The stepless adjustment mechanism is praised for feeling smooth and solid, though a few note it can be stiff initially and some want more top-of-head padding.

Headband adjustability was one of the most common ergonomic complaints because the notch/strap system offers limited fine adjustment.

Hinges and adjustment hardware are generally described as sturdy and premium-feeling, contributing to a tank-like impression.

Hinge/headband durability was mixed, with one early unit reportedly breaking and another review flagging long-term durability concerns.

Most reviews call out a premium bundle for the price: charging dock, dongle, detachable mic, and a quality USB cable are typically included.

Included accessories were strong overall, with the dongle, boom mic, USB-C cable, adapter, and analog cable commonly mentioned.

Instrument separation was a repeated strength, with reviewers praising distinct instruments, layered game audio, and detail retrieval.

Integrated microphone performance was usually weak compared with the detachable boom mic, despite being useful for convenience.

LDAC support is not offered, and at least one review contrasts this with competitors that include LDAC.

LDAC support was repeatedly confirmed and praised as part of the Maxwell’s high-quality Bluetooth feature set.

Maximum-volume clarity was strong, with reviewers noting clean sound at high volume and no grating or crunchy highs.

Microphone impressions were mixed-positive: the boom mic was good for gaming and calls, while some found it muffled or merely serviceable.

Mic noise reduction can reduce background clutter, but multiple reviewers note the tradeoff is additional processing/compression and sometimes a less natural sound.

Microphone noise reduction was widely praised for blocking keyboards, background noise, and other distractions while preserving speech.

Microphone quality is mixed depending on reviewer and mode: several praise the boom mic for clarity, while others call it merely average or compressed; the built-in backup mic is convenient but typically worse.

Call and voice clarity were praised in the reviews that tested the boom mic directly, especially compared with typical headset microphones.

Midrange is commonly reported as clear and well-balanced, helping dialogue and positional cues stand out.

Midrange clarity was generally good, with several reviewers praising clear mids and vocal presence, though one noted recessed mids in a V-shaped tuning.

Tri-mode connectivity (2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and USB) makes the headset broadly usable across PC, PlayStation, Switch, and mobile devices according to multiple sources.

The Xbox version was singled out as the most cross-platform option when used across Xbox, PC, and PlayStation.

Bluetooth multipoint is repeatedly called out as missing, meaning you cannot stay connected to two devices at once.

Multipoint and dual-connection behavior was one of the weakest areas, with reviewers often frustrated by no simultaneous Bluetooth plus dongle playback.

Passive isolation is usually described as good enough for home gaming and office use, but it varies with fit and the fabric pads; several reviewers point out it will not replace ANC in louder environments.

Passive isolation was generally good to excellent thanks to the closed-back earcups and pads, though one reviewer found it weak versus ANC headphones.

Packaging was only briefly discussed, but one reviewer described it as luxurious and premium.

Portability is limited by the non-folding, non-lay-flat design, though multiple reviewers still describe it as office-friendly in appearance.

Portability was limited by bulk and weight; the earcups can fold flat, but reviewers did not consider it travel-friendly.

Positional audio was usually strong, especially for footsteps, direction, and distance, although one review found competitive cues weaker than rivals.

Preset EQ profiles are considered useful out of the box, and the ability to cycle through (and overwrite) a small set of saved profiles on-device is widely appreciated, even if limited to a few slots.

Preset EQ profiles were mixed: reviewers liked the presence of gaming presets, but some found several presets poor for music.

Replaceable earpads are explicitly mentioned as easy to remove, with some sources noting replacements are obtainable.

Replaceable earpads were praised, with reviewers noting detachable or removable pads and third-party pad possibilities.

RGB is described as subtle and tasteful, hidden around the earcup edge. Customization is strong, but multiple reviewers note it meaningfully reduces battery life, so many keep it off.

RGB customization is effectively absent, matching the Maxwell’s understated design rather than gamer lighting.

Sensor evidence was limited to head-tracking hardware support noted in one review.

Sidetone adjustment exists, but several reviewers describe it as too quiet or even broken/robotic on certain setups, while others find it usable.

Sidetone was a repeated problem area, with reviewers citing static, interference, exaggerated sound, or poor execution.

One review highlights the matte finish as resisting oily fingerprints and keeping the headset looking clean.

Setup is widely described as refreshingly simple versus typical gaming-headset software. The flip side is a lean feature set and browser compatibility constraints mentioned by a few reviewers.

Setup/software simplicity was mixed: some setup steps were easy, but software behavior and mobile reliability were recurring drawbacks.

Sound quality is consistently praised as balanced, detailed, and competitive at the price. A few note it benefits from EQ for personal taste, and one reported a defective unit that prevented proper audio evaluation. Wired USB audio is supported and described as straightforward for PC use; some reviewers rarely need it because the dock is so convenient.

Sound quality was the strongest consensus point, with reviewers repeatedly calling the Maxwell one of the best-sounding wireless gaming headsets.

Soundstage is frequently described as wide for a closed-back headset, supporting strong imaging and separation.

Soundstage was generally good for a closed-back headset, though opinions ranged from not outstanding to wide and immersive.

Spatial rendering and positional accuracy are praised in multiple gaming-focused reviews, with several noting easier footstep and direction tracking in shooters.

Spatial audio support was praised through PS5 Tempest 3D and Xbox/Dolby Atmos features, especially for immersion.

Wireless stability and range were strong in the reviews that tested coverage, with impressive house-wide or long-range performance.

The dial/crown style controls are typically described as responsive and easy to find by feel, reducing the need to fumble for tiny buttons.

Touch controls are not part of the control scheme; the headset relies on physical buttons and dials instead.

Transparency mode evidence was limited but positive in one review, which found it realistic and not harsh.

Treble is often described as detailed, but some reviews mention occasional sharpness or sibilance that can be improved with EQ.

Treble was generally controlled, clear, and detailed, though a few reviewers found stock tuning bright or needing EQ.

USB-C is used for charging and for wired USB audio in many reviews, with several noting it is convenient for desktop use and can improve mic fidelity versus wireless in some situations.

USB-C was a practical strength for audio, charging, dongle use, and broad device support.

Value for money was widely praised because reviewers felt the Maxwell competes with more expensive headphones on sound quality.

Volume output is generally adequate, but several reviewers wish it could get louder, especially over Bluetooth or for louder content.

Volume output was strong, with reviewers noting plenty of loudness and substantial headroom.

Weight is generally seen as reasonable for a wireless gaming headset, but at least a couple reviewers call it heavy or note it feels heavier in long sessions.

Weight comfort was mixed: reviewers repeatedly noted the 490–500g heft but often said the suspension design made it manageable.

Wireless latency was usually strong through the dongle, though Bluetooth latency and rare lag/artifact issues were noted.

Xbox compatibility is consistently described as not supported, due to protocol limitations and the lack of a 3.5mm analog option in some discussions.

Xbox compatibility was best with the Xbox version, while PlayStation-version wireless Xbox support was repeatedly limited or unavailable.