Audeze’s new Maxwell range aims to be the Swiss Army knife of audio devices – one pair that can handle everything from gaming to podcasting. CEO Sankar Thiagasamudram sees value in creating a single high-end headphone that can replace several different types.
‘High-end audio on its own is a tough sell to a mainstream market if it comes with compromises,’ he reasons. ‘To capture a wider audience, you must satisfy modern lifestyle requirements: comfort, industrial design, wireless stability, active noise cancellation and multipoint connectivity.’
The Maxwell 2 ANC, for example, uses SLAM technology originally developed to solve a mundane issue of air pressure causing crinkles in their electrostatic headphones. This led to better bass response and reduced distortion across the wider frequency range – a practical benefit that could save editors second-guessing their mixes.
While it won’t replace studio monitors for serious mixing, Audeze’s innovative approach might just mean we’re one headphone away from all our audio needs. But if one pair can handle everything, why do we keep buying more?
