This headphone for me was a blind pickup without much thinkering after my old BT headphone broke and after happening to stumble upon a Head-Fi thread, liked the profile of it and needed a new bed-time listening headphone (main use) but could potentially also use it for distance working due to the mic it comes for conference calls and answering phone meanwhile enjoying some music in-between so it added to the purchase decision. I think the versatility of it, adds a lot of value even if I agree like you mentioned, for specific useages, there are probably better alternatives out there but among highend BT headphones it does fare well though. Anyway I think the sound profile is very relaxed, more musical approach where you just enjoy what you listen to as it doesn't show any big glaring issues so you never start analyzing it. The bass response is a more subjective thing, I didn't expect it to measure that high, I was expecting more like perhaps 5-6dB as to me it didn't sound so bassy because the overall texture, the punchiness, the tightness of it was great. I only did minor EQ [31Hz: 0, 62Hz: 0, 125Hz: -1, 250Hz: -2, 500Hz: -1, 1kHz: -1, 2kHz: 0, 4kHz: -1, 8kHz: 0, 16kHz: 0] and to my ears it sounds very balanced like this but I tend to want a bit bass shelf with my headphones for it to sound balanced, otherwise it sounds weaker to me than rest of the range. For bedtime listening I find them perfect for UA-cam, ASMR, movies and such because of the sound profile and characteristics and because of the comfort and the superb battery life makes them easy to live with. I use the ambient mode personally, so I can hear my cats if they are needing my attention, it's the best ambient mode I've heard so far in the sense it doesn't introduce any hiss or artifacts to the audio, it just sounds natural letting audio in and in some sense it might even trick you to think the soundstage is bigger than it is. I will mention two things that has come forth as slight issues, first is the mic when used in analog mode (and only in analog mode), it seems to pick up some of the playback audio on your computer that comes through to the microphone chain so the others might hear some faint audio when the mic is active. This wasn't fixed with another cable that some user tested either so it's some sort of a hardware issue I'm not sure is something a firmware update can fix, probably not I'm guessing as it's likely leakage happening I'm thinking. The other is the difficulty to find replacement cable options due to the simple and stupid design choice that the 3.5 mm port is recessed a bit more than typically, ie. that extra small pin at the jack isn't enough, it needs slight additional distance to sink in properly, making it very hard to find cables that will attach properly to it. There's appearently some UGREEN cable option that is confirmed to work on amazon but that's the only one I personally know of, personally had preferred a non-nylon sleeved cable though as I just hate microphonics with a passion and will pick either a braided or even rubber cable anyday as I'd need slightly longer cable if using analog mode (I have other headphones I rather used wired so it's not really such a big deal in the end) but thought it was worth mentioning. The mic mute button should also be made more solid in place if there's ever a revision update for the headphone. I will also mention a bonus thing that Noble Audio has even concidered a 2.4GHz dongle for this headphone making wireless gaming that much better as opposed to BT mode (although I will say the BT mode has very little, close to not noticeable, lag).
Thank you for all your content this year. All has been very helpful and insightful. Happy New Year to you and the whole family. I hope 2025 is all you hope for. Take care, Sir.
Got your steelseries arctis nova pro wireless earpads for Xmas and I must say they are amazing! I used to use Sennheiser HD 6XX headphones and i really loved them but wanted something wireless so i switched to the Steelseries with the glacial earpads. Those were nice but i missed that more light open back feel that the HD 6XX's had and these earpads you released give that same feel and for that i give them a 10/10!
Awe, I love hearing that! We finally have more stock and I'll be doing an update video soon on them. I really do enjoy them myself, and was the big reason why I wanted to start with the Nova Pro Wireless. The combo is just awesome.
@GadgetryTech Also got mine recently too, love them. I have the leather / cooling pads from WC but like the Velour slightly more. Great collab with a great company
A great and comprehensive review. Thank you 👍 I do have a pair but haven’t listened to it much 😂. I did find the bass forward nature only suited certain music. Didn’t even know it came with the noble audio app.
Just found your channel today. Thanks for making this content, I just ordered a Fiio JT1 to (hopefully) replace my Bose QC2. I'd like to get an ANC headphone for added isolation but this one is a bit pricey.
I too don't have a massive head. Anyway I got to know your work cause I recently bought a headset and I've watched a lot of your reviews you man don't miss any detail ty very much
Think I just found my next headset. All I play is story type games. My current daily headset has been the Audeze Maxwells which I love a lot but…. The maxwells lack in the bass. Personally I’m a bass head, which is why I’m very excited to give these a shot
I know you hear this all the time but I love how meticulously detailed you are. And how you don’t just review the product but also do your own eqs for general use AND for specific games AND show how those eqs effect the frequency response measurements. I’m not exaggerating but there is NO ONE else on your level. Thanks for doing these videos.
Haha I don't use measurements alone to judge something! We can always turn bass down. This one is fun because the bass is strong, but because it drops so early, it's not "overly thick" or "bloated" so it can still be quite fun.
After buying a JDS Labs Element 4 I feel bad every time I consider a wireless headphone. 😂 I did fall in love with the DT 770 Pro X Limited after being a hardcore open back only guy for a decade. Never say never. There’s a few great sounding ones out there. Great review Joe.
Thanks! Yeah a wired solution typically sound better, but you can't travel on the plane with an Element 4 (although some see that as a challenge). Different solutions for different needs.
Checks a lot of my boxes. Hope we get to see more all-in-1 headphones with detachable microphones in the future. I don't know if you covered latency for wireless usage? It doesn't seem to have any low latency connection?
Fantastic review!! An all in one headphone with boom mic, anc, wired, USB c is so rare to come by. Absolutely love the bassy sound signature! Now all I need is $650 😭 So want to test this out.
@ Thanks! I'm considering the FiiO FT1 Pro (planars) plus a starter DAC/AMP plus a badass budget IEM for something portable, all for the price of the Maxwell (if I return it). The Maxwells do make movies sound incredible, though. The spaces of each scene sound 3D.
heard the Audeze Maxwell headphones are really heavy, doesn't really get loud, not really comfortable, mic it comes with is mediocre. With those issues, plus being closed backs, i don't see how this falls into gaming territory.
Question, would this be a good headset coming from the Maxwells??? I don’t do footsteps. I just want amazing sounding headphones that aren’t lacking bass. The maxwells are amazing sounding headphones, but lack in bass.
Want to know how the bass compares to my DT 1770 mk2. I use them for immersive gaming, I use my DT 1990 mk1 for more completive gaming. Also how does the bass compare to the maxwell? I do want a decent bluetooth headphone possibly to replace the maxwells. I also use my 1770 with my ifi hip dac 3....... half the time I connected to iphone though so maybe its not worth it.
For the money that's a great dal, and I think the Mando edition is one of the best looking headsets out there! The sound is good (especially for that price), so if comfort or the mic doesn't bother you much, then enjoy it!
Hey Jay, I've just got the steel series arctis nova pro wireless, followed your guide to setting from your from 10 months ago, do you have any updated sound settings for BO6 please. Also are they better with or without sonar ?
Ciao sono possessore di mixamp astro con cuffie vorrei fare un upgrade spendendo un 50 euro per delle cuffie da collegare al mix amp cosa mi consiglieresti?
Unrelated, but do you have a custom EQ for the Audeze Maxwell using Sonar specifically? I saw an old video you had explaining the squig link and how it works but for the auto EQ, I can't select a custom base preset. The standard presets on there are for the Audeze App specifically or for aftermarket earpads. I don't know if I can add like a reference EQ on there to do an auto EQ for. On sonar if I input the auto EQ based of the Audeze preset or Immersion preset, it sounds like everything is underwater.
Nope. Just use the app for some basic changes via mobile. If you need to customize it further, use PC-based EQ software, and compensate for if ANC is on or off.
Hello Sir, im searching for an Headset for the ps5 with an Budget of 150€. Footsteps should be very good to hear, because i play a lot of R6S, Valorant, Warzone so this is important. Also the mic should be good for callouts. What would be the best right now? Thanks
@@BilboTaybaggin if it's studio headphone ok i get it but wireless will never give that same quality. i don't see anything in this headphone that impresses me either that looks like basic tech to me.
@ yea i’m same as you but many audiophiles can’t get a perfect ANC headphones yet those headphones cost $600 MW75 $800 Bathys Apollo is sandwiched with both sorry talking prices but none of them from UA-cam watching Joe don’t want YOU know Cambridge Melomania P100 half the price with full of potential
This headphone for me was a blind pickup without much thinkering after my old BT headphone broke and after happening to stumble upon a Head-Fi thread, liked the profile of it and needed a new bed-time listening headphone (main use) but could potentially also use it for distance working due to the mic it comes for conference calls and answering phone meanwhile enjoying some music in-between so it added to the purchase decision. I think the versatility of it, adds a lot of value even if I agree like you mentioned, for specific useages, there are probably better alternatives out there but among highend BT headphones it does fare well though.
Anyway I think the sound profile is very relaxed, more musical approach where you just enjoy what you listen to as it doesn't show any big glaring issues so you never start analyzing it. The bass response is a more subjective thing, I didn't expect it to measure that high, I was expecting more like perhaps 5-6dB as to me it didn't sound so bassy because the overall texture, the punchiness, the tightness of it was great. I only did minor EQ [31Hz: 0, 62Hz: 0, 125Hz: -1, 250Hz: -2, 500Hz: -1, 1kHz: -1, 2kHz: 0, 4kHz: -1, 8kHz: 0, 16kHz: 0] and to my ears it sounds very balanced like this but I tend to want a bit bass shelf with my headphones for it to sound balanced, otherwise it sounds weaker to me than rest of the range. For bedtime listening I find them perfect for UA-cam, ASMR, movies and such because of the sound profile and characteristics and because of the comfort and the superb battery life makes them easy to live with. I use the ambient mode personally, so I can hear my cats if they are needing my attention, it's the best ambient mode I've heard so far in the sense it doesn't introduce any hiss or artifacts to the audio, it just sounds natural letting audio in and in some sense it might even trick you to think the soundstage is bigger than it is.
I will mention two things that has come forth as slight issues, first is the mic when used in analog mode (and only in analog mode), it seems to pick up some of the playback audio on your computer that comes through to the microphone chain so the others might hear some faint audio when the mic is active. This wasn't fixed with another cable that some user tested either so it's some sort of a hardware issue I'm not sure is something a firmware update can fix, probably not I'm guessing as it's likely leakage happening I'm thinking.
The other is the difficulty to find replacement cable options due to the simple and stupid design choice that the 3.5 mm port is recessed a bit more than typically, ie. that extra small pin at the jack isn't enough, it needs slight additional distance to sink in properly, making it very hard to find cables that will attach properly to it. There's appearently some UGREEN cable option that is confirmed to work on amazon but that's the only one I personally know of, personally had preferred a non-nylon sleeved cable though as I just hate microphonics with a passion and will pick either a braided or even rubber cable anyday as I'd need slightly longer cable if using analog mode (I have other headphones I rather used wired so it's not really such a big deal in the end) but thought it was worth mentioning.
The mic mute button should also be made more solid in place if there's ever a revision update for the headphone. I will also mention a bonus thing that Noble Audio has even concidered a 2.4GHz dongle for this headphone making wireless gaming that much better as opposed to BT mode (although I will say the BT mode has very little, close to not noticeable, lag).
Thank you for all your content this year. All has been very helpful and insightful. Happy New Year to you and the whole family. I hope 2025 is all you hope for. Take care, Sir.
Thanks Simon! Happy New year to your and your family!
Got your steelseries arctis nova pro wireless earpads for Xmas and I must say they are amazing! I used to use Sennheiser HD 6XX headphones and i really loved them but wanted something wireless so i switched to the Steelseries with the glacial earpads. Those were nice but i missed that more light open back feel that the HD 6XX's had and these earpads you released give that same feel and for that i give them a 10/10!
Awe, I love hearing that! We finally have more stock and I'll be doing an update video soon on them. I really do enjoy them myself, and was the big reason why I wanted to start with the Nova Pro Wireless. The combo is just awesome.
nice i use the beyerdynamic dt 700 prox absolutely amazing and the bass is a dream.
@GadgetryTech Also got mine recently too, love them. I have the leather / cooling pads from WC but like the Velour slightly more. Great collab with a great company
Thanks!
@@GadgetryTechwhere to buy these?
A great and comprehensive review. Thank you 👍 I do have a pair but haven’t listened to it much 😂. I did find the bass forward nature only suited certain music. Didn’t even know it came with the noble audio app.
Just found your channel today. Thanks for making this content, I just ordered a Fiio JT1 to (hopefully) replace my Bose QC2. I'd like to get an ANC headphone for added isolation but this one is a bit pricey.
Hope you and your family had a great Christmas, and happy New Year Joe! Looking forward to even more tech reviews in 2025 haha
I too don't have a massive head. Anyway I got to know your work cause I recently bought a headset and I've watched a lot of your reviews you man don't miss any detail ty very much
Happy New Year friendly regards from The Netherlands
Think I just found my next headset. All I play is story type games. My current daily headset has been the Audeze Maxwells which I love a lot but…. The maxwells lack in the bass. Personally I’m a bass head, which is why I’m very excited to give these a shot
Great review!!! Would love to know what if you have any plans to review the steelseries gaming buds soon?
Thanks! It’s currently my next scheduled video release!
Love it! Thanks for replying to my comment, it gave me chicken skin!!!
Hahaha see you at the next video!
I know you hear this all the time but I love how meticulously detailed you are. And how you don’t just review the product but also do your own eqs for general use AND for specific games AND show how those eqs effect the frequency response measurements. I’m not exaggerating but there is NO ONE else on your level. Thanks for doing these videos.
Tbh, I thought Joe was going to destroy this thing because of the bass. I really love the addition of the mic for wfh.
Haha I don't use measurements alone to judge something! We can always turn bass down. This one is fun because the bass is strong, but because it drops so early, it's not "overly thick" or "bloated" so it can still be quite fun.
@GadgetryTech 🐐🐐🐐
After buying a JDS Labs Element 4 I feel bad every time I consider a wireless headphone. 😂 I did fall in love with the DT 770 Pro X Limited after being a hardcore open back only guy for a decade. Never say never. There’s a few great sounding ones out there. Great review Joe.
Thanks! Yeah a wired solution typically sound better, but you can't travel on the plane with an Element 4 (although some see that as a challenge). Different solutions for different needs.
@ I primarily game at a desk. Music is typically in my car or in my ears (I listen mostly while mountain biking or at the gym).
Checks a lot of my boxes. Hope we get to see more all-in-1 headphones with detachable microphones in the future.
I don't know if you covered latency for wireless usage? It doesn't seem to have any low latency connection?
Fantastic review!! An all in one headphone with boom mic, anc, wired, USB c is so rare to come by.
Absolutely love the bassy sound signature! Now all I need is $650 😭
So want to test this out.
How's the SQ vs Maxwell? Loving the Audeze for movies. Crazy immersive!
I really liked the Maxwells but couldn't get it loud enough on Windows. Sent it back (tried everything bar boosting the gain through the roof).
@ What did you settle on? I'm having that issue with the Maxwells on iOS
@@MadLadsAnonymous Already have the LCD-X with a nice powerful amp, plus others. Shame.
@ Thanks! I'm considering the FiiO FT1 Pro (planars) plus a starter DAC/AMP plus a badass budget IEM for something portable, all for the price of the Maxwell (if I return it). The Maxwells do make movies sound incredible, though. The spaces of each scene sound 3D.
heard the Audeze Maxwell headphones are really heavy, doesn't really get loud, not really comfortable, mic it comes with is mediocre. With those issues, plus being closed backs, i don't see how this falls into gaming territory.
Question, would this be a good headset coming from the Maxwells???
I don’t do footsteps. I just want amazing sounding headphones that aren’t lacking bass. The maxwells are amazing sounding headphones, but lack in bass.
Want to know how the bass compares to my DT 1770 mk2. I use them for immersive gaming, I use my DT 1990 mk1 for more completive gaming. Also how does the bass compare to the maxwell? I do want a decent bluetooth headphone possibly to replace the maxwells. I also use my 1770 with my ifi hip dac 3....... half the time I connected to iphone though so maybe its not worth it.
Please review the Susvara Unveiled
I have one and plan on it!
Had to imagine anything being better than MDR-M1 bass-wise. Think that's just perfect for bassheads
It would have to sound amazing, because I know the Maxwell sounds fantastic for music at $300. Hey Joe, any new gaming headsets on the horizon?
Gadgetrytech do you still like the astro a30? I have just got them 😊 for 130$ 😊 Xbox version Mandalorian edition 😊
For the money that's a great dal, and I think the Mando edition is one of the best looking headsets out there! The sound is good (especially for that price), so if comfort or the mic doesn't bother you much, then enjoy it!
I presently use B&O h100 , are these cans comparable?
Hey Jay, I've just got the steel series arctis nova pro wireless, followed your guide to setting from your from 10 months ago, do you have any updated sound settings for BO6 please. Also are they better with or without sonar ?
Ciao sono possessore di mixamp astro con cuffie vorrei fare un upgrade spendendo un 50 euro per delle cuffie da collegare al mix amp cosa mi consiglieresti?
For the Alcantara use sonax Alcantara Cleaner
I gave the like and got off the video once I heard the price tag. Thank you for all that you do Joe.
Unrelated, but do you have a custom EQ for the Audeze Maxwell using Sonar specifically? I saw an old video you had explaining the squig link and how it works but for the auto EQ, I can't select a custom base preset. The standard presets on there are for the Audeze App specifically or for aftermarket earpads. I don't know if I can add like a reference EQ on there to do an auto EQ for. On sonar if I input the auto EQ based of the Audeze preset or Immersion preset, it sounds like everything is underwater.
Why is the sound so much worse with anc on?
tough
No PC software?
Nope. Just use the app for some basic changes via mobile. If you need to customize it further, use PC-based EQ software, and compensate for if ANC is on or off.
Hello Sir, im searching for an Headset for the ps5 with an Budget of 150€.
Footsteps should be very good to hear, because i play a lot of R6S, Valorant, Warzone so this is important. Also the mic should be good for callouts.
What would be the best right now?
Thanks
$650 damn. are there cheaper alternatives that have good wireless and good noise cancelling?
❤❤❤
650 bucks, they did not
Put some magnets on the cups ….
I see this went over your head...
Maxwell FTW!
Still one of the best
1st and 10
for 649$
FoKut
650 lol 😭
ridiculous!!! almost 700 dollars for headphones? come on these companies are greedy and going crazy. my God!! this is a 20 bucks headphone
sadly $700 is mid-fi for most people compared to Dali IO-12 and most of the wired headphones over a $1000
@@BilboTaybaggin if it's studio headphone ok i get it but wireless will never give that same quality. i don't see anything in this headphone that impresses me either that looks like basic tech to me.
@ yea i’m same as you but many audiophiles can’t get a perfect ANC headphones yet those headphones cost $600 MW75 $800 Bathys Apollo is sandwiched with both sorry talking prices but none of them from UA-cam watching Joe don’t want YOU know Cambridge Melomania P100 half the price with full of potential