Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black — Open-back
Focal

Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black

Open-back

92
/ 100
From $1,499
VS
Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) — Gaming · 2022 · PS5 Edition
Audeze

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Gaming · 2022 · PS5 Edition

92
/ 100
From $299
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black lands at 92 and Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) at 92. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) if…

  • ✓Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • ✓Detachable broadcast mic
  • ✓Console compatibility
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Tie

Tuning, detail, and staging

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Noise cancelling

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

ANC strength for commute and travel

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) leads on anc (70 vs 0).

Comfort

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Long-session wearability

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) leads on comfort (90 vs 88).

Value for money

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) more score per dollar ($299 vs $1,499).

Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black 92
vs
92 Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Score breakdown

Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black
92
anc 0
sound 92
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)
92
anc 70
sound 92
comfort 90
battery 86
features 92

Specs side-by-side

Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black versus Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) — full spec comparison
Spec Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)
Type
Open-back
Gaming headset
Variant
—
PS5 Edition
Release year
—
2022

Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Pros
  • +Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless (most)
  • +Detachable broadcast mic
  • +Console compatibility
Cons
  • −Bulkier than audiophile cans
  • −Game-tuned EQ
  • −Software required on PC

FAQ: Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black vs Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)

Which is better, Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black or Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)? +

Both score 92 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black worth the price? +

At $1,499, Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in battery.

Is Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) worth the price? +

At $299, Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sound.

Does Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black or Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for noise cancelling, Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black or Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)? +

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) — leads on anc (70 vs 0). ANC strength for commute and travel.

Which is better for comfort, Focal Clear MG · Midnight Black or Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition)? +

Audeze Maxwell (PS5 Edition) — leads on comfort (90 vs 88). Long-session wearability.