The conformational space of the proto-oncogenic transcription factor Myc associated factor X (MAX) comprises a dynamic equilibrium between a stably folded coiled-coil homodimer and an intrinsically disordered ensemble of states. We show by means of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy that the intrinsically disordered ensemble samples structures that are even as compact as the folded dimer. These extremely dense, hydrophobically collapsed globules might be of importance for interconversion between different conformations of intrinsically disordered proteins.