Unboxing
Unboxing Boxes, because original titles aren't my strong suit.
As always, we begin with the box itself, which can tell you a fair bit about the product not only in terms of what is actually on the box but also the general quality/care taken with the packaging both inside and out. To begin, then, we have a nice feeling and 'soft' touch box that prominently displays the unit itself on the front, as well as a none too subtle advertisement for MSI's Mystic Light suite. There is the usual marketing material on the rear, sides, and bottom of the box (though the bottom actually contains some more detailed specifications). I usually tend to ignore these labels, and let the actual performance of the unit do the talking.
The outer box is actually just a sleeve. Sliding this off reveals the box itself, with a giant MSI logo boldly stamped on the front. No issues with this, MSI have a brand image and they want to advertise it. Opening the box gives us our first view of the Immerse GH70's in the flesh, and I have to say that it's a pretty unit. It's presented well, first up, and you can immediately see the dual headband design, with one being the padded section and the other being the 'structural' bit, providing rigidity to the frame. The rest of the box's contents are hidden by a plastic tray, but to be honest there's not much extra. A spare pair of earpads (felt/cloth as opposed to faux leather, which I swapped out straight away) and a very appreciated carrying case, not that I can see it being used much. Practicality isn't necessarily the aim here, it's more 'MSI didn't have to, but they did anyway'.
Removing the headset from its vessel clues the user into two crucial facts. First, it's a big headset. Really big. MSI has taken the large ear cup + big headband aesthetic and run with it to the Nth degree. I am not complaining, however, as I really appreciate the solid metal construction. This actually leads us to point 2, however, and that is the inescapable fact that this unit is heavy. Really heavy. If that sounds like me winding up for a negative, however, it isn't.
As long as a headset is comfortable to wear for long periods of time (not an easy feat for me), then extra heft given toward rigidity won't be a problem in my eyes. The microphone extrudes from the left ear cup on a rail, and it's smooth enough and retracts right into the headset with ease. It's easily manipulated, as well, so can be flicked out of the way in a pinch if you don't want to hit the mute button on the attached control unit. Speaking of that, I said earlier that it was 'basic, but functional.' That is all it is, however, and in my opinion, MSI cheaped out a little here. It does the job but feels like an afterthought. It's big, fairly light, and could be done better for sure in a unit half the size.
All in all, then, it's a fairly standard unboxing. For the money that MSI are charging for this unit, I am naturally going to be a little less forgiving of mistakes or problems that I find with the GH70's. Thus far, however, the only issue I have had is with the control box. The rest of the headset is extremely well built, is packed nicely (if a little bit plainly, but if it performs well I really couldn't care less), and has all the features one would expect of a high-end gaming orientated headset. Next, we shall move onto a little showcase. If you like, the GH70's turn to take center stage and give us a twirl.
