MSI Immerse GH50 Headset Review

1. Introduction2. Unboxing and First Look3. Testing4. Closing Thoughts5. View All Pages

Despite being best known for its motherboards and graphics cards, we've seen a few peripherals from MSI over the last year which have been quite impressive, and more recently the company has even ventured into the case market. Today, we have been assessing the £80 Immerse GH50 gaming headset.

I have to say, I wasn't too sure what to expect from a MSI headset but the GH50 has impressed me. By far and away its best feature is the straight-up audio quality – the bass is emphasised without being overdone, the mid-range is nice and clear, and there's enough detail in the high-end without causing any fatigue.

The GH50 is also nice and comfortable, with plush ear cushions and a headband that distributes the GH50's 300g weight evenly. I would have liked to see removable ear pads, however, as these are glued on.

As for build quality, the GH50 is again pretty good in this area, but it could be improved. It does have a metal headband slider which is good to see, but the earcups and yokes are made from plastic. I didn't have issues with that during my testing, but long-term I would have preferred metal yokes at this price point just to give the headset a bit more of a premium feel.

My biggest disappointment with the GH50 is the software and it's extra features. In a nutshell, MSI seems to have focused quite heavily on adding various audio effects like ‘dynamic bass', ‘voice clarity' and ‘audio brilliant' – but these just degrade the overall sound. The same can be said for the vibration control, as well as the virtual 7.1.

In all fairness, this isn't a dealbreaker for me as the software is optional – but think about it this way: if MSI could offer another headset, call it the GH45, which uses the same drivers and tuning as the GH50 but without the gimmicky features, it could connect with a simple 3.5mm jack and offer wider versatility than the GH50 which can only be used on PC. That would also provide scope for a slightly lower price tag – maybe £10-15 less – as there'd be no need for an in-built DAC or RGB lighting. That, for me, would be a very enticing proposition.

As it stands, the MSI Immerse GH50 is still a good option to have, particularly if you already own other MSI components as you should be able to synchronise the RGB lighting via Mystic Light. I do think the software and added audio features are a bit unnecessary, but this is still a comfortable headset that provides a good listening experience – and that makes it worth buying.

The GH50 has just launched today with a UK MSRP of £79.99. It is currently listed on Box.co.uk with retail availability expected from the 25th September.

Pros

• Sounds good.
• Comfortable.
• Build quality is decent.
• Detachable mic.
• MSI Mystic Light RGB lighting.

Cons

• Software and vibration control features feel unnecessary and worsen the audio.
• Would have liked to see metal yokes at this price.
• Ear cushions are not removable.

KitGuru says: The Immerse GH50 shows a lot of potential for what MSI can do in this market segment. It's not perfect, but it's still an all-round solid gaming headset.

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