MSI Immerse GV60 Streaming Microphone Review
Peter Donnell / 3 years ago
Performance
Setup could not be easier. Just plug it into your PC and you’re good to go. Windows 11 detected it immediately, Discord and Skype both asked me to set this as the new communications device straight away. Albeit, Windows sets it as the output device too, so you want headphones connected to the microphone for that. Just change the setting in Sound Control Panel in Windows to switch output to whatever you desire, and while there, ensure the full 96 kHz 24-bit mode is set, as this may not be the default.
The heavy design, as well as a rubber base, make for a sturdy microphone. This means it’s not susceptible to smaller knocks and vibrations that could cause unwanted sound on your recording. Typing on a mechanical keyboard for example, is no problem. However, unlike some microphones which come with suspended shock mounts, it could still pick up lower frequency noises like you banging your knees against the desk legs.
As said before though, you can use your own mount.
Just, uh, get something robust.
While there’s a pop filter built into the head, there’s also this foam wind cover for some additional noise-pop prevention. Handy for those of you who tend to spit while recording too, I suppose.
Multiple pickup patterns are a handy thing to have. However, while each one does have a specific usage scenario, from my experience, sometimes the wrong one works best. Factors such as your voice or instrument you’re recording, echo in your room, and other interferences are all factors. However, for the most part, the standard Stereo or Cardioid will work best. For recording a whole room, the omnidirectional mode, and the interview mode if you’re putting the microphone between two people. Again, just tinker with them, as the difference can be pretty drastic.
The self-monitoring is great, and the sound quality is really good too, but the zero-latency makes it more natural to track yourself. Running into your PC and back out another device could introduce a delay that can be off-putting.
Having volume controls here is welcome too, as you can adjust on the fly, without needing to tab out to additional software.
The microphone is live when the light is blue, and muted when it is red. So save that comment on how your fans all suck until AFTER you press mute, AFTER!
Running through the features of the microphone, it’s clear that the audio quality is really excellent. If you think it sounds a bit off, I’m sorry that’s really how I sound… it’s why I write most of my content. Alas, the microphone works well throughout the modes with just some minor issues. Switching modes results in a small “thump” noise from the dial, and tapping the mute button results in some noise being generated too. Personally, I’d set the pickup pattern and leave it for the session so you don’t pick up unwanted noise. I’d also use a push to talk or other mute feature on my system rather than the microphone switch anyway, but I’d mute on the microphone as a master cut-off when my recording session is over.
Potential loudness warning!!! Especially on the gain tests, so turn your speakers/headphones DOWN when I start increasing the gain in increments, as 100% gain could damage your speakers or hearing.