MSI Immerse GV60 microphone overview: Recreation on for audio recording

When an electronics firm identified for one factor makes a lateral transfer into a brand new machine kind, it may be trigger for celebration or scrutiny. MSI famously makes gaming computer systems, {hardware}, and peripherals. Nevertheless, USB microphones at the moment are additionally eSports equipment and there could also be as many USB mic fashions on the market as there are PS5 video games. So, the introduction of MSI’s Immerse GV60 streaming microphone isn’t that doubtful of a debut. The actual fact stays, nevertheless, that it’s arduous for USB mics to face out in such a crowded area. That’s why the MSI Immerse GV60 stakes its declare on complete options and good audio outcomes for a aggressive worth.

At $129 MSRP (usually much less within the cart), the MSI Immerse GV60 prices near or beneath a lot of our favorites, such because the Blue Microphones Yeti X or the Elgato Wave:3. But, for that worth, it delivers nearly all the pieces you could want from a USB mic: high-resolution audio, mounting choices, no-latency headphone monitoring, 4 pickup (polar) patterns, and handy front-panel controls. Let’s take a more in-depth take a look at what makes the GV60 a USB mic that works for any function—not simply gaming, but in addition podcasting, conferences, video creation, music recording … no matter you want.

The MSI Immerse GV60’s design

Whereas I might not name it a copycat of the Blue Microphones Yeti and Yeti X USB mics, the MSI Immerse GV60 does tackle an analogous look, really feel, and top to the 2 flagship Yetis. Like them, the GV60 is a plug-and-play USB condenser microphone with a stable metallic (matte-finished aluminum) chassis and strong metallic stand with a padded backside to guard tabletop finishes. Measurement-wise, it’s only a bit smaller than the Yeti, whereas the weights are comparable. Measured on a digital scale, the GV60 mic alone weighs 1.3 kilos in comparison with the Yeti’s 1.05 kilos, whereas the GV60 in its included stand weighs 2.4 kilos, whereas the Yeti in its stand weighs 2.9 kilos.

When mounted on the desktop stand, the GV60 swivels inside the brackets so that you can discover the suitable angle, and it unscrews from the brackets in an effort to mount it to an ordinary microphone growth arm from the 5/8-inch threaded gap on the underside of the mic. Additionally on the underside are the USB-C port for connecting the included 3-meter USB-C to USB-A cable to a pc or cellular machine, plus a 3.5mm headphone output.

It solely took a couple of minute to unscrew the Immerse GV60 from its stand and screw it securely onto a no-frills On-Stage MBS5000 mic growth arm, however the MSI stand’s screws have some unfastened washers that you just have to be cautious to not spill onto the ground. A foam pop filter comes within the field and matches over the mic head.

Getting began with the MSI Immerse GV60

The Immerse GV60 requires no drivers or some other software program to work as a plug-and-play USB mic with macOS and Home windows 10 and better machines. MSI’s web site doesn’t listing cellular units as suitable; nevertheless, I used the GV60 with each a 2018 iPad Professional iOS pill and a Motorola Stylus G Android cellphone with no issues. In each instances, I plugged the mic straight into the cellular units with a USB-C cable and the units acknowledged the mic as each the audio output and audio enter for recording from numerous apps. Whether or not used with a pc or cellular machine, the mic attracts USB energy, so maintain that in thoughts when contemplating battery ranges.

The MSI Immerse GV60’s key options

Whereas I discussed an analogous really feel to the Immerse GV60 in comparison with the Blue Yeti and Yeti X, the MSI mic differs in a few key elements. For one, all of its controls are on the entrance of the mic, the place they’re simple to see and attain. Additionally, the GV60’s 24-bit/96 kHz most audio decision exceeds that of the Yeti (16-bit/48 kHz) and the Yeti X (24-bit/48 kHz). Whereas 16-bit/48 kHz audio decision remains to be usually sufficient for the most typical use instances of a USB mic—corresponding to podcasting, YouTube and different on-line movies, video conferencing, gaming, and so forth—it could’t harm to have the additional high-res functionality of the GV60, whether or not it’s for producing music or future-proofing for rising codecs—particularly when the GV60’s typical promote worth is decrease than each the Yeti and Yeti X.

The GV60 additionally has the essential function that nearly each USB mic shares: no-latency monitoring via its headphone output. With this, you’ll be capable of take heed to the microphone enter (i.e., your voice, or no matter is being recorded) via the mic’s headphone output in real-time, with no delay. Whether or not you’re recording your self, livestreaming, or simply on a Zoom assembly, the no-latency monitoring may be very useful.

And with the front-panel controls, you possibly can conveniently alter the extent of the mic enter up or down, management the amount of the headphone output, or hit the mic mute button, which immediately shuts off the mic enter and switch the front-panel mic LED from blue (mic on) to purple (mic off).

4 recording pickup patterns

The remaining front-panel management selects one of many Immerse GV60’s 4 accessible pickup patterns, which decide the areas across the mic capsule that diaphragms give attention to whereas recording. MSI lists the 4 pickup patterns as Stereo, Omnidirectional, Unidirectional (aka cardioid), and Bidirectional (aka Determine 8).

The Unidirectional/cardioid sample zeroes in on the entrance, trails off on the sides, and de-emphasizes the again—generally used for single-person speaking or singing. Omnidirectional takes in sound equally from 360 levels across the mic and is nice for capturing your entire ambiance of an area and each member of a roundtable dialogue. The Stereo sample makes use of the left and proper channels to create a large audio picture and is well-suited to recording devices or a number of sound sources in entrance of the mic. Lastly, the Bidirectional sample emphasizes each the back and front of the mic, so it’s very best for capturing two folks sitting throughout from one another in a conversational crossfire hurricane.

Like many different USB mics, such because the AKG Ara or the Elgato Wave:3, the GV60 is a really delicate microphone so you probably have it in Unidirectional mode, it should nonetheless choose up sounds from everywhere in the room whereas it emphasizes what’s in entrance of the mic head. However the specialised pickup patterns carry out as marketed and do have their makes use of. For instance, when trying to file a video chat, my pc had an issue recording the interior audio. So, I put the GV60 into Bidirectional mode so I might file the onscreen audio from audio system behind the mic and my very own voice in entrance of the mic. It turned out to sound fairly good, with clear outcomes from each sources.

The MSI Immerse GV60’s sound

With its sturdy lineup of gaming computer systems, screens, processors, and peripherals, MSI appears to have launched a microphone into its product oeuvre as a gaming accent, however the Immerse GV60 is acceptable for any kind of content material creator. I examined it primarily for recording sung and spoken vocals, video conferencing, and recording interviews, but in addition recorded drums and amplified synthesizers. I additionally in contrast the outcomes towards the aforementioned Yeti, Yeti X, Ara, and Wave:3 microphones, in addition to the HyperX QuadCast S USB mic.

After testing so many USB microphones with comparable options and in the identical worth vary, it turns into clear that there isn’t a large hole separating them when it comes to the audio high quality that they seize, although there are extra refined leaps in readability. Just like the opposite mics talked about, the GV60 deftly captures minute particulars and has a really delicate enter, so it provided a small however noticeable rise in readability in comparison with a few of its rivals I had available. The recording ranges can get extremely popular very quick should you flip up the enter too excessive, nevertheless. To keep away from treble spikes—and choosing up the main points you don’t need, just like the clacking of your keyboard—it’s very useful to have that pop filter useful and the GV60’s enter quantity knob on the entrance (although you could even end up taking part in with software program noise suppressors). Different mics that don’t have that enter management however nonetheless have very delicate enter ranges, just like the AKG Ara, could make it more difficult to ensure you’re not overdoing the enter ranges.

Additionally like most USB mics, the GV60 information sources very transparently. It’s a a lot higher-quality microphone than the built-in mic of a pc or cellular machine, however should you’re a musician or content material creator who desires a flattering, honeyed, velvety sound out of a microphone, this or some other USB mic might be not what you need. Whereas higher-priced condenser microphones use costly tubes and/or transformers to paint sounds with optimistic distortion that’s described as a “warming” or softening impact, USB microphones just like the GV60 pack loads of performance—like a built-in audio interface that permits real-time monitoring—right into a small chassis for a low worth, so what you hear is what you get. You’re not shopping for a signature sound. However, when recording drums in a rehearsal area, I appreciated that detailing. Then again, when attempting to sing whereas half-sick and not likely hiding that situation, I might have most well-liked much less of a harshly clear microphone.

The GV60’s 24-bit/96 kHz most audio decision is within the candy spot with many more moderen USB mics, whereas some older fashions prime out at a barely decrease stage, and some go as much as 192 kHz (the AKG Lyra, a podcast favourite, for instance). There’s not a lot audible distinction between say 24-bit/48 kHz and 24-bit/96 kHz audio apart from a barely brighter presence within the high-end frequency vary. And there’s no cause to dock the GV60 for not extending to 192 kHz, which isn’t actually vital for something you’re more likely to do with a USB mic.

So, who can buy the MSI Immerse GV60?

When there are such a lot of USB microphones accessible and there’s such parity between a lot of them when it comes to audio high quality, the explanations to decide on one mannequin over one other can come right down to very minute particulars and/or private preferences corresponding to aesthetic look. The aesthetic viewpoints are clearly subjective. I personally discover the Immerse GV60 visible design to be just a little generic and fewer placing than many different choices within the area. Nevertheless, provided that its audio outcomes evaluate very evenly to among the finest USB mics, just like the Yeti X and the Wave:3, but it’s priced decrease than each, the GV60 affords worth. In case you add in that its audio decision is as excessive as you’ll want and its beneficiant entrance panel controls and 4 pickup patterns are fairly useful, it is a well-rounded USB microphone. In case you’re a gamer which will additionally file or a podcaster that additionally video games, the MSI Immerse GV60 is a stable streaming microphone for bettering audio high quality at a pretty worth.