Packaging and Accessories:
The packaging is loaded with details on this AudioFX Pro 5+1 PC Gaming Headset, and the clear plastic front and sides provide a good look at the actual product. For those not familiar with Ben Heck (like me), the back of the box gives some information on him, too. His full name is Benjamin J. Heckendorn, and eDimensional allowed him to design this headset based on his background as a video game console modder, designer, and author.
The headphones are supported by a white plastic tray, with the cord and controls neatly tucked into a pocket behind them. In addition to the headphones, the package includes a user's manual and a miniature CD with drivers, audio configuration utility, and some surround sound demo applications.
The Basics:
The first impression created by these headphones is a positive one. The brown 'leatherette' accents on the headband and ear cups look sophisticated and genuine, and I actually gave them a sniff to confirm that they weren't actually leather. The overall weight is rather low, eliminating my concern that such substantial looking headphones would feel heavy.
The boom microphone is attached to what has been labeled "L" to indicate the left side, but its ambidextrous design allows you to swing it around and use it on the right side, if you choose. I found having the microphone on the right to be more comfortable, and all that had to be done was to tell the software to reverse the left and right channels to complete the switch.
The boom is located off to the side of your head, so it doesn't get in your way, but the microphone is directed toward your mouth and sensitive enough to work from this distance. This is key just to keep it out of your main field of vision, but as Ben Heck says, it "stays out of the way of incoming chip, dip, and pizza"!
