Setup, Design & Observations
Setting up the BLAST 4HX for PC/Mac is quite simply as there are no drivers, and takes a few seconds to run via plug and play, of course making sure the switch is in PC mode. Setting it up for consoles requires a little patience as you will have to route various RCA cables to from your console/TV as well as use the extra 2.5mm jack from the in-line remote to the XBox360 controller. I unfortunately couldn't test compatibility with a PS4, though for detailed instruction on setup, see the user manual available here. This setup is not too dissimilar to that which some may have seen on Turtle Beaches, or various other console dedicated headsets and the end result is identical to how you imagine a a person would look when covered in spaghetti. If a headset is your only option for good quality audio without causing a fuss, then this is likely to be one of your few options available.

Build quality of the BLAST 4HX is reasonable, feeling light yet quite robust and the design is attractive accented by the LED lighting. The comfort is a little hit and miss, due to the shape of the earcups, if you have large ears, this headset will likely be a definite no-no. The unconventional shape literally lined my ears perfectly, providing me with decent good comfort, but my ears are strictly average at approx 2.5" x 1.5" in height and width. The padding itself is soft leather (maybe high quality PU leather, its hard to tell in the realms where companies say 'leather', for PU leather, 'leather' for leather, and 'leatherette' for any faux leather), the padding is quite narrow but soft enough to not matter. The unconventional shape also made it uncomfortable to wear glasses. For anyone who does have average ears however, will find the the BLAST 4HX is comfortable and can run with you for long gaming sessions.

The in-line remote is bulky and heavy but the included clip helps keep it in a convenient position, and while in PC mode at least, the chat volume dial can cause interference, meaning you will need to consciously set it to minimum volume.



Multimedia
Firstly, in our music listening test, we found that the BLAST 4HX actually sounds great, but is however limited by its plug&play drivers. The audio has a wide soundscape with powerful, bouncy bass which is enjoyable and fresh, the middle tones and treble suffer a little presence, but are still well accounted for due to the good separation. In games, the audio was very clear and enjoyable, however there were certain tones that seemed to almost disappear specifically on menu/ loading screens which in games played a lot, you will in some way have got used to. It is a shame that there is no driver support to provide virtual 7.1 surround, however, it seems manufacturers like to keep this as a dedicated function... ($$$).

Microphone
The microphone is clear, loud and natural sounding though doesn't do much in the way of noise cancelling, this can be compensated for by reducing the sensitivity/volume.