Review: Plantronics RIG

Sound Quality and Conclusion

The RIG headset looks good, is comfortable to wear, and the accompanying Mixer works well, but that won't count for a lot if sound quality and microphone performance isn't up to scratch. Fortunately, Plantronics scores favourably on both fronts.

The stereo speakers obviously don't create the simulated positional audio that you might get from a 5.1 set, but the RIG's 40mm drivers deliver a well-rounded sound that's enjoyable irrespective of the media type.

When gaming we found that the added bass supplied by the Intense equaliser preset worked particularly well, resulting in deep rumbling explosions and clarity during gunfire. For movies, the Seismic profile seemed to offer the best blend by enhancing various aspects of the audio to provide a more vivid overall sound. Last but not least, the default Pure profile delivers a more natural sound, making it ideal for a wide range of music, and tracks like Hans Zimmer's Time do a great job of demonstrating the headset's ability to deliver thumping lows in unison with a clear mid-range.

Audio delivery is solid, and though the RIG is by no means the best we've heard on any one medium, it provides an enjoyable, well-rounded sound. Though, there are a few caveats to be aware of. We initially experienced noticeable white noise - though that seems to have subsided after a burn-in period - and, the open-ear design won't do a great job of isolating you from noisy environments.

Both microphones, meanwhile, are more than up to the task, and the boom mic does a particularly good job of cutting out background noise. Readers should note, however, that Plantronics includes sidetone functionality by default - meaning sound picked up by the microphone is fed back into the earcups. Handy to have during phone calls, but it might not suit every gamer.

All things considered, RIG is one the more interesting gaming headsets on the market today. Combining mobile audio with game audio feels like a logical next step, and Plantronics is better positioned than most to make it happen.

There's room for improvement, and we're hoping to see a Bluetooth-enabled successor further down the line, but the first product in the RIG family serves as a solid, multi-purpose headset that offers good sound and tempting flexibility in a tidy overall package.

The Good

Sleek, comfortable design
Mixer works really well
Comfortable to wear
Well-rounded audio performance
Choice of inline mic and boom mic
USB powered, no drivers required

The Bad

Pricey for a wired, stereo headset
Cable clutter could be a problem
No option to disable sidetone

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Plantronics RIG

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The Plantronics RIG Gaming Headset is available to purchase from Scan Computers*.

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