Before I start my review - I would like to note that this is the first gaming headset that I have come across that set out to be more than just your "go-to" cans for your gaming pleasure.
It was at the Sydney EB Games expo earlier this year - where I first laid my eyes on these and had my first hand experience with these bad boys. I remember making a comment to my editor then, that we had to get our hands on a pair to review for our readers.
For those who are like me, who lead a busy life and love to game, seeking the ability to better "multi-task" during your intense and focussed gaming sessions - it seems that Plantronics may have the answer as they have produced something unique with "The Rig" to address this need.
Plantronics have created a multipurpose, multi platform headset - that allows you to work with with any device/platform of your choosing - MAC, Windows, Android, IOS, XBOX, Playstation
Like many other typical gaming headsets, the RIG offers a stereo sound headphones and a noise cancelling boom microphone but it also offers so much more!
Firstly, it also includes a discreet inline mic that can be swapped with the traditional boom mic. Secondly and most importantly - The 'RIG' comes with a dual channel mixer that allow gamers to seamlessly swap between game, chat, music and phone calls all at the touch of button or blending your audio sources with a touch of the dial all without having to taking your focus off the game at hand.
The 'Rig' is definitely not the most premium looking set of headphones (and definitely not as unique as the Level 10M Gaming headset). That being said, the overall construction of the headset is solid enough, but is made primarily from plastic. This does lend itself to being lighter than some of its competitors. The ear cups and and the headband both have been covered with cloth padding which allow this headset to breathe and be soft and cool. And at a guess - the adjustable headband should fit most size heads.
{gallery}techspace/hardware/audio/rig/promo{/gallery}
The Rig, comes neatly packaged in a premium box. The front panel can be lifted (in place with the help of a small velcro dot ) - to reveal a plastic window with the headphones, boom mic and mixer on display. Premium touches like the fabric tag on the box are nice highlights to add to the quality feel.
I did have a good chuckle - when I saw that Plantronics had put a disclaimer on the box that a phone is not included.
Taking out the packaging from the tray revelaed that there were a few more cables packaged under the main tray. Taking out some of the components where a little difficult. I am assuming this was done to ensure they various parts did not move in the packaging.
The undercarriage also reveals a quick start guide/manual. For those who are tech savvy - shouldn’t have any problems following the instructions - but maybe a little challenging for n00bs.
That being said - Plantronics have video where take you through the basics of the rig on their website here.
Key Features
- Mixer connects and mixes mobile phone with game audio
- Interchangeable gaming boom mic and inline mic
- Connects to Xbox 360, PC, Mac, PS3, smartphones, and tablets
- Three EQ profiles: Pure. Intensify. Seismic
- 40mm speaker drivers
- Ultra-comfortable ear cushions and headband; lay-flat earpods
- Skype compatible
{gallery}techspace/hardware/audio/rig/box{/gallery}
Setup Notes
Setting up the various connections for the RIG were relatively straight forward, especially with the setup guide provided in the box - clearly illustrating the various configuration options for the different platforms and audio sources.
The USB and 3.5mm cable attached to the top of the rig connects to your PC for gaming and Headset audio. At the bottom of the rig there are two ports - a 3.5mm for your headset connection and and 2.5mm for those who would like to connect through their XBOX controller.
Performance - Sound
Whilst not having access to an XBOX, I was able to test most of the connections that the rig was designed for.
PC Gaming & Skype
Audio during gaming was good -nice crisp stereo sound with decent bass.
Whilst it can't compete with other headsets with built in surround sound - The stereo headphones do a good job and is comparable to other stereo gaming headsets in the price bracket
Both headset options- (boom mic and inline mic) were tested with skype.
I use skype a lot for work and a had an opportunity to really give the two microphones a good workout.
During my testing the noise cancelling worked relatively well with both mics - however as expected the in-lline mic did make me me sound more distant to those on the other end of the line
Playstation
The Rig, also comes with an RCA splitter and an optical out that you can use for consoles. I tested the RCA connections - which produced pleasing results, but will be looking to invest in an optical cable to maximise the audio quality.
Other Audio Source (Mobile Phone)
I used my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and Blackberry Z30 to test both listening to music and taking calls. I tested both devices with the same music - yeilding very simiair results. Again the stereo sound was good, not overly ladened with a thumping bass.
Mixing
The real test for the Rig was how well it performed when it did what it was designed for MIXING.
Mixing between the multiple audio sources was quick, responsive and relatively easy. The dial to mix between a phone call with my wife and gaming worked very well. The flipping the padddle - I was able to test the PC Mic source (Skype) and Gaming Mix- again using the dial on the right hand side was a seamless experience.
Audio Settings
As mentioned above the mixer includes three equalizer profiles with the “seismic” mode that builds up the bass being my favourite for both Gaming and Music.
Whilst some may say that Plantronics have created something that is no more than a novelty and that in the real world, not many people switch between their various audiosources during gaming - may highligh that this may not be for everyone, there will be those who would find a tool like this very useful like myself who loves listening to music while I game.
Plantronics, are generally associated with premium headset solutions for the corporate world and would have liked to have seen that transferred into the RIG. But I do appreciate that practicality and cost would have played a part in their design. I can’t help but think when looking at it - that it was made in the 80’s or 90’s.
With a street price of $129 and given the versatility Plantronics designers have managed to include, it's a relatively inexpensive way to have one set of cans for everything.
If you are in the market for a new headset then this should definitely be something you should add to the list to consider. Comparable in performance to other headsets in this price range with the added benefit of mixing your audio. If you are after this flexibility or think it would be handy - then I would highly recommend this.
| Plantronics Rig Headset | |
 |
|
|
PROS |
|
|
CONS |
- |
 |
|
Highly Versatile
