The Rig 500 Pro, in both its HX and Esports iterations, sports the same four main features: flip-to-mute microphones, secondary headbands, noise-isolating ear cups and Dolby Atmos. These specs result in punchy bass, slightly recessed mids and perfectly relaxed treble. The RIG 500 PRO HA includes a longer 1.5m audio cable with in-line volume that is ideal for PC gaming, but also works with console controllers. With a detachable cable you can use alternative cables, and if the cable is pulled it will pop out instead of breaking. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The RIG 500 Pro HX Gen 2 makes a great first impression; its stylish, that steel band over the head does a great job at making the hardware feel more premium than it actually is, and when you pick the headset up, youll enjoy just how light and unobtrusive it feels. RIG 500 Pro HX RIG 500 Pro HX Save product Hear every detail with this Plantronics RIG 500 PRO HX headset. With its metal headband, lightweight exoskeleton, precisely-tuned acoustic chambers, powerful 50 mm drivers and intuitive inline volume control, victory is at your fingertips. Also, the only way to know if the mic is muted or not is to press the mute button and listen for an up-pitched or down-pitched tone. The mic is perfectly suitable for voice chat, but this might not be the headset to use if you want a really strong signal for streaming or recording. Leading game developer and peripheral manufacturer NACON provided us with two of their newest Designed for Xbox competition-grade, 3D Surround headsets for analysis, the wired RIG 500 Pro HX and the wireless RIG 700 Pro HX for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC. The minorly recessed mids are apparent only in bass-boosting songs, like Selena Gomez's "Back to You," where her voice, as it's trailing off at the end of a verse, occasionally sinks into the buzzes of the synth. In a surprising twist, the two models possess different pros and cons as well, even with the same hardware under their shells. I found the fit to be light and comfortable, without much need for adjustment. Unless you're deliberately listening for it, though, the distortion is not noticeable. Control the battlefield with the exceptionally engineered RIG 500 PRO HX headset, designed for Xbox One. It feels more expensive than it is and delivers mid-range sound without breaking a sweat. You've earned the right to shop tax free and enjoy FREE shipping! This design provides very natural and accurate sound. With a longer battery life you have to charge the device less often. Music listening is also very hard to enjoy when I prefer a bit more volume on the treble side vs bass side, where the 500 Pro HX, even with an equalizer, is too heavy on bass. I prefer to use a standalone mic on my desk, and being able to stow the boom mic in a drawer is handy. We consider a lower weight better because lighter devices are more comfortable to carry. Were not marking it down for that (its effectively user error, after all), but you should be aware if youre thinking of picking this headset up. The RIG 500 Pro HA is the PC model, and includes a longer cord and a mic/audio splitterit's also $10 USD more expensive than the other models. There's very little impact of sound in games or music. On the Rig 500 Pro HX model, the noise isolation and sound quality were comparable, though not identical, to the Esports Edition. 18000Hz vs 10000Hz 50Hz lower microphone frequency? Theres not much else to say here; while the 500 Pro makes a valiant 3D audio effort, this is an easy lay-up point for the 700 Pro. Note: This may vary by region. It acts as something of an exoskeleton, with the rest of the hardware seemingly attached to that core chassis and feeling suspended from it. We also tried the headset on a glasses-wearing colleague, and they mentioned the lightweight frame worked wonderfully with the glasses frame, too. The ear cups on the headsets aren't capable of blocking outside noise very well, though the Esports' slightly snugger fit and metal lining do help keep out just a bit more external sound than the HX version does. It makes me feel like I'm in the game. But with the 700 Pro, which is the more expensive, premium product, the bendable boom mic is far more resistant and tends to migrate back to its previous position, requiring a bit more fussing on the part of the wearer in order to get it into a position that works for them. These words can be found plastered all over the retail packaging in several places, and NACON is so confident in both headsets that they have included access to the required Dolby Atmos app for free in the box. Its wired, so theres no battery that needs recharging, and no wireless connection that could potentially drop in the middle of a match (unless theres a problem with the controller that the headset is attached to). More drivers may result in better sound quality. MICROPHONEFrequency Response: 100 Hz - 10 kHz | Sensitivity: -45 dBV/Pa | Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >42 dBPick-Up Pattern: Uni-DirectionalSPEAKERFrequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz | Impedance: 32 Ohms | Sensitivity: 111 dBSPL/VMaximum Input Power: 40 mW | Drivers: 2 x Dynamic 50 mmFEATURESMetal Headband Frame | Self-Adjusting Head Strap | Dual . The driver unit is the component that produces sound in the device. 1996-2023 Ziff Davis, LLC., a Ziff Davis company. RIG 500 PRO EX | Xbox One, Series S/X, PS4, PS5 | Gaming Headset w/ Mic. RIG 500 PRO HX vs 500 HX. A speaker driver is an individual transducer that converts electrical energy to sound waves. Better for recording bass. The battery is removable and can be replaced by the user if broken. Except as expressly set forth in our Terms of Use, all representations and warranties regarding the information presented on this page are disclaimed. The RIG 500 PRO HX Gen 2 supersedes its predecessor in almost every way. For gaming, the RIG 500 Pro HX sounds good when connected to my Xbox Series X through the Xbox Wireless Controller. The closed-ear design helps keep outside noise out, while not completely cutting you off from the outside world. The perfect balance between the highs and lows makes for great audio. angle-left angle . 50Hz vs 100Hz 27000Hz vs 20000Hz 7Hz lower low-frequency? Editors Note: We initially tested a version of the Plantronics RIG 500 Esports Edition that had sound issues. So you can imagine my pleasant surprise when the 500 ended up being not too shabby! The company has also produced a cheaper version of that same headset. The Plantronics Rig 500 Pro Esports and the Plantronics Rig 500 Pro HX are, outside of their primary build materials, completely identical in terms of internal components. I purchased the Rig 500 Pro EX headset today in hopes to gain some build quality and audio quality compared to my Rig 400 HX headset but now I'm left with some issues that I wanted to know if anyone else has experienced? A partnership with the HX model means this headset specifically has been designed to work with Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One and Windows 10 and that means it works with Dolby Atmos. Clear, good quality microphone for ingame communications. They also have more bass and clear high notes. The RIG 500 Pro HX looks and feels very much like the Plantronics RIG 500 Pro, with design elements informed by the series original concept as a modular headset line. Its not nuanced enough during Gears 5s campaign to tell the player exactly where an off-screen character who is talking is standing behind them, or sell the illusion that the sounds of creaking support beams that one hears while lurking through Azuras missile silos are coming from directly overhead, but in the games versus multiplayer I had absolutely no problems discerning the location of enemies bearing down on me, especially when a quick-footed locust drone or COG soldier was in close pursuit behind me during a roadie run. I've just received the 500 Pro HX as a gift, but for whatever reason, it's sound seems off. Its a light and comfortable headset with a reasonable $69.99 price tag, but its audio performance could be a bit better. Beyond that observation, I was impressed with the sound quality of both headsets. The higher the high-frequency response, the clearer and crispier the treble. The Esports model comes with an extra set of ear cushions, as well as an extra audio cable designed for PCs. All Rights Reserved. Hassle-free, high-quality audio with Dolby Atmos support? Im an ISF-certified TV calibrator and a THX-certified home theater professional, and Im here to help you understand 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and even 8K (and to reassure you that you dont need to worry about 8K at all for at least a few more years). I like the fact you can flip the mic up to mute your voice instead of feeling around for a pesky mute button. The scoring that appears on this site is determined by the site operator in its sole discretion, and should NOT be relied upon for accuracy purposes. The Xbox-specific audio cable works well enough. We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure youre buying the best. Notably, the 800 LX is marginally more comfortable than the 500 Pro. The boom mic is flexible but sturdy, and thankfully removable. The time it takes to fully charge the battery. Character dialog was also easy to discern. Throwing the headset onto a nearby couch we instantly discovered the mic is the weakest part of the whole headsets design itll pick up every whisper you utter, sure, but get careless just once and it is liable to break. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. So, there you have it, a gamer who swears by wireless surround sound and hates wires in just about all forms is telling you that the NACON RIG 500 Pro HX wired headset is the RIG headset to own, even when compared to its more powerful, 3D audio-performant sibling. A headset is one headphone or pair with a built-in microphone. Note: This may vary by region. Plus, the headset offers rock solid bass response, zero distortion, and according to my trusted online wingman (my brother), a clean, crisp mic signal, though the 700 Pro has no issues in those areas either. Skype, games with voice chat, mobile phones, etc. Case in point, the receiver on the 700 models boom mic is also rhomboid in shape, with the RIG logo prominently etched in its plastic mic-hood shielding. Which is to say, they're both 3.5mm, wired gaming headsets. Use your experience to help others in the community make a decision. 50mm vs 40mm 8000Hz higher microphone frequency? The mic is capable of picking up voices with crystal clarity while negating background sounds. This page is currently only available in English. The left earcup features a permanently attached, 4.2-foot-long, linguini-style cable that terminates in a four-pole 3.5mm plug, along with a hinge-mounted connector for the removable boom mic. The 500 Pro delivers reliable, consistent performance for competitive types while also offering adequate, simulated surround that doesnt get in the way of the basics, which pro gamers are bound to appreciate. As a bonus, the Rig 500 Pro handles high volumes quite well. This design provides very natural and accurate sound. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/nacon-rig-500-pro-hx. The permanently attached cable also means you cant swap it out for one with a smartphone remote. The device has an option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the device. The headset isolates sound effectively and provides good locational audio cues, though it's not quite as precise as one might hope. Robert Carnevale is a News Editor at Windows Central. Take Star Wars Battlefront II (2017), for example. And if you're dead set on spending a premium for headphones with great gaming sound quality, consider the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 headset before you commit to the Rig 500 Pro Esports. While the Esports' aluminum frame is great and the headset features strong sound quality for music, the peripheral can't justify its price when stacked up against the HX, which features very similar sound quality for less than half the price. The headset includes an activation code for two years of Dolby Atmos spatial audio processing through the Dolby Access app for Windows 10 and Xbox. Be the first. The microphone can be attached or detached if necessary. Sound effects are isolated and delivered clearly, and usually without having to compromise on background music or ambient sound. MSRP $69.99 $34.77 at Amazon. The systems that the headset is compatible with, according to the manufacturer. Plus, no one has to stare at that ridiculously huge dongle. Even the rather long, in-line volume rocker on the headsets audio cable soft locks in the max volume position so users can choose to set it and forget it, which is a thoughtful feature. A lower weight is also an advantage for home appliances, as it makes transportation easier, and for many other types of products. By comparison, the 700 Pros controls all reside on the left ear cup and are a bit trickier to find when the device is worn on ones head, as they are widely spaced apart. Not ideal if youre munching through a pack of chips whilst you wait in the lobby of Call of Duty: Warzone, right? Music lovers, youll be pleased to know that the drivers respond just as well when it comes to music playback as in games. It offers potential for maximum bass and loudness levels. Nacon Rig 500 PRO review. A lower weight is also an advantage for home appliances, as it makes transportation easier, and for many other types of products. Both Plantronics Rig 500 Pro models (Esports and HX) feature great microphones, but the overall audio quality isn't what it should be for the prices of either model. This difference in tightness is easy to observe when laying both sets of headphones on a table. Still, if you're aiming for a better headset in the HX's price range, just go with Plantronics' Rig 400. By continuing to browse our site, you agree to our use of cookies. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, That said, if you are looking for all the above plus freedom from wires and more convincing 3D surround when playing less-competitive and immersive types of games, then without question the NACON RIG 700 Pro HX is the headset you should consider picking up. Having the volume controls at the controller is really great. With a detachable cable you can use alternative cables, and if the cable is pulled it will pop out instead of breaking. We deliver in Texas, Arizona and Florida. RIG 500 PRO HX 3D AUDIO GAMING HEADSET FOR XBOX SERIES X|S, XBOX ONE, AND WINDOWS 10/11 PC CROSS PLATFORM FUNCTIONALITY The 3.5 mm cable is compatible with Xbox controllers, PS4 controllers, PCs, laptops, mobile phones, and tablets. The device's battery life (when in use) as given by the manufacturer. Bought about a week ago, and these things are perfect fit with easy adjustable headband. Ideal for plane rides and morning commutes. It has a variable bit rate (between 279kbps and 420kbps), which means it can adjust the bit rate for different scenarios, such as listening to HD audio or reducing interference from other devices. Couldn't be happier. The volume dial is so much more easier to use than volume buttons. The company was formerly known as Bigben Interactive, and was best known for publishing video games in Europe. With the added bonus of having Dolby Atmos as part of the package, Dolby Atmos compatible games and videos sound great. PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering lab-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. Though the angular aesthetic and abundance of stylistic hexagons rage against the rest of the build's sleek, matte, black-metal minimalism, the needless shapes don't quite stop the Esports model from being wearable in public. As for the "noise-isolating design," neither headset truly has that. Music listening is also very hard to enjoy when I prefer a bit more . New York, While they handle music and movies well thanks to Dolby Access, the real winner is the gaming . Plantronics news, updates, reviews and more. With the flip to mute boom mic taking the place of a dedicated button and an in-line volume rocker on the headsets 1.3m cable, there are virtually no buttons to speak of on the headset itself. With a longer battery life you have to charge the device less often. For the headset's price, it would've been nice if it had sported a higher level of clarity and precision in this department, but that doesn't change the fact the Esports' approximations were quite good as-is. The biggest draw of this headset is that lovely black steel headband. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant. The sound stage allows you to quickly and effortlessly pinpoint sound cues and respond to threats without pause great if youre a competitive or pro-level player. FPS lovers and shooter aficionados, eat your heart out. Especially useful in noisy environments. Both come with an Xbox-specific audio cable, which features a jack designed to prevent the cord from swiveling once it's attached to an Xbox One controller, but the jack's cylindrical shape makes it a bit of a hassle to use with a laptop. Razer Leviathan V2 Pro sound bar is an innovative device with camera-assisted head-tracking and, despite, The Kensington H3000 Headset is a solid Bluetooth headset with clear audio quality that could, Explore the resurgence of space-themed games, from big studios to indie gems like EVERSPACE 2,, If you need help looking for new games to binge, here is a tested list, Its National Anime Day and whats a better way to celebrate then looking into all. As a result, the whole headset feels light and easy to wear though we noticed after a while there was a little pinching on the crown of the head and around the ears. $85 CAD) and $119.99 USD (approx. The die-cast aluminum build of the Esports model goes a long way toward making those headphones attractive. Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Multipoint allows you to link to more Bluetooth devices and switch between them. Take for instance their detachable microphones. The battery can be recharged and used over again. Battery power, or battery capacity, represents the amount of electrical energy that a battery can store. The cable is designed to minimize tangling. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). The detachable microphone is interesting; its both removable and flip-to-mute, which is unique in any headsets this reviewer has encountered. It protrudes awkwardly from the front of any Xbox and is even more unsightly sticking out of the side of a laptop, potentially taking up valuable real-estate if your console or PC occupies a compact space. Youre not going to find better in this price range. The cable is designed to minimize tangling. The $59.99 Astro Gaming A10 is a long-standing favorite for its excellent sound quality, though its less comfortable. Three positions for earcup height might seem paltry when most gaming headsets offer a dozen click-stops or smooth sliding adjustments, but it isnt a problem thanks to the secondary band through which the wire connecting the two earcups runs. In games experience to help others in the community make a decision the manufacturer found the fit be! Is one headphone or pair with a reasonable $ 69.99 price tag, but whatever! Has an option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the outside world Xbox... 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