Plantronics continues to dabble in all things audio, whether it is for casual listening, business, or gaming. At E3 2016, Plantronics showcased their most current line-up of gaming headsets in the RIG 400 Series, the RIG 600 and the more recently announced, the RIG 4VR. Offering different tiers of headsets for gamers of varying needs and budgets, Plantronics is not slouching in the gaming market. Showing that they are far from done, they also announced and showcased the latest addition to their headset line-up at E3, the wireless RIG 800 Series of gaming headsets for both PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Let’s touch on each.
Plantronics RIG 400 Series
| Headphone drivers | Dynamic 40 mm |
| Mic frequency response | 100 Hz–10 kHz |
| Mic sensitivity | -45 dBV/Pa |
| Mic signal-to-noise ratio | >42 dB |
| Mic pick-up pattern | Uni-directional |
| Headphone weight | 210 g/7.4 oz |
| Headphone frequency response | 20 Hz–20 kHz |
| Headphone impedance | 32 ohms |
| Headphone sensitivity | 111 dBSPL/V |
| Headphone maximum input power | 40 mW |
The RIG 400HS (for PS4) and the RIG 400HX (for the Xbox One) are your new low-to-mid tier models coming with 40mm drivers and a noise canceling boom mic. The boom mic is removable for when it’s not necessary and each version of the headset houses in-line volume and mute controls. The RIG 400 Series sports closed back ear cups with fabric-covered memory foam on both the headband and ear cup cushions, providing passive sound isolation. Each RIG 400 Series headset will connect to their prospective console’s controller via a 3.5mm jack.
The RIG 400HS and RIG 400HX will be available in Fall 2016 and can each be tracked at Plantronics’ website here…
Plantronics RIG 600
| Headphone drivers | Dynamic 40 mm |
| Mic frequency response | 100 Hz—10 kHz |
| Mic sensitivity | -45 dBV/Pa |
| Mic signal-to-noise ratio | >42 dB |
| Mic pick-up pattern | Uni-directional |
| Headphone weight | 247.1 g/8.7 oz |
| Headphone frequency response | 20 Hz–20 kHz |
| Headphone impedance | 32 ohms |
| Headphone sensitivity | 111 dBSPL/V |
| Headphone maximum input power | 40 mW |
Higher up in the chain is the RIG 600, housing cross-platform compatibility with the Xbox One, PS4, PC, and mobile devices. Intended to be your singular solution to all things gaming, the RIG 600 also connects with a 3.5mm jack to the appropriate controllers on both gaming consoles. However, it also comes with a Y-adapter/splitter for connectivity to the PC. Should you choose to use the RIG 600 with your mobile device, you can remove the noise-canceling boom mic and swap in the mobile cable, housing its own in-line mic. The closed-back RIG 600 will sport a cushioned fabric headband with a sort of mesh-like leatherette cushioning for passive sound isolation in the ear cups. Headset not in use? Simply fold the ear cups flat and easily stow away the RIG 600 or wear it around your neck.
The RIG 600 gaming headset will be available in Fall 2016 and can be found on Plantronics’ website here…
Plantronics RIG 4VR
| Headphone drivers | Dynamic 40 mm |
| Mic frequency response | 100 Hz–10 kHz |
| Mic sensitivity | -45 dBV/Pa |
| Mic signal-to-noise ratio | >42 dB |
| Mic pick-up pattern | Uni-directional |
| Headphone weight | 240.5 g/8.5 oz |
| Headphone frequency response | 20 Hz–20 kHz |
| Headphone impedance | 32 ohms |
| Headphone sensitivity | 111 dBSPL/V |
| Headphone maximum input power | 40 mW |
With VR gaming becoming more and more relevant, it’s only fitting that you’d see a Plantronics VR solution in the midst of their varied gaming headset line-up. Enter the RIG 4VR, a thinner form-factor gaming headset engineered for the PS4 and Playstation VR. Complete with removable boom mic, the RIG 4VR uses a suspension headband and oval-shaped ear cups with fabric cushioning. Combine this with wires and cabling arranged to come out the back of the headset, and the RIG 4VR becomes a headset solution designed to stay comfortable and out of your way when in use with a VR headset. The boom mic also uses a Plantronics traditional mechanism for muting in that it mutes outgoing chat when flipped up.
Engineered for the PS4 and PlayStation VR, but not at all limited to only that VR product, the RIG 4VR comes in at $69.99 and will be available this holiday season. Check it out for yourself here…
Continue on to read about the new Plantronics RIG 800 Series
