RIG 800 PRO HS Review: Comfortable, Conforming, And Well Designed
Here with a new wireless headset option for players to use is NACON as they release their new RIG 800 PRO series. If you plan to use this headset on the PC, then it makes no difference whether you get the HS or the HX as they pertain to the platform. If you have an Xbox as your main console, then the RIG 800 PRO HX is your choice, but if you are like me and PlayStation is your preference, then you want the RIG 800 PRO HS.
What’s In The Box
Upon opening the box, I was greeted with what I expected: the headset itself and a USB connector. What I was happy to see, and only expected thanks to the website preview, was the charging base stand and its outlet plug. Unlike most headsets, this one doesn’t simply get plugged in to charge but rather sits nicely on a charging base.
This base makes it easy to always have a place to put my headset when it’s not in use, helps hold the heads form so that it doesn’t wear out from sitting on the edge of a TV, or get put in harm’s way by storing on a table, shelf, or in a cabinet. Finding a nice place for it in my collection unit, I will always have this headset next to my computer where I can easily find it.
Aesthetics and Build Quality
Maintaining a professional, although somewhat basic, color of all black, the aesthetics isn’t something that I would consider a reason for this one to be picked up. It’s all about the quality itself for this series. The overall headband is simply there to hold shape and design while the stretchy, soft self-adjusting head strap pulls it to each user’s head. Even so, it manages not to be compressing and sits very comfortably over the ears thanks to the dual-material ear cushions.
On top of this, the true aesthetic of this headset comes from the unique design on the sides. With a style that gives the impression that it needs to be wind-resistant, the sturdy headset is held together with a bit of flare. Having the headband styled as it is mixed with the self-adjusting head strap makes this headset good for multiple users without concern of warping.
Specs and Audio Quality
Giving users control of the volume by having a knob to control the overall volume and a knob to control the mic volume is a handy aspect they included. Plus, they make it easy to mute because you simply have to lift your mic back into place. However, when you are using your mic, it is bendable and sturdy so it can hold itself in any shape you prefer so it can be as close or far from your mouth as you want.
As for the specs:
40 mm, high-sensitivity drivers with low-frequency resonators that reinforce bass and reduce distortion
Up to 24-hours, lag-free wireless audio with a secure connection to relevant consoles and PC
Up to 30 ft / 10m of wireless range with a dedicated 2.4GHZ radio frequency
Microphone frequency response of 100 Hz - 10 kHz with -45 dBV/Pa sensitivity
Signature self-adjusting head strap with small, medium, or large sizing allowing for the perfect fit every time
Flexible, durable headset frame that is virtually unbreakable
Noise-canceling mic with flip-to-mute function for focused gameplay
On-ear volume and mic monitoring controls
Sound-isolating ear cups block noise and keep you focused
Convenient charge base
What It Could Have Done Better
As much as I love the flip-to-mute option, they should have made the mic mute at a point before being fully back in place. During some testing, I noticed that you can hear the shuffling sounds and sometimes even the thud sound of muting the mic. While this doesn’t seem like a big deal overall, there is sure to be a problem for some users who are using this to record various things. It can be prevented by having the mic pointing away from you when you lift it, but that means it would have to be in that position when the recording is done as well.
Verdict
The RIG 800 PRO HS is a solid improvement from the wireless headset lineup and shows that NACON is planning to keep this series in line with the top-quality headsets available as technology continues to advance. Definitely, a top-tier headset choice that I would recommend to anybody that is looking for the next headset to take them into the next-gen gaming era! It’s a great headset choice, especially for users who intend to spend long periods of time each gaming session.