The market for gaming headsets is becoming so crowded and competitive that audio companies are fighting tooth and nail for any small marginal gain.
This is possibly the mindset that has led RIG to include a charging dock that displays its 800 Pro headset lineup when you’re not using it – why not, eh? It’s not a novel concept, but could it be indicative of the generosity that makes the RIG 800 Pro HS worthwhile to purchase?
RIG’s headset is an excellent choice for PS5 and PS4 gamers, as well as PC gamers. It hasn’t blown us away on any one front. But it accomplishes everything it sets out to do admirably, with solid design choices and a high level of comfort.
The docking station isn’t a novel concept, but some users will appreciate how it organizes their gaming space and the ease of charging means that the headset’s long battery life is almost an afterthought in a good way. However, there are headsets with better sound for the same price.
RIG 800 Pro HS Headset
For:
- Comfortable
- Excellent battery life
- A charging dock could be useful.
Against:
- A little delicate
- The sound quality is average.
Design
- Only black is available.
- It includes a charging dock and a dongle.
- The microphone that flips up
RIG’s design language is nice and established at this point. It specializes in headsets that look futuristic and almost alien. And with lots of cutouts to reduce weight and chunky microphone arms that can be easily flipped out of the way.
This is consistent with the 800 Pro HS, which has all of those characteristics and benefits from them. It’s lightweight and comfortable to wear, with soft ear cushioning that allows you to wear it for hours on end.
The microphone arm is impressively long and nicely flexible. It allows you to position it however you want, and while it doesn’t disappear when not in use, it’s far enough away from your peripheral vision to be functionally gone.
The headband system allows you to select a rough amount of tension but then flexes significantly when you put it on your head, which also contributes to the 800 Pro HS being comfortable to wear, so it passes the comfort test with flying colors.
A base station is included in the box, which charges the headset when docked using magnetic pins and can also house the USB dongle that it connects to. When you plug this dock into your console, it becomes a sort of battle station for the headset.
It’s a sturdy piece of equipment that performs admirably, though we’re not convinced the advantages over a simple charging cable are significant. It also has a larger footprint than, say, the wireless unit included with SteelSeries’ Arctis Nova Pro Wireless.
Sound Performance of RIG 800 Pro HS
- 20 Hz–20 kHz frequency response
- 40mm drivers
If the RIG 800 Pro HS is comfortable to wear, that’s only half the battle; after all, when it comes to gaming headsets, it’s all about the sound.
RIG’s specifications are fairly solid, but we can only report that the actual performance we’ve been getting has been distinctly middle of the road – it’s not bad, but it’s also not going to blow your mind.
That’s not a bad deal for the price, and the 800 Pro HS is a clear upgrade over a headset that’s perhaps half the price, with clear audio and a decent amount of low-end oomph.
However, it is not the most detailed headset we’ve ever used, and for the price, there are more impressive alternatives.
Meanwhile, the microphone is once again a middling affair, with enough reach to be comfortable to use but a tendency to pick up some dirt while you talk, and recording quality that is both unexceptional and inoffensive.
Features and Battery Life of RIG 800 Pro HS
- 24-hour battery life
- 10-meter range using base station
When it comes to features on the 800 Pro HS, there isn’t much to discuss because it keeps things simple.
The battery life is a solid 24 hours, which is more than enough for any healthy gaming session, and if you use the base station, you’ll always wake up to a charged headset.
This is more convenient than remembering to plug it into a power outlet for a recharge, though if you’re forgetful, you might still leave it on the couch instead of its cradle.
However, if you use a cable, the headset charges via micro USB, which is inconvenient in this day and age. At this price, USB-C is practically a given.
However, the range is very solid as a result of that base station, remaining fairly consistent even when we were several meters away. Unsurprisingly, line of sight remains a significant variable.
The earcups have some controls, including a volume dial, and muting yourself is as simple as flipping the microphone up and away, which has a certain mechanical satisfaction that we like.
Conclusion:
RIG’s new headset is nice and comfortable to wear, and its charging dock is a good idea, but its middle-of-the-road sound means it doesn’t stand out in a crowded field.
Review of Yatri bike – Best Electric Bike of Nepal
