Plantronics RIG 500E Headphones Review

By Steven Kean

Plantronics RIG 500E Headphones Review

Plantronics Rig 500

Plantronics is one of the oldest and most well known headset manufacturers around. They have been making top quality audio solutions since the 1960’s, longer than many of us has been alive! Where many companies are diversifying into other markets, Plantronics has stood firmly in the audio market. Their product line includes both wired and wireless solutions for the enterprise, mobile users, and anybody else that wants high quality audio headsets. For computer users, they have a wide range of solutions, and for gamers, that breaks down into console and PC gamers. The Plantronics PC Gaming line includes the GameCom and RIG line which debuted in 2013. After a couple different models of the RIG headset, they have released three models of their latest headset, the RIG 500.

Plantronics RIG 500E Packaging Front
Plantronics 203802-01 RIG 500E E-Sports Edition

The Plantronics RIG 500E is their high-end model, it incorporates everything from the RIG 500 and RIG 500HD, being the high-end model, it includes the highest price tag, with a MSRP of $149.99, however the RIG 500E with part number 203802-01 can easy be found for $109.99 with free shipping and a 1 year warranty. The difference between the three models of this headset is that the RIG 500 includes the isolating ear cup design with the 3.5mm connection, while the RIG 500HD includes the USB Dolby 7.1 connector. The RIG 500E provides the best of both worlds, and provides you with both the 3.5mm and USB Dolby 7.1 connectors, and an additional ear cup model, which allows you to decide which design is better for the situation.

Plantronics RIG 500E Packaging Back
Plantronics RIG 500E E-Sports Edition

If you are looking at the Plantronics RIG 500E headset at a retailer, the packaging provides a wide range of information, allowing you to know exactly what you are purchasing. The back of the box you are able to get a good feel of the modular design of the headset, however Plantronics doesn’t mention the upgradability of the headset, which we will take a look at later. While we are taking a look at the Plantronics RIG 500E, the lower end models use the exact same hardware, so if the RIG 500E has too many features for you, you can consider one of the lower end models with less features.

Plantronics RIG 500E Features:

  • Flexible Frame
  • Lasting Comfort
  • Earcup Options
  • Performance Audio
  • Noise-Canceling MIC
  • Easy Connections
  • Customizable

Plantronics RIG 500E Specifications:

  • Microphone
    • MIC Freq Response: 100Hz – 10kHz
    • MIC Pick Up Pattern: Uni-directional
    • MIC Sensitivity: -45dBV/Pa
    • MIC Signal to Noise: >42dB
  • Connection
    • Type: USB and 3.5mm
  • Audio
    • HP Coupling: Over-Ear
    • HP Drivers: Dynamic 40mm
    • HP Freq Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
    • HP Impedance: 32ohms
    • HP Max Input Power: 40mW
    • HP Sensitivity: 110dBSPL/V (Vented Earcups) / 113dBSPL/V (Isolating Earcups)
  • Physical
    • Weight: 200g
Plantronics RIG 500E Packaging Internal
Plantronics RIG 500E E-Sports Edition

Most of the components for the RIG 500E are secured to a molded plastic tray. Plantronics has opted to use a pair of velcro straps to secure the band to the tray, these are easily removed and reused. The additional accessories (cables and mic) are included in a little cardboard box below the headset.

Let’s remove the RIG 500E from it’s packaging and take a closer look at the individual components.