Plantronics RIG 800HS Headphones Review
Closer Look at Plantronics RIG 800HS
One of the key features of the Plantronics RIG line is that they can be disassembled into the major components. For the RIG 800HS, that means removing the plastic headband, the headsupport cushion and the ear cups. Replacing the headband is part of their customization options that we’ll take a brief look at. Many of the wired RIG models also have alternate ear cups, however for the 800HS, only the ones that are supplied are available. These are closed (sound isolating) earcups, with 40mm drivers. The earcups themselves use memory foam to make them more comfortable to wear for long durations.
Let’s start off by taking a look at the various controls that are built into the headset. On the left earcup we find two different volume controls. The first (at the top of the controls – or on the left), controls the balance between game sounds and chat audio. Next is the power switch, which also controls the connection and battery level audio response. The last control is the master volume dial. The last feature here is the micro USB charge port.
On the bottom of the right earcup is the equalizer button. The built-in equalizer options include four settings, Pure, Seismic, Intensify and Vocal Focus. Each setting is indicated by the number of beeps when you press the button. Bass wasn’t a high point in these headphones, but on the Seismic setting, it was sufficient to be able to feel the bass.
The microphone swings down to turn itself on, there is a slight audio beep when it is activated, however there are no visual cues that the microphone is in use. The microphone boom is 5inches so it is rather short, so it is unobtrusive. The boom can be bent a little towards your face. The earcups can be adjusted to three diferent positions depending on your specific sizing needs. They come with the earcups in the middle position, popping them out, you can move them up or down to make the fit more natural.
The two noise isolating earcups have a soft faux leather cover over the memory foam. The combination of the memory foam and soft faux leather make these extremely comfortable to wear. They are of an oval design, and while they are designed to surround your ears, that will really depend on the size of your ears; the opening measures 1.25 in x 2.5 in. The covers are easy to remove and to put back on, however there are no options for a fabric cover. Behind the cover resides a plastic grill that provides protection to the 40mm drivers. These aren’t the largest drivers that can be found on gaming headphones, they are a fairly common size.
There isn’t much to the USB Receiver, there is a single “connect” button on the top of the receiver, but the headphones automatically connect to the receiver when they are turned on. In addition to the USB connection, there is an optical connection on the back of the receiver. If you happen to have your optical connection on the PS4 connected to your screen or another source, you can use just the USB connection.
Customization
One of the features of the RIG 800HS is the option to customize the headphones. This is done by purchasing alternative headbands which can be purchased from Plantronics for $14.95.
Plantronics has four headband options available, Blue/Grey Camo, Fashion Camo, Desert Camo, and Translucent. There are not other options for customization from Plantronics. Those that are crafty could do a headband support cover with the right fabric.