CONCLUSION

   Plantronics has always liked to release high quality and innovative products but the RIG seems to take things to a whole different level since it's perhaps the only headset in the market currently that can be connected both to your PC/Console and your smartphone at the same time saving you from all the unnecessary annoyance of having to stop playing your favorite game in order to answer your calls (doesn't happen that often to me but don't you hate it when your online character gets fragged by the enemy just because you had to answer your phone?). Of course audio quality is far more important than features but luckily enough the 40mm drivers offer a good soundstage especially when the headset is plugged into the Mixer since you can use the 3 equalizer presets (pure/intense/explosive) to boost either clarity or the volume/bass levels. Overall the RIG produces good and crisp mids/highs but it's quite obvious even after several hours that it's not as good as some of the more "dedicated" audio headsets we've reviewed over the years. Thanks to the size, design and weight of the headset you can wear it for long periods of time without having to worry about getting a neck pain. The two microphones also work quite well but we liked the clarity and volume levels of the boom one more although its size makes it quite hard to wear it while on the road.

   The RIG Stereo Headset & Mixer for PC/MAC/XBOX 360/PS3/MOBILE has been in the market for just slightly over 3 months but that was enough for Plantronics to cut its price down to a tempting USD99.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and 85Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk). Of course if you care not about the mixer and the ability to connect both your PC/MAC/Console and smartphone at the same time then there are many interesting offers at around the same price ment for gamers and even audiophiles. However if you do happen to care about its innovative features the RIG is quite unique (some may even argue that it’s in a class of its own) and that's why we give it our Golden Award.

PROS

- Innovation
- Audio Quality (Good Bass Levels, Crisp Mids/Highs)
- Bundled Mixer (Connects To 2 Input Devices)
- Two Interchangeable Microphones (Boom/In-Line)
- Driverless Installation
- Comfortable

CONS

- Build Quality Could Be Better
- Not Really Ment For Hardcore Gamers