American headphone manufacturer Plantronics is releasing the RIG 500HS, a model specifically tailored for PS4 and offered at an attractive price point. But how well does it perform against its competitors?
Plantronics RIG 500 (and the more recent 500 E) has been a long-standing favorite of our editorial team for movies, games, and particularly music. Its powerful bass, clear audio, and comfortable design have made it difficult to surpass, especially within its price range. Consequently, we were eager to evaluate the new RIG 500HS, officially licensed by Sony for Playstation 4.
The headband is adjustable for optimal comfort.
The Plantronics RIG 500HS shares many similarities with the RIG 500 E, including its modern e-sports aesthetic, detachable earcups made of lightweight, breathable plastic, and a microphone that can be easily muted by folding it up or down (or removed entirely). The PS4, unlike the Xbox One, utilizes 3.5mm jacks in its Dual Shock 4 controllers, making it compatible with virtually all headphones. Simply plug in the RIG 500HS, and the PS4 automatically directs audio to the earcups and activates the microphone. Volume adjustments are made via the PS4’s built-in sound menu, accessible by holding down the PS button.
The audio profile of the RIG 500HS differs slightly from that of the RIG 500 and RIG 500E. It offers a brighter and more responsive sound, with an emphasis on treble and speech clarity – beneficial for online game communication. The headphones are comfortable to wear, lightweight, and offer improved ventilation compared to Sony’s own Pulse headset (which is wireless; a review of Plantronics’ wireless PS4 model will be available later this fall). The maximum volume output is somewhat lower compared to its higher-end counterparts, potentially limiting its appeal for users who prefer very loud audio. This limitation is partly due to the Dual Shock 4 controllers’ power output – headphones generally sound better when powered by a laptop than a smartphone, for instance. The slightly reduced bass response led us to prefer the 500HS for music with a focus on instruments and vocals, rather than bass-heavy genres like hip-hop and house.
Mic lowered = on. Raised = off. Simple and smooth, as it should be.
The microphone functions reliably. During sessions of The Division, our teammates reported clear and understandable audio, and we experienced the same from them. The microphone can be detached for users who prefer not to use it or want to prevent accidental activation.
The Plantronics RIG 500HS PS4 is compelling due to its simplicity, overall user experience, and audio quality for its price. While there is no official recommended retail price, a search on Prisjakt indicates an average price of around 500 SEK, with some retailers offering it for as low as 390 SEK. At this price point, the RIG 500HS represents an exceptionally affordable gaming headset, particularly for PS4 gamers. Users prioritizing high volume and powerful bass with a larger budget should consider the RIG 500 E, which is equally compatible with PS4 and offers superior overall sound quality for games, movies, and music. However, the improvement is not twice as significant, highlighting the diminishing returns often encountered in high-end audio equipment.
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