If you’re in the market for a gaming headset and don’t want to break the bank, the Rig 500 Pro HX Gen 2 is a decent option.
Rig describes their headset as a “durable, performance headset” that gives players a “competitive edge” due to precise audio. While I am not much of a competitive gamer, I can say from using the 500 Pro HX that it does feel sturdy with its metal headband without weighing too much.
The Good
The matte black headset itself fits snug on my head, and the earcups are comfortable around the ears. As previously mentioned, this feels like a high-quality build for the price. It pairs well with the recently-released Rig Pro Compact Wired Controller.
The headset comes with a detachable microphone, so you can replace it if need be. The microphone is noise-canceling and supports flip-to-mute during intense online battles. The headset also comes with a 2-year activation code for Dolby Atmos.
This is marketed as a headset for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X, but it also worked on my PS4. So you can use it as an all-around headset as long as your device supports a 3.5 mm connector.
The Bad
It has an adjustable cushion, but the headset’s metal frame itself is not adjustable. This is unfortunate because my head ended up stretching the cushion all the way to the metal frame. This would not be an issue if the cushion was thick enough, but it’s not for me liking.
In short, even the Rig 500 Pro HX Gen 2 is fine around the ears, it gets uncomfortable to wear after a while due to the metal headband. If you’re planning to play for hours on end, it becomes an issue.
A couple of other notes: the cable is too short and the volume slider looks and feels cheap. The cable is long enough if you’re connecting this directly to an Xbox or PS4 controller. However, it becomes an issue if you’re connecting it directly to a desktop PC. Six feet would have been a better length, in my opinion.
Specifications
| Ear coupling | Around ear |
| Color | Black |
| Weight | 9.9 ounces / 281 grams |
| Wireless | No |
| Headphone frequency | 20 Hz-20 kHz |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Headphone sensitivity | 111 dBSPL/V |
| 3D audio | Dolby Atmos |
| Headphone driver | 50mm |
| Mic frequency response | 100 Hz-10kHz |
| Removable mic | Yes |
| Mic sensitivity | -45 dBV/Pa |
| Mic pick up pattern | Uni-directional |
| Mic to signal ratio | >42 dB |
| Connectors | 3.5 mm |
| Volume control | Inline volume |
| Cable length | 4.265 feet / 1.3 meters |
Conclusion
The Rig 500 Pro HX Gen 2 is a quality headset for a budget price that even comes with a Dolby Atmos subscription. You can buy it at Walmart and GameStop.
Game Freaks 365 received a review unit.
