In our line of work we test a lot of hardware products and get to evaluate their performance with games and movies as well as standard desktop applications. Many times companies give you a snazzy looking piece of hardware but far too often lacks in comfort, quality, or ease-of-use. I’m happy to say that in recent years we’ve had a fairly solid run of good fortune with our hardware reviews and that trend thankfully continues with the Plantronics 7.1 Rig Surrond.
The unit is lightweight and comfortable and offers7.1 surround sound in a USB gaming headset power by 40mm drivers. When playing a video game I prefer a headset that doesn’t require me to do much more than adjust the volume level as in game I want my focus to be on gameplay. As such it was a bit leery with the amp and audio mixer that the unit features which consists of a circular unit and a flip switch and dials. The flip switch toggles between computer and mobile devices and has a red cord that allows you to plug the device into your portable devices to enjoy your headset on the go. PC users. They connected via a USB port and unlike many headsets I’m happy to say that the cable offers more than adequate length she do not feel constricted at your desktop. Working to dials includes a mute switch and an option to handle phone calls as well as the master volume control and other mixing features that allow you to choose between improved voice clarity, bass and midrange boost, and more based with out the distortion.
For me I use the menu music with Call of Duty: Ghosts as well as some music videos in order to set what I consider to be an acceptable level and Max although I do have the option to adjust that as I see fit.
While some may look at this is micromanagement I prefer to accept it as getting a degree of customization that suits me and my needs and can adapt depending on what I’m listing to rather than essentially being told this is the level that you’re going to get if you want to make any changes adjust it in Windows or accept it.
The sound quality was solid but did not blow me away to the level that I had initially expected to. There are drivers available that are currently in the beta stage that will improve the performance and do greatly enhance your gameplay and enjoyment options.
While I found the headset be very durable and well constructed, I did find the fact that the microphone is fixed in place to be a bit offputting as I’m used to either a retractable mic or one that I can swivel up out of position one not needed. While some may say this is a minor detraction, I’m simply stating what I found based on my own personal preferences and use. The microphone is angled at a proper distance downward and away from my mouth that it does not interfere with my line of sight but still I do notice that it is there.
Setup was very easy and it comes with a one-year warranty so I do not expect users to have any issues with the device as it set up quickly and I was immediately able to use it for all of my desktop and gaming needs.
Priced at an attractive $99, the Rig Surround does offer a very solid and versatile option for users and the ability to switch between your PC and mobile device on-the-fly is a definite plus for the device. Aside from the driver and microphone issues I have to say that it is an impressive unit and therefore shows once again the Plantronics is making serious strides into the audio gaming market using the technology and expertise that made them a dominant force in the home and office medications department.
I expect with more drivers in the future, the sound quality will only improve which is very impressive considering it’s quite solid as it currently stands.
4 stars out of 5
