Poly, formerly known as Plantronics, has been around for a long time. They have made headphones and earphones of all kinds, from enterprise to casual everyday use. It’s definitely one of the most versatile headphone companies I’ve worked with over the years. The RIG 500 is Poly’s top of the line gaming headset, so it was time that I put it to the test. Specifically, the RIG 500 Pro and RIG 500 Pro eSports Edition.
Build
The RIG 500 Pro and eSports Edition are nearly identical. In fact, the only thing that separates them is audio cables, materials, and the headband size. The RIG 500 eSports Edition has a special audio connection with a volume dial on the end that connects to your gaming controller, while the Pro does not. The material used on the earcups is diecast aluminum on the eSports Edition and high-density plastic on the Pro.
When it comes to the headband, the RIG 500 Pro is slightly larger by about 3/4 of an inch. While RIG 500 Pro does provide a more comfy experience for those with a large head or very full head of hair, the RIG 500 eSports Edition provides a convenient volume control experience. Outside of these differences, they are virtually identical.
The quality of the material is not lost in the design of the RIG 500 either. It is hard to describe, but Poly gave it a modern exo tech-like design with the satisfying texture that a diecast aluminum provides. This material will also provide lasting durability which is crucial in today’s market since too many headsets are breaking within months of use. Glad to see this won’t be an issue with the RIG 500 Pro and eSports Edition.
Sound
Dolby Atmos is one of the latest and greatest audio creations of this decade. The addition to gaming has me excited, but there are not a lot of games that support it at the moment. However, in due time, many will adopt this service. For a list of Xbox One games that support Dolby ATMOS, check the Dolby website for an up-to-date list. (For tips on enabling Dolby ATMOS, visit Poly’s website.)
Dolby ATMOS can be enabled on Xbox One and PC for use with the RIG 5o0 Pro and eSports Edition. This is definitely the most preferred method of use. The audio quality is spectacular. When tested, the drivers provide clean lows, but with an incredibly slight hum on the very low end. It does disappear quickly as the range moves up. The mids provided a sharp and distinct quality which helps with in-game dialog. As for the highs, they were notably crisp and without the brashness most headsets provide.
Without Dolby ATMOS enabled, the RIG 500 Pro and Pro eSports Edition were still a step above the rest. Using in partnership with the SXFI AMP I reviewed previously, it gave me one the best gaming experiences I’ve experienced. One thing worth mentioning as well is that the audio quality was not lost when the volume was raised to the maximum. This is important because it shows the quality of the drivers and ability that Dolby Atmos can provide.
Final Reaction
The Poly RIG 500 Pro and Pro eSports Edition is the best wired Xbox One headset available in my opinion. The Poly RIG 500 Pro eSports Edition is definitely the better option, due to the better material and extremely convenient audio dial. It retails for $149.99. However, if those features are not personally crucial, then there’s the Poly RIG 500 Pro, which retails for $89.99. Both are phenomenal options, especially for the price.
Rating: 4.5/5 Atoms
Specs and Features
- Frequency Response: 100Hz-10kHz
- Mic Sensitivity: -45 dBV/Pa
- Mic signal-to-noise ratio: >42 dB
- Mic pick-up pattern: Uni-directional
- Headphone frequency response: 20 Hz–20 kHz
- Headphone impedance: 32 ohms
- Headphone sensitivity: 111 dBSPL/V
- Headphone maximum input power: 40 mW
- Headphone drivers: Dynamic 50 mm
- Compatibility: Cross Platform, Laptop, PC
- Adjustable earcup slots
- Lightweight metal exoskeleton (eSports Edition)
- Noise-isolating acoustic chambers
- Isolated closed-cup design and dual-material ear cushions
- Inline controls let you adjust audio
- Easy-to-reach RIG game audio dial (eSports Edition)
- Dolby Atmos for Headphones prepaid activation code included
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