Superior sound at a lower price.
I have an unhealthy amount of headsets for a variety of gaming platforms. I have tested just about every model from every make there is. So, when a new one comes along, there are a variety of things I like to take a look at. While I haven’t been the biggest fan of RIG headsets in the past, the new RS Pro is by far one of the best ones I have checked out. It is a simple headset by design, this is not a wireless set with multiple functions and drivers, but instead a simple wired affair with PlayStation branding. So why would this stand out?
This is not a flashy headset by any means. Inside the box we get the headset, two snap-on plates, and a quick start guide and that is it. There are no extra cables, no carrying case, nothing. This is as bare bones of a package as I have seen for a branded headset.
MSRP: $69.99
Price I’d Pay: $69.99
The design of the headset is quite nice. It is a matte black finish with a soft headband and of course it is adjustable. The two snap-on plates are PlayStation branded but don’t let that fool you, this is a standard 3.5mm jack that can work on anything. I spent most of my time testing it on my PC as there are more options and sound tests, I can do there. Volume adjustment is on the cable, and it has a slide button that is very nice. It has some resistance to it, so it makes adjusting a little harder until it gets broken in.
The earcups are very padded and comfortable. I used the headset to record one of our weekly podcasts and did not have any issues with comfortability after three hours. This bodes well for long gaming sessions. The band is also very flexible, so it wasn’t pushing into my skull giving me a headache which is always a huge plus. It is comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, and that is the highest praise I can give most headsets.
The microphone is fine. Nothing revolutionary about it. I tested it with recording, and the levels are decent, but nothing spectacular. It is attached to the headset and has a good deal of hold when moving it into position. Muting is done by tilting it up, which is fine, but what I love is that it does it at about 45 degrees instead of having to do the full 90-degree turn. This makes muting faster and easier.
Now let’s dig into the sound quality, which is where the R5 really shines. The drivers on this headset are excellent. It has audio ranges that match much higher-end sets. The range is between 20-40kHz, and it is immediately apparent when jumping into a game. The dynamic range of games like Call of Duty and Overwatch are immediately apparent. You can hear sounds all around you and pinpointing enemies has never been easier.
It is also worth noting that the distortion levels are extremely low. This gives real clarity to the sound, especially in gaming. I wouldn’t pick these up if your primary focus is watching movies or listening to music, but when it comes to gaming, these really nail it. The bass is subdued, and the levels are excellent. Everything just sounds crystal clear without any type of interference or distortion.
While it does work with any game console with a 3.5mm jack, the PlayStation branding is not just for show. This headset does support Sony’s 3D audio via the PS5. It sounds absolutely amazing as well. Hearing everything all around me in games like Resident Evil 4 and Spider-Man is incredible. This headset really punches above its weight when it comes to sound quality.
The RIG R5 Pro is a great, cheap headset that is no-frills, but delivers a punch. If you are OK with a wired headset, I have found fewer with as dynamic a sound as these deliver. The comfortability is excellent and the 3D support on PS5 is outstanding. If gaming is your sole focus and don’t mind a wire this is the headset to snag.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
