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Best Gaming Headset Under $90? Plantronics RIG 500 PRO Review

09/25/2018 By Brooke O'Connell

Plantronics RIG 500 PRO review

It’s been six months since the Consumer Electronics Show and Plantronics is back with the introduction of their RIG 500 PRO series of gaming headsets. Announced on June 5th, the RIG 500 Pro series is a multi-platform series of headsets geared towards use with Xbox, PS4, and PC. How does the PC version of the headset stack up in the Plantronics Gaming Universe? More importantly, how does it hold up to our testing? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Plantronics RIG 500 PRO review.

Plantronics RIG 500 PRO review

Per the June 2018 press release: “RIG 500 PRO Series are the first gaming headsets to feature an exoskeleton earcup design with isolated inner acoustic chambers to reduce distortion, creating the ideal audio solution for today’s high-resolution gaming platforms.”

According to Jack Reynolds, Director of Gaming Products at Plantronics. “The new RIG 500 PRO Series takes the innovative modular design of the RIG 500 to the next level. It continues the impressive number of firsts we’ve brought to competitive gamers, including the first VR-focused headsets, Dolby Atmos® activation and now, the RIG Game Audio Dial for Xbox One and PS4 wireless controllers.”

Read:   Gaming: Plantronics RIG 600 Headset Review

Plantronics RIG 500 PRO Review

Design, Fit, & Features

Plantronics RIG 500 PRO gaming headset has several features that make it one of the more comfortable headsets that I’ve worn. The usual heaviness that most gaming headsets consistently seem to have is reduced with its lightweight exoskeleton combined with an inner comfort band. The lightweight metal is a burnished gold which makes it look not only luxurious but gives it a very sci-fi feel to an already unique looking headset. The geometric cutouts surrounding the ear pads make for an interesting appearance.

Plantronics RIG 500 PRO review

The comfortable ear cups are adjustable however they differ from others which utilize a sliding mechanism. Instead, these ear cups pop out at the connector and have three different positions. A bit of a downside here is it takes some force to push the cups out of their connectors. While cute that the cups won’t suddenly shift, it is a bit of a pain to adjust. And having only three settings makes it limiting if you like a full range of adjustment in your headset.

The ear cups are supremely comfortable, and the soundproofing is quite amazing. Though depending on the game, it is not fully noise-canceling. When playing a fighting game like DRAGON BALL Fighter Z, I could still hear outside interference. However, this is not a game where the intense focus on hearing is needed.

Plantronics RIG 500 PRO review

The soft cushioning makes the RIG 500 PRO headset easy to wear for extended amounts of time and not require me to adjust them.

There’s an easy volume adjuster on the cord. Its slider made it easy to adjust mid game while not having to struggle to adjust. I loved how easy it was to change it. In conjunction with the easy adjuster, the mic flips up to mute. The ease with speaking and muting is a huge draw.

There was a downside though. I found the volume was not quite loud enough for some specific games.

Over the years I’ve worn several headsets such as those from Turtle Beach to the Xbox recommended headphones, and none have been as comfortable as this one. As someone who can’t wear tight headphones, the RIG 500 PRO is perfect. The comfort band makes an excellent lightweight barrier between the bulk of the weight of the headset. The ear cups are so comfortable that it doesn’t even feel like you’re wearing a gaming headset. Also, there’s no issue with them heating up or the problem with it tangling with my long hair.

Plantronics RIG 500 PRO review

Read:   Patriot Viper V770 Gaming Keyboard Review

Performance

The headset was used playing several levels of Assassin’s Creed Origins where hearing your surroundings is vital. When going through the open world, being able to hear what is going on around you is very important. Just as it when you’re listening to backstories and character information. It provides quite the fantastic ambiance to an already exciting game. This is something I’ve found lacking in other headsets. A small caveat to this is the volume could go louder. But that is probably more of a personal preference since I tend to crank the volume as loud as it will go.

Plantronics RIG 500 PRO review

The RIG 500 PRO shined when playing Fortnite. The sound quality was quite good and didn’t need to be turned up as much as when playing Assassin’s Creed. This quality made hearing my surroundings excel upon which I lasted much longer during gameplay than usual. It’s safe to say that I prefer this headset for this particular game more than for Assassin’s Creed.

Read:   Gaming: Plantronics RIG 400HX Headset Review

RIG 500 PRO Gaming Headset Specifications

• Microphone sensitivity: -45 dB
• Microphone signal-to-noise ratio: > 42 dB
• Microphone pick-up pattern: Uni-directional
• Weight: 281 grams
• Headphone frequency response: 20 Hz-20 kHz

• Headphone sensitivity: 111 dBSPL/v
• Headphone maximum input power: 40 mW
• Headphone drivers: Dynamic 50 mm
• Headphone impedance: 32 ohms
• Cable length: 1.3 meters

Package
• Gaming headset
• 1.3 Meter cable
• Quick start guide

Contents
• Warranty & Regulatory Info
• Safety Info
• Dolby Atmos® code

Read:   Gaming: HyperX Alloy Elite Keyboard Review

Conclusion

Overall, my impression of the Plantronics RIG 500 PRO headset is that it’s a great headset for any gamer. The comfort is unbeatable, and its functions are amazing.

It’s got features aplenty like the adjustable mic, the comfort ear cups with soundproofing, the lightweight exoskeleton and comfort inner band, plus fantastic sound too.

Available for purchase on the Plantronics website at a very affordable price of $89.99, this headset is a moderate price with such incredible features. The downsides of this headset are quiet speakers and the odd way of adjusting the ear cups. Yet, they are far surpassed by its features and the quality build of the headset. I’m thoroughly impressed.

Set up is very easy and there isn’t a long mess of cables like with some other gaming headsets.

Plantronics RIG 500 PRO review

There are four sets of headphones that make up the RIG 500 PRO Series:

  • RIG 500 PRO for PC: $89.99
  • RIG 500 PRO HX for Xbox One: $79.99
  • RIG 500 PRO HS for PS4: $79.99
  • RIG 500 PRO Esports Edition, $149.99

What do you think of this Plantronics RIG 500 PRO review? Do you think it’s one of the best gaming headsets under $90? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Plantronics Newsroom to see their latest announcements. The RIG 500 PRO gaming headset comes with a one-year limited warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Plantronics provided Beantown LLC with one (1) RIG 500 PRO gaming headset sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% her own and is not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2018.

Read:   HyperX Cloud Alpha Gaming Headset Review

Filed Under: Gaming Hardware, Headphones Tagged With: Dolby Atmos, gaming headset, Plantronics, RIG 500 Pro 09/25/2018

Plantronics BackBeat FIT Wireless Sport Headphones Review

12/14/2017 By Hakan Can

Plantronics BackBeat FIT wireless sport headphones review

Roughly one year ago, we were introduced to the Plantronics BackBeat FIT wireless sport headphones at CES2017. Since that day, we had been hoping to get our hands on these Bluetooth headphones to review. A couple of months ago we hit pay dirt. The word on the street (and in the land of reviews) was that these headphones were the perfect choice to wear during a workout. We had to determine this for ourselves. Want to know if this headset hit the mark? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Plantronics BackBeat FIT wireless sport headphones review. Plantronics BackBeat Fit wireless sport headphones review

Pros:
• Very good sound quality
• Well constructed, flexible design
• Many color patterns available
• Stable, comfortable fit
• IP57 waterproof rated
• IPX5 rated charging pouch

Cons:
• Uses micro-USB port instead of USB-C
• Lacks Hi-Res Audio capability
• Lacks wear detection

Read:   Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Headset Review: Oh What Sound!

Plantronics BackBeat FIT Wireless Sport Headphones Review

Per Greg Miller, Director, Portfolio Business Management at Plantronics, “The BackBeat FIT Family provides a variety of styles and features designed with sport in mind. There’s a sweat-protected, stable and comfortable pair of BackBeat FIT headphones that’s right for any level of fitness – whether you’re looking for a dedicated sport headphone with on-demand coaching, or just want something comfortable and stylish to wear throughout the day.”

BackBeat FIT Design

Many of you who are familiar with the BackBeat FIT probably don’t know that since September 20, 2017, there has been a refresh of the product line. On that date, two new editions were introduced: BackBeat FIT Training and BackBeat FIT Boost editions. With the Training Edition, you get unlimited access to a dozen pre-selected workouts from the PEAR Personal Fitness Coach app (available on Google Play and iTunes) plus a six-month membership to PEAR+.

The Boost Edition includes everything with the Training Edition along with an IPX5 rated water-resistant, quick-drying, sport mesh fabric charging pouch. This pouch adds up to 10 hours of listening time. There’s even a touch-sensitive battery meter which displays the status of the headphones and pouch.

Plantronics BackBeat Fit wireless sport headphones review

Read:   Gaming: Plantronics RIG 600 Headset Review

So…what do you need to know before operating these wireless sport headphones? Simply stated, next to nothing. The beauty of this headset is that it requires but a few steps to operate.

  1. Touch the power button located on the right side.
  2. Pair the headphones to a mobile phone.
  3. Hit the audio (play/pause) button located on the left side.

Button features like play, pause, skip to next track, play previous track are all controlled via the audio button, and reliably work as advertised. The same goes for muting a telephone call.

Firmware and voice alert language updates are handled without the need of a cable via the BackBeat FIT Companion app available on Android and iOS platforms.

The headphones fit well around the ears and don’t fall off while running. This is true when sweating a lot. The wire doesn’t get in the way either.

Overall, the headset’s construction is well executed and assures high quality. The Boost Edition headphones are currently available in three colors: Sport Grey, Black Core, and Power Blue. The Training Edition comes in Fit Fuchsia and Stealth Green in addition to the same three colors. Should an additional color be introduced, this post will be updated. And each color of the BackBeat FIT has a reflective finish.

Read:   Beyerdynamic Byron BT Wireless Headphones Review

Specifications

• Sensitivity: 105 db/mW
• Speaker Size: 13 mm Neodymium
• Frequency Response: 50 Hz – 20 kHz
• Waterproof Rating: IP57
• TDH: < 3%

• Listening/Talk Time: Up to 8/6 hours
• Charging Time: Up to 2 Hours
• Standby Time: Up to 14 Days
• Operating Distance: Up to 33 Feet
• Weight: 24 grams/0.85 oz

What’s In The Box?

• Headphones
• Wireless Charging Pouch

• USB Charge Cable
• User Manual

Plantronics BackBeat Fit wireless sport headphones review

Read:   Moshi Avanti Headphones Review

Audio Performance

I repeat this with every audio review, but when reviewing speakers and headphones, the most critical factor is the quality of sound.

When covering audio performance, we usually put forth a music playlist we tested the headphones with.

For this review, we decided to break from tradition and have our sports physio friend Smiley test a broad range of music on-the-fly. Never working out to a set list, Smiley tends to listen to a variety of genres depending on her workout. After two weeks of some hardcore training, her feedback was that all genres sounded as they should. The sound quality was high, and you could truly hear each song.

According to Smiley, the fully charged battery lasted 7-8 hours getting her through five 1.5-hour workouts. The recharging of the battery took approximately two hours.

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One Thing Worth Mentioning

Now, I wouldn’t be much of a reviewer if I didn’t find some fault(s) with the BackBeat FIT. The feature I disliked the most is the old style micro USB charging port. It’s late in 2017, and many mobile device makers have been eliminating this port in favor of the newer, more versatile USB-C style connector.Plantronics BackBeat Fit wireless sport headphones review

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Conclusion

In our testing, the feature-rich BackBeat FIT wireless sport headphones with the water-resistant charging pouch performed quite well. The audio reproduction of vocals and instruments was high.

From first- and second-hand experience, we recommend the BackBeat FIT for any-and-all workout activities. We tested them on long runs, as well as during cross-fit and weight training. The headphones were quite comfortable throughout each workout. Depending on the length of your length, you could see one charge lasting 4-6 workouts. And if the battery life is near its end, you need not worry as a 15-minute charge produces an hour of listening time. Plus, there’s the water-resistant charging pouch that can hold an additional 10 hours of power.

Available in five colors, the stand-alone BackBeat FIT Training Edition lists for $129.99. The Boost Edition, available in three colors, includes the PEAR app, six months membership to PEAR+, and the charging pouch for $159.99. See the links to Amazon at the bottom of this post if you’re interested in purchasing either edition.

Since its introduction, the BackBeat FIT headphones have been and continue to be among the best in-ear wireless sport headphones in the marketplace, and are well-priced against their often more expensive competition. We highly recommend you consider this item before purchasing your next pair.

Plantronics BackBeat Fit wireless sport headphones review

Plantronics BackBeat Fit In-Ear Wireless Sport Headphones

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What do you think of this Plantronics BackBeat FIT wireless sport headphones review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

• Follow Plantronics on Twitter
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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Plantronics Newsroom to see their latest announcements. The BackBeat FIT wireless sport headphones come with a one-year limited warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Plantronics provided Beantown LLC with one (1) BackBeat FIT sport headphones Boost Edition sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2017.

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Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: BackBeat Fit, Bluetooth Headphones, Boost Edition, In-Ear Headphones, Plantronics, Sport Headphones, Wireless Headphones 12/24/2017

Gaming: Plantronics RIG 600 Headset Review

07/26/2017 By Zach Can

Plantronics RIG 600 headset review

Plantronics is back at it again with their series of RIG gaming headsets. They’ve been on a roll the past couple of years releasing gaming headsets in this successful and ever-expanding series. Released late last year, the RIG 600 is cross-platform compatible with the big three: Xbox, PS4, and PC. Is the RIG 600 an improvement over their RIG 400 and Flex LX headphones? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Plantronics RIG 600 headset review.

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Pros:
• Classic, all-black design
• Solid construction, flexible, yet sturdy
• Soft memory foam earcups
• Very comfortable fit
• 40mm dynamic drivers

Cons:
• Only one color pattern is available
• No wireless capability (which is okay)

Read:   Gaming: Plantronics RIG 400HX Headset Review

Plantronics RIG 600 Headset Review

RIG 600 Design and Fit

Upon unboxing the item, the first thing I noticed was how lightweight the headset was at 247 grams. The design is very clean with markings in gold and black. This created a look of luxury. This look is further reinforced by the (gold-stitched) cushioned headband and earcups. The headband is adjustable and can fit a broad range of head frames with its 16 adjustment settings. This comes to roughly 2″ on each side, thus yielding a more comfortable fit. The inside headband is made from a deep black colored, perforated and breathable fabric.

The outer headband surface, as well as the ear pads, are made from a deep black colored vegan leather. These ear pads appear to contain some form of memory foam. You don’t need to worry about which headphone is left or right. A rather large “R” is visible on the inside of its respective ear pad. Cups can rotate 90° degrees in and roughly 10° out. Included in the box are two interchangeable 3.5 mm cables and a splitter which I will go into further detail later.

Plantronics RIG 600 headset review

The Plantronics RIG 600 headset is definitely a step up from the Turtle Beach Call of Duty AW headset that I’ve been using. The former’s pillow–like earcups and headband provide such a comfortable experience that it feels like it isn’t even there. These are a pair of headphones which you can keep on for hours without that feeling of having your temples pinched due to the hard plastic feel of lower-quality gaming headphones.

Read:   Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Headset Review: Oh What Sound!

Specifications

• Sensitivity: 111 dB SPL/V
• Driver Diameter: Dynamic 40 mm
• Input Power: 40mW
• Cable Length: 1.3 meters
• Cable Connector: 3.5 mm dual 3.5 mm Y-adapter
• Sound-isolating earcups

• Headphone Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
• Microphone Frequency Response: 100Hz – 10kHz
• Microphone Pick Up Pattern: Unidirectional
• Microphone Signal to Noise: >42 dB
• Microphone Sensitivity: -45 dB SPL/Pa
• Microphone Impedance: 32 Ω
• Weight: 247 grams

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RIG 600 Features

The RIG 600 is designed with 40mm dynamic drivers to provide a balanced listening experience. I decided to test the headset first on the Sony PS4, and the RIG 600 did an excellent job producing the sounds in Resident Evil 7 Biohazard. With every footstep, I could hear the puddles I stepped in, as well as the blades of grass, and the creaking floorboards. This made an already scary game more terrifying.

Next, I tested the headset on my Xbox One S opting for Final Fantasy XV, a game which offers a beautifully crafted soundtrack, cut scenes, and battle sequences. The headphones did a great job replaying the music with some of the finer details such as sailing on the water and hearing the satisfying sound of a blade striking the enemy. The soundtrack is never loud enough to overwhelm the dialogue which is perfect for this game.

Plantronics RIG 600 headset reviewThe only issue I had with this headset was that there wasn’t an adjustable controller for volume on the 3.5 mm lines. On the Xbox One S, I had to get into the settings to adjust the sound which wasn’t all that difficult, yet might not be obvious to most.

The overall construction is well executed and shows a quality build. The headphones include a port for wired audio.

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Audio Performance

While it doesn’t have the deep lows of a pair of Beats headphones, I was surprised at how good this headset was at providing a balance experience throughout the different genres of music. I found rocking out to the sound of an acoustic guitar for country music to waiting for the beat to drop on an EDM song. It was a very satisfying experience.

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Conclusion

Versatility is probably the most attractive feature of the RIG 600. It was incredibly easy to switch and use the different 3.5mm cables between devices. One 3.5mm cable has a mic attached used for gaming, the other music listening purposes. Set up is very easy, no software needs to be installed and is plug-and-play. There isn’t a long mess of cables like with some other gaming headsets.

The RIG 600 gaming headset is quite comfortable even after a handful of hours of continuous gaming. This headset is available for purchase at Amazon (see link below) and the Plantronics website for $99.99. They seem like a good pickup for those who value great sound, comfort, and versatility. If you can find it for less than list, it’s a steal. You won’t be disappointed.

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What do you think of this Plantronics RIG 600 headset review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

• Follow Plantronics on Twitter
• Follow Plantronics on Facebook
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• Follow Beantown on Twitter
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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Plantronics Newsroom to see their latest announcements. The RIG 600 gaming headset comes with a one-year limited warranty.

This review was co-written with Gamer Jesse Lin who put the RIG 600 through its paces.

FTC Disclosure: Plantronics provided Beantown LLC with one (1) RIG 600 gaming headset sample for review purposes. These writers opinions are 100% their own and neither are paid product ambassadors.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Plantronics and Beantown LLC © 2017.

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Filed Under: Gaming Hardware, Headphones Tagged With: gaming headphones, gaming headset, Over-Ear Headphones, Plantronics, RIG 600 08/14/2017

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Headset Review: Oh What Sound!

06/21/2017 By Hakan Can

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 headset review

With so many models available, selecting a pair of over-ear headphones has never been easy. Priced at $200, the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 is an affordable pair of headphones at producing high-quality audio. These over-ear headphones are engineered with 40mm drivers designed to deliver detailed audio reproduction. After using these headphones extensively in and outside my home, I can confidently say that they’re among the best $200-priced headphones I’ve listened to yet, maybe even the best from Plantronics. So without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 headset review.

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 headset review

Pros:
• Creative, modern design
• Solid construction, flexible, yet sturdy
• Feature rich with superb sound
• Very comfortable fit
• Great battery life of up to 24 hours

Cons:
• Active noise canceling is not up to par
• No wall outlet plug included
• Only two color patterns available
• Plantronics Hub App is lacking

Read:   Gaming: Plantronics RIG 400HX Headset Review

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Headset Review

The 6 Things You Need To Know for Operating the BackBeat Pro 2

  1. To power on the BBP2, slide the power switch on. You’ll hear “Pairing” or “Battery High” or “Phone 1 Connected.” It will only take a few seconds for it to occur.
  2. To power off the BBP2, slide the power switch off. You’ll hear “Power Off.” It will only take a few seconds for it to occur.
  3. To pair the BBP2 to your mobile device, slide the power switch fully until you hear “Pairing.” The time this takes varies based on your device. Red and Blue LED lights will flash. Then head to the Bluetooth Settings on your mobile device and pair the headphones.
  4. Volume up and down is controlled by pressing and holding the bumpy black retractable dial on the outer left cup. A voice will activate to let you know if you’ve achieved maximum or minimum volume. The center button controls answering and rejecting calls, or playing and pausing the track. To mute the mic, press the button on the lower right cup.
  5. To forward or reverse a music track, press the (>) or (<) buttons for one second. Note: this only works in wireless mode.
  6. Play time lasts for a whopping 24 hours with a 6-month deep sleep standby time. Charging the headphones takes approximately 3 hours. You’ll notice a red light while charging and a red blinking light when the battery is low. I’ve never seen the latter as it’s yet to occur.

You’ve got to appreciate a pair of headphones where there’s little that you need to know for proper operation. It couldn’t be much simpler.

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 headset review

BackBeat PRO2 Black Case and Cords

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BackBeat Pro 2 Design and Features

At first glance, the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 has a fascinating design with an unusual choice of colors. Although dark, the browns and blacks do blend.

The outer headband surface, as well as the ear pads, are made from a dark brown colored vegan leather. These ear pads appear to contain some form of memory foam. Every time I removed the headset, the ear pads return to their designed state. You don’t need to worry about which headphone is left or right. A rather large “L” and “R” on the inside of their respective ear pad gives it away. The inside headband is made from a medium brown colored, perforated and breathable fabric. I got to say, it feels rather nice and holds firm on my semi-bald head.

The outer portion of the ear cups (or pads, whatever you want to to call them is fine) has five different hard plastic material looks. One looks like laminated fiber while another has a wood grain appearance and yet another looks like tiny glittering gemstones. As I stated, it’s an intriguing look which in full disclosure took some time for me to accept. Cups can rotate 90° degrees in and roughly 10° out.

The headband can fit a wide range of head frames with its dozen adjustable positions. Button and switch placement appears to be handled well. Had I been one of the product designers, I would have used one less switch and button and blended them into the faux wood grain portion of the ear cups. As an engineer, I know it can be done.Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 headset reviewThe overall construction is well executed and assures high quality. The headphones include a port for wired audio and another for charging.

Also included is a cloth carrying bag containing two zippered pockets, both with incredibly soft protective lining. Oddly enough, the top zipper is longer than it needs to be and led to some tearing off from the pouch.

As of today, the BackBeat Pro 2 wireless headphones are available in two colors, one of which includes the special edition version. Should additional colors be introduced down the road, this post will be updated.

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Specifications

• Nominal Sound Pressure Level: 93db
• Headphone Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
• Driver Diameter: 40 mm
• Range: 330 Feet (100 Meters)
• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Codec: aptX™
• Bluetooth 4.0 Profile: HSP 1.2, HFP 1.6

• Size: 8.1″ x 7.8″ x 9″
• Battery: 680 mAh Lithium-Polymer
• Music Play Time: 24 Hours
• Standby Time: 6 Months
• Charging Time: 3 Hours
• Weight: 289 Grams (0.64 lb)
• Audio Profile: A2DP, AVRCP, AAC

What’s In The Box?

• BackBeat Pro 2 Over-Ear Headphones
• Soft Carrying Bag
• Quick Guide

• 60″ 3.5 mm Audio Cable
• 19″ μ-USB Charging Cable

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 headset review

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Amazon Music Playlist

• Lady Gaga – Born This Way, Joanne
• Lana Del Rey – Paradise
• Lorde – Pure Heroine
• The Prodigy – Invaders Must Die
• My Chemical Romance – The Black Parade

• Muse – Absolution
• Zedd – Clarity
• Ellie Goulding – Halcyon
• The Black Keys – El Camino
• 30 Seconds To Mars – 30 Seconds To Mars

Read:   Moshi Avanti Headphones Review

Audio Performance

I repeat this time and time when reviewing speakers and headphones; the most important performance factor is the quality of sound. The Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 over-ear headphones were tested across a broad range of music using the playlist listed above. Songs within each album were sampled on comparable $200-$250 headphones selected from the collection, and results were noted. When you’re testing headphones with 40mm drivers and a frequency response of 20Hz – 20kHz, you expect high-quality sound.

Vocals and bass were most impressive on the BackBeat Pro 2 and didn’t falter even up to the highest volume setting. Frankly, I didn’t expect bass to sound this good. The overall audio was high-quality and free of distortion. I know this because I conducted something called ‘The Electronic Music Test.’ I take an album from an electronic artist like Zedd or The Prodigy and put the headphones through its paces. (Feel free to insert your choice of artist who happens to play complex music using a variety of instruments and sounds.)

After having played albums from rock acts like 30 Seconds To Mars, Muse, My Chemical Romance, and The Black Keys, in addition to Electronica’s Zedd and The Prodigy, I can report that the BackBeat Pro 2 exceeded expectations and then some. Bass sounds were deep, rich, and even layered throughout the volume range. For instance, listen to Zedd’s Lost At Sea or Codec or Lana Del Rey’s Gods & Monsters. You can clearly hear layered bass sounds one on top of another. I have not heard bass like this from any other headphones in this price range.

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Vocals come out smooth and full of life. The vocal reproduction of the 3 L’s (Lana Del Rey, Lady Gaga, and Lorde) plus Ellie Goulding sounded terrific. The vocals of all the female artists were more vivid than anticipated and an improvement on the more expensive Libratone Q Adapt.

Rhythm guitar while evident could have been a bit more pronounced. I would have liked a bit more here, matching what I heard from the vocals and bass. Edge Of The Earth from 30 Seconds To Mars didn’t quite have the strong rhythm guitar sounds I’ve become accustomed to with some other headsets.

On the flip side, you hear great guitar sound on Sister from The Black Keys, on top of terrific vocals, bass guitar and drum sounds.

The headphones took a balanced approach to sound quality with outstanding bass and vocal reproduction.

Read:   Here are the Audio-Technica Headphones set for release in 2017

The Plantronics Hub App and Other Things I Noticed

Plantronics takes the headphones market with a level of seriousness, so much so that they offer an app that provides the user some basic information on their products. The app called Plantronics Hub is available via Apple’s iTunes and Google Play Store. I use an LG G6 mobile phone which uses the Android OS and had no issue with the app.

While it’s not as in-depth as some other headset apps, you’re able to see the headset status and battery level, among a few other things. The best features are within the Find MyHeadset section. If you’ve misplaced your headphones, you can send it an audible tone and backtrack to where it’s been. Now that’s pretty neat.

Answering, ending, or returning the most recent telephone call is a cinch for the BBP2. All these controls are on the outer right ear cup. Like many top brands, there’s even the ability to pair two (Plantronics) headphones to one audio source. This feature is becoming standard within the industry.

Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 headset review

If you haven’t noticed by now, the BBP2 uses smart sensor technology. Whenever you put on or remove the headphones, different things occur such as the playing and pausing of music, and more. This too is becoming standard within the industry.

Now, I wouldn’t be much of a reviewer if I didn’t find some fault(s) with the BBP2. The feature I disliked the most and is in need of improvement is the active noise canceling. Also known as ANC, this feature reduces unwanted noise external to your ears. In the case of the BBP2, the ANC didn’t reduce enough unwanted noise. By my estimate, it appears that noise cancellation is around 25% when compared to other headsets. If you’re outdoors walking around the yard like I do every day, you’ll hear my direct neighbor’s dog barking or the loud sound of Dennis’s lawn tractor (a neighbor from across the street) with hardly any reduction. This is disappointing.

When I mow my lawn, I wear another brands headset, not the BBP2, to crush out the external noise. And more often that not, that headset isn’t even turned on. My recommendation to Plantronics is that they incorporate varying noise cancellation settings on any future model. With this headset, ANC is best suited on an airplane, even more so on those long-haul flights. This way, you won’t have to worry about battery life.

While you may want more volume, and many of us do, listening to music at the highest settings is counterproductive and can lead to hearing problems, so be mindful. When switching on ANC, bass levels increase so much so that I prefer not to use ANC. Bass already sounds great without ANC; I don’t need more.

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Conclusion

In my testing, the feature-rich BackBeat Pro 2 wireless headphones performed phenomenally. The production of strong vocals and clear bass at the highest volume setting was a breeze. Turn on the ANC, and you get even more bass.

These aren’t sport headphones, so I don’t recommend them for any aerobic activity beyond walking. From first-hand experience, there’s no issue when used during weight training.

The headphones are quite comfortable even after a handful of hours of continuous listening. At $199, the BackBeat Pro 2 are among the best wireless headphones of 2017 and are priced well against their often more expensive competition. We recommend you try them out.

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What do you think of this Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 headset review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Plantronics Newsroom to see their latest announcements. The BackBeat Pro 2 wireless headphones come with a one-year limited warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Plantronics provided Beantown LLC with one (1) BackBeat Pro 2 headphones sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Plantronics and Beantown LLC © 2017.

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Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: BackBeat Pro 2, Bluetooth Headphones, headphones, Over-Ear Headphones, Plantronics, Wireless Headphones 10/24/2017

Gaming: Plantronics RIG FLEX LX Headset Review

01/01/2017 By Zach Can

Plantronics RIG FLEX LX headset review

Plantronics RIG FLEX LX Headset Review

Plantronics has been on a roll in 2016 releasing gaming headsets in their popular and ever-expanding RIG series. Now, it’s 2017 and one wonders what they have in store next. Recently, I had the opportunity to test this Xbox One headset. Does the RIG FLEX LX hold up as superior to the previously reviewed RIG 400HX? Let’s take a closer look in this Plantronics RIG FLEX LX headset review.

Plantronics RIG FLEX LX headset review

Pros:
• Modern, lightweight design
• Soft earcups
• 40mm dynamic drivers
• Excellent stereo sound reproduction
• Three different audio modes

Cons:
• No surround sound capability
• Headband could use more padding
• Boom mic is not adjustable

Read:   Gaming: Plantronics RIG 400HX Headset Review

RIG FLEX LX Design, Features, and Fit

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The RIG FLEX LX is a big step up from your Average Joe gaming headset.

Like the RIG 400HX, it was developed primarily for use with Microsoft’s Xbox One. With most of its components being plastic, the FLEX LX is much lighter when compared to other headphones within their category. The ear cups have been made larger, so there isn’t a problem with them fitting over your ears. Speaking of the ear cups, these one aren’t quite as soft as those on the RIG 400HX. Additionally, the headband lacks the memory foam, and there’s less memory foam or none at all within the ear cups. The ear pads don’t feel like their made from memory foam. They remain quite soft and won’t bother you during extended use. When comparing the two RIG headsets, the headband’s differences in comfort level is slightly noticeable.

One unique feature is how the cable is connected to the microphone only, meaning the microphone has to be always in to use the headphones. The microphone connects to the back of the headset which is an interesting design choice. The ear cups rotate and are adjusted using a slider system instead of the modular design of the RIG 400HX.

The real bread and butter of this headset is the advanced stereo adapter it comes with, allowing for on-the-fly volume control for a game and chat audio with a dual analog wheel design allowing for complete control of the volume. It has two modes “Balance” and “Independent.” Balance allows the main wheel to control game volume and the secondary wheel controlling how loud chat volume is over the game volume. In Independent mode, the main wheel controls the game volume, and the secondary wheel controls chat volume. The stereo adapter also has a microphone mute button and three different audio modes “Pure,” “Intensify,” and “Seismic.” Pure mode is a completely balanced audio mode allowing for complete immersion into the game. The Intensify mode boosts your teammate’s chat allowing you to hear them more clearly. Finally, the Seismic mode is the bass booster. Anything in the low-frequency range is raised giving a real cinematic feel to games.

The RIG FLEX LX has an advanced stereo adapter for Xbox One with features such as volume control and microphone mute. The headset without Xbox One still has efficient noise canceling and 40mm dynamic sound drivers. It has an overall weight of 10.5 ounces.

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The ear cups have a very simplistic slick black design matching the tone of the Xbox One. The ear cups are not detachable like those on the RIG 400HX. As I mentioned before, the headphones have only one cable on the microphone which you must plug into the headset to use them.

The microphone is attachable but not adjustable. The cord is pretty long coming over 5′ long, unlike the shorter RIG 400HX cord.

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Specifications

• Sound Pressure Level: 90dB SPL/mW
• Driver Diameter: 40 mm w/neodymium magnets
• Type: Circumaural, open back
• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Cable Length: 1.3 meters
• Input Power: 40mW rated

• Headphone Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
• Microphone Frequency Response: 100Hz – 10kHz
• Microphone Pick Up Pattern: Unidirectional, NC
• Microphone Sensitivity: -111dB SPL/V
• Total Harmonic Distortion: ≤1%
• Weight: 300 grams

Within the packaging comes the RIG FLEX LX headset, the advanced audio adapter, cable and boom mic.

Plantronics RIG FLEX LX headset review

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Overall Performance and Final Thoughts

For a higher-level product, the Plantronics RIG FLEX LX is superior to the RIG400HX even if it isn’t 100% as comfortable as the latter. The RIG FLEX LX  gaming headset has good sound quality on each audio setting. When it comes to gaming headsets, there are plenty of things to remember when making comparisons. Be careful when comparing this higher-level gaming headset to ones that are two, three, or greater times the price. It’s not always an apple-to-apple comparison in the higher-level gaming headset market. There can be numerous reasons why other brands’ gaming headsets list for $250 or more.

The main takeaway here is the RIG FLEX LX does a terrific job at being a higher grade pair of gaming headphones while still retaining a low price. Currently, the Plantronics RIG FLEX LX gaming headset goes for $59.99 at Newegg. There’s a less expensive version without the advanced audio adapter for $29.99 at Newegg. The highly-rated, special edition version RIG FLEX LX SE headset is currently priced for $79.99 at Newegg.

At these prices, and with the great features such as stereo audio, and three different audio settings, what’s not to love?

If you just took a $300+ attack to your wallet from purchasing a new Xbox One S and need a comfortable headset to game for hours, then the Plantronics RIG FLEX LX may be just what you’re looking for. This 40mm-driven gaming headset with a $129 list price is worth a long look.

Plantronics RIG FLEX LX headset review

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The Plantronics RIG FLEX LX gaming headset come with a one-year limited warranty.

Have you tried the RIG FLEX LX headset? Do you agree (or disagree) with any part of this Plantronics RIG FLEX LX headset review? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. I’m eager to hear your thoughts.

Feel free to follow Plantronics on Twitter and Facebook as well as this very blog on Twitter and Facebook. And don’t hesitate to head over to the Plantronics Gaming website to see their latest gaming gear.

FTC Disclosure: Plantronics did not provide Beantown LLC with a headset sample. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

Editor’s Note: My nephew (the author/reviewer) and his younger sibling (see images) liked this gaming headset so much that it’s highly unlikely that I’ll ever see them in my home again.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2017.

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Filed Under: Gaming Hardware, Headphones Tagged With: gaming headphones, gaming headset, Plantronics, RIG FLEX LX, Xbox One 02/04/2017

Gaming: Plantronics RIG 400HX Headset Review

10/26/2016 By Zach Can

Plantronics RIG 400HX headset review

Plantronics RIG 400HX Headset Review

Plantronics was founded during the early 1960’s, and they had the opportunity to design NASA Astronaut Neil Armstrong’s headset as he went up to the moon and spoke his iconic words “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Since then they’ve been making and designing audio equipment, having diversified and are now in the gaming arena with headsets for the Xbox One, PS4, and PC. Recently, I had the opportunity to test one of these Xbox One headsets. Let’s take a closer look in this Plantronics RIG 400HX headset review.

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Pros:
• Modern design
• Compact & lightweight
• Soft memory foam earcups
• 40mm dynamic drivers
• Good stereo sound reproduction

Cons:
• Cup design may be too small for some users.
• No surround sound capability
• No Bluetooth capability (which is okay)

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RIG 400HX Design, Features, and Fit

The RIG 400HX is an entry-level gaming headset, designed primarily for Microsoft’s Xbox One, and is available in two patterns: all black or camo. With most of its components being plastic, they are much lighter compared to other headphones within their category. Due to their slightly smaller sized earcups, some users will and just barely have their ears fully enveloped. If you’re someone with above average sized ears, the earcups will protrude a bit.

This entry-level model itself is very basic. The earcups have a good looking pattern to them, nothing to get excited over, but way better than if it was a plain design. One neat feature is that the earcups are detachable, allowing them to be adjusted using a three-notch system. In this design, the lowest notch is the biggest while the uppermost notch up is the smallest. Because of this system, the earcups have a lot of ‘give’ which allows for the headset to conform better to your head. An interesting note is instead of one cable coming down from the headset; there are two cables just like those of ear buds.

The microphone is attachable (or detachable) and very adjustable. I was surprised that it was so easy to bend. One concern is that I’m worried about this mic’s bendability over time as it might start slipping and not retain its position. The cord itself is on the short side, about 4′ long. This is because the headset is made primarily for Xbox One. As you plug it in directly into the controller, it will never be far from your hands if you’re a real gamer.

The ear pads are made from memory foam. Whether you’re touching it with your finger or you’re wearing, they’re very soft. I haven’t had a pair of headphones this comfortable in a quite a while. These are fit for extended use.

The RIG 400HX has an inline volume control and microphone mute, efficient noise canceling and 40mm dynamic sound drivers. It has an overall weight of 7.4 ounces.

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Overall Performance and Final Thoughts

For an entry-level product, the Plantronics RIG 400HX gaming headset has good sound quality. When it comes to gaming headsets, there are plenty of things to remember when making comparisons. Don’t make the mistake of comparing entry-level gaming headphones to ones that are two, three, or greater times the price. There are reasons why an Audio-Technica or Sennheiser gaming headset lists for $200 or more. Entry-level gaming headsets must be compared with their peers only.

The main takeaway here is the RIG 400HX does a phenomenal job at being a budget pair of headphones while still retaining features the high-grade headphones have. Currently, on Best Buy and Newegg, the Plantronics RIG 400HX headset goes for $50. Oddly enough, the camouflage patterned RIG 400HX CAMO headset is priced a bit less, available for $45 at Walmart. At this price, and with the great features such as stereo audio, interchangeable cups, and more, what’s not to love?

If you just took a $300-400 hit to your wallet from purchasing your new Xbox One and need a comfortable headset to game for hours, then the Plantronics RIG 400HX may be just what you’re looking for. This 40mm-driven gaming headset with a $50 list price is worth a long look.

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Read:   HyperX Cloud II Headset Review

The Plantronics RIG 400HX gaming headset come with a one-year limited warranty.

Have you tried the RIG 400HX headset? Do you agree (or disagree) with any part of this Plantronics RIG 400HX headset review? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

Feel free to follow Plantronics on Twitter and Facebook as well as this very blog on Twitter and Facebook. And don’t hesitate to head over to the Plantronics Gaming website to see their latest gaming gear.

FTC Disclosure: Plantronics provided Beantown LLC with one (1) RIG 400HX headset sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

Editor’s Note: My nephew (the author/reviewer) and his younger sibling (see images) liked this gaming headset so much that it’s highly unlikely that I’ll ever see them in my home again.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC 2016.

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Filed Under: Gaming Hardware, Headphones Tagged With: gaming headphones, Plantronics, RIG 400HX, RIG400HX, Xbox One 03/06/2017

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