For many years I didn’t really have the money to spend on expensive headsets. After scrimping and saving I bought basic models that I could use to chat to friends and randoms online, and was able to at least functionally join in the fun. Then many years later I received my first RIG headset to review and my mind was suitably blown. With wonderful sound quality and top of the line comfort, I couldn’t believe what I’d been missing. Ever since there’s been a RIG fully charged in my house every hour of every day, and I use them for watching videos, listening to podcasts and of course all manner of gaming. When I heard the latest model of headset was getting a wireless model I was pretty damn excited to try it for myself, and the RIG R8 Spectre Pro didn’t disappoint.
As an owner of two cheaper RIG models, the big difference I was here to check out was the audio quality. The R8 Spectre Pro is a high end gaming headset, here to compete with the very best and get some use in the eSports world. For this purpose it needs to be the pinnacle of performance, to ensure all those tiny directional audio cues can be used to your advantage. For my money this headset manages just that, with the best fidelity I’ve ever experienced in a headset.
This is apparently because of the Graphene coated drivers that are used within, which the brainy people at RIG know offer the most distinctive sound with a complete lack of distortion (regardless of how loud you make them). The evolution of audio in headsets is admittedly something I didn’t put a lot of thought into until very recently, but when you slap on a pair of high end cans you can really tell the difference.
Outside of the quality side, RIG have always prided themselves on comfort. While not quite as worn in and familiar as my 600 Pros, the R8 Spectre Pro still delivers the comfort even with the added weight comparatively. The headband and ear cushions are a snuggly treat, and outside the most brutal of UK heatwaves they’re not bad for overheating you either.
Because this is a RIG product, you also know that this is a headset that is built to last. As is tradition at this point, the moment that box opened I grabbed the near indestructible headband and started bending and twisting to prove that fact. Even the more potentially breakable parts feel sturdy and also separate from the rest of the headset, minimising impact damage and ensuring they’re replaceable if the worst does happen.
The design of the R8 Spectre Pro is clever in that so much of it can be snapped apart with ease. The ear pads attach by magnets, which keeps them secure on your ear and means for a little spot clean there’s no risk of damaging electronics. There are also mod plates on the outside of the headphones, which can be removed and changed to fit your mood. Mine have cool Sony logos on for when I feel like playing some Uncharted, but there are some other plain options that snap on and off sold separately if you’d prefer.
As much as I appreciate the design and durability of the RIG R8 Spectre Pro, it was the mic quality that ended up impressing me most. This microphone is advertised as broadcast grade, and based on that crisp quality it’s easy to see why. As is standard in RIG headsets it also mutes when folded away, so you can easily have a private chat away from your squad mates if the cat does a little bit of sick mid match.
As a premium product, the R8 Spectre Pro comes bundled with a whole lot of handy extras. There’s a USB dongle to plug into your console or PC of choice, for when Bluetooth just isn’t stable enough. There’s also a dock that enables wireless charging, and is just a handy place to store your RIGs if you’ve got a spare outlet. The premium price tag definitely brings those premium perks, and I really appreciated using them day to day.
There’s a whole lot to love about the RIG R8 Spectre Pro, with not much really to complain about. The slightly lower level of comfort hit me pretty hard, just because I’ve spent a few years using lighter RIG models every single day. I also feel like the button and microphone placement is a little off. I’ve never had a microphone on the right hand side before, and alongside all the buttons on that ear it just never felt normal in my time using it. I also selfishly would’ve liked more mod plates that appeal to my style. I’m not about sleek and dull, and would’ve loved some colourful options to choose from to really level up the fashion of the headset.
The RIG R8 Spectre Pro headset is a marvellous top end option for all your gaming and everyday audio needs. The sound quality is top notch, the microphone is broadcast level, and the comfort is wonderful for such a premium audio product. If you’ve never tried a RIG headset before and are looking for an upgrade then this is the perfect place to start, and the build quality will mean you don’t need a replacement for years to come.
