Plantronics' $130 Rig gaming headset homes in on the mobile gaming crowd

We've known Plantronics to craft solid PC gaming headsets and now, separate from the GameCom series, its new Rig package aims to appease gamers on every platform. The stereo headset itself features a slim profile with circumarual earcups that fold flat and it connects with two included cables: one features a boom mic, while the other packs an in-line remote and mic for smartphones. The heart of the setup lies within a wired mixer, which'll let you hook up your cellphone, gaming rig (computer or console via USB and Toslink) and the headset simultaneously.

Aside from a slider that lets you adjust the balance of game and chat volume (à la Astro's Mixamp), you can answer phone calls and re-route the mic as necessary at the press of a rocker switch. What's more, game audio (including chat) can be mixed into your headset during calls and visa versa via a second balance slider. Lastly, you'll have a choice of three EQ profiles, including a bass boost for extra wubs. Rig will hit retailers in the fall for $130, and we're told future products under the moniker will drop beyond that. Full press release after the break.

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Connecting Game Life and Real Life, Plantronics Gaming Introduces RIGTM Headset
Unveils first RIG headset – a complete premium audio system seamlessly connecting game and mobile

COLOGNE, Germany – August 21, 2013 – At Gamescom 2013, the world's largest event highlighting interactive games and entertainment, Plantronics (NYSE: PLT) announced its upcoming line of gaming products, RIG. RIG products are designed to help today's multi-screen and multi-device connected gamers manage their digital life. RIG systems blend superior game audio and chat, at home and on-the-go, with mobile audio, music, and apps, and lets users take calls without hitting pause. The first member of the RIG family is a premium stereo headset and mixer audio system, available worldwide this fall.

"The RIG headset marks the start of the next generation of gaming audio solutions, crafted for demanding gamers and their dynamic lifestyle. Building on our expertise in acoustics, industrial design, and communications, RIG delivers unique benefits for gamers," said Chuck Frizelle, head of Plantronics Gaming. "RIG immerses gamers in their virtual world while keeping them seamlessly connected to the real one."

Plantronics Gaming is pioneering the first gaming headset designed from the ground up with mobile connectivity as a focal point. The RIG stereo headset and mixer empowers players to focus on the game by managing their mix, their way. With a smartphone connected to the mixer, switching between game chat and taking a phone call on the fly is simple, with a touch of the paddle. Inject an alternate soundtrack by firing up stored or app-based music in place of the game soundtrack from a connected smartphone or tablet. Dial in a preferred mix of game and smartphone sound – calls, music, and app notifications – for a fully customized audio experience.

"With a complete system of headset, mixer, convertible cables, and two-way access to smartphone audio and voice communication, RIG gives users the power to integrate their lives with an ultimate gaming audio experience," said Frizelle. "The RIG audio solution is unique in the marketplace, delivers a premium system at a value price, and is a terrific launch pad for the RIG franchise."

The RIG headset delivers epic audio performance, with precision stereo, crystal-clear voice and three EQ profiles, including Seismic mode, allowing players to feel the bass. The RIG headset features breakthrough bass tube technology, driving accurate and powerful low-octave audio without distortion of critical mid and high frequency audio cues essential to gamers.

Features include:
 Precision stereo headset: Offering exceptional audio quality traditionally only found in professional-grade
products, with 40mm speaker drivers, the RIG audio profile brings game sound to life, boost to music and
clarity to voice communication.
 Innovative mixer: The heart of the RIG system, the mixer seamlessly connects the virtual world and the
real world. With a punch of the paddle, take calls without pausing the game. Twin sliders enable gamers
to find the perfect mix of game audio, voice chat and smartphone audio.
 Interchangeable boom and inline mics: The noise-cancelling boom mic blocks background noise for clear
conversations. Swap it out and plug in the stealth inline mic with mute and call control – for music, chat
or gaming on the go.
 Three EQ profiles: Feel the game and boost your music with three EQ profiles – Pure, Intensify and
Seismic. Experience epic bass with Plantronics proprietary bass tube technology.
 Street style industrial design: The headset's sleek styling reflects its premium performance and active
lifestyle orientation. A gaming headset that looks as good on the street as it does in the living room.
 Ultra-comfortable ear cushions and headband: Designed for marathon gaming sessions, the RIG soft ear cushions provide long-wearing comfort, and the headband features just the right level of tension for a perfect fit.
 Universal compatibility with PC/Mac, Xbox 360, PS3, smartphones and tables: More devices means more ways to game. RIG elegantly moves between computers, consoles and mobile devices without missing a beat.

A complete audio system of headset, mixer and convertible mics and cables, the RIG stereo headset and mixer kicks off of the new series of RIG gaming products from Plantronics Gaming.

Pricing and Availability
RIG is expected to be available at retailers worldwide in fall 2013, for a suggested price of $129 USD, £109.99 GBP, and €129.99 EUR. For more information, please visit www.plantronics.com/RIG.