Nacon RIG 600 Pro HX (Hardware)
Official GBAtemp Review
Product Information:
- Official Store: https://www.nacongaming.com/en-GB/rig-600-pro-hx
The RIG 600 Pro HX adds to Nacon’s expanding line of gaming audio peripherals. This model aims to offer the company’s hardware craftsmanship and sound engineering expertise at a relatively affordable price tag. The device costs €100 and comes in two variants, the RIG 600 Pro HS and the RIG 600 Pro HX. The HS has PlayStation compatibility while the HX, which is the model under review, has Xbox compatibility. Both variants will still work on PC, Switch and mobile devices over Bluetooth.
Specs of the device can be found below:
Out of the box, the RIG 600 Pro HX strikes as a lightweight headset, especially considering that it is a wireless device and comes with built-in batteries. At 240g, it is remarkably light and is an essential aspect of headsets, especially gaming ones if you plan to use them for extended periods of time.
The lightweight aspect is also supplemented by the frame’s build. I’m not particularly fond of the latter as it feels plastic-y and is also present on other recent RIG headsets. However, this build enables these RIG audio peripherals to be virtually indestructible. I didn’t just take Nacon’s word for it, so I tried twisting the RIG 600 Pro HX in every direction and dropping it myself; and sure enough the device has not suffered from any cracks, scratches or damages. This unique feature is quite impressive and very welcome as it gives the user a lot of peace of mind. Knowing this, you can throw the audio piece in your luggage/bag during travels/commute (or even smash it on the floor when rage-quitting a gaming session) without a worry.
Another recurring design aspect of the RIG 600 Pro HX is the headband adjustment mechanic. It features three notches on each side along which you can clip the respective earcup so that it fits comfortably around your head. I am also not a fan of this system and would prefer a gradual adjustment mechanism. However, such a system might require metal components which might hinder the headset from being as sturdy as it is.
Nevertheless, having finer headband size adjustments would enable a more personalised fit. I found that the earcups’ padding, which are comfortable, does not really accommodate glasses. The earcups tend to press on my glasses’ arms and while I got accustomed to it after using the headset for over a week and do find them generally comfortable, I would still prefer the RIG 600 Pro HX to accommodate glasses better. For example, this is not an issue with a competing headset, the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro. Maybe Nacon could issue earcup padding that are designed to accommodate glasses better, considering that the padding are easily removeable for cleaning and replacement.
The left earcup bears all physical controls and ports of the headset. These include Bluetooth pairing, mode toggle, volume rocker, power button, a USB-C charging port and the flip mic. The latter can be finicky to flip out while wearing the headset but I was fond of its concealed design that makes the headset pack a more streamlined look. I would have liked to see more buttons for music controls on this device, but then again it is dedicated to gaming rather than for streaming your playlist (even if it is perfectly adequate for that).
Pairing the RIG 600 Pro HX is a simple affair and I’ve encountered no connectivity issues. It also supports dual-mode wireless technology with the included USB-C wireless adaptor at radio frequency 2.4 GHz and via Bluetooth 5.1. This means you can stay connected to your console over the USB-C dongle while being able to receive calls and notifications from your phone over Bluetooth.
It’s a handy feature if you’re multitasking and engaged in some casual gaming sessions, although I personally prefer to be immersed in a game when I’m playing and don’t have much use for dual connectivity. If you do have a use for such features, the RIG 600 Pro HX will offer reliable connectivity throughout. The 2.4 GHz radio frequency enables a direct, highway-like wireless connection between the RIG 600 Pro HX and the device to which the dongle is connected to, whether it’s your Xbox or PC, and ensures a stable connection; which you can even favour over Bluetooth if you’re worried about any connection issues over the latter.
Regarding the audio quality, the RIG 600 Pro HX does not disappoint. Out of the box, it offers a balanced soundscape that makes it versatile to use for gaming as well as general entertainment purposes. The audio output is on par with high-end headsets with subtle audio cues in soundtracks discernible and adds to the immersive experience, especially for narrative-driven games.
It’s been a blast using the RIG 600 Pro HX while playing Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, with the synth soundtrack adding to the cyberpunk atmosphere and reverberating bass during heated combat sessions supplementing the tension. The 40-mm driver delivers high audio output in each scenario with minimal distortion. As a wireless headset, the output is definitely remarkable.
Nacon also has the 600 PRO Navigator companion smartphone app that allows for further audio customisations. Through it, you can adjust the balance between bass, mid and treble to your liking, and save your custom profile. The app also allows you to choose between some preset profiles such as FPS and Bass Boost, depending on your use case.
While the Nacon RIG 600 Pro HX is marketed as a fully wireless headset, I would still have liked to have the option to switch to wired mode. The wireless options are stable on this device but having the option to go wired, as you already need to charge this device with a USB cable at some point, would be welcome. That said, the RIG 600 Pro HX can last up to 24 hours over Bluetooth and this is ample time for gaming or using it as a daily driver.
Overall, the Nacon RIG 600 Pro HX is a commendable wireless headset which offers a well-rounded audio gaming experience at a relatively affordable cost.
Verdict
- High audio quality output
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Virtually indestructible headband
- Flipping out mic while wearing headset can be finicky
- No gradual headband adjustment
- Could accommodate glasses better
