RIG 400 Gen 2 HX headset (Gear) Review

NACON’s latest wired headset is made just for Xbox (but works with almost everything), packing great performance with a light weight.

RIGged up

If you’ve been a reader of this site for any length of time, then you probably have heard the name RIG. A line of headsets, RIG originally spun out of a different manufacturer, before being scooped up a few years back by NACON, a name that you likely are more familiar with as a video game publisher.

NACON has done quite a bit with the name though, producing several high-quality headsets through the years, including a few that we’ve featured here on BG. Their most recent reveal has been the RIG 400 Gen 2 lineup, which offers sets dedicated to both PlayStation and Xbox. Here in this review we’ll be talking a look at the Xbox version, which is the “Urban Camo” edition.

And if you’re looking for something that looks cool, offers some nice performance, and keeps its weight to a minimum, then you’re going to want to keep reading.

Tuning up

One of the nicest things about wired headphones is the ease of setup. Yes, wired. The RIG 400 Gen 2 line is indeed of that variety, so if that’s a problem for you, then they might not be your bag. For me, it definitely isn’t an issue. To be honest, I almost prefer it.

I’ll happily admit that I’m no expert on wireless technologies, but I’ve come to a point where I’m not crazy about wreathing my head in their frequencies. I used to have a wireless set that I used for just about everything, and have long since eschewed it, for its wired brethren. So again, I dig the cable on the RIG 400 Gen 2 HX just fine, but that’s me.

Getting back to my original point, this headset is plug and play, with no fuss and dare I say no muss either. All you do is plug into the 3.5mm audio jack of your choice and away you go on your auditory journey. In the case of the RIG 400 Gen 2 HX too, that could be via just about anything. While the box says “Xbox”, the headset has functioned with my iPhone (via lightning adapter), my Switch, and my Mac. Problem free.

That’s not quite all there is to setup however, as there’s also a custom fit that you can apply. That doesn’t come via a slider, which is what I’m used to, but a trio of settings. As with other headsets in the lineup, the RIG 400 Gen 2 HX features earcups that pop out of the headband. There are three notches to pop them back into after you dislodge them, giving users a ‘small, medium, large’ series of fit possibilities.

For the record, I used ‘large’, which fits my noggin perfectly and comfortably.

Streamlined, but still with all the necessities

One thing that you’ll notice right away about the RIG 400 Gen 2 HX, and I definitely did, is that it’s not a headset that’s overflowing with features. And for the record, I actually mean that in a good way. I’ve used headsets over the years that had multiple dials and even touch-panels, but that’s not these. As mentioned above, NACON’s newest are as streamlined as they get.

What you’ll find is a volume dial on the back of the left cup, and a swing down/up mic. Otherwise these bad boys are a matte, jet black in color, with a gray and black “Urban Camo” design that runs up and across the headband. Personally, I dig the slick and uncluttered design, and I typically only use the volume knob on these kinds of things anyway.

Speaking of the headband though, it has an open design to it, where you can actually see through to the cushioned pad that runs underneath. Not that you have to have that pillowy strip attached, since you can pop it free of the headband (via two fasteners), and go without. That’ll cut the weight of what’s already a pretty lightweight headset even more, and I have to imagine it would give a little bit of extra room for those with oversized domes.

A word about the cups too, before we go, since they’re fantastic. While they’re not swappable with any other materials, the ear cups are made from a very comfy material, and are nice and soft. They won’t block out the world around you, but they do cut into background sounds to a decent degree.

Sound, as you like it

Okay so here’s the meat and potatoes: how does the RIG 400 Gen 2 HX‘ sound? Well, really good actually.

I’ve generally found the RIG line to produce solid performance, and the RIG 400 Gen 2 HX definitely follows along in that tradition. Whether I was listening to music, playing DOOM: The Dark Ages or Boltgun, or just talking with a buddy on the phone, the headset cranked out crisp and detailed sound. I will add to that though, to what should be the surprise of no one, that the bass wasn’t all that blasting.

Typically, I’ve found that it’s pretty tough to get something that’s thumping from a headset or pair of headphones, and that’s true with the RIG 400 Gen 2 HX too. That’s not to say that they won’t give you a decent effect that should sound fine and dandy to somebody who isn’t all that picky (it was great for me, FYI) , but they’re not going to shake your world.

What I hear (no pun intended) is pretty fantastic though, is the microphone. As I mentioned, I made a few calls with the RIG 400 Gen 2 HX, and got some solid feedback about the quality of said component. From what I was told, output is clear and has a good level. While I haven’t used it in multiplayer gaming, I have to imagine the performance should be somewhat similar.

Oh, and if you need to mute yourself fast, just flip it up and you’re good to go.

Overall

I found the RIG 400 Gen 2 HX to be a terrific sound option, for those who don’t mind a wired headset. If you can look past that it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of some other headsets on the market, I think you’ll find it to be a very solid, not to mention extremely comfortable, solution.

RIG 400 Gen 2 HX
Manufacturer: NACON
Platform: Xbox (works with PS4, PS5, Switch, PC, and mobile devices)
MSRP: $39.99 USD