RIG 900 MAX HX Gaming Headset Review – Is It Worth the Price Tag?

The RIG 900 MAX HX is a top-tier gaming headset that appears capable of being among the best available on the market. Priced at around $249.99 (or £199.99), it’s definitely a significant expense, but one that seems worthwhile if you’re looking to elevate your gaming audio experience.

It appears that objective seems to be this product, but does it truly meet its purpose, and is the expensive price justified? After thoroughly examining the 900 MAX HX in various games and configurations, here are my thoughts on aspects ranging from its design and construction to its microphone functionality.

Design and Build Quality

Upon initial inspection, the RIG 900 MAX HX didn’t immediately convey a sense of premium quality, particularly for a headset priced between $200 and $300. The materials initially felt less than impressive, but after spending more time with it, I believe I had underestimated it significantly. What I initially perceived as a lack of quality was actually just its remarkably lightweight build.

With a weight of only 292 grams on my personal scale, it’s remarkably lighter than many similar-priced competitors. However, this lightness doesn’t compromise its robustness. The slim yet sturdy metal headband gives an impression of solidity. It is complemented by a comfortable, adaptive cushion beneath it that molds to the unique shape of your head. This feature helps eliminate uncomfortable pressure points on top during extended periods of use.

The headset boasts a sturdy flexibility; it held up well even under stress tests without showing signs of breaking. However, I find the clip-in size adjustment system less appealing. As noted in my 400 GEN 2 review, the earcups need to be detached and reattached to change their position, which isn’t ideal during gameplay. Furthermore, when the earcups are removed, the exposed wires make me worry about their longevity. Even with the cups securely clipped in, the dangling wires still feel somewhat loose, increasing the risk of them getting tangled if you aren’t cautious.

The ear cups are truly commendable, boasting as they do: extremely comfortable, soft padding that continues to feel pleasant even after prolonged usage. However, there’s a slight room for improvement in the size of the ear space for enhanced comfort. On the bright side, the volume wheel is tactilely satisfying, offers a good level of resistance, and is strategically placed where your hand naturally finds it, making on-the-spot adjustments effortless.

From a travel perspective, I find it acceptable. Although it easily flattens for both traveling and storage, the absence of a protective case and the exposed cables give me some reservations about simply stuffing it in a bag. However, considering its lightweight nature and ability to compress into a relatively small size (as shown in the attached image), it might not be too inconvenient to transport if you plan to game on the go.

Audio Performance

Regarding sound quality, the RIG 900 MAX HX headset boasts an extensive audio spectrum, spanning frequencies from 20Hz to 20,000Hz, a range that should meet the needs of most gamers seeking comprehensive audio. Despite its use of only 40mm drivers, which are on the smaller side compared to similar priced competitors, it still performs admirably. The high-frequency response is remarkably clear and stable, with minimal distortion or vibration. However, I noticed a slight rattling when playing bass-heavy audio, but it was nothing severe. Just something to keep in mind if you plan on purchasing the headset yourself.

One aspect that truly stood out to me during my testing was the seamless transition of sound between ear cups, a feature that is particularly noticeable in games where positional audio plays a significant role. For instance, while playing Fortnite, I discovered it was simple to follow footsteps and other directional signals – an aspect crucial for shooter games. Considering this headset falls within the same price range as those likely to attract competitive gamers, delivering such an advantage is a substantial benefit.

The headset design incorporates an ear cushion system that delivers ‘sound insulation’, effectively reducing background noise to some extent. However, it doesn’t offer the advanced noise cancellation capabilities of active noise cancellation (ANC), which is somewhat disappointing considering the $249.99 price point; nevertheless, the level of insulation provided still performs quite well.

Adding Dolby Atmos support significantly enhances the gaming experience in both competitive and cinematic titles, making it a significant advantage. In my personal use, it has contributed to building an engaging audio environment, especially in games with open worlds or strong narratives. The Dolby Access app allows you to switch between audio modes and adjust parameters such as the sound output’s warmth. A setting that particularly caught my attention is ‘Performance Mode’, which boosts positional accuracy for competitive play, or offers more immersive settings for solo gaming adventures.

As a dedicated gamer and cinema enthusiast, I’d wholeheartedly affirm that the RIG 900 MAX HX is an excellent choice for shooters and cinematic games. However, for music connoisseurs who seek the highest fidelity, it might not quite hit the mark. But when it comes to TV, movies, and videos, it truly excels at bringing every scene to life with a stunning level of realism—quite impressive for a device primarily designed for gaming.

Microphone Quality

The RIG 900 MAX HX’s microphone is particularly appealing for several reasons. To begin with, it features a flip-to-mute design, which provides an audible click when toggled between muted and active states – a seemingly minor detail yet incredibly useful during gameplay.

This device is also fitted with technology that effectively reduces unwanted noise, even voices from the surroundings. I tried it in a fairly noisy setting and was quite impressed, as the microphone managed to eliminate most of the background sound, even when there was a lot of it.

Although it’s worth noting that the mic delivers crystal-clear sound quality right out of the box, some might find it overly powerful and overwhelming at times. Upon first testing, it seemed to amplify my voice excessively, making it sound much louder than necessary and essentially taking control of voice chats. Thankfully, you can adjust the microphone’s sensitivity using the companion app (I’ll discuss that in detail later). Lowering the sensitivity helped find a balance, but interestingly, I discovered that leaving it at its default level produced the best results during subsequent tests, so the optimal setting might depend on your specific setup.

Regarding its quality, I wouldn’t label it as broadcast-standard, but it certainly exceeds the requirements for gaming and light streaming. The audio was clean and crisp, with a minimal amount of distortion that stops it from sounding completely professional. However, even in fast-moving game situations, it performs admirably well for effective communication.

As a gamer, I appreciate the sturdy construction of this mic, made from a flexible rubber material. It’s durable and can withstand accidental knocks – perfect for those intense gaming sessions. Plus, its adjustable design ensures it fits comfortably, while its robustness makes me confident it won’t snap if it gets caught on something during those anger-fueled moments.

Wireless Connectivity and Battery Life

The RIG 900 MAX HX headset is predominantly made for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10/11 computers, however, the manufacturer claims it can also be used with PlayStation and Nintendo Switch consoles. Setting it up using Bluetooth or the USB dongle was straightforward, and during my testing, I didn’t encounter any significant delay, not even during intense gaming sessions.

The battery performance is estimated to last up to 50 hours, and during my testing, it appeared that this claim was accurate. When it comes to recharging, you’ll find a dedicated dock, which not only functions as a storage solution for the headset when not in use but also ensures it stays charged and ready for action. This dock is particularly useful for desktop setups, making it easy to maintain a fully charged headset at all times.

To put it simply, the charging station comes with some minor drawbacks. The USB cable provided is relatively short, and the method of connecting the headset to the dock isn’t particularly stable. It relies on four prongs and a magnetic connection, but due to its design, it can be easily dislodged with just a gentle nudge.

Removing the USB dongle from the stand can be a tad tricky as it requires a bit of effort, but once attached, the stand stays securely thanks to its rubberized base. Overall, it performs its function effectively when you place the headset in it and let the charging dock do its job.

Software and Customization

Unlike certain competing headsets, the RIG 900 MAX HX comes with a dedicated app called ‘RIG 900 MAX NAVIGATOR’, easily accessible for your use.

As a gamer, I find this app incredibly user-friendly and well-organized. It’s clean, intuitive, and offers a multitude of customization options right at my fingertips on my phone. One feature I particularly appreciate is the ability to save up to three unique audio profiles, making it effortless for me to transition between different games or listening setups without having to reconfigure everything each time.

Inside the application, you can also fine-tune essential settings such as microphone sensitivity, headphone monitoring, and audio safety features. In basic mode, these choices are limited to three preset levels; however, selecting ‘Expert’ mode offers more detailed control with a sliding scale for refined adjustments.

Additionally, there’s an area called the Equalizer (EQ) which allows you to adjust bass, midrange, and treble levels. It offers convenient presets such as FPS (First Person Shooter), Bass Boost, Voice Boost, and Clarity. Alternatively, you can create your own custom mix. Keep in mind that the Expert mode provides more precise control, but may be overwhelming if you’re not deeply involved in sound design.

The Navigator app also offers some handy extras such as setting a timer to turn off automatically, navigating through in-app guides and assistance, and the Test Mode, which allows you to experiment with various features and fully understand the capabilities of the headset.

This application is quite extensive and outperforms many comparable apps for similar devices that I’ve encountered.

Price and Value

Positioned towards the higher-priced segment of gaming headsets, the RIG 900 MAX HX doesn’t come at a budget price, but it’s in line with many top-tier models. However, it lags slightly behind its similarly priced counterparts in certain aspects. For one, it uses smaller 40mm drivers (most have 50mm or larger), lacks active noise cancellation, and has a battery life that, although good, is shorter than some rival products.

Still, it delivers mostly top-notch features. The sound quality is superior given its driver size, it’s both featherweight and robust, and the Navigator app provides genuine value with its extensive and user-friendly customization options. Although the three-step clip-in adjustment system might not appeal to everyone, including me, this preference-based issue doesn’t detract from its overall quality.

Generally speaking, the price might seem a tad steep when considering its specifications; however, it’s not excessively so. If superior audio quality, light weight, and personalized settings are your priorities, then the RIG 900 MAX HX stands out as a commendable, albeit somewhat expensive, choice in the high-end gaming headset market.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Great audio quality with strong positional sound and Dolby Atmos support
Extremely lightweight, yet it feels durable
Highly customizable via the clean and intuitive Navigator app
Comfortable ear cushions with decent passive noise isolation

Cons

No active noise cancellation (ANC) at a premium price
Fiddly clip-in adjustment system with exposed wires
Basic charging dock and connection that’s easy to knock loose
Smaller 40mm drivers than many similarly priced rivals

Should You Buy the RIG 900 MAX HX?

If you’re looking for a high-end gaming headset that emphasizes superior audio, comfort, and extensive personalization options, the RIG 900 MAX HX generally meets these requirements.

This high-performing headset, featuring positional audio, Dolby Atmos support, and a lightweight construction, is highly attractive for competitive gamers during extended gaming sessions. Moreover, the Navigator app enhances its value by offering customizable equalizer (EQ) settings and microphone controls, allowing you to personalize your experience according to your preferences.

As a gamer, I’ve got to say that these headphones are pretty solid, but they do have their quirks. The price tag is great, but it comes with smaller 40mm drivers and an adjustment system that feels a bit clunky. Plus, the active noise cancellation isn’t top-notch at this price point. And while I appreciate the charging dock, I can’t help but think there’s room for improvement there too.

For approximately $249.99, it seems slightly pricey when contrasted with certain competitors. However, if you prioritize a lightweight, high-quality sounding, and extremely customizable headset, it undeniably stands as a formidable competitor in the premium market segment.

2025-05-30 17:13