Plantronics RIG User manual

USER GUIDE
STEREO HEADSET + MIXER FOR XBOX,® PLAYSTATION,® PC + MAC

Contents
Welcome 3
What's in the box 4
System overview 5
Headset basics 7
Installing a mic 7
Using the inline mic 8
PC setup 9
Xbox 360®setup 10
Xbox 360 optical cable setup 10
Xbox 360 component setup 11
Xbox 360 HDMI setup* 12
Sony Playstation 3 (PS3) setup 13
PS3 optical cable setup 13
PS3 component setup 14
The RIG Mixer 15
Powering up 15
Connecting a mobile device 15
Master volume control 15
[MIC ROCKER] switch 16
[GAME/CHAT SOUND] balancer 16
[GAME/MOBILE SOUND] balancer 17
Mixing and controlling music from a mobile device 17
Take calls. Keep playing. 18
Mic mute 18
Equalizer 18
Combo chat 19
FAQ 21
2

Congratulations on the purchase of your new RIG Headset + Mixer! Plantronics Gaming would
like to welcome you into the RIG family of high-end audio products.
RIG was designed from the ground up for deeply immersive game audio but without losing
your connection to the world. When connected to a mobile device, RIG blends game and chat
with mobile audio, apps, and alerts—and best of all—enables you to take calls without pausing
the game.
This guide will help you get set up and start exploring all RIG has to offer.
GLHF!
Welcome
3

RIG Headset RIG Mixer Boom microphone/cable
Xbox LIVE®chat cable RCA piggyback cable
Optional in-line microphone/
cable
What's in the box
4

RIG Headset
1
3
2
1Headband adjustment 3Microphone port
2Right ear indicator
RIG Mixer
1
3
56
7
9
8
2
4
1Power on/off 6[GAME/CHAT SOUND] balancer
2[MASTER VOLUME] dial 7[CALL] button
3Mobile microphone 8[EQUALIZER] button
4Game microphone 9[MIC MUTE] button
5[GAME/MOBILE SOUND] balancer
System overview
5

Boom microphone/cable
1
1Boom
Optional inline microphone/cable
1
2
1[CALL] button 2[MUTE] switch
6

Designed to connect and mix audio from your mobile device with a game
console or PC, the RIG mixer shines when integrated with a mobile device.
This next section enables you to get the most out of everything RIG can do
for your game.
Installing a microphone and switching cables is fast and easy. Two microphones are included: a
boom microphone/cable for the best gaming audio experience and a low profile in-line
microphone/cable to use with mobile devices.
1Insert the connector of the desired microphone cable into the port located on the bottom left
ear cup of the headset.
PRO TIP For proper performance, make sure that the microphone is fully seated in the left ear cup.
Press the microphone boom firmly into the port until you feel it lock into place.
2If you are using the boom/microphone cable, adjust it so the boom microphone is near your
mouth for the best fidelity.
PRO TIP The [MIC MUTE] button will also glow red when the headset jack is disconnected or
improperly connected to the RIG Mixer. Be certain that the headset jack is fully inserted into the RIG
Mixer. As the RIG Headset connects properly to the RIG Mixer, the red light on the [MIC MUTE] button
will automatically shut off.
Headset basics
Installing a mic
7

Plantronics Gaming recommends using the stealth inline mic for the occasions when
connecting directly to a mobile device. The controls are easy to use and perfect for mobile calls,
gaming and music on-the-go. Using the noise canceling, high fidelity boom microphone is
recommended for gaming sessions.
1
2
1[CALL] button
2[MUTE] button
1Make a call To make a call, dial the number on your mobile device.
2Answer a call To answer a call, press the call control button.
3End a call To end a call, press the call button again.
4Adjust volume To adjust volume, adjust it on your mobile device.
5Mute To mute the call, switch the mute button up towards the headset. To unmute, move it back
down.
PRO TIP If the inline cable is plugged into the RIG mixer, the call button on the inline mic will be
disabled and will not perform any call control functions.
Using the inline mic
8

1Make sure the boom microphone is attached properly to the headset. Insert the headset 3.5mm
plug into the headset jack on the front of the mixer located under the RIG logo tab, on the left
side.
2Attached to the RIG Mixer is a set of cables that includes a long cord with a 3.5mm audio and
USB connectors. Plug the USB into an available port on your PC and the 3.5mm into the
headset/headphone speaker jack.
For proper function, make sure that the USB connector is plugged into the PC itself and not an
external USB power source
3For best performance, assign "Plantronics Gaming RIG" as the PC microphone via USB. Game
audio is received via the 3.5mm input. Having these two connections provides discrete audio
streams to the mixer, enabling balance of voice-to-game sound on-the-fly with the game/chat
sound balancer without having to adjust software settings during a game.
PRO TIP Dedicated VoIP software, such as Skype, Ventrilo, and Team Speak all enable discrete
assignment of microphone transmit/receive to the RIG Mixer USB device. However, some games that
provide in-game VoIP may not enable discreet assignment of voice/game audio. Adjustment will need
to be done using the in-game software.
4Find a good balance of game and voice audio by adjusting the [GAME/CHAT SOUND] balancer
on the right side of the mixer (over the orange LEDs). Remember that the 3 o'clock position will
enable equal volume of both game and voice audio signal. Sliding the control upward makes
game sound louder and voice (game chat) quieter. Sliding the control downward increases voice
(game chat) while making game audio quieter.
PC setup
9

How you connect your Xbox 360's audio/video to your TV will generally be
the most important factor in how audio is connected to the RIG Mixer.
Use this setup if your TV or primary audio device has an optical port, and you have an optical
cable (not included in package, sold separately by other manufacturers). An optical cable is an
optional connection method that offers the highest performance audio possible with the RIG
Mixer.
HDMI
1Attach a Toslink digital optical cable to the appropriate port on your Xbox 360 (Xbox 360 Slim
models or to the Microsoft AV Adapter with included optical audio port), HDTV, A/V Receiver, or
other audio device.
2Plug the opposite end of the optical cable into the optical port on the rear of the RIG Mixer
3Make sure the boom mic is attached properly to the RIG headset. Insert the 3.5mm plug into the
headset jack on the front of the mixer located under the RIG logo tab, on the left side.
4Insert the included Xbox Live chat cable into the 2.5mm jack (smaller of the two) located to the
right of the headset jack on front of the mixer. Insert the other end into your Xbox game
controller. For best performance, use the connector with the 90 degree angled plug attached to
the Xbox 360 controller and the straight plug connected to the RIG Mixer.
5Find a good balance of game and voice audio by adjusting the [GAME/CHAT SOUND] balancer
on the right side of the mixer (over the orange LEDs). Remember that the 3 o'clock position will
enable equal volume of both game and voice audio signal. Sliding the control upward makes
game sound louder and voice (game chat) quieter. Sliding the control downward increases voice
(game chat) while making game audio quieter.
Xbox 360®setup
Xbox 360 optical cable
setup
10

R
L
V
1Make sure the boom mic is attached properly to the RIG headset. Insert the 3.5mm plug into the
headset jack on the front of the mixer located under the RIG logo tab, on the left side.
2Connect the USB cable from the RIG mixer into a USB port on the Xbox 360. For proper
function: make sure that the USB connector is plugged into the Xbox 360 itself and not an
external USB power source.
3Attach the included 3.5mm-to-RCA Piggy back adapter to the end of the long 3.5 mm plug cable.
4Attach the RCA Piggyback in-between the Xbox AV cable (included with most Xbox 360 models)
and the primary audio source (TV, receiver, etc).
5Insert the included Xbox Live chat cable into the 2.5mm jack (smaller of the two) located to the
right of the headset jack on front of the mixer. Insert the other end to the Xbox game controller.
For best performance, use the connector with the 90 degree angled plug attached to the Xbox
360 controller and the straight plug connected to the RIG Mixer.
6Find a good balance of game and voice audio by adjusting the [GAME/CHAT SOUND] balancer
on the right side of the mixer (over the orange LEDs). Remember that the 3 o'clock position will
enable equal volume of both game and voice audio signal. Sliding the control upward makes
game sound louder and voice (game chat) quieter. Sliding the control downward increases voice
(game chat) while making game audio quieter.
Xbox 360 component
setup
11

*Some components sold separately.
HDMI
1Make sure the boom mic is attached properly to the RIG headset. Insert the 3.5mm plug into the
headset jack on the front of the mixer located under the RIG logo tab, on the left side.
2Connect the USB cable from the RIG mixer into a USB port on the Xbox 360 (For proper
function: make sure that the USB connector is plugged into the Xbox 360 itself and not an
external USB power source. .
3Attach the included 3.5mm-to-RCA Piggy back adapter to the end of the long 3.5 mm plug cable.
•Option 1: Attach the RCA Piggyback to the AV HDMI adapter. This adapter is not included and is
sold separately by Microsoft and other manufacturers. Plantronics does not supply this
component. Attach the AV HDMI adapter into the Xbox 360.
•Option 2: Alternatively, if your TV or AV Receiver has an available RCA audio out or a 3.5mm
headphone feature, connect the audio cable directly to your TV. You may need to change the
audio settings of your TV to pass audio through to an external device and turn off the TV
speaker. Note that the USB cable must still be connected to the Xbox 360 for power.
4Insert the included Xbox Live chat cable into the 2.5mm jack (smaller of the two) located to the
right of the headset jack on front of the mixer. Insert the other end to your Xbox game
controller. For best performance, use the connector with the 90 degree angled plug attached to
the Xbox 360 controller and the straight plug connected to the RIG Mixer.
5Find a good balance of game and voice audio by adjusting the [GAME/CHAT SOUND] balancer
on the right side of the mixer (over the orange LEDs). Remember that the 3 o'clock position will
enable equal volume of both game and voice audio signal. Sliding the control upward makes
game sound louder and voice (game chat) quieter. Sliding the control downward increases voice
(game chat) while making game audio quieter.
Xbox 360 HDMI setup*
12

How you connect your PS3's audio/video to your TV will generally be the
most important factor in how audio is connected to the RIG Mixer.
Use this setup if your TV or primary audio device has an optical port and if you have an optical
cable (not included in package, sold separately by other manufacturers). An optical cable is an
optional connection method that offers the highest performance audio possible with the RIG
Mixer.
R
L
V
1Make sure the boom mic is attached properly to the RIG headset. Insert the 3.5mm plug into the
headset jack on the front of the mixer located under the RIG logo tab, on the left side.
2Attach a Toslink digital optical cable to the appropriate port on your Playstation 3, HDTV, A/V
Receiver, or other audio device.
3Plug the opposite end of the optical cable into the optical port on the rear of the RIG Mixer.
4Set the audio settings to enable chat with the RIG mic on the PS3. Go to: Settings > Accessory
Settings > Audio Device Settings > Input Device (select "Plantronics RIG") > OK
5Set the audio settings on the PS3 to output both TV (HDMI) and the RIG Mixer. Go to: Settings >
Sound Settings > Audio Output Settings > Audio Multioutput > On
6Find a good balance of game and voice audio by adjusting the [GAME/CHAT SOUND] balancer
on the right side of the mixer (over the orange LEDs). Remember that the 3 o'clock position will
enable equal volume of both game and voice audio signal. Sliding the control upward makes
game sound louder and voice (game chat) quieter. Sliding the control downward increases voice
(game chat) while making game audio quieter.
Sony Playstation 3 (PS3) setup
PS3 optical cable setup
13

1Make sure the boom mic is attached properly to the RIG headset. Insert the 3.5mm plug into the
headset jack on the front of the mixer located under the RIG logo tab, on the left side.
R
L
V
2Connect the USB cable from the RIG mixer into an available USB port on the PS3.
3Attach the included 3.5 adapter/RCA piggyback to the end of the long 3.5 mm plug cable.
4Attach the RCA piggyback in between the PS3 AV cable (included with all PS3 models) and the
primary audio source (TV, receiver, etc).
PRO TIP Alternatively, if your TV has RCA audio out or a 3.5mm headphone feature, connect the audio
cable to your TV. You may need to change the audio settings of your TV to pass audio through to an
external device and turn off the TV speaker.
5Connect the USB cable from the RIG mixer into a USB port on the PS3. For proper function,
make sure that the USB connector is plugged into the PS3 itself and not an external USB power
source.
6Set the audio settings on the PS3. Go to: Settings > Accessory Settings > Audio Device Settings >
Input Device (select "Plantronics RIG") > OK
7Find a good balance of game and voice audio by adjusting the [GAME/CHAT SOUND] balancer
on the right side of the mixer (over the orange LEDs). Remember that the 3 o'clock position will
enable equal volume of both game and voice audio signal. Sliding the control upward makes
game sound louder and voice (game chat) quieter. Sliding the control downward increases voice
(game chat) while making game audio quieter.
PS3 component setup
14

PRO TIP The RIG Mixer must be connected via USB to the platform that you are using it with for
proper operation. External USB power adapters will NOT function correctly. Do not shake or taunt the
RIG Mixer.
Rotate the outer [MASTER VOLUME] dial to the right (clockwise) to turn on the mixer. By default,
both orange and blue lights will illuminate indicating proper enumeration, then settling on the
Game Mode (orange) or Mobile Mode (blue) that the [MICROPHONE ROCKER] switch is deployed
to. Rotate the [MASTER VOLUME] dial left (counter-clockwise) until the white line meets the
white dot on the mixer to turn off the mixer. A slight detent indicates the off position and the
mixer lights and audio will power down.
Remove the short mobile cable connector from the rubber caddy along the main cable and
connect it firmly into your mobile device.
PRO TIP Make sure the mobile device is powered on and volume is set to an appropriate level (a good
rule of thumb is to set devices to at least 50% volume).
The RIG Mixer
Powering up
Connecting a mobile
device
15

Turn the [MASTER VOLUME] dial to the right to increase volume and to the left to decrease
volume.
CAUTION Do not use headsets at high volumes for an extended period of time. Doing so can cause
hearing loss. Always listen at moderate levels. See for more information on headsets and hearing.
In the center of the RIG Mixer, the large, glossy paddle controls many elements of the audio
experience. Not only does the [MIC ROCKER] switch control which device your microphone
transmits (Tx) to—like the connected console or mobile device—it also shapes what you hear.
For example, when the [MIC ROCKER] switch is deployed to the Game Mode (glows orange), the
[GAME/CHAT SOUND] balancer on the right side becomes active, and controls the balance
between game sound and game chat. Additionally, the microphone is only active to the game
chat (ex. Xbox LIVE, Skype, etc.), and muted to connected mobile devices. However, mobile
audio (Rx) can be heard, and the level controlled by the [GAME/MOBILE SOUND] balancer.
When the [MIC ROCKER] switch is deployed to Mobile Mode (glows blue), the [GAME/MOBILE
SOUND] balancer on the left side is active, and controls the balance between mobile sound and
game sound. The microphone is now only active to connected mobile devices, and transmission
is MUTED to game chat (Xbox LIVE, Skype, etc.). In the default configuration, the RIG Mixer also
mutes incoming (Rx) game chat.
In summary, the [MIC ROCKER] switch performs a macro function, or in other words, does
several things at once.
For example, switching the [MIC ROCKER] switch from Game Mode (orange) to Mobile Mode
(blue) causes the following to occur:
•Microphone transmission (Tx) to mobile connected device is unmuted
•Microphone transmission (Tx) to Game chat (Xbox LIVE, Skype, etc) is muted
•Incoming Game chat (Rx) is muted (default mode)
• [GAME/CHAT SOUND] balancer now actively controls the Game Sound volume. This enables a
lower setting of game sound, if desired, when taking a phone call.
PRO TIP Switching the [MIC ROCKER] switch from Mobile Mode (blue) to Game Mode (orange)
reverses all four of the above to their previous states.
[MIC ROCKER] switch
16
The [MASTER VOLUME] dial controls the sum volume level of all audio devices connected to the
RIG mixer.
Master volume control

Find a good balance of game and voice audio by adjusting the game/chat sound balancer on
the right side of the mixer (over the orange LEDs). Remember that the 3 o'clock position will
enable equal volume of both game and voice audio signal. Sliding the control upward makes
game sound louder and voice (game chat) quieter. Sliding the control downward increases
voice (game chat) while making game audio quieter.
When the [MIC ROCKER] switch is deployed to the Mobile Mode (blue), the [GAME/MOBILE
SOUND] balancer is active and controls the balance of game audio to mobile audio (Rx).
Remember that the 9 o'clock position enables each game and mobile audio source to be heard
at full volume. Sliding the control upward makes game sound louder and mobile audio quieter.
Sliding the control downward increases mobile volume while making game audio quieter.
PRO TIP: Most people will prefer game sound to be present while taking a mobile call, but not
as loud as when they are playing normally. The best setting for the [GAME/MOBILE SOUND]
balancer is some where between 9 o'clock and the bottom of the slider travel. This way, game
sound is always lowered automatically when deploying the [MIC ROCKER] switch to the mobile
mode and accepting a call. If you listen to music while gaming, attenuate the volume by using
the control on your mobile device.
To mix music with game audio, play music from a connected mobile device's music player or
any other choice of media app. The [CALL] button on the mixer acts as a
play/pause and track forward/back control with most mobile devices.
NOTE The phone volume must be set loud enough to hear through standard headphones/earbuds in
order for the RIG Mixer to amplify the sound. A good rule of thumb is to start out from at least 50% or
greater volume on the connected mobile device.
[GAME/MOBILE SOUND]
balancer
Mixing and controlling
music from a mobile
device
17
When the [MIC ROCKER] switch is deployed to the Game Mode (orange), the [GAME/CHAT
SOUND] balancer is active and controls the balance of game audio to game chat.
[GAME/CHAT SOUND]
balancer

PRO TIP Music isn't the only thing that can be mixed in and smartphones aren't the only devices that
are compatible. Consider the possibilities: watching a Twitch.tv stream via a connected laptop, Skype
video chat via connected tablet, and listening and playing along with walkthroughs on YouTube instead
of pausing gameplay to watch the video. RIG enables a dedicated mobile channel for audio and chat -
take advantage! Play more. Pause less.
1To answer a call from your mobile device while in a game, flip the [MIC ROCKER] switch to the
Mobile Mode (blue) and tap the [CALL] button .
The RIG Mixer enables toggling back-and-forth between game chat and mobile calls without
disconnecting either conversation. The [MIC ROCKER] switch determines which party receives
transmission (Tx) from the microphone. In default mode, game chat (Rx) is also muted when
toggled to the Mobile Mode. Mobile audio (Rx) can be heard in both modes.
PRO TIP Answering a phone call by using the connected mobile device is another way to pick up the
call, but be sure to flip the [MIC ROCKER SWITCH] to the Mobile Mode (blue). Remember that the
microphone ismuted to the mobile side unless it is in Mobile Mode (blue).
2To end the call, tap the [CALL] button again. The [MIC ROCKER] switch can be in either
position when answering or ending a call.
3To make a call from a connected mobile device, flip the [MIC ROCKER] switch to the Mobile
Mode (blue) and dial using the connected device.
The [MIC MUTE] button on the bottom center of the RIG Mixer mutes the microphone
transmission (Tx) to all connected devices globally. When activated, the button glows red.
PRO TIP The [MIC MUTE] button will also glow red when the headset jack is disconnected or
improperly connected to the RIG Mixer. Be certain that the headset jack is fully inserted into the RIG
Mixer. As the RIG Headset connects properly to the RIG Mixer, the red light on the [MIC MUTE] button
will automatically shut off.
Take calls. Keep playing.
Mic mute
18

If you press the EQ button you'll hear and this will happen
once 1 tone PURE The Pure mode has only minor audio
corrections that enable audio played through the RIG
Headset as flat and accurate as possible. Use this
mode if high-fidelity to the source material is
important or preferred.
twice 2 tones SEISMIC The Seismic Bass Transducers inside of each
ear cup of the RIG Headset couple with the high
energy Seismic EQ mode to elevate low octave audio
accurately and powerfully, without coloring important
mid-range information-critical for environmental
awareness in multiplayer games.
three times 3 tones INTENSIFY The Intensify mid-range audio boost
mode makes mid-range audio sounds much easier to
hear. Mid-range audio cues include footsteps,
gunshots, and other sounds that give directional
information - critical for winning multiplayer matches
where audio cues give an extra advantage.
While muting incoming game chat when in Mobile Mode seems like desired functionality for
most gamers, the RIG Mixer can be 'unlocked' to provide game chat to be heard globally-or in
other words, game chat can still be heard when the [MIC ROCKER] switch is set to the Mobile
Mode (blue).
This feature, called Combo Chat, enables all three audio streams (game sound, game chat, and
mobile audio) to be managed and heard at all times. The [MIC ROCKER] switch merely activates
which device the microphone is actively transmitting to. Conversely, if the [MIC ROCKER]
switch is deployed to the Game Mode (orange), for example, microphone transmission is still
muted to a connected mobile device, as it is in the default mode.
PRO TIP While hearing game chat while on a phone call may not seem like an advantageous way to
game for some, this feature may uncover additional use cases. Imagine playing a multiplayer game
with a large amount of players on the same team, while the critical or desired communication
happens within a smaller subset of players (like a squad, or group of friends). With the RIG Mixer, the
in-game communication (game chat) can be used for 'whole team' chat, and a secondary channel
(mobile chat) can be set up on a smartphone or tablet to take advantage of having a private 'side chat'
channel for a smaller group of players.
Combo chat
19
The [EQUALIZER] button toggles through three EQ modes.
Press the [EQUALIZER] button to toggle through the different modes.
Equalizer

Activating combo chat
With the RIG Mixer powered off, but still connected to USB power on a compatible device, hold
the [EQUALIZER] button down for 4-5 seconds. both blue and orange LEDs will illuminate,
indicating that Combo Chat mode is now active.
Deactivating combo chat
With the RIG Mixer powered off, but still connected to USB power on a compatible device, hold
the [EQUALIZER] button down for 4-5 seconds.
Only the orange LED will illuminate, indicating that Combo Chat mode is inactive and back to
the default mode.
PRO TIP Combo Chat is o
off
as the default mode from the factory, and when the RIG Mixer is left
unplugged for an extended period of time also reverts it back to the default
off
mode. Remember,
default mode means game chat is muted when the [MIC ROCKER] switch is deployed to Mobile Mode
(blue).
20