NACON RIG R8 SPECTRE PRO Gaming Headset Review

The RIG R8 SPECTRE PRO is the latest wireless gaming headset from NACON. It boasts a wide range of interesting features which, on paper at least, could make it a serious contender in a crowded space. After using the HX version across Xbox Series X and PC, it’s time for my review.

Surprisingly subtle

While other companies invest a lot into a product’s unboxing experience, NACON has gone pretty barebones with the RIG R8 SPECTRE PRO. However, the product packaging more than gets the job done, protecting the contents perfectly well. Ultimately, if this is where costs were cut to lower the price to the consumer, then that’s fine by me.

My first impression of the headset was “Wow, this is a refined look for a RIG headset.” With this product, it feels like NACON has effectively stripped out the bulkier look of previous RIG headsets to deliver a sleeker and more subtle unit. Yes, it absolutely looks better, but it also looks more generic. Helpfully, there are swappable SNAP+LOCK earcup plates to help give the R8 SPECTRE PRO a bit more personality.

Getting connected is achieved through either the 2.4 GHz dongle or Bluetooth 5.2. Both connectivity options can be combined for hearing game and phone audio simultaneously, which I’m always happy to see featured. It’s a great convenience feature that I use more than expected.

Winning sound

The main spec highlight of this headset is the 40mm graphene drivers which are intended to improve clarity and lessen distortion. While virtual surround sound can be used, I still lean on unaffected stereo sound for all of my gaming. Happily, the R8 SPECTRE PRO delivers excellent directionality when it comes to footstep sounds and gunfire in first-person shooters, which is the main priority for me.

Additionally, even in its stock state, the headset sounds great. It’s very well tuned and avoids the common pitfall of leaning too heavily into bass. If anything, it’s tuned more toward mids and highs, but without anything becoming too harsh.

The microphone is also better than I expected and is more than good enough for chatting with friends. In fact, I wouldn’t be offended to hear a Twitch streamer using it, which is rare for a headset mic, especially at this price point.

Users can turn to the RIG Navigator app to fine-tune EQ, mic controls, and other settings. I was pleasantly surprised by just how polished this software is and I experienced zero issues while playing around with the various options.

Big on battery life

The best way to make a wireless gaming headset appealing to me is to give it a base station. Remove the need for me to plug in a cable, or even think about recharging, and you’re onto a winner.

I’ve never had to think about battery life when it comes to the R8 SPECTRE PRO. Yes, the base station does a lot of the work there, but the “60+ hours” of battery life offered by the headset itself is worthy of highlighting.

A bit plasticky

The main downside of the RIG R8 SPECTRE PRO is the cheap-feeling plastic build. While I don’t think it will impact the longevity of the headset, as the earcup swivel points seem robust and generous with movement, it doesn’t feel like the kind of quality I’d expect for the money. I would also be pretty careful with this headset if traveling with it. However, if it will live in your home, then I’d be much less concerned.

Disclosure: Review sample provided by NACON.