cardo scala rider solo volume

[gasman]

Just thought I'd post this info, cos it would have saved me 90 quid if I'd known it earlier:

my setup: cardo scala rider solo + iphone (or Pure DAB radio or sony walkman) + foam earplugs. Shoei Multitec or System 5 helmet.

Result: sound volume is NOT loud enough to hear music or make out speech when you are moving above 20 mph.

Despite their blurb of 'audible at highway speeds'

 

[bobsnew]

Cardo 4

I have the Cardo 4 fitted to a Schuberth C3, no issues at all.

 

[Beemerman59]

The position of the speaker is important with the Scala Rider - I used to have the Q2 and I had to pad out behind the speaker to get it closer to my ear. Then it was OK. I upgraded to a G4 which has more volume and is too loud at full volume.

 

[Ravenbyrne]

I have the Cardo 4 fitted to a Schuberth C3, no issues at all.

+1

 

[gasman]

+1

Interesting. How do you explain it? Maybe the schuberth is quieter. Isn't it a System 6?

I also think that quality of earplugs makes a big difference. I'm using the Howard Leight Max ones, which are very effective. Although, with my old autocom I could hear things fine even with the earplugs in.
I have already bought Ultimate Ear moulded in-ear monitors, and they let in too much wind noise. Commuting 1.5 hours a day at that volume will give me noise-induced hearing loss.

I did read in a post that the g4 was louder but couldn't believe they'd put different speakers in the two models - I would have got the g4 just for that, if I'd known.
I will try the padding idea, though. Thanks

 

[gasman]

I tried the padding, and it helps, but not much. Even if I take the speakers out and manually press them to my ears, without earplugs, its not very loud. I simply cannot believe they are adequate for anyone else..
Maybe I've got a faulty one, but I doubt it.

 

[Beemerman59]

I tried the padding, and it helps, but not much. Even if I take the speakers out and manually press them to my ears, without earplugs, its not very loud. I simply cannot believe they are adequate for anyone else..
Maybe I've got a faulty one, but I doubt it.

Well they may be broke or just not loud enough for you. Don't forget they have built in sensitivity - they are supposed to get louder when there's some noise around like an engine reving or windnoise. Are you using Bluetooth or the stereo cable to use them?

 

[gasman]

the stereo cable.
Fair enough - I will try them on the motorway. Only tried them around town at the moment.

 

[B4ndit]

I did post somewhere recently that this was my findings as well.

If you want music use the radio. Thats the loudest. Its a pain when you travel long distances though as you have to retune.

The wired in MP3 sound is abysmal.

Bluetooth from my TomTom is good as is the one occasion when I have spoken over the phone.

I have had 5 of these beasties. They cost a fortune and they die very quickly if you don't look after them. Be very careful with the battery. Don't let it go flat.

Of my 5, 3 have died from the battery. All within warranty.

They are good if they were much cheaper. Say 50 quid.

 

[Pablo1]

Scala Q2 and schuberth C3 no problems

 

[gasman]

Scala Q2 and schuberth C3 no problems

Do you use earplugs and MP3 via a wire ?

I have resurrected my old 'prewar' autocom, and I know the volume is OK with that. No phone connection, so people will just have to leave a message..

Will try to return the Cardo tomorrow.

 

[Pablo1]

Do you use earplugs and MP3 via a wire ?

no, just bluetooth, my mate has same kit and we can chat away , rarely at 20mph

 

[gasman]

Well, it's no use for me on my motorway commute,altho I can see that it'd be ok around town and without earplugs.
Here is part of a reply email from Cardo:

The scala rider G4 Audio Kits use 32ohm speakers compared to the 8ohm speakers used in the Solo Audio Kits.

Be warned !

I have returned it for 'store credit' from Infinity. They wouldn't give me my money back.

 

[CuzGS]

Regarding the retuning comment, activate RDS ans that's sorted. I bumble all over uk with no issues

 

[Pablo1]

Well, it's no use for me on my motorway commute,altho I can see that it'd be ok around town and without earplugs.
Here is part of a reply email from Cardo:

The scala rider G4 Audio Kits use 32ohm speakers compared to the 8ohm speakers used in the Solo Audio Kits.

Be warned !

I have returned it for 'store credit' from Infinity. They wouldn't give me my money back.

must be a difference in spec between the SOLO and Q2 my mate and i use these on motorways etc and the q2 is great, told the G4 is even better.

 

[Beemerman59]

must be a difference in spec between the SOLO and Q2 my mate and i use these on motorways etc and the q2 is great, told the G4 is even better.

+1. I had a Q2 and tended to use the stereo cable for music as for Bluetooth this was rubbish. As an intercom, the Bluetooth volume was OK, not great, but certainly useable. The G4 has more volume in both respects. I have a Zumo 550 which has dual mono outputs on Bluetooth so I still tend to use the cable if I'm listening to music. I have tried it with a 660 on Bluetooth and the audio is as good as the 550 is using the cable. For me the G4 is too loud on the maximum settings (I also have 25% hearing loss in one ear) whereas I would have the Q2 on maximum settings and sometimes want it a bit louder. I guess as mentioned the earlier units must be different again if you can't hear at motorway speeds and the units not broken.

 

[gasman]

Yes, I guess that different units have different earphone speakers, with different volumes. This is OK, so long as you know what you're getting. It still doesn't make sense to me that they arrange it this way.
The information isn't on Cardo's website anywhere, and I for one, got caught out.
I dont' want to have to buy the G4 cos it's really expensive, and I don't need all the bike-to-bike etc stuff !

 

[Pablo1]

FIND A MATE

I have a buddy I regularly go on ride outs with, we bought a teamset (2 factory paired units) and split the cost , just less than £100 each for the G4 and less for Q2 , from here
http://www.satnaveasy.co.uk/c.do?category=127

Scala really is a good bit of kit, dont be put off by the SOLO you bought.