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New Xlite 803 Vs Intercom Speakers

Discussion in 'Clothing, Gadgets & Equipment' started by Felstmiester, Mar 9, 2021.

  1. The new ultra carbon came yesterday. After trying it on a few times checking it fits ok I decided to fit my new intercom. It’s a freedcom v3 and the speakers are relatively thin ( I think )
    I took time in getting the speakers in exactly the right place and have found a position where they’re pretty comfortable when the lid is on. Only thing is it’s bloody agony taking it off. The speakers push into the side of my head lol. Really could do with losing a few mm off each speaker but with a brand new lid I’m not sure if I wanna cut into the polly lining to sink them in just that bit that’s needed. I say it’s comfortable when on but that’s only having it on for a short time sitting in the front room. Time will tell when I go for my next ride out.
    Has anyone hacked holes for speakers in there crash helmets?? I suppose it’s only a little circle 5mm deep at the most but I think I’d need some decent info from someone. I know and have read about the void of warranty or safety but like I say it’s only a small recess. Am I talking myself into to doing this lol.
     
  2. I just purchased the x 903 and there are removable parts for an intercom, I fitted the n-com 601x, wondering if the 803 has the same
     
  3. I didn’t notice anything. My speakers are place very close to where the straps come through into the lining.
     
  4. Looks like it’s not compatible, so may not have the cut outs, I wasn’t sure so went for the 903 u.c
     
  5. Can you fit the speakers behind the fabric lining. Don't know if this is removable or thin enough to work in the case if your new lid. If you can that should improve comfort.

    Optimally the speakers should be as close as possible to your ears, moving them away will increase any drop off in clarity as speed/wind noise increases.

    With intercoms speaker placement, both in terms of proximity as well as alignment with your ear canal, is the most critical thing in making them work effectively in the real world. It may seem to work OK sat on your sofa but once out on the bike fine tuning speaker placement is vital. Sounds like you have this in mind though.
     
  6. Hard to get what I’m talking about without knowing or having the exact helmet & configuration I’ve got. Basically I’ve removed the cheek pads etc and the speakers are now mounted directly on the polystyrene ( although on this particular helmet in this area it’s covered with fabric) they’re still in the ear recess, and after a lot of time moving them around I think they’re in the perfect position when the helmet is on. The speakers are literally right up against my ears and centered to the hole in my ears so to speak. When the helmets on, like said. Sitting on the sofa it feels comfortable. No discomfort with the speakers pushing against my ears, and the sound because they’re close is absolutely fantastic. It’s just when putting the helmet on because of where the speakers are mounted directly in line with my ear holes it bends my ears so I have to right them as you would normally when wearing a helmet so it’s comfortable. But it’s worse when taking it off. The speakers dig into both sides of my crust for a split second.
    I’ve worn hundreds of different crash helmets in my time but this is the first time I’ve ever had one with a intercom fitted. Not sure if it’s me feeling a bit of discomfort while removing the lid and making a drama of it or something needs rectifying.

    like you say. I think because the speakers are nice and close to the ears it’s more of a good thing. If I was to cut some shallow recesses it would make a big difference on sound quality.
    Maybe something will give a bit? Or I’ll just get used to it? But the next ride out I’ll see how comfortable they are in real life.

    I will say though. I’m so impressed with the sound quality I wouldn’t want to do without them now.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
  7. I do like the intercom as I can use my mp3 when riding to listen to music. It’s just a shame the Ducati media hub can only talk to mobile as it won’t see my MP3 player. It the reason I went with the n-com setup as it’s easy to control and connected to my phone, mp3, bike and passenger (when I do want to listen to her :p)
     
  8. Sounds like you have it just right. I have to grab the chin bar of my lid and wiggle it around a bit to unfold my ears from the speakers after putting my Shoei on, it's practically 2nd nature now. No discomfort that I've noticed taking it off though.
     
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