Cardo Packtalk Bold (review)-Is it really the best?

I like everything about the Cardo Packtalk bold except one little detail.
www.cyclegear....

[@ScottRidez]

The second update--I found a solution, not great, but it works. Set music volume to 100 and set background volume to 100. This brings up the music volume, but the level is still controlled through the intercom volume. This works in theory because I haven't been able to test it on the road yet.

[@RdashP]

Hi, I like your honest real-life review. Tx! We just upgraded our G4/G9’s via a MC groupbuy. We also ran into this same issue with reduced/ irratic Music volume while all connected to the pack. Our current solution is simple and addresses more needs then just mitigating this volume issue… Just Mute [option1] the active Packtalk via Mute button in Cardo app or by 2sec upto tone press on headset 🎧 wheel and you won’t suffer this low a/o erratic volume up/down-issue during media play anymore. Since you’ve Muted yourself for the pack ánd for yourself only álso the rest of the pack, NO one can reach you anymore. So we use a hand 🖐 signal to give the pack or specific rider notice to unMute for Packtalk conversation. Like today’s common meeting-hygiene during Zoom/Teams calls an additional selfMute [option3] of ónly your own headset mic 🎤 should be added by Cardo. Unlike the other available AllMute [option2; i.e. quick wheel roll back2forth where ALL is muted], such 3rd selfMute of ONLY your mic 🎤 option should also be able to mitigate this same volume up/down-issue as long as whole pack is on this ‘mic only’ selfMute. With this additional 3rd Mute option the benefit would be that moment someone in the active Packtalk group needs a conversation, he/she unMutes this 3rd selfMute and starts a Packtalk relevant for all or if not they go private via 1on1 chat 💬 activated via Cardo app. For both 🎧 1st and 3rd Mute options and described Packtalk ‘conventions’ also riders who primarily want to enjoy their music 🎶 a/o want to nJoy the pure sounds of riding w.o. constant 💩 & 💨 BS chattering from rest of the pack, would be pleased to join with Packtalk too. At least with this 3rd Mute option our MC can nJoy the safety and comfort of an ‘always-on’ Packtalk connection ánd Packtalk conversation option remains directly available for all while also not disturbing other needs within our MC when conversation is sought after on a need2have basis. #win-win May be this helps? I will request this 3rd ‘mic only’ selfMute option to Cardo as RFC

[@RdashP]

Exact same RFC as in Cardo Q&A @11:30 from a year ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4eTiayHrax5kJo

[@ScottRidez]

Update on the volume issue. I have been messing with the settings on the app. In the audio settings, I turn the music volume up and save the setting and everything works fine. Volume is loud and all controls work as they should. When I turn on my wife's Cardo unit my music volume drops considerably and can't be controlled by the unit. I can only adjust the intercom volume. Also, the background volume can be raised to 100% which does raise the music slightly. When I turn off the other unit I can control the music volume from my headset and the app.

[@Brrrahhhp]

this review could not have been any better. We have the same bike and same exhaust so I was concerned about how it would sound with that loud af pipe lol thanks!

[@robb8773]

I love my PakTalk Bold, no drop outs even in curves. It drops out if I loose site of my riding buddy, amazing range!!

[@Balitzcannon]

I don't even ride, but I love these videos. Good work!

[@blondeboy4868]

thanks

[@freebehindbars8654]

You need to get into riding. It’s the best hobby/lifestyle out there, imo

[@artiecisneros4691]

@@freebehindbars8654 so is surfing, that is if you live close to the ocean as I do. Surf and ride a bike, snow ski and....thanks for the vid. The Bold rocks.

[@rodneyvale7457]

I had the same issues and heres what I found.. You can hang up the phone by tapping any button on the Cardo unit while the phone is active. For the music,, when you ride connected with additional units, the mics are more sensitive to noise. It could be that one or more mics (including your own) is remaining on. If so, the music volume won't return to full volume. Try adjusting the sensitivity of all of the units in the group. It worked great for me, and didn't affect our communication at all. Hope this helps.

[@ScottRidez]

Thanks for the suggestions I will give it a try Unfortunately it's really cold outside, so I haven't been riding. Thanks for watching my channel.

[@fatihk.8896]

@@ScottRidez yo did it help what Rodney said?

[@jamestorregrossa3041]

Great review brother, I’m a bit confused roughly half the people say the JBL speakers sound great, half say they sound tinny.

[@ScottRidez]

It depends on the distance from your ears. Pushed right up against your ears they sound great. But that is not the case when they are in the helmet. Talking to another rider they work fine, but my issue is with music. Thanks for watching.

[@lunchie80]

Well all helmets and heads are different. As with any speaker system, positioning and setup will have a big effect on sound.

[@Capt737AA]

Have you called Cardo and ask them about the volume issue? Which goes to... how is their customer service? Thanks for the great video!

[@ScottRidez]

I have not contacted them yet.

[@frar.841]

Hi, can you please tell me if the package of a new unit comes with some kind of seal? I just received my packtalk duo today and didn’t find any seal on the outside box and none on the inside box, which I’m not sure if is a brand new one or just a return from someone else. Thanks

[@ScottRidez]

That's a great question. I don't remember any kind of seal. The actual units did have a protective plastic film on them that I removed.

[@kristencain2232]

Maybe contact Cardo and they can eventually fix the issues in an update? I just purchased a pair for when we go riding.

[@fernandotiani6925]

Hey Hello Scott,great review! this low volume background music while connected also bugs me a lot...i have the same opinion about packtalk, it is great!! Have you found any way to turn the volume on "background music"?

[@ScottRidez]

Hey, thanks for watching. No, I haven't figured it out yet, but I had an idea today that maybe I need to move my mic to another location inside the helmet. It has just been too cold to ride where I live. I did turn off all of the automatic noise reduction features. Good Luck and ride safe.

[@fernandotiani6925]

@@ScottRidez one thing that seems to minimize the issue....i just tried the hey cardo mute and unmute audio command...but it is not a real solution for it...

[@fernandotiani6925]

I just received an answer from Cardo...here you go 3) Please try adjusting your master volumes within the Cardo Connect mobile app for the speaker volume. You can do so by tapping on the settings wheel in the top left corner of the app and then hitting audio settings, and finally volume levels. Here you will see 6 individual master volumes all set at about 50 to 60 percent from the factory. Please adjust your volumes as you would like and then make sure to hit save in the top right corner after making changes. 4) Along with the volume levels, please try each of the following setting adjustments one at a time before testing further. That way, you will know which settings change helped the most. Also, testing your unit in a quiet space vs testing while riding with ambient noise, may reveal different results, so please run tests while riding for the best results. I hope it helps. Ride safe best regards

[@fernandotiani6925]

Intercom need to be on and connected to the app, so you will see volume levels option in the settings

[@ScottRidez]

@@fernandotiani6925 Thanks for the info. These are things I have tried before, but I will sit down and spend some more time with the app.

[@towsifosman7469]

I have an issue with the boom mic where the other person barely hears me unless the boom mic is almost touching my lips. I was using the Bluetooth mode, not Dmc. Got mine just a few weeks back so don't know if I'm missing some settings

[@trieditusedit5846]

Exactly the same problem here. I make a call and people say I’m very quiet. Disappointed with this. Don’t like having to shout down the mic which is an inch from the front of my mouth with either the boom mic or the wired one. Shame. Lot of money and I am pissed with it.

[@thezmanz28]

Are you using the velcro pads which fit the speakers closer to your ears?

[@ScottRidez]

Yes, I did try the pads, and it did make a huge improvement, however, after riding for more than an hour the pressure started to hurt my ears. But it did sound really good.

[@Douglas911z]

On my Samsung 9 note I went into developer mode and found Disable absolute volume. Now I have really good volume. The problem is that the phone is trying to protect your ears when hooking to a blue tooth device. Give it a try.

[@ScottRidez]

Thanks that's a great thought.

[@MrDennisdanicek]

This is the first review that mentioned the speakers not being good, you might contact cardo about that.

[@ScottRidez]

The speakers are very good, as long as I am riding alone. Thanks for watching.

[@MrMoto1te]

Did you update the software yet? That may fix the volume issue. I have not heard of anyone that I know that has the Cardo unit complain about the volume. I have significant hearing loss from being a pilot, metal concerts,etc & I can hear it great. It's plenty loud. Try the update ND if not call Cardo.

[@ScottRidez]

@@MrMoto1te thanks for the info. I will try to do a software update. I did one when I first bought them. The weather here in the North East is finally starting to switch so I will try some new things once I can ride again. Thanks for watching.

[@fb510m]

I want the bold where did u buy yours? U get a great price?

[@ScottRidez]

I bought the 2 pack so you get a little better price. I purchased them from Cyclegear.com

[@freebehindbars8654]

I bought the Cardo Black, which is the Bold upgrade with 45mm JBL speakers for $280, that’s cheaper than Revzilla @$350, even cheaper than the Bold. Amazon!

[@razorsedgeadventures6599]

The only problem with the JBL speakers is they are 1/4” thick. Of course they can’t make any real bass. Nature of the beast. I think they sound pretty good considering the physical limitations and I’m an audiophile.

[@windinthewillows6248]

Scott did you ever get the music volume sorted?

[@ScottRidez]

I just spent some time messing with the app and everything works perfectly until I turn on my wife's Cardo. then my music volume drops and I can't raise the level.

[@Bobsunjess]

@@ScottRidez What happens if you turn down the mic sensitivity on HER mic ?

[@ScottRidez]

@@Bobsunjess I am pretty sure I reduced the sensitivity of her mike, but I will have to do some more tests as soon as we can ride here in the Northeast. In the house I can get good results, it really has to do with the noise of the road and the bikes. thanks for watching

[@masterofnone11]

What kind of phone mount is that ?

[@paulpurewal9800]

Quadlock

[@ScottRidez]

Quad Lock

[@smokinjaws3310]

You speakers aren’t located properly.

[@wesanderson5011]

This a Sena vid but can apply to this. Whe you end call just say end call not hey cardo. Try it. Watching other vids I learned of this. You can't make this shit up so believe. I had sena 50s. I sent it back for a couple of reasons and one was it was too quiet. 2 or 3 DBL's quieter based on tests I have by another youtuber. So cardo is louder but..... So here is the vid from sena kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYa0qaqJfpV_mZI

[@wesanderson5011]

My plan.... based on a bunch of you vids like yours.... get shure cordless headphones an try using helmchat or discord apps with friends. If that doesn't work then cardo and plug the shure headphones into the cardo unit. Takes a 3.5mm jack. Skip the speakers. Maybe I will make a video?

[@Bobsunjess]

Can you sing along with the music without your voice being transmitted to the other riders

[@ScottRidez]

As soon as you begin to speak or sing it drops the volume and goes into communication mode.

[@Tyra5721]

It will bring volume down and chat unless you mute your unit from group

[@mauricemarcus2949]

Cancel a call by pressing the phone button

[@eddie_lee6587]

Can’t hear you too good

[@freebehindbars8654]

Check the volume button on the side of your phone. He’s coming through clear.