Cardo Packtalk Edge Intercom Recording - Could this be the simplest motovlog set up?

[@raisingcane225]

This is awesome. The only drawback is lack of ambient noise, and for those (like me) who enjoy listening to music while riding, once you start recording the music shuts off and is not recorded either - at least for the Cardo unit that is recording. For most moto-vloggers that’s fine as the music would likely cause potential copyright strike issues. My solution to both the music listening and low/no ambient noise issues: Re the music listening while recording, I have 2 Cardo Edge units and an old unused Samsung phone not connected to any cell service that still works fine. I will get a 2nd helmet kit for my second Edge, connect the Samsung to that and put both in my saddle bag or tailbag as the “Cardo voice recording unit” and pair it in intercom mode to the Cardo on my own helmet (and other riders that might be with me). That way I can listen to my music uninterrupted, still have Intercom AND record clean Cardo voice audio to the Edge that’s on the old Samsung. For the ambient and engine exhaust sounds, I have a GoPro Hero 9, an Insta360 X3 and a Zoom H1N audio recorder. Ambient noise can be recorded from any or all of those and mixed in and synced with the “3-Clap” method in post. I will use the Zoom H1N in my saddle or a tailbag primarily for the engine exhaust, and either or both the GoPro and Insta360 for wind and ambient sounds.

[@richthereturnrider6737]

Having the Zoom in the saddle bag should give great motor noise without wind noise. I have to try that with my Tascam Dro5x. Great idea.

[@UsernameKate]

Loved this video Tony. I am hoping to upgrade my Freecom 4+ to the Edge. I think this could be a game changer for recording mine and Mikes intercom chats when vlogging! Thanks Tony.

[@mancavemoto]

No worries Kate, hope you're keeping well, will be good to catch up soon

[@Jamminn555]

What a fantastic moto vlog primer. Including audio and the Cardo voice recording functionality. Thanks so much! Cheers, Benjamin

[@chancha1916ks]

Good to see that cardo have acknowledged a problem that we all face using these on our helmets. For me however the only advantage I see is the clutter free and waterproof side of it. Fair play to them and hopefully this is the start of getting a streamlined solution to video/audio/ intercom footage that doesn’t require too much post editing. Atm I am using a DJI action 3 cam and that in itself has caused me many issues with motovlogging using an external mic. The lav mics are way too sensitive plugging them straight into the camera. The audio is totally unusable. However by the power of KZbin I’ve found a very good workaround. Using the rode micro ai it allows me to plug in 2 audio inputs, one from my lav and the other from my cardo. Works flawlessly.

[@davidz8]

If I started moto vlogging I would need software that took out the huge number of umms, arrs and long silent pauses while I tried to think of something interesting and intelligent to say, I think I will leave it to professionals like you Tony.

[@mancavemoto]

Breaking news, I do use editing software to remove all those bits! 😂

[@JP-RIDES-pz8vv]

Bought the cardo packtalk edge yesterday, really looking forward to testing this feature and starting vlogging! Great video!

[@DarkyMoto]

6:25 Sick! Sounds like a normal vlogging helmet after combining the ambient and cardo mic. I can now vlog with my secondary helmet with Cardo (without the GoPro + Mic Lav Setup). Thanks for this!

[@EDCtexan]

Perfect video no extra fluff I plan on do motovlogging since I plan on recording rides as a dash cam type deal and would love to have my wife and mine random conversations that come up not sure if shes gonna like it much 😄

[@philipTOMPSETT]

I’ll be switching from my Sena if they don’t offer the same in a month or two. Thanks for highlighting this.

[@SeybianSims]

How much you gonna sell the Sena for😂

[@philipTOMPSETT]

⁠it’s ok, the insta360 x4 has come to the rescue and links direct to sena or cardo, with 8k bbl pic as well. Mine arrived a few days ago. Fantastic!

[@LanceReeter]

@@philipTOMPSETT does it record the all the groups conversations?

[@MOTOUK1]

Interesting Tony, was watching in the triumph dealer while my bike was having some work on it. It really does cut the ambient and good to understand as I sometimes worry when using for phone calls but very good for that. A good back up for a mic and voice capture. 👍

[@mattmutane5502]

Good effort getting this out 1st Tony! ;) :D I was with Shaun (The Likeable Rider) the last two days and we tested this pretty well with the two of us (I don't usually record anything so he was able to record my part of the comms conversations....). Of course, you indeed get no ambient noise from the Cardo at ANY speed, as that is the point of the noise cancelling (I've tested this myself on the autobahn up to approx 160mph, and you just don't get any wind noise over the comms). I ride extensively with many riders of varying group sizes (got my PT Bold in 2019) so over thousands of miles, I'd say the amount of times the noise cancelling lets in ANY background noise is a couple of seconds worth, a couple of times per day, over a full day's riding, with 4-8 people all on comms.... I agree that I DO think this IS a game changer, for you motovlogger chaps! :) HTH! :)

[@TheDervMan]

Voice quality is great

[@SAN-Adv]

Thank you. I was struggling a lot with the issue of recording audio, especially with the GoPro Hero 9, the Media Mode, and the microphone wires, even though I had a Cardo Edge in my helmet. Your detailed explanation helped me a lot. Thx. 👍

[@mancavemoto]

You're welcome!

[@tojj29]

Great video and shows just how well it works. I have emailed and commented on the Cardo sites quite a few times that they should do this and potentially they would convert a lot of Sena users. I've yet to watch a review of this yet where they've recorded the incoming conversation to the Cardo unit. Thanks for posting. Much better without all the wiring and the ability to keep it all watertight.

[@mancavemoto]

I'm going to have a go at that when i get a chance.

[@tojj29]

@@mancavemoto Thank you, I for one would very much appreciate that 👍

[@richthereturnrider6737]

Great video. You have answered many of my ?s about this unit. Your right, it’s a game changer. Thanks much and ride safe.

[@mancavemoto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stefanberanek2589]

The voice quality and automatic volume and equalization on the packtalk edge are astonishing compared to what Sena offers. DMC2 is a great feature too. For moto-vloggers it is imho very useful too. I often have problems understanding and have to rewind the videos because of ambient or engine noise. With both audio files, you can (even if it is more work) blend the two together. For listening to music, doing phone calls and intercom it is the best device so far.

[@OverlandTravelAdventures]

Excellent video! Thanks for adding the FCPX info!

[@mancavemoto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MRSMI13Y90]

thank you dood ..I have been looking for some examples to see if it was worth the purchase... it really does isolate your voice, thats crazy

[@mancavemoto]

No problem

[@BoDean52]

First time to the channel and great stuff, helpful video. Always been a go pro for video and Sena for audio and then mix. Tired of the Sena hassles and just ordered this one. Look forward to trying it out.

[@mancavemoto]

Glad to help!

[@bernhtp]

Excellent review. Your comment about there being numerous good video solutions, but audio is difficult, is spot on. Your acknowledged missing piece is the intercom audio, which is also important on tours with buddies. I’ll look that up elsewhere. The Cardo audio is better than I thought it would be. I am impressed with the configurability of the filtering, gain, and other audio parameters to deal with different helmets, bikes, speeds, etc. Do you get more ambient/motor sound if you turn down the filtering? I would think so. Getting rid of the Rube Goldberg collection of mics inside the helmet is an amazing blessing. So what’s wrong with their design? 1. Requires you to start and stop the recording using the app. There are already too many things to remember and do, especially when motovlogging. Cardo should make it a state instead of an action, i.e., a checkbox in the app to automatically record/save when the Cardo is connected/disconnected to the app. 2. Better yet, Cardo should partner with GoPro, Insta360 and/or DJI so that the Packtalk (or their app) can be configured as a supported Bluetooth mic. This has the benefits of #1 plus eliminating the sync between audio and video otherwise needed in post. Sync is particularly vexing for Insta360 where there is a 10-sec gap (about) when it rolls over files every half hour. The BT feed can come indirectly come from the phone/app to benefit from more flexibility and configuration within the app. This would be a game changer. To use this, I would need to upgrade to the new Edge from my current Cardo Slim (sport helmet). Thanks again.

[@mancavemoto]

The new Insta360 Ace Pro camera is compatible with comms units. You can connect it as a headset and record audio straight the the camera. Could be a 'real' game changer

[@bernhtp]

@@mancavemoto Yes, I've seen some of the reviews online. It's easy and works reasonably well. The caveat is that you get the highly filtered speech-centric audio, largely bereft of some of the ambient audio you want. It would be great to configure the filtering of the audio feed, which might be different from the intercom audio, which should be highly filtered.

[@HarleyDayRider]

I feel the audio is clear but it sounds like a voice over. I like when you blended in the other camera for the bike sounds. Does it use a lot of your phone battery? Good review. Ride Safe

[@mancavemoto]

Yes it definitely needs an ambient sound source (for my kind of videos anyway) It didn’t seem to have a adverse effect on my phones battery

[@WoodNotts]

I think you’ve just convinced me to upgrade from my Packtalk Bold to an Edge sooner rather than later. I’ve tried all sorts of solutions to help me recall training rides so I can give better feedback to the trainee afterwards and this looks almost like the ideal solution. The only improvement I can see at the moment is that it would be ideal if it started and stopped recording via vox so the file sizes are kept to a minimum but without testing this, it might not even be an issue. Usually I would ride for around 1½ hours then another 1 ½ hours so the file size could be an issue, but like with all things, there’s usually a work around somewhere. From your tests, could you guesstimate what size a sensible length of recording time might be or a Mb/minute equivalent or something like that? This would either push it up the list or put it on the back burner for a little longer for me. Cheers👍

[@mancavemoto]

The 11 minute voice recording I did only had a 2.3mb file size, so it seems to be very well compressed.

[@mattmutane5502]

@@mancavemoto It's using the SBC Bluetooth codec, which is pretty low bitrate, so... :)

[@waynecharlton6388]

Very informative and I thought the audio quality was good, do you take much time on editing and will this save time.

[@mancavemoto]

Thanks, in editing this will take a little more time as I'm having to sync the audio, which isnt necessary when recording with a GoPro. However, I do film with more than one camera, so i have to sync anyway, one more source doesnt make that much difference.

[@IanTed]

Great quality of sound but I use the Bold😢. Given I only film for my own use I’ll stick with my Action 3 and DJI mic for now..

[@AHRENAID]

Очень полезно! Благодарю, Удачи!

[@2BoldlyGo]

Thanks for doing this , big game changer i think as I've been struggling with sound for some time, how big in size was the clip ?

[@mancavemoto]

2.3mbs

[@2BoldlyGo]

@@mancavemoto Thank you

[@centilmenkulübü]

How to sync group talk audio with gopro video ? thanks

[@bikerbuddy3166]

Audio sounds good what a shame you can’t get this functionality on a cardo packtalk bold 😢

[@mattmutane5502]

According to the way I read the press release, I THINK that you can... no? :) (I've got a Bold too)

[@mattmutane5502]

Re-reading the press release, only the Edge and derivatives can do the recording, but all DMC v1 & v2 comms will get recorded (anything in the DMC group at the time of the recording, basically including the older PT & PT Bold).

[@bikerbuddy3166]

@@mattmutane5502 ye that’s what I thought 💭 well I won’t be getting a edge not long had this one ☝️

[@PanRider939]

Sounds great. Do you think this will work with the Neo or is it Edge specific?

[@mancavemoto]

It’s specific to units that have the Mesh 2 capability

[@bunkerinfluence]

@@PanRider939 I have the neo and yeah I have all this functionality

[@FalosPT]

Well I have NEO and if I have connection between NEO and GoPro 12 my phone bt connection stop working (very laggy)... U have to choose what u will use it for before riding... is that or that but not all together :/ btw I have my camera connected to GPS and phone to phone 1. Maybe I do something wrong here

[@LanceReeter]

Great video. Not sure if it would work for me. I have the Cardo connect to Mt Garmen Zumo xt2 gps. And the phone connects to the Garmen. Rather than the Cardo directly to the phone.

[@mancavemoto]

You could connect them differently, but linking the phone to the Cardo instead of the Garmin means no 'phone alerts' on the GPS.

[@soulrebelno1]

Tony, have you ever tried the Zoom F2 BT field recorder for ambient recording, it's tiny, can be controlled from your phone, and I've had very good results. It will also run off an external battery via USB-C, and it can fit under the seat, or in a pocket. The 32-Bit float recording technology comes in very handy in case you're out and about and Krakatoa goes off again, or we get another Tunguska meteor strike! 👍

[@mancavemoto]

I recently picked up an F2 to try, but not the bluetooth version. I need to play around with it a bit more to get to grips

[@soulrebelno1]

@@mancavemoto The Bluetooth one is worth the extra for the functionality. It's not perfect, but it produces good audio recordings even with the standard microphone. I've found the biggest problem is wind noise. Even in a jacket pocket, or in a bag, the wind can sound like a drum! The best place is out of the wind, and use a decent windscreen/dead cat. Try looking under your seat, and put the mic facing towards the rear of the bike by the exhaust, preferably by a small opening or gap in the bodywork. Using it with a battery pack or plugged in to a USB port, you can lock the controls and forget about it, you'll get a good few hours out of it. I bought a small cheap battery pack and the whole package, when plugged in, is very small, and will fit in your average jacket pocket. Just remember to clap every time you stop and start, saying the time and location can help as well as 32-Bit float recording produces large files. It will pick everything up, and you can lower the volume in post-production.

[@ivanrushtonthelonewolfrides]

Hi I use a DJI action 3 and wireless Mic for my vlogging using the edge this will obviously allow me to get friends conversations if I record it on the edge. Is it easy then to add there voices from the edge to the film. I use Wondershare Fillmora. I’m happy with the sound and ambience quality I get from the wireless mic set up Great channel love the advice I’m in the early stages of my vlogging career

[@mancavemoto]

Hi Ivan, yes you can just take the audio from the cardo record and add it as a seperate audio track in the editing software. if you just sync it and overlay it however you will get your voice from the two different sources which will give it a bit of a weird robotic echo, so what you could do is just jump cut the audio sections with your friends voice. more work but can be done

[@ivanrushtonthelonewolfrides]

@@mancavemoto thanks for the help. I think I could probably just interject the odd word as that it all it will probably be lol. Or there will be too many beeps on the track lol

[@DKMotovlogg]

ı just want to know can ı connect my gopro hero 12 bluetooth mode for mic and my phone from bluetooth and my other cardo 4+ same time

[@xr2si]

Hi great vid sounds good, what Mic do you have in is it the button one or the boom mic?

[@mancavemoto]

Cheers, it’s the button mic

[@andrestenvall2679]

if your talking to somebody via the cardio is it possible to record their voice as well? so you get the whole convo

[@clubeinvestvida]

Great video, thank you for sharing. I did a test and it really recorded on the Cardo Packtalk Edge, but the voice came out very metallic and completely without ambient sound. Is there any way to configure the noise filter on the Cardo? I looked and couldn't find any settings to reduce or increase the noise suppression... Big hug!

[@mancavemoto]

I can't find a way either, it may be something they adapt with a firmware update perhaps. if you use this method, a second recording source is needed for some ambient sound

[@clubeinvestvida]

@@mancavemoto Thanks friend, let's wait, I believe that Cardo is aware that the way it is, the sound is practically unusable, the audio cracks a lot and is also very metallic...

[@itzardan]

Haven’t motovlogged at all since I don’t have a bike yet but I’ve been looking into this stuff. I’ve only got one question: GoPros record audio so couldn’t you just overlay that for ambient sound with the cardio for speaking?

[@mancavemoto]

If you’re running a separate GoPro then sure.

[@OldGuyAdventure]

I use a Smallrig arm for my Insta, and it really keeps the camera from vibrating. But I've been eyeing the new Insta X4; where did you get the cats for your Insta? It is too bad this record feature is not available for earlier Cardos; I really do not have the finances to buy a new Cardo to get the recording to be active in the app. Having developed software for a while, it seems that the capture of audio would be through the app, not the hardware of the communicator, so if this record functions as a means of ensuring buying?

[@mancavemoto]

I found the deadcats on Amazon, you can buy as a kit with the adhesive and muffs, I think 10 sets in the pack?

[@kevindarkstar]

5:19 that's not surprising when you consider the highly effective noise cancelling on the cardo 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@mufas3369]

Genuine question, what is your set up for recording audio from your Insta360? Are you using a wireless mic? I prefer the audio from the Insta and want to figure how to get this same setup

[@mancavemoto]

All of this video was recorded using the Packtalk bold for audio and then synced with the Action 3 in post. The audio from the Insta360 was used for ambient sound at a low level, straight from the camera, all i've added was a pair of stick on wind muffs to the insta 360

[@Aiken47]

Thankyou , what if you record video with the phone you’re connected to? Is it integrated on the video or do you still need to sync the two? Could you use the rode wireless mics to record the ambient sound then mix both sound in post? I have filmora

[@mancavemoto]

you have to connect to the phone to access the recording feature, and you will need to sync the two, theres no way currently to link to the Action cam. Rode wireless mics would be an option, the DJI mic and Zoom F2 are also both useable options

[@mattmutane5502]

Also, the way I read the press release I thought the Bold WAS supported...? (can you ask Cardo to clarify?) Also BTW, when TLR has his SatNav paired with the Cardo, the Cardo comms kept cutting in and out, and the app also paused. After he turned BT off on his Garmin XT, the comms were perfect, and the app recorded for hours at a time after that :)

[@mattmutane5502]

Update - PT & PT Bold can BE recorded, but only the Edge and derivatives can DO the recording..

[@emster5624]

Pretty cool. What do u use to edit your video/audio

[@mancavemoto]

I use Final Cut Pro X

[@DJAC17]

For editing purposes was this setup hard to match the audio to the video if I am skipping around.

[@mancavemoto]

No, its easy if you make a visual and audio marker, I normally clap three times and align the audio and footage on the middle clap.

[@emmanuelfabalos]

Hi! What's the best way you found to do the connection between Edge, Screen and Phone in the Africa Twin? Thanks!

[@mancavemoto]

Its tricky as the AT bluetooth creates problems, I switch bluetooth off on the bike and don't connect either to it

[@vincoxxx1]

Hello, I have a question, can I be in DMC mode and at the same time have a camera connected via bluetooth for sound and microphone at the same time?

[@mancavemoto]

The microphone will override as the main/only recording source once connected

[@jjgaes]

Yo conseguí enlazar por bluetooth el Cardo Edge con la 360 One X2, no hay sonido ambiental, solo del micrófono, lo único es que el enlace no es sencillo, vamos que no se como lo hice para poder repetirlo o explicarlo.

[@mancavemoto]

Así es el sonido del cardo. Utilicé el audio del insta360 por separado para agregar algo de sonido ambiental.

[@greywolf9292]

So it's not quite as straight forwards as we'd all have liked it to be. Synchronising audio is one thing, having to be faffing about with dB levels and still needing audio from another source for ambient sound makes it very complicated. It would be great if Cardo came up with a little Bluetooth mic which could capture the ambient sound. Then we could have a completely wireless audio set up.

[@mancavemoto]

Thats true, although i've always had to play around with audio in post, its unlikelyl you'll get good enough audio straight from the camera. I need the ambient sound for my bike reviews, but others may not. I going to try sticking another audio recorder somewhere and trery that. But this motovlog malarkey isnt so straightforward!

[@greywolf9292]

@@mancavemoto I know the perils of Motovlog audio only too well but I don't have the luxury of a PC, laptop or top notch editing software. I do all of mine on my phone and although my helmet lav mic picks up decent ambient noise, wind is always an issue. I use the Rode Go 2's with the Insta 360. I've tried putting the second mic in the top box but it picks up suspension noise as well as exhaust. The second mic in a back pocket works well but not all jackets have back pockets. More recently I clipped a mic with the dead cat to the seat strap. It captured the exhaust well but also too much wind. It's a mine field so it is 🤨🥴

[@kevindarkstar]

2:40 you do know that you can simply just press the two buttons to power on or off without holding the buttons for a few seconds 👍🏻

[@MichailidisM]

I ordered the cardo packtalk neo ....can I record my voice with this model?

[@mancavemoto]

Yes the Neo is a compatible device

[@A.G...]

I have one more quesiton please. I pair my phone with Cardo and I pair my phone with my Africa, I start the voice recording through the app: Before starting the engine, the sound recording is fine. But after starting the Africa, only the engine sound is heard. my voice is inaudible. Is there a setting or something you can suggest?

[@mancavemoto]

I think it’s because the bike seems to take priority on Bluetooth connections. I tend the turn the bluetooth off on the AT if I’m using the comms system.

[@A.G...]

Thank you very much. @@mancavemoto

[@Ravan_Caw]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@A.G...]

Hi. I cant connect my cardo to my africa and mobile Phone same time. I wanna record audio but i want to connect honda same time.have u any idea? Thx.

[@mancavemoto]

Can you connect your cardo to the phone, then your phone to the AT?

[@A.G...]

@@mancavemoto success. Thank you.

[@DrivewithTony]

does it also record the music you listen too?

[@mancavemoto]

Good question, I haven't tried that, hang on a minute... ...the answer is no, as soon as you start the voice recording, any music playing stops and is not captured on the recording.

[@marcuspotts7221]

Hi Folks you can use nearly any sound recording app to record sound from your bluetooth headset to your phone. I have a Packtalk bold and interphone edge headsets and even Sony WFC 500 ear buds and record audio using the free no ads dolby on app. Only difference is you hit record in the Dolby app not the Cardo app. What are the advantages of this system??

[@Rchaejin]

My phone somehow doesn't pick up the cardo input but only records my voice through my phone 🥲

[@idrider4748]

Hi Tony can I ask which Cardo you have, there are quite a few variations and I just wanted to know which one is best, thanks

[@mancavemoto]

I’m using the Packtalk Edge mainly, but I also have the Freecom 4 on another helmet

[@idrider4748]

@@mancavemoto ok, I’m looking into buying one but wasn’t sure which one, might see you at Goldtop at Bishops Stortford on their bike night. Nice chatting with you when we met there the other week.

[@ZEE-h-EX]

Will it record both sides of a phone call?

[@mancavemoto]

Good Question, I'm not sure about phone calls, I'd need to check that

[@theturkishbadger]

What is the model of your helmet called?

[@mancavemoto]

Arai Quantic

[@OverlandTravelAdventures]

Heave you done this with a group?

[@mancavemoto]

Not yet no

[@OverlandTravelAdventures]

Are you still using this method? Audio sounded amazing. Have you tried to Bluetooth Cardo to X3?

[@mancavemoto]

For my videos I'm still using a wired mic plugged into a GoPro, but i'm always testing new options. I've found another one that might work for Sena users so i'm just trying to source some kit

[@LaminarSound]

Wait... so this isnt available with Freecom 4X?????

[@mancavemoto]

Not at present no, and It looks like its not backwards compatible

[@LaminarSound]

thats crazy. When i bought it I was told it was top of the line. A year in, ive got blown speakers and lack features that should be standard. Oh well... thanks mancavemoto@@mancavemoto

[@mancavemoto]

I think the recording issue is down to the type of mesh set up. 🤷‍♂️

[@LaminarSound]

Dang. Ah well... workin on other solutions. Thank you good sir. Love your channel. @@mancavemoto

[@Reso-support]

I really like your video, our motorcycle communicator is a new product in the market which called RESO. Could we get chance to chat about it, I want to know how you feel about our product!

[@kevindarkstar]

0:36 gopro quality is 2nd to non.... Unless it freezes or batteries fail 😂

[@mancavemoto]

yep, see kzbin.info/www/bejne/boSXqWBvmbR0erMsi=O2H3ebJm3HNAZMLi

[@oliverzaccheo4496]

Hi Tony. Interesting stuff and a great video. I've recently started using the 360 X3 and it seems to suffer badly with wind noise. In your video the ambient sound coming from the X3 didn't seem to have this problem. It looks lke you have the wind muffs on, do you find these help, I've heard mixed reviews. Thanks.

[@mancavemoto]

They definitely help and i switch the wind noise reduction on as well. At higher speeds it still interferes a bit though