slyder1217
Well-Known Member
I've been searching for a good inexpensive comm system to use when the wife and I go out. The Scala Rider has not only intercom but Bluetooth and stereo MP3 player jack. After checking out several reviews online, I picked one up. Today was the first chance we got to try it out and here are my thoughts:
Installation:
The system installed fairly easily. The box claims 5 minute installation, it took me more like 15 because I'm very picky about where my speakers are placed. All in all the install is clean. On my Shoei RF-1000, the cables for the speakers tucked nicely between the liner and the shell.
Functionality:
First the Scala as a comm system. The audio quality of the conversation is very tolerable. My wife was easily understood and she could easily understand me, even at highway speeds. The noise canceling mics did a good job, the wind noise was hardly noticeable. The Scala is equipped with VOX which works but does require a fairly loud initial syllable to get it to activate. I found that a short blowing breath worked well to initialize the system and then I could speak at normal volume.
Now, for the Bluetooth functionality. The system was easily paired with my Motorola Droid. The system works again, as advertised. Call quality was good with the person on the other end having no problems understanding me (they were surprised when I told them I was riding my motorcycle at the time). The voice activated call answer was a great feature. I have yet to get the voice dial to work properly. I'm not sure if it's an issue with my phone or the system but I don't ever initiate calls on my motorbike anyway so I'm not overly concerned about this. I did try the system with the music player on my phone but the lack of A2DP means mono sound only out of the phone media player.
Finally, the MP3 player. This is a very nice feature. I plugged in my iPod, turned it on, stuck it in the tank bag and just let it play. The audio quality was ok, the small speakers have a real lack of low end but the clarity is good. The system auto mutes when VOX is initiated or a call comes in and then comes back when the call is terminated or the VOX is terminated.
Recap:
The Scala Rider TeamSet is to me a good value. It has a good deal of features and at around 250 bucks is not going to break the bank for a rider/passenger system. I'd give it a 7.5 out of 10.
Installation:
The system installed fairly easily. The box claims 5 minute installation, it took me more like 15 because I'm very picky about where my speakers are placed. All in all the install is clean. On my Shoei RF-1000, the cables for the speakers tucked nicely between the liner and the shell.
Functionality:
First the Scala as a comm system. The audio quality of the conversation is very tolerable. My wife was easily understood and she could easily understand me, even at highway speeds. The noise canceling mics did a good job, the wind noise was hardly noticeable. The Scala is equipped with VOX which works but does require a fairly loud initial syllable to get it to activate. I found that a short blowing breath worked well to initialize the system and then I could speak at normal volume.
Now, for the Bluetooth functionality. The system was easily paired with my Motorola Droid. The system works again, as advertised. Call quality was good with the person on the other end having no problems understanding me (they were surprised when I told them I was riding my motorcycle at the time). The voice activated call answer was a great feature. I have yet to get the voice dial to work properly. I'm not sure if it's an issue with my phone or the system but I don't ever initiate calls on my motorbike anyway so I'm not overly concerned about this. I did try the system with the music player on my phone but the lack of A2DP means mono sound only out of the phone media player.
Finally, the MP3 player. This is a very nice feature. I plugged in my iPod, turned it on, stuck it in the tank bag and just let it play. The audio quality was ok, the small speakers have a real lack of low end but the clarity is good. The system auto mutes when VOX is initiated or a call comes in and then comes back when the call is terminated or the VOX is terminated.
Recap:
The Scala Rider TeamSet is to me a good value. It has a good deal of features and at around 250 bucks is not going to break the bank for a rider/passenger system. I'd give it a 7.5 out of 10.
