I watch 3 guys purchase this 30k intercom today! After reading all the bad reviews I have yet to purchase the sena product. I think I will start on researching how to do a Bluetooth CB!
I'm simply sitting in front of my computer and watching this. Without adjusting anything at all, I IMMEDIATELY noticed that the sound quality was "muffled" on the 30K the instant you started talking on your ride. This body's 70 year old ears are satisfied with my 20s (although I WOULD like better speakers for my tunes).
Great review. I believe Sena is still riding on the success of the SMH10. For me, SMH10 was awesome and my 20s very disappointing. Anything NOT based on the SMH range is questionable. One thing I must say is that my 20s phone call quality was much better than my SMH10.
Nicely done and very interesting comparison. I get the same issues of crackle and popping when I have my 20S linked to my friends 20S and turn my Prism camera on. The audio starts crackling and popping through my headset and in the recorded video. Crazy frustrating and no end of updating and changing settings has helped cure it. So glad I haven't bought this new 30K now and seriously considering moving over to the other brand.
I just don't understand how a company can release a product without fully testing it... it's just mind boggling! Videos like this make me glad I don't use a Sena setup for MotoVlogging.
BrewCityRider That's how all of these companies have been doing for the last decade. Rush incomplete products to the market and force the consumer to beta test and report the bugs.
Hey Bryan... once again.... a great video. "Sena sucks balls" kind of sums it up, eh? I used to operate an Interfone setup a few years ago and it was so annoying that I stopped using it. The clear comparison of the "muffling on the 30K vs the 20S demonstrates the step backwards..... not progress. I really wanted the 30K to be great, as I'm looking for a good audio system... mostly for music streaming from my Iphone and receiving/taking calls. The community thing isnt something I'll use as I usually ride solo or with others that dont have a unit. Oh well...... I guess I'll put Sena on the do not buy list. Sad!
Matt Dynes get the old smh 10. Sounds good and is plenty loud. I have 2 and I have a 20s. I use the smh 10 unless riding with friends using the newer 20. Battery life is outstanding and the only issue I have is that noise cancellation is just ok
You make awesome videos huge fan! I have a SENA 30K and 20s when they are connected to 30 K does not play music have you had this problem. The 20 S works as advertised
Good review, I’ll hold off & just continue to use the 20S on my Neotec. Sena sure pushing this on their TH-cam site, sounds great there too. Bet they’re adjusting the audio to make it sound great. BTW, seems to be priced the same at most all the online retailers, i.e. Revzilla, etc.
TwoWheelObsession Beats them in which way? Same exact price. Still waiting on the Sena helmet that they’ve been talking about for nearly 2 years. Website always says “Coming soon”.
You can clearly see that the 20S audio is compressed a bunch. On the 30S not only is the audio at a low overall volume, but is very "muddy" sounding. I agree with the comment about how can a company like Sena release krap like the 30S, answer they don't care.
I guess this is an indication that I'm getting old, but I'm not buying any products that as soon as you buy them, you have to update them with a newer version or download an app for your phone so you can operate it. I don't want gizmoes that require me to use my phone. I ride my motorcycle to GET AWAY from the dang phone. I bought a very cheap ($30) blue tooth head set (off Amazon) and it works just fine. If I can find a way to get rid of the mic I will because I never use it, always ride alone. Love listening to some music off the I pad stuffed in the top case.
Has anyone else discovered over the last several firmware revisions for the 20S (as of May 2018) that after updating the unit, you must do a factory reset to avoid getting your ear drums blasted by the full volume of the GPS (mine is a Garmin Zumo 660) every single time a new route direction is announced? This has happened to me on the last three firmware updates, which means I've also had to pair my GPS and phone again.
Iam really getting tired of Sena seeing and hearing about problems with their devices and not fixing them but yet and still they continue to take our hard-earned money for devices that do not work the proper way this is why cardo packtalk is now evolving and stepping on their heads because they have not listened to the customers in the reviews of the people who own the devices this is one of the reasons why I have not purchased one yet and I have been looking at reviews on cardo packtalk and it seems to me that that one is way better than the Sena!! Thanks for the review
Considering a SENA purchase but now confused. The 20S is only a little bit cheaper than the 30K. I'm hoping Sena will push out firmware updates given the complaints.
The only reason to buy a 30 over a 20 is to get the mesh capability. If you don't need mesh, don't buy one. My riding group has started using the 30 and love it. Much easier connections and almost no noise. No more having to re pair all the time. Isn't that what the 30 is for?
Hello can you show me you set for record dual vlogs? I need record konference voice and make vlogs 😀👍 you use sena audio pack? I have gopro 6 black and adapter mic...
Hi, can I ask, if I just want to use the intercom for music, gps, and connecting to a couple of other devices for casual riding, you recommend going with the 30k ?or just staying with te 20s, Im not a motovlogger by the way, thank you very much for your answer. regards.
The 20s is water resistant, having said that it really takes a storm to get it to auto shutdown. It will work once dry. The EVO is waterproof that is the only realy difference between the two.
@@TwoWheelObsession oh okay the so called Sena experts stated that it was one of the major differences between the two units.. I still use the smh 10.. Been thinking of getting either the 20s or the 30k not really certain which one though..
Not sure anyone would want the levels to be at the upper end with just normal conversation. I would rather have the 30K sound (minus the pops) with the somewhat mid-level peaks. IMO the audio shouldn't be peaking unless you're screaming into the mic.
Do you have issue when you are playing the radio and you are in intercom setup. When the other party is talking to you, does the music reduced the sound? For me, it doesn't. Even if i am using my music player on my iphone, it does not tune down. only when I am using gps, the gps sound over write my music player, but not my radio! Do you get these issue? are these normal for sena? By the way, i am using sena 20S
@twowheelobsession You say you use the Sena for microphone for vlogging, and the audio goes to your gopro directly? How do you do that? Do the gopro and Sena sync somehow? Could you explain this process?
Hey... I can't tell you how much I appreciate your tutorial help... I just got a gp10 for my channel 2 days ago. Just to confirm, should I be disconnecting my phone while vlogging to improve the audio?
so the speakers still suck, amazing with the low cost of slightly larger/heavier speakers like the ones that come inside a $20 pair of wired headphones, Sena can't upgrade from these. big hole in the product! i've installed Volic speakers and it's a serious improvement $54 more $ later. why not charge $5 more to cover the possible reduction in their margin and eliminate a huge shortcoming. when i upgrade next i'm looking elsewhere.
Very disappointed with the Seine 30k! Thing that bothered me a bit about the 30K is how you can not listen to music while using the bluetooth intercom.
That's right. Audio Overlay only works in Mesh Mode, not in Bluetooth Intercom Mode. They should have brought over the feature from the 20S allowing Aoudio Overlay in Bluetooth mode.
Sound volume is much lower once you installed the 30K. I did hear a few crackles and pops on the 20S but once you put the 30K on, I did not hear it. But it could have been because the volume was much lower. Overpriced for what you get in my opinion.
Called sena. They said the speakers in ALL of their units are IDENTICAL.... The only difference is the software that might "enhance" the sound i.e. boost... :(
Then you misunderstood or the person you spoke to doesn't have a clue. If you had multiple units like I do, such a ridiculous thought wouldn't even be an issue. The later models are quite a bit larger and louder.
@@TwoWheelObsession Could it be as they told me a few days ago, the unit itself has a boost that "enhances" the sound of the identical speakers? Might I suggest you try and swap speakers and do a decibel test or something. That would be VERY helpful. I have a built-in sena equivalent to the fmh 5. Speakers are terrible and i just want to soder new better speakers on or get a better alternative that is not $300. All I personally care about is listing to music. also on sena website they only sell 2 replacement speakers. Both look identical yet different connectors on the ends. So that seems like further proof. But I would love your test swapping speakers in each unit. put same crappiest speakers in all units etc and the best etc.... thanks man!
The 'boost' is a software feature of all units. I don't need to measure anything, HOLDING THEM IN MY HANDS they are different sizes. They are not the same dude.
@@TwoWheelObsession ok. I will call back sena back Monday to triple check. I will try and get the speaker specs to quadruple check. Crazy that sena customer service could be so wrong about such an issue... Do you have a suggestion to get better sound quality out of the lowest model sena? fmh-5??
Even if u drive in a group with more then 2 riders and everyone uses 20s its shitty quality. i know it isnt HD voice quality but it still could be better.. Sena really needs to work on that or we need a better Producer of communication systems
Disconnect the phone for any reason is a deal-breaker. End of story. Half the reason the intercom is to have phone contact (other half is tunes). If I can't take a "how are you doing, dear" call, flunk. fail. reject.
I have a 20S and I’ve landed myself in a puddle submerging the unit with mount and mic briefly. The mic stopped working and I had button trouble for a couple of days. I ended up blasting the connector ports with electronic contact cleaner. No trouble afterwards.
hahaha love it :D I have the 10c, uggh nothing but problems with the mic, sound quality and then last weekend we did a massive ride through some beautiful scenery and the fucking Sandisk sd card failed -_-"
![จบจนได้ ! | Black Myth: Wukong #007 [ตอนจบ?]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/DSqvWndF0sw/mqdefault.jpg)
They finally fixed it! th-cam.com/video/EZ_zLw3Fpy0/w-d-xo.html
anything audio related is just the microphone.
I still have a old smh5 fm. Thanks for your always honest review.
I don't want to watch the entire video. Is the 20S worth it over the old fashioned SMH5 FM?
I watch 3 guys purchase this 30k intercom today! After reading all the bad reviews I have yet to purchase the sena product. I think I will start on researching how to do a Bluetooth CB!
I'm simply sitting in front of my computer and watching this. Without adjusting anything at all, I IMMEDIATELY noticed that the sound quality was "muffled" on the 30K the instant you started talking on your ride. This body's 70 year old ears are satisfied with my 20s (although I WOULD like better speakers for my tunes).
volicaudio.com
Great review. I believe Sena is still riding on the success of the SMH10. For me, SMH10 was awesome and my 20s very disappointing. Anything NOT based on the SMH range is questionable.
One thing I must say is that my 20s phone call quality was much better than my SMH10.
the "snap crackle and pop" is real... XD
"K" for Krap...love it. Got a 20S so we'll just wait....thks
Big Joe S for "shit"
@@hexlloydmedel7994 haha
Isn't it funny how the 'test motovloggers' that were sent them free from SENA over the last few weeks have nothing but glowing reviews...
So if you got one now u should up date?
Great video dude, I’m seriously thinking about picking this up👍👍 but I’ll go with the 20s
Nicely done and very interesting comparison. I get the same issues of crackle and popping when I have my 20S linked to my friends 20S and turn my Prism camera on. The audio starts crackling and popping through my headset and in the recorded video. Crazy frustrating and no end of updating and changing settings has helped cure it.
So glad I haven't bought this new 30K now and seriously considering moving over to the other brand.
I just don't understand how a company can release a product without fully testing it... it's just mind boggling! Videos like this make me glad I don't use a Sena setup for MotoVlogging.
BrewCityRider what do you use?
Alex Williams I use a Hero 5 Session with the GoPro audio adapter dongle. I start and stop recording using voice commands - works out great!
I ment what headset haha but that one was in my camera running
BrewCityRider That's how all of these companies have been doing for the last decade. Rush incomplete products to the market and force the consumer to beta test and report the bugs.
this happens in all companies, not just motorcycle coms. Usually pressure from the marketing dept to launch early
Thank you. This video helped me decide, 20s evo. I like having the option to connect with a few more riders if I choose to.
Who has the best price on a 20s evo dual pack?
Hey Bryan... once again.... a great video. "Sena sucks balls" kind of sums it up, eh? I used to operate an Interfone setup a few years ago and it was so annoying that I stopped using it. The clear comparison of the "muffling on the 30K vs the 20S demonstrates the step backwards..... not progress. I really wanted the 30K to be great, as I'm looking for a good audio system... mostly for music streaming from my Iphone and receiving/taking calls. The community thing isnt something I'll use as I usually ride solo or with others that dont have a unit. Oh well...... I guess I'll put Sena on the do not buy list. Sad!
Matt Dynes get the old smh 10. Sounds good and is plenty loud. I have 2 and I have a 20s. I use the smh 10 unless riding with friends using the newer 20. Battery life is outstanding and the only issue I have is that noise cancellation is just ok
What exactly is mesh. Sounds like I need to go with the 20s. I’ll probably just use Bluetooth anyway.
Wow didn't know that the 20s had an FM issue cause I never had an issue with my 20s as well my wifes. But I'm happy with my 20s
I noticed as soon as you switched from the 20s to the 30k the volume doped,i had to turn up my volume by 30% to hear you as well
I've only used the 30k for intercom with a another 30k. First thing I noticed was the lower volume!
You make awesome videos huge fan! I have a SENA 30K and 20s when they are connected to 30 K does not play music have you had this problem. The 20 S works as advertised
I’ve seen that video that does not fix my problem the firmware did not fix the issue
Seen what video?
I have no issue streaming music or sharing
Good review, I’ll hold off & just continue to use the 20S on my Neotec. Sena sure pushing this on their TH-cam site, sounds great there too. Bet they’re adjusting the audio to make it sound great. BTW, seems to be priced the same at most all the online retailers, i.e. Revzilla, etc.
Black Hills beats them, like I said. And the vids aren't using the GP10 they are sticking a mic near other speakers.
TwoWheelObsession Beats them in which way? Same exact price. Still waiting on the Sena helmet that they’ve been talking about for nearly 2 years. Website always says “Coming soon”.
+thehexter1 revzilla just dropped the price. They were full retail
TwoWheelObsession Oh, thanks.
You can clearly see that the 20S audio is compressed a bunch. On the 30S not only is the audio at a low overall volume, but is very "muddy" sounding. I agree with the comment about how can a company like Sena release krap like the 30S, answer they don't care.
You can buy "Canned Air" (computer use) for blowing any moisture out of your connectors.
I guess this is an indication that I'm getting old, but I'm not buying any products that as soon as you buy them, you have to update them with a newer version or download an app for your phone so you can operate it. I don't want gizmoes that require me to use my phone. I ride my motorcycle to GET AWAY from the dang phone. I bought a very cheap ($30) blue tooth head set (off Amazon) and it works just fine. If I can find a way to get rid of the mic I will because I never use it, always ride alone. Love listening to some music off the I pad stuffed in the top case.
Has anyone else discovered over the last several firmware revisions for the 20S (as of May 2018) that after updating the unit, you must do a factory reset to avoid getting your ear drums blasted by the full volume of the GPS (mine is a Garmin Zumo 660) every single time a new route direction is announced? This has happened to me on the last three firmware updates, which means I've also had to pair my GPS and phone again.
Iam really getting tired of Sena seeing and hearing about problems with their devices and not fixing them but yet and still they continue to take our hard-earned money for devices that do not work the proper way this is why cardo packtalk is now evolving and stepping on their heads because they have not listened to the customers in the reviews of the people who own the devices this is one of the reasons why I have not purchased one yet and I have been looking at reviews on cardo packtalk and it seems to me that that one is way better than the Sena!! Thanks for the review
I am still waiting for a new GP10. It works great but only one person is recorded in HD. Its soooo annoying.
I think to 20s was louder when your at highway speed like 65 to 70 mph can you have a normal conversation and hear the other person
EXCELLENT REVIEW, CAN YOU CONECT WITH THE SENA 10S ?
Considering a SENA purchase but now confused. The 20S is only a little bit cheaper than the 30K. I'm hoping Sena will push out firmware updates given the complaints.
Very helpful as always. I WAS thinking about updating my Sena to the latest model but now I'll just wait. "Sena sucks balls..." OMG priceless!
Do you think some dielectric grease would be good on the pin connections as a water preventative?
i never had a problem with my 20s radio is as good as my 30k
The only reason to buy a 30 over a 20 is to get the mesh capability. If you don't need mesh, don't buy one. My riding group has started using the 30 and love it. Much easier connections and almost no noise. No more having to re pair all the time. Isn't that what the 30 is for?
It’s also advertised to have many small improvements
if alcohol hurts the plastic; the hi heat and humidity will do a job on the rubber also !
Hi bud. Have you tested the new Sena 50R ? Is the sound quality and firmware problems have been solved?
Hey J&P cycles, BikeBandit, CycleGear all have it for the same price as Black Hills Moto.
Email him for lower ;)
I heard clicking/pops on both setups. I believe this to mostly be a bluetooth issue to the gopro gp10 as it's never rock solid
It’s not a question. Sena has already admitted to the problem and said they are working on a fix.
so they make an earpiece adaptor so I can use this when away from my helmet/bike. ie. with my phone ?
Hello can you show me you set for record dual vlogs? I need record konference voice and make vlogs 😀👍 you use sena audio pack? I have gopro 6 black and adapter mic...
As always good review.
Great review.Thank you!
Hi, can I ask, if I just want to use the intercom for music, gps, and connecting to a couple of other devices for casual riding, you recommend going with the 30k ?or just staying with te 20s, Im not a motovlogger by the way, thank you very much for your answer. regards.
There would be no advantage to the 30k for single person use
The 20s is water resistant, having said that it really takes a storm to get it to auto shutdown. It will work once dry. The EVO is waterproof that is the only realy difference between the two.
No it isn’t waterproof either.
@@TwoWheelObsession oh okay the so called Sena experts stated that it was one of the major differences between the two units.. I still use the smh 10.. Been thinking of getting either the 20s or the 30k not really certain which one though..
Not sure anyone would want the levels to be at the upper end with just normal conversation. I would rather have the 30K sound (minus the pops) with the somewhat mid-level peaks. IMO the audio shouldn't be peaking unless you're screaming into the mic.
That’s not how it works at all. Com audio is normalized.
20S sounds distorted. 30K is cleaner. You can brighten it up with a little eq in post. Has the rice krispies been fixed on the 30K yet?
No fixes yet.
I don’t have a head set at all, which should I get 20s or 30k
Thanks for the review! Also you sound like Art Bell from coast to coast :)
What equipment do you use to record audio through the 20S/30K? I went to your FAQ page but the specific equipment isn't mentioned.
Great review. Going to stick with my 20s and gp10 setup for now
Do you have issue when you are playing the radio and you are in intercom setup. When the other party is talking to you, does the music reduced the sound?
For me, it doesn't. Even if i am using my music player on my iphone, it does not tune down. only when I am using gps, the gps sound over write my music player, but not my radio!
Do you get these issue? are these normal for sena? By the way, i am using sena 20S
It works fine at least streaming music from my phone - my radio never worked right on my 20s, I have never tested it like that.
i found out the answer already. I would need to disable the nav app to get it working. will test it out later with my wife
@twowheelobsession You say you use the Sena for microphone for vlogging, and the audio goes to your gopro directly? How do you do that? Do the gopro and Sena sync somehow? Could you explain this process?
The sena BRAND mic. It’s not going through the coms.
TwoWheelObsession got it. I appreciate the info. I’m a rookie vlogger and going to pick up a Sena. Thanks for the info
Hey... I can't tell you how much I appreciate your tutorial help... I just got a gp10 for my channel 2 days ago. Just to confirm, should I be disconnecting my phone while vlogging to improve the audio?
Watch yesterday’s vid in the pinned comment. It’s all fixed, doesn’t matter. Just update.
I'm sorry, I should have been more clear.. I'm running a 20s.
Emergency medical techs don't matter enough to have the latest technology... Lol
Doesn’t matter either with the 20s. Mine is always on.
Alright.. thank you. I had some slight popping on the first run with the gp10. Nothing major but, still enough to bug me.
You probably always will, with a 20s
Solid review. Good info.
so the speakers still suck, amazing with the low cost of slightly larger/heavier speakers like the ones that come inside a $20 pair of wired headphones, Sena can't upgrade from these. big hole in the product! i've installed Volic speakers and it's a serious improvement $54 more $ later.
why not charge $5 more to cover the possible reduction in their margin and eliminate a huge shortcoming. when i upgrade next i'm looking elsewhere.
Thank you for this video going sena not ebay cheap
hey i use a sena smh 10, one of the pin on device is kinda lose now (dropped my lid) is it okay if i fix it with a glue gun? wwould that be okay?
What's the sound quality like?
Very disappointed with the Seine 30k! Thing that bothered me a bit about the 30K is how you can not listen to music while using the bluetooth intercom.
That's right. Audio Overlay only works in Mesh Mode, not in Bluetooth Intercom Mode. They should have brought over the feature from the 20S allowing Aoudio Overlay in Bluetooth mode.
Is it dependable and long lasting for the money?
The new firmware that just released changed that. You can listen to music and intercom at same time.
Is the audio from the speakers noticeable louder than the 20s?
Tiny bit
TwoWheelObsession so it wouldn't be worth the upgrade?
Not just for that, no. Nothing out there is much louder.
Sound volume is much lower once you installed the 30K. I did hear a few crackles and pops on the 20S but once you put the 30K on, I did not hear it. But it could have been because the volume was much lower. Overpriced for what you get in my opinion.
LOL you are commenting 1/2 way through the vid ;)
try using a pencil eraser to rub off the corrosion. no liquids involved and works great.
Uh, they are tiny pins. No.
That looks like you’re on the west coast of FL.
Great review. Sad they come out of the Box flawed
Definite audio difference on the level it appears for sure
30K for 10U for my shoei gt-air?
Cant decide between them, maybe you can give me some input?
30k only if you will be riding with other 30k users
Get the 10u
I use 20S with my GT-Air.
How is your sena 30k running
Fine
+twowheelobsession what camera did you use for the test?
Hero 4
TwoWheelObsession thanks
Switch to the boom mic
Called sena. They said the speakers in ALL of their units are IDENTICAL.... The only difference is the software that might "enhance" the sound i.e. boost... :(
Then you misunderstood or the person you spoke to doesn't have a clue. If you had multiple units like I do, such a ridiculous thought wouldn't even be an issue. The later models are quite a bit larger and louder.
@@TwoWheelObsession Could it be as they told me a few days ago, the unit itself has a boost that "enhances" the sound of the identical speakers? Might I suggest you try and swap speakers and do a decibel test or something. That would be VERY helpful. I have a built-in sena equivalent to the fmh 5. Speakers are terrible and i just want to soder new better speakers on or get a better alternative that is not $300. All I personally care about is listing to music. also on sena website they only sell 2 replacement speakers. Both look identical yet different connectors on the ends. So that seems like further proof. But I would love your test swapping speakers in each unit. put same crappiest speakers in all units etc and the best etc.... thanks man!
The 'boost' is a software feature of all units. I don't need to measure anything, HOLDING THEM IN MY HANDS they are different sizes. They are not the same dude.
@@TwoWheelObsession ok. I will call back sena back Monday to triple check. I will try and get the speaker specs to quadruple check. Crazy that sena customer service could be so wrong about such an issue... Do you have a suggestion to get better sound quality out of the lowest model sena? fmh-5??
Even if u drive in a group with more then 2 riders and everyone uses 20s its shitty quality. i know it isnt HD voice quality but it still could be better..
Sena really needs to work on that or we need a better Producer of communication systems
I checked the common questions but I didn't see this answer. What system fo you use to record you audio from the Sena? GB10 I heard you say
Sena gp10
TwoWheelObsession thanks!
Wow. No comparison. Normal set up just plain better.
Disconnect the phone for any reason is a deal-breaker. End of story. Half the reason the intercom is to have phone contact (other half is tunes). If I can't take a "how are you doing, dear" call, flunk. fail. reject.
Thanks !I knew nothing !'
Any update on this or fixes as of March 2019
Nothing major
Are you still enjoying it?
Oh yeah it’s still the best available
TwoWheelObsession awsome glad I purchased it now
Use WD40 to clean the connections, it wont do damage to electronics.
How did u hook ur sena to ur go pro
Sena gp10
Fo u still need the brick mic adapter
The GP10 is only for the 3 and 4 series. With a 5 or 6 you have no wireless options.
I’m going with the Cardo thanks
I am also looking what to do..got a feedback from a friend that cardo suck hard core comparing to this, so called premium, 20s :(.
Another dud! Return for sure
How is the speakers?
I went through it in the vid.
uhhh where in the video do you talk about the speaker quality? I must've missed it.
8:30
The lack of waterproofness ensures that I'll never own one of these. Which is a shame, because these are supposed to be great.
I have a 20S and I’ve landed myself in a puddle submerging the unit with mount and mic briefly. The mic stopped working and I had button trouble for a couple of days. I ended up blasting the connector ports with electronic contact cleaner. No trouble afterwards.
hahaha love it :D I have the 10c, uggh nothing but problems with the mic, sound quality and then last weekend we did a massive ride through some beautiful scenery and the fucking Sandisk sd card failed -_-"