X10 Audio Quality And Noise Cancellation While Riding

   The X10 walkie-talkie from Jiangmen Zhenghao Motorcycle Co., Ltd. delivers practical audio performance and wind noise suppression within its price range: it features clear voice communication, intuitive commands, and music with a focus on mid-frequency range and vocals. Its high-speed noise cancellation prioritizes 'clarity over HiFi sound quality.'

Zhenghao  X10 mesh intercom headset showing control buttons and antenna, used for motorcycle communication

Audio Hardware and Mixing Characteristics

• Speaker unit: A conventional dynamic driver with a diameter of approximately 30–40mm, optimized for helmet cavity acoustics with emphasis on mid-frequency range and vocal frequencies to ensure clear communication and navigation prompts without being masked by engine noise or wind interference.

• Tone color tendency:1. Low frequency: Provides a sense of volume without the exaggeration found in heavy bass headphones, thus preventing a "head-banging" sensation when worn in enclosed helmets.
  2. Intermediate frequency (IF): This band prioritizes vocal clarity and is ideal for two-way communication, voice calls, and navigation systems.
  3. High frequency: Features detailed characteristics without excessive stimulation, and does not easily produce harsh sounds at high speeds.

• Volume tolerance: Within a full helmet or 3/4 helmet, music and intercom communication remain relatively clear at speeds below 60–80 km/h. At sustained speeds exceeding 100 km/h, the volume must be adjusted to medium or high levels to maintain clear auditory perception.

Noise Types and Basic Characteristics

X10 primarily targets three types of noise:

• Wind noise: Continuous 'whooshing' sound generated by turbulent airflow around the helmet during high-speed cycling.
• Engine and road noise: exhaust sound, engine vibration, and tire-road friction noise.
• Environmental sounds: external vehicle horns, intermittent wind noise, and urban ambient noise

Overall performance:

• Urban commuting (40–60 km/h): Both voice and music are relatively clear, allowing the caller to hear you distinctly with minimal background noise.
  
• National/highway (60–100 km/h): Intercom and voice communication remain clear, but background wind noise perception increases; music can still be heard, though details are slightly affected.
  
• High speed (above 100 km/h): Clear intercom communication remains achievable, but the focus shifts to "listening to the speaker's words" rather than audio quality. The music experience is compromised, functioning more as background accompaniment.

Noise Reduction Technology: CVC & AI Algorithm

   The X10 employs an environmental noise reduction algorithm centered on the CVC series, which falls under 'Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC)' rather than traditional in-ear active noise cancellation technology.

       - Operational Principle ：

• Use the built-in microphone to capture your voice and ambient noise.
• The algorithm identifies stable continuous noises (such as wind noise and engine sound), and actively attenuates these frequency components during voice upload.
• Certain suppression is applied to sudden sounds (e.g., horn blasts or abrupt wind noise changes), but they do not completely disappear to preserve safety information.

       - Characteristic ：

• Your voice on the other end of the call: Clear audio and cleaner background.

• The ambient noise you hear: It still exists, but is more 'pleasant to the ear' and less harsh or sharp.

       - AI Optimization (Key Promotion Feature for New Models):

• The system dynamically adjusts noise reduction intensity based on varying wind speeds and noise patterns to prevent excessive sound attenuation that may cause audio distortion.

• It has the best wind noise effect during continuous high-speed cruising.

Voice and Music Cycling Experience

Voice call / Team intercom

      - Volume ：

• For urban environments, a moderate volume level ensures clear calls.
• At high speeds, you usually need to use near-maximum volume, yet your voice should still be clearly audible to the other party.

     -  Articulation ：

• When teammates are within a 200-500 meter range, their voice communication remains smooth without noticeable interruptions.

• During windy conditions or strong crosswinds, a slight compression sensation or occasional "muffled sound" may occur, but this does not affect comprehension.

      - Practical Advice:

• Speak with a slightly louder volume and face the microphone directly.
• Avoid prolonged phone calls when direct airflow from a wide windshield gap blows onto the helmet.

Music and Navigation Announcement

      - Music:

• The audio performance remains relatively intact within a speed range of 60–80 km/h, with clear vocals and decent rhythm, making it suitable for daily commuting.
• At speeds above 100km/h, low-frequency sounds and details get partially drowned out by wind noise, making it ideal for using music as background without pursuing fine audio quality.

      - Navigation Announcement:

• The voice prompt has high priority and is clearly louder than the background music during playback, making it easy to understand intersection instructions.
• We recommend setting the volume slightly above your subjective comfort level to avoid hearing difficulties during sudden acceleration or when wind noise intensifies.

Impact of Installation and Wearing on Sound Quality/Negotation

   To achieve optimal sound quality and noise reduction performance from the X10, the installation location and helmet design are critical factors.

     - Speaker location:

• Align the device as closely as possible to the center of the ear canal. If the deviation exceeds 1–2 cm, the sound volume and low-frequency response will significantly decrease.
• It is recommended to use a thicker sponge pad to position the speaker closer to the ear to minimize air gaps.

     - Microphone location:

• Place it directly in front of the mouth, with a distance of 1–2 cm being optimal.
• Avoid direct airflow paths whenever possible, and use the included sponge wind shield when necessary.

     - Helmet type:

• Full-face helmet/flip helmet: Most conducive to sound quality and noise reduction.
• 3/4 Shield: Wind noise is relatively stronger. It is recommended to reduce vehicle speed or moderately increase the volume.
• Half helmet: Even with proper noise reduction algorithms, ambient noise remains significant, making it suitable only for low-speed cruising.

Key Factor Comparison Table (Sound Quality & Noise Reduction)

Practical Application and Optimization Recommendations

• Position the speaker as close to the ear as possible, preferably slightly pressing against the headband, rather than leaving a large cavity.
• On sections where speeds may exceed 100km/h, adjust the volume in advance to minimize frequent button operations while riding.
•  Closing excess ventilation ports when using full-face helmets or flip helmets can significantly reduce wind noise and enhance music and call experiences.
•  Regularly check the microphone windproof cover for damage. If it is damaged or falls off, the wind noise will instantly become harsh and the noise reduction effect will deteriorate.
• For frequent multiplayer gaming with high audio quality demands, the X10 serves as a cost-effective mainstay, though it falls short of flagship models in extreme high-speed performance and musical detail reproduction.

  - Product Insights:

https://www.zhenghaomotor.com/blogs/news/best-bluetooth-helmet-headset-with-cvc-noise-cancellation-for-motorcycle-riders

 - Zhenghao Motorcycle Official Website: https://www.zhenghaomotor.com/