Concurrent with Schuberth’s release of the new Cardo-sourced SC Edge communicator, which joins the existing SC2 Sena-sourced integrated helmet-to-helmet intercom system, is the new Sena-based Schuberth SC Standard.
If you wear a Schuberth C5, C5 Carbon, E2, E2 Carbon, S3, or J2 helmet, you now have a third choice of what electronics to run. The new SC Standard looks exactly like its older brother, the SC2, and is essentially the same. However, it does not have mesh intercom—Bluetooth only.
The Schuberth SC Standard is based on DNA from the budget-friendly Sena 10S, rather than the 50S of the SC2. Because the listed helmets ship with the speakers, antenna, and wiring installed, users will enjoy the same snap-in convenience of the SC Standard. However, they will only have Bluetooth intercom and a four-member group maximum. In a live comparison of all SC units, the music, voice, and other sounds are similar enough to be a statistical tie for quality.
You still get Bluetooth 5.1, Siri and Android voice commands, multi-language capability, FM radio, advanced noise control, and audio multitasking with the same external appearance as the SC2. The MSRP of the Schuberth SC Standard is $249—$100 less than the SC2 and SC Edge.
In a road test, the Bluetooth intercom’s practical range of about a half-mile was met if my buddy and I were in sight of one another. Canyon walls cut range drastically, though I can live with that, and mesh intercoms are not that much better at handling obstacles between riders.
Mesh is easier to use, has more features, and is often quieter, with less or no static as riders get further apart. However, if you aren’t using the intercom features with riding buddies and only a passenger, it’s a way to save $200 on two units and retain most of the desirable features.
The Schuberth SC Standard installs the same as its brethren—about five minutes. Firmware must be updated through the Schuberth Bluetooth Device Manager, a clone of Sena’s version.
Although it’s easy, the SC Standard does not allow wireless updates like the SC Edge. Mine arrived with firmware up to date. Look at the gallery for screenshots of what the Schuberth app does.
If you wear a compatible Schuberth helmet and, after seeing all the benefits of mesh intercom, still don’t want or need it, then the Schuberth SC Standard is for you. I’ve installed mine on an S3 in the new Apex Red colorway and wear it when riding with my buddies who are sticking with the older Sena Bluetooth intercom units. It works well for that purpose, and saves $100.
