You don’t need to pay for 10-riders mesh capacity unless you plan to ride with 7+ other riders. Novamente’s Q8 is designed for that very reason. It only offers a 6-rider Mesh 3.0 network. It has everything else you would expect in a small group mesh system including mesh self-healing, CVC noise cancellation, IP67 waterproof, and music sharing. Check current pricing on Amazon.
Communication and Connectivity
The Q8 uses Novamente’s Mesh 3.0 protocol, and allows you to converse with 6 other riders at one time. According to Novamente, the maximum communication distance between the two closest riders is 600 to 1000 meters, which is a conservative estimate that lines up with real-world reports under different conditions. If a rider loses their signal briefly, the mesh automatically reconnects them back into the network. Each rider can relay signals to extend the overall communication distance of the group.
Intercom Channels and Mic Sensitivity
Q8 has five pre-set intercom channels and five adjustable mic sensitivity settings. This makes it possible to optimize the performance based on your helmet style and your typical speeds. The Q8 also supports voice communications between riders using different brands' headsets via universal Bluetooth pairing. The same connection is used to share music, receive GPS directions, and make hands-free phone calls.
Audio Performance
The Q8 contains 40mm speakers and allows you to share music between paired units in mesh mode. When in mesh mode you can listen to music while still being able to communicate with other riders. The Q8 also includes support for listening to FM radio. Music will continue to play until a conversation begins. At that time the music will duck down and allow you to hear the conversation.
The microphone is a boom-style with a foam windshield. Therefore, the microphone is suitable for use with both modular and open-face helmets. For riders wearing tightly-fitting full-face helmets, a wired microphone with a fabric windshield is available.
Noise Reduction
Novamente incorporates CVC noise reduction technology to reduce echo and road noise from the outgoing audio signal. Additionally, the variable mic sensitivity provides users the option to adjust their own noise profile based on helmet and speed. Users of fully-sealed full-face helmets report having clear audio up to 60 to 70 mph. With an open-face helmet or three-quarter shell, wind noise becomes apparent at higher speeds.
Mounting and Construction
The mounting mechanism is a compact sliding clamp with adhesive backing. The enclosure features an IP67 rating for protection against dust and brief immersion, which is superior to IP65 and IPX6 ratings found on competitors. Owner reports indicate no water ingress during prolonged exposure to rain and gravel dust. The rotary volume control knob is easy to operate even while wearing gloves, as are the two function buttons controlling intercom and phone functionality.
Installation typically requires approximately 15 minutes on the first helmet. Speaker pads feature Velcro backing allowing you to slide them into standard ear pockets and a clamp fits most modern modular, sports and touring helmets with an adhesive plate providing options for users who choose to bypass the clamp. Included is a plastic spudger, which protects your fingers during installation.
You can see current pricing on Amazon.
Battery Life and Charging
The Q8 uses a 1200mAh lithium-ion battery to power its functions, which charges via USB-C in approximately three hours. Although Novamente does not provide an official talk-time specification for the Q8, owner feedback indicates the device will run continuously for an entire day while operating in both intercom and music modes, leaving some reserve charge for overnight standby.
What Reviewers Are Saying
The Q8 has been available for purchase for less than six months and averages just over four stars across only a handful of early buyer reviews. Three areas have garnered praise among buyers. First, many have reported noticeable improvements due to the ability to adjust sensitivity levels beyond other low-cost mesh systems. Second, several owners stated that they had successfully ridden through multiple days of wet weather without experiencing water intrusion. Third, the Q8's six-rider cap seems optimal for small groups.
Long-term durability information is limited at this point given the relatively short lifespan of these early reviewer purchases. Some riders might be more comfortable purchasing established products with a longer history of field usage prior to purchasing something brand new.
For the full spec sheet, see the product listing on Amazon.
Who Should Buy This
Small groups consisting of three to six riders looking for a mesh system capable of self-healing without requiring ten-rider capacity they likely won't reach should take a close look at the Q8. Regularly riding with friends, touring partners who infrequently ride with other individuals, or commuting pairs frequently looking for a mesh solution will find benefit here. An additional advantage of choosing the Q8 is its ability to withstand significant amounts of moisture thanks to its IP67 rating combined with adjustable mic sensitivity to match your helmet and riding conditions, compared to low-end mesh alternatives priced similarly.
Do not purchase this product if your group size exceeds six riders, since the Q8 caps at six in mesh mode, or if you have already invested in Cardo or Sena gear, since the Q8 does not support cross-brand mesh. Browse more intercom reviews for other options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many riders can participate in mesh mode?
Up to six riders within a single Mesh 3.0 group conversation. Note that there is a hard limit on this number of riders in mesh mode, so larger groups will require larger capacity mesh solutions or will need to break off into sub-groups.
What is the realistic range between riders?
According to Novamente's specifications, the range between the two closest riders is rated at 600 to 1000 meters, consistent with many mesh systems in varied terrain conditions. Several owners have reportedly achieved greater distances under ideal open terrain and line-of-sight conditions.
Can I pair my existing Cardo or Sena units?
Yes, using universal Bluetooth pairing for a two-rider voice call. However, only existing Novamente branded units (including compatible Novamente models) may join the 6-rider Mesh 3.0 group.
What does the adjustable sensitivity feature do?
Adjustable sensitivity controls how easily the mic picks up your voice relative to ambient noise. Full-face helmet wearers usually select a lower sensitivity level to reduce breath noises generated by riding fast, while open-face helmet wearers select a higher sensitivity level to improve pickup of voice over wind-generated background noise.
Is the IP67 rating legitimate?
Absolutely. Owners have repeatedly demonstrated the validity of this rating by riding through extensive periods of rain and high volumes of gravel dust without experiencing any water seepage. IP67 encompasses protection from dust and brief immersion, protecting it well against real-world weather conditions.
For more options, check the intercom comparison table.