RCF: The Evolution of Audio for Motorcycle Communication

23 January 2025
RCF Midland

Have you ever imagined experiencing concert-quality audio inside your helmet while riding your motorcycle?

This was our starting point when, together with RCF, a leader in professional audio systems, we decided to create a product with unmatched audio quality in the market. We’re talking about our intercoms and the RCF Audio System, which brings RCF’s extensive expertise directly into the speakers installed in your helmet.

A new frontier for enjoying music, navigation instructions, and the voices of your fellow riders—clear, crisp, and with unmatched background noise reduction: the BTR1 Advanced and R1 Mesh intercoms represent the evolution of audio for communication on the move.

This innovation stems from the collaboration between Midland and RCF labs, two companies rooted in the Emilia region of Italy and driven by a shared commitment to continuous innovation.

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RCF boasts over 75 years of expertise in various audio market sectors, from Hi-Fi systems to public address, recording studios, and large concert systems.

What makes RCF a global leader in audio systems is not just the know-how accumulated since 1949, but also the continuous process of innovation driven by its Research and Development Department, which employs a holistic approach to product design. Additionally, all components are designed in-house, ensuring the highest quality and reliability across all types of audio systems, from the simplest to the most complex. RCF also boasts a team of technicians and engineers who collaborate with the Research Department and are always available to develop customized audio solutions.

Quality, research, innovation, customization, but above all, passion: just as Midland’s story began in a Kansas City garage before reaching Bagnolo in Piano and writing the history of on-the-move communication, RCF was born in Reggio Emilia producing microphones and speakers. Today, it has revolutionized the audio sector with its cutting-edge professional systems, an Audio Academy that trains future professionals, Europe’s largest outdoor music event venue (RCF Arena), and a new advanced electroacoustic facility.

This legacy has led the Reggio Emilia-based company to work with world-renowned artists such as AC/DC, violinist Andrea Casta, Ligabue, Niccolò Fabi, Mario Biondi, Gianna Nannini, and many others. The RCF Sound System that amplifies the music of these great artists, combined with our intercoms, allows you to experience concert-quality audio—right inside your helmet.

RCF and Midland: Together for Audio Evolution

The collaboration between RCF and Midland began in 2022 to create the first true professional speakers for motorcycling and develop two new intercoms: the BTR1 Advanced and the R1 Mesh.

Why bring world-class audio technology to Midland intercoms? Because with superior audio quality, it’s possible to hear voices, music, and navigation instructions clearly, crisply, and with maximum sound definition. This, in turn, reduces the effort required by the rider and enhances their ability to stay focused while riding. Better audio, but without isolating the motorcyclist from road noises, ensuring their attention remains sharp at all times.

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Unprecedented Audio in Midland Intercoms

The result is an audio experience like never before, featuring:

  • Deeper bass: Thanks to a custom speaker powered by advanced processing.

  • Enhanced speech clarity: A 50% increase in intelligibility under noisy conditions.

  • Professional sound: Achieved through a Digital Sound Processor (DSP) optimized for bass extension and overall signal linearity.

  • 40mm round speakers: Equipped with PEEK membranes designed for maximum clarity and sound definition.

With this system, every ride becomes a concert: just put on your helmet and experience the incredible RCF Sound System!

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