Midland BTX1 PRO S - Test and Review

Midland BTX1 PRO S - Top audio performance even at high speeds for perfect sound and intercom communication up to 800 and 3 connected devices.

Midland BTX1 PRO S - Bluetooth FM radio and intercom even at high speeds with perfect sound, communication up to (almost) 800 meters.

We have long tested the Midland BTX1 Pro S, the only one on the market in the entry level range to offer the function conference up to 3 people (in addition to the classic one-to-one always at 3 in full duplex) and the conversations between motorcycle and motorcycles up to almost 800 meters.

We found ourselves very well, especially for the ease of use and the range, which reaches considerable distances, even if at 800 meters (more or less) it was not so perfect. In any case, a truly reliable and highly recommended system for quality of construction, communication, audio and Italian assistance.

Nostalgic premise on Midland: ran the year 2003, when, with a close friend, we decided to go to Milwaukee for the Harley Davidson Centennial. At the time we used a PMR Midland “walkie talkie” system, even with the laringophone (the one that mounted on the neck that did a lot of special forces). Everything worked perfectly, with undisputed audio quality, albeit impractical for radio communication on the bike. The whole thing was gleefully kidnapped by the American police for "their security reasons". Then came the first serious Midland intercoms with bluetooth: I started several years ago with the BTX1, passing to BTX1FM above all to manage phone calls and music: impeccable products, such as Midland assistance Italy, who for my mention of a possibly not perfect headset (out of warranty) sent me a complete set at home without charging me a euro. But after years of honorable service, the time has come to try new technologies.

BTX1 PRO S - Double

The new BTX1 PRO S it is even more solid, slightly more protruding than the old model (due to the new attack), but certainly more advanced. In the package we find the two intercoms, already synchronized with each other for immediate use, instructions (very clear) and the mounting kit which only provides for the attachment with double-sided adhesive (with folding wings to better adapt to the curves of the helmets long last).

btx1 pro s midland intercom intercom bluetooth rider passenger motorcycleInstallation is quick and immediate, both on my Shoei J-Cruise that I almost always use, and on Massimo's opening Schuberth, my travel companion and of long chats about food. The cables disappear into the padding without creating any pressure points. Positive note, the device, for charging, now it slips away in an instant from its contact attachment without having to disconnect various cables and a double charging cable is included in the package.

I commands are unchanged and always intuitive (also to be memorized) and for the functions of interphone, and for the phone and the radio: central button, forward, back, volume up, volume down (with their various functions according to use). The pressure on the keys is a little harder but perhaps because they are new. However, with i gloves winter (given the cold outside) we do not encounter any problems. Given the range of 800 meters we immediately start for a ride on lakes.

As soon as they are turned on we are already in mode interphone, with vox function (can be deactivated), so as soon as I say something, communication is immediately activated. We connect telephones and radios, which can be excluded during communications or left active in the background. In the city, communication is excellent, from about 400/500 meters we lose a bit of quality when there are buildings hindering the range of action, especially during turns when one is a little behind. The system can also be configured with the various TFTs of Bmw, Ducati, Ktm.

In highway, the audio quality immediately makes us notice the difference: both music and voice can be heard perfectly with the new hi-fi earphones with Super bass, Digital Noise Killer (environmental noise reduction), Noise Gate (volume increase based on turbulence) ed Equalizer (now that I enjoy the sound of AC / DC), a real leap forward compared to the past. We drive about 600 meters away, at 120km / h and we speak really well without losing a word, at times I also turn down the volume, despite the roar of my harley and my open helmet. Arriving at about 700/800 meters (those declared), at times even a little more, we begin to lose signal, but we expected it. Still remarkable for a set of this quality and at this price point.

We arrive on the lakes and here, curve after curve, we realize how useful this flow is, first of all because we don't often travel together, but everyone has their own pace. Second to signal any obstacles or deviations, between curves and tunnels: finally you feel free to drive without the worry of staying fixed on the mirrors to see who is behind, or maybe chasing what precedes us. In the meantime we can manage music, fm radio and phone calls with a few simple gestures (it takes very little to learn them) and at an audio quality never experienced before. Honestly, we are not going to see the exact distance between us during the tour, but, except for a few cases, with tunnels in the middle, we have always been in communication also because you have to consider the distance as the crow flies that separates you, not the meters of road. … So, in the open field, the real road distance can also increase.

What we liked: the sound quality unmatched, the flow of nearly 800 meters without interference, the mounting fast, i commands intuitive and fast midlands, attack and release of the device from its base, the form aerodynamics, price.

What we didn't like: the keys a bit hard, the device a bit more protruding than the previous model, the lack of the clamp attachment (for those who do not trust the double-sided adhesive).

Because we will continue to use Midland: for the reasons I mentioned above and above all for an Italian assistance that is truly above average, kind, helpful and above all dedicated to customer satisfaction.

Key Features:

  • The extraordinary audio quality thanks to the Digital Noise Killer, Noise Gate and Equalizer functions and the quality of the Hifi and Superbass speakers
  • The connection with other non-Midland devices with the “Talk 2 all” Universal Intercom function
  • The presence of the FM radio, with 6 storable stations
  • The 23 hours of battery life: practically a weekend on the bike without the need to recharge.
  • Compatibility with the new TFT systems of BMW, KTM, DUCATI ...
  • The design and ergonomics (embossed keys easily recognizable and usable with gloves)
  • The connection to two mobile phones
  • The waterproofness of the chassis, which is not afraid of rain
  • The setting via dedicated APP (or via software, to be downloaded on your computer)

Il BTX1 PRO S is offered in single or double pack (with a significant discount): 169,00 euro (single); 289,00 euro (double).