Schuberth C5 ANC Helmet First Look: Active Noise Cancellation

November 6, 2025

Schuberth has released details on the C5 ANC, a new modular touring helmet that incorporates Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology developed in collaboration with Cardo Systems. The helmet is built on the C5 platform, adding targeted noise reduction. Schuberth positions the C5 ANC as the new benchmark for premium modular touring helmets, targeting commuters and long-haul riders who log 12,000+ miles annually and demand measurable reductions in acoustic fatigue without sacrificing safety or communication clarity.

The core advancement lies in the ANC system, which actively counters low-frequency wind noise—the primary acoustic challenge at highway speeds. Testing in Schuberth’s wind tunnel showed the new C5 ANC helmet delivers up to 10 dB of damping between 100 and 700 Hz at 62 mph. For context, a 3 dB reduction cuts sound pressure on the eardrum in half, while a 10 dB drop is perceived as roughly half the loudness.

That frequency band covers the bulk of turbulent air noise generated around the helmet fiberglass/carbon fiber shell and faceshield. Independent studies confirm that sustained exposure to noise levels above 85 dB(A) increases the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. Highway wind noise inside an unfiltered helmet routinely exceeds 95 dB(A) at speeds of 75 mph.

The “(A)” in db(A) means A-weighting—a filter applied to raw decibel readings to match how the human ear responds across frequencies. Low frequencies (below 500 Hz) are downplayed; mid-range (1–4 kHz, where speech and warnings live) are emphasized. Unweighted dB can mislead. For example, a 100 dB rumble at 50 Hz sounds quieter than 100 dB(A) at 2 kHz. Helmet specs use dB(A) because it predicts real-world fatigue and hearing risk for riders. Drop the (A), and the numbers become meaningless for hearing safety comparisons.

Unlike passive attenuation alone, the ANC system uses microphones embedded in the cheek pads to sample incoming noise, then generates counter-phase sound waves through 53 mm HD speakers. The processing preserves critical cues such as the sound of the motor and sirens, while suppressing broadband wind roar. Riders maintain situational awareness without the muffled sensation commonly associated with the use of inexpensive earplugs.

Structural changes from the standard C5 accommodate the electronics. Revised EPS side sections create dedicated speaker cavities without compromising impact absorption. A new internal cable harness routes power and data from the battery pack at the lower rear rim to the speakers and Cardo SC Edge ANC intercom module.

The module is pre-installed; no separate fitting is required. It supports mesh intercom for up to 31 riders, Bluetooth 5.2 pairing, and high-fidelity audio streaming. Voice commands and handlebar remote compatibility remain unchanged from prior Cardo units.

The shell of the Schuberth C5 ANC helmet retains the P/J dual homologation, allowing legal use in Europe with the chin bar locked or raised. Wind-tunnel iterations reduced lift and drag compared to the C5, with measured noise inside the helmet dropping 2 dB passively before ANC activation.

Development relied on real-world noise mapping. Schuberth logged decibel levels across US and European roads at speeds from 50 to 100 mph. Data showed average interior noise of 98-102 dB(A) at 80 mph in typical sport-touring helmets. Cardo’s audio engineers then tuned the ANC algorithm to prioritize the 200-500 Hz band, where wind buffeting peaks. Bench tests confirmed that the system draws 0.8 watts in continuous operation, yielding roughly 12 hours of ANC runtime from the rechargeable integrated lithium-ion battery.

Fitment mirrors the C5. There are three shell sizes covering head sizes XS to 3XL (53 to 65), with customizable cheek pads and crown liners. The claimed weight of the C5 ANC helmet with the SC Edge module installed is 4.1 pounds (±1.8 oz) in size M. That is approximately 0.4 pounds heavier than the non-ANC C5, due to the addition of speakers, battery, and wiring.

Availability is scheduled for March 2026 through Schuberth dealers in Europe, with an MSRP of €799. The integrated SC Edge ANC communications system is priced at €529 when purchased separately for retrofit into existing C5 shells, though firmware updates will be required. Color options include Matte Black, Gloss Concrete Grey, and Gloss White—no graphics yet. All helmets ship with a five-year warranty and access to Schuberth’s crash-replacement program. Additional features include a pre-installed Pinlock 120, repositioned chin strap, Schuberth’s noise-reducing Neckroll, a new exhaust vent, and ECE-R 22.06 certification.

For riders already running Cardo Packtalk Edge units, the SC Edge ANC module is backward-compatible via firmware, allowing ANC functionality in non-Schuberth helmets with sufficient speaker recess depth. Cardo will release a standalone ANC retrofit kit by mid-2026 for select third-party helmets.