[1000mp] Advice on Mic Settings, Please

[Mike Schatzberg]

Hello Robert:

The overall set up for your audio is dependant upon:

    1. The use of the EDSP or Analog settings for the transmitter audio
    2. If EDSP is selected, which equalization curve you choose
    3. The carrier offset selected
    4. The RF processor offset
    5. The type of microphone in service, and its adjustments
    6. The microphone gain adjustment
    7. The RF processor compression adjustment
    8. The operators voice characteristics
    9. The operators voice techniques used in operation

It is my experience that the Mark V radio, when operating with EDSP, does
not particularly like VERY bassy inputs with the flat equalization curve,
menu 4-4 number 4.  This menu has much to do with how you will adjust your
overall transmit quality.  In general, most operators can EQ with audio with
number 4 or perhaps number 3 setting in some cases.

The MD 200 microphone has an adjustable element, which can limit the
frequency response of the microphone, to reduce excess bass.  I have found a
rotation of about 45 degrees of the cartridge top, gives good results with
the flat EQ in menu 4-4.

The EDSP setting for the transmitter, Menu 7-7, t-ssb, 200-3100, will also
help to remove the very bottom end, and push the articulation of the
transmitted audio, making it easier to copy with long skip and phase
distortion.

In Menu 8-9, I use some negative carrier offset, t-usbcar -0.100, and some
negative processor offset as well, proc-usb -0.050.  These settings will
round out your audio, and help with overall audio quality.

There is an interplay between the microphone gain, and the processor
compression level.  Preset the microphone gain at between 9 and 9:30, with
the processor on and preset at 10 to 10:30.

Examine the ALC level, and be sure that the level is to the top of the red
bar or slightly above.  On the compression scale, maintain peaks of 3 or 4
bars at most.  This is more than enough to raise the average power output
significantly, by 30% or even more.  Slightly more microphone gain will
assist the RF processor in reaching higher compression levels.  Fuller audio
quality will result as well with the use of the RF processor.

Be aware that many dynamic microphones have what is known as a proximity
effect.  The effect is very pronounced in the MD 100.  It has a closer
working distance as a result.  You will have fewer lows if you open the
distance to the microphone, and the closer you speak to the microphone, the
greater the low frequency content.  The MD 200 illustrates this to a lesser
extent.  Maintain a constant working distance once you have set up the radio
for best overall quality.

Every operator has his own unique voice characteristics, and there are no
universal settings which will work in every case.  The above information may
be helpful to assist you in your adjustments.

Good Luck and Happy DXing,

Mike Schatzberg
WB2AJI




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robert Moore" <malamati at earthlink.net>
To: <1000mp at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, January 05, 2005 9:27 PM
Subject: [1000mp] Advice on Mic Settings, Please


> Hello to all on the list, and Happy New Year.  I'm a relatively new owner
of a 1000MP, and have also acquired both an MD100 and MD200 microphone (long
story there...involving eBay bidding that brought both mikes to my door!).
>
> I'd appreciate any guidance from list members on basic settings on the rig
to assure that I've got the mike correctly set up, driving the rig
adequately but not at too high a level, and so forth.  If you're familiar
with either 100 or 200 configuration with the 1000MP, it would be very
helpful to have your advice.
>
> Thanks / Robert, N7EIR / Seattle
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