[Elecraft] K3 - Diary of a mad microphone

[Joe Stofko]

Many users have commented on microphones used with varying
results on the K3. I thought I might share my experiences
with different mics. I have used the following: A Kenwood MC-60,
a Shure Unidyne 55S, a Behringer B1 and a headset/boom mic 
combination designed for PC use. The Kenwood and Shure mics are
both priced at over 100-dollars. The Behringer can be had for 
99 dollars.  In the case of the 55S and B1, they were connected
to the Line input via a Behringer UB802 mixer. This unit, or one
like it, is required for the B1 in order to supply the 48 volt
phantom voltage that this mic needs. Anyone wanting to try a 
B1, or any professional grade microphone that requires a phantom
supply, can purchase (or build) a stand-alone supply designed for 
use without a mixer or, for use with a mixer that is not so equipped. 

All of the above mentioned microphones worked fine with the K3.
But, the one mic that gave the best results was... you guessed
it... the PC headset/boom mic! This is a "no-name" brand item
that can be had for under 20-dollars. Mine set me back about
12 bucks. I have continued to test this particular microphone
against the others in on-air tests.  It is amazing to me that
this is the mic chosen by stations on "the far end" as the one
that sounds best. And those reports are great with comments 
like "excellent", "natural" and "super clean".

Everyone's voice is unique... some mics are better suited to
one individual versus another. So, your mileage may vary... 
but I am convinced that, in the case of a good, or great, sounding
microphone for the K3, one cannot claim that you "get what you
pay for!" 

I guess what I am saying is... don't be discouraged if your audio
reports aren't quite what you expected...   Thinking that spending
a lot of money on a microphone will "fix it", might not be a wise
decision. Try some of those inexpensive electret condenser mics first.
I love the look of the Unidyne, and I am actually thinking of opening up
the shell and using some super-glue to tack a 4-dollar electret element
in there. Hey! Who's gonna know !!

73, 
Joe - W1AIU
K3/100 #269