[Elecraft] K3 Microphone selection

[Darwin, Keith]

I have more experience with mics in the audio world than the ham world.
Finding a mic with a flat response isn't so easy.  If it is a mic built
for vocals, it will most likely have a presence peak.  Without it, any
directional mic starts to sound very muddy due to proximity effect.

I believe some of the studio mics are flat.  Rode NT-1 comes to mind.
About $200 and flat response.  Of course, it has no PTT and should be
hung in a shock mount.  I don't know how well it do in an RF field
either. 

With my K2 and TS-830s (both sold) I've used a couple of "vocal mics" as
ham mics, with good results.  I've used the standard SM-58 and it's
fine.  I've also used a small diaphragm mic (Audio Technica ATM-31) and
it worked a little better.  The ATM-31 sounds very similar to an SM-58
bit with a bit more lower mids (to beef up my thin voice) and better
articulation (condenser vs. dynamic).  In live band performances I found
the ATM mic worked a bit better with my vocals than the SM-58 did.  For
informal demo recordings, the ATM absolutely blows the SM-58 away on
vocals, flute, acoustic guitar, drum overheads, etc.  Or course, there's
no PPT switch on these mics.  I wired up a foot switch which I like
better anyway.


- Keith N1AS -
- K3 711 -

-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Mike Scott
Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 9:48 PM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Microphone selection

I too have been wanting a new microphone. I only want a desk microphone
(I am absolutely not interested in a mobile mic) and I only want a
microphone that has a flat frequency response. One of the benefits of
the K3 8-band equalizer is that I can modify the audio spectrum to my
desires. Okay I could take some non-flat response and accommodate, but
why do that. I won't go there.

I think what I want rules out most Heil communication microphones. I
probably need a studio microphone with push to talk. I have an external
PTT switch so the PTT feature isn't absolutely critical. So now I am
looking for a quality affordable flat frequency response desk microphone
with PTT if there is one.

 

Given these constraints are there some affordable microphones out there.
Of course it would be nice if I didn't have an interface problem but I
know how to use a soldering iron.

 

Mike Scott

AE6WA Tarzana, CA

K3/100 SN508

 

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