[Elecraft] K3: TX audio setup

[Franki ON5ZO]

Is there any K3 user that can give me some advice?

I don't do SSB very often and it's the first time I try this mode with the 
K3. I'm setting up for next weekend.
I have a K3 and talk into a HC4 mic element connected to a microHAM MK2R+. 
This then drives an ACOM 1000.

First off, my audio sounds 'smurfified' through the monitor. I have no other 
way to describe it. On the air sollicited audio reports are not flattering,
Another thing I noticed (compared to my TS-850) is that the K3's and amp's 
power meters do not give much deflection unless I shout.
I've been fiddling all day and begging reports but the best report I got was 
"no highs, no low, only  mid range".

Here's what I have: MIC gain = 4, compression = 1, TXG-VCE = 1.5dB, and TX 
EQ = flat.

I'm not interested in HiFi audio, I just want clean and sharp modulation for 
contesting. I'm not used to bad audio reports with the TS-850 which does not 
have a lot of parameters (didn't even use compression on that rig) so I hope 
someone has some advice on what parameters to tweak the K3 for success.

TNX / 73 de Franki ON5ZO = OQ5M
http://on5zo.spaces.live.com/