[Elecraft] K3: TX audio setup

[Dave G4AON]

Franki

On the UK Elecraft net (SSB) there are users with several different 
microphone types and occasionally someone will call with poor TX audio. 
In every case they have been successful in improving the audio to the 
point where good audio is the norm and a K2 caller is easy to pick out. 
The usual problems, in no particular order, appear to be:

Poor screening of the microphone cable, poor grounding, or high RF 
levels in the shack (there was a problem with some front panel 
microphone sockets and grounding, check back through the archive).
Lack of adjustment of the TX equaliser, compression, or microphone level.
Talking close to a microphone not fitted with a foam breath "pop" filter.

A setting of 1 for compression is very low. The microphone gain also 
seems low. TXG-VCE of -1.5 dB is quite normal, if you are using 1.5 dB 
of gain it is probably going to produce excessive drive on SSB compared 
to CW levels.

I am not sure why you are using a microham interface, an ordinary and 
cheap computer headset plugged into the rear of the K3 often sounds 
incredibly good, some of the stations on the net use headsets in the $1 
to $20 range with very good quality audio. Gaming headsets are a current 
favourite for their comfort. One station uses a Heil Goldline microphone 
but with the normal insert switched in (not the HC4/5). A Kenwood MC-43S 
fist mic, as used on your TS-850, also sounds good - I have one but it 
sometimes results in reports of the PTT lever creaking! My current 
favourite microphone is a Sony one normally used for home studio 
recording with DAT recorders and similar, I use a low cost microphone 
boom/floor stand and a low cost foot switch. Almost any microphone can 
be made to sound good with a K3, especially with a little tweaking of 
the equaliser.

Call into the net in the morning and we will see what everyone thinks 
and suggests!

73 Dave, G4AON
K3/100 #80, Acom 1000.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
<SNIP>
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.
<SNIP>