[Elecraft] K3 Crackling audio with Noise Gate running

[Lance Collister, W7GJ]

Howdy!

I am using the Heil headset with the K3, and have the mic connected into the rear 
panel (the front panel connection was having RF distortion) with the HIGH bias level. 
    The Mic gain is less than 5 and the compression is 10.  The ALC is never out of 
the indicated range.

With the TX GATE turned ON, I get reports of the audio sounding slightly distorted 
and there being "crackling noises".  I can hear these crackling sounds in between 
syllables when I turn up the monitor loud in the headphones.  All the crackling 
noises disappear when I turn off the TX GATE.  Do I have something adjusted wrong, or 
is it just natural to have the crackling noises and distortion when the TX GATE is 
on?  I would prefer to run without any distortion, but my loud blower is right behind 
me and it is strong into the mic like a jet plane in between syllables without the TX 
GATE.  Do I need to choose between the two evils?

I would appreciate any guidance.  Thanks!  VY 73, Lance
-- 
Lance Collister, W7GJ (ex: WN3GPL, WA3GPL, WA1JXN, WA1JXN/C6A, ZF2OC/ZF8, E51SIX)
P.O. Box 73
Frenchtown, MT  59834  USA
QTH: DN27UB
TEL: (406) 626-5728
URL: http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj
2m DXCC #11/6m DXCC #815

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