[Elecraft] Mic for K3

[David Gilbert]

I agree.  I've been using $10 computer headsets with electret microphone 
elements (they are lightweight, have foam ear pads, and long mic booms) 
with my K3.  I use conservative settings of MIC =20  and CMP =20, with 
MIC SEL =  rP.L bIAS.  The computer headsets have 3.5mm plugs that fit 
the rear panel connectors of the K3 ... no need for any special adapters.

My TX EQ settings are:

.05     -6 db
.10     -1 db
.20      0 db
.40      0 db
.80      0 db
1.6      0 db
2.4     -3 db
3.2     -9 db

I'm sure other users might prefer different settings, but these meet my 
needs.

By the way, I settled on these settings after extensive trials (both 
using the K3 MONITOR function and on the air) with my MH-2 microphone 
when I first got my K3, and later found that my audio sounded exactly 
the same with the inexpensive computer headsets and those same settings 
(not surprising since both have electret elements).

I mostly DX and contest, but I constantly get favorable comments about 
the nice audio (even during DX contests).  One of the guys I worked 
during Sweepstakes this last weekend told me he had worked in 
professional audio for over 25 years and that my audio was "as good as 
it gets" for ham radio.  Another guy told me I had such nice audio I 
must be using an Elecraft ... I suspect he is a member of this list and 
recognized my callsign ;)

I actually worked K9YC during the contest ... I should have thought to 
ask him how my audio sounded.

I'm not suggesting that everyone should use cheap headsets since some of 
them might not last long and many users prefer over-the-ear headphone 
cups, but most computer headsets can be made to sound fine in transmit.  
I've tried a few different ones made by Inland and they've all sounded 
good and held up fine.

73,
Dave   AB7E



Jim Brown wrote:
> On Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:43:26 -0800, Phil Hystad wrote:
>
>   
>> What is the best recommended mic for the K3
>>     
>
> Thanks to the exceptionally versatile EQ, connectorization, and 
> range of settings, almost any good mic will work well with a K3 if 
> you wire it properly and make good use of those settings. My current 
> favorite is the Yamaha CM500 headset mic, reviewed in an email only 
> a few hours ago. 
>
> 73,
>
> Jim K9YC
>
>
>
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