[Elecraft] [K3] How much compression for contest use?

[Don Wilhelm]

  Bill,

When setting up for voice modes, that should be 5 to 7 bars on the ALC 
display - and that must be done with compression backed off to zero.  
Add compression as you want after setting the mic gain level.

It is 4 to 5 bars for data modes.

The fact is that the K3 "ALC" meter is like a VU meter.  ALC action does 
not start until the 4th bar - below that the meter just indicates the 
audio drive level.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/30/2010 9:03 AM, Bill VanAlstyne W5WVO wrote:
>   And make sure you follow the directions in the K3 manual EXACTLY when
> setting up a new mic. Meter the ALC voltage on the K3 and set the mic gain
> to produce 4-5 bars of INTERNAL ALC, no more. Then add compression as
> desired for the best effect. You might also want to experiment with the
> transmit equalization, especially by removing the first two (lowest) octaves
> of response. Cut them all the way down as far as they will go. You don't
> need or want any audio energy at those low frequencies.
>