[Elecraft] Audio Processing

[amfmtv at aol.com]

I designed the processing parameters of the Omnia ONE AM broadcast 
processor, and have spent almost a half century adjusting broadcast 
audio.  My suggestion is to apply a "sensible" amount of compression 
and limiting to increase the perceived loudness level to the maximum 
amount the equipment is capable of and STOP THERE!  Adding more just 
muddies up the sound.  We should aim for a balance between ultimate 
"loudness", as well as sensible EQ to enhance intelligibility, and 
depth of processing.

Specifically, for speech processing on the ham bands, you MUST start 
with a good microphone.  I have found that using about 7 - 10 db 
compression with a 3:1 compression curve, followed by 3 - 6 db of hard 
limiting, maximizes the perceived loudness, without reducing 
intelligibility.  In broadcast, 1 or 2 db of clipping will add a little 
bit more "punch", but cranking the clipping up more than that passes 
the point of usefulness quickly.

Additionally, the transmitter should faithfully reproduce the audio 
sent to it.  Any additional distortion or EQ applied AFTER processing 
usually results in a significant deterioration of the desired audio.  
We hear a LOT of that on the air these days.

To my ear, a well controlled but not overblown audio signal is both the 
easiest to listen to for long QSO's, but also has the punch to get 
through in crowded and/or weas signal conditions.

73
Ted W8IXY