[Elecraft] CM500 Mic

[Jim Brown]

On 11/10/2011 3:42 PM, W0MU Mike Fatchett wrote:
> I just got a pair of the CM500's and they work pretty good.
>
> My mic setting is on 3 to keep from over driving the alc on the radio.
> Is this normal for this mic.  I have Low Z selected and Bias.  My Heil
> elements the mic gain is much higher.

Yes, it is pretty normal, because the mic in the CM500 is a pretty "hot" 
mic (that is, high output).  By all means, follow the standard setup 
instructions in the manual. One thing you MIGHT want to change is TXEQ.  
For virtually all voices, the two lowest bands should be down all the 
way, and for most voices, the third band should be down between 6dB and 
all the way.  The rest of the bands should usually be set flat, except 
that those with very muddy voices may want to boost the top band 3-6 
dB.  I usually run compression so that I consistently see about 10dB 
compression on peaks (on the K3 display).

The best way to get a final setting on TXEQ, mic gain, and compression, 
is to have someone listen to you on a K3 with their IF bandwidth set to 
at least 2.7 kHz.  What they should hear is good clean audio, but with 
very little low end (bass).

73, Jim K9YC