[Elecraft] K3 front panel mic audio and monitoring...

[dmb at lightstream.net]

I also have an HM-12, and as noted, it has a very low output level and
needs significant boost at the high end and significant cut at the low
end.

I have also found that the best signal-to-noise ratio occurs with the
following settings:
MIC SEL: FP-L'  (see Note below about the apostrophe)
MIC LEVEL (front panel): 32
COMP: 18
TX GATE: 14

NOTE: that apostrophe appears when you engage the additional gain stage by
tapping '7' when in MIC SEL. I've found that using this additional gain
stage with FP-L INSTEAD OF using FP-H to achieve the needed gain, works
and sounds much better. This additional gain stage is only available when
using the front panel microphone connector. (See the "MIC SEL" description
of "Menu Functions" in the K3 Owner's Manual for a description of this
functionality.)

YMMV...

73, Dale
WA8SRA


> Hi John,
>
> Hello, I can confirm it is the front mic connection only.
>
> I use a Heil HM-12 which needs a fair bit of gain and eq boost at high
> frequencies, sounds awful through the headphones to be honest with the
> internal noise pickup.
> Any compression brings it out even worse. (My normal 'DX' settings:
> FP-H, mic level 20, comp 18)
>
> It is an internal noise source, as it changes tone and rate as I move
> through the menu items on the screen.
>
> For now, in case my TX quality is affected, I will limit myself to a
> high gain electret type mic on my Yamaha headphones plugged into the back.
>
> Good job I'm mostly a CW op.
>
> My K3 is number 5515
>
> Iain G4SGX
>
>
> ------------------------
>
> Hi Iain,
>
> Just to let you know that I've noticed the same issue on my K3 #5102.
>
> It's present only when I have the front panel mic socket active. When I
> use the rear panel mic input with my headset, the problem is not there.
>
> Like you, the problem increases as compression is increased. It's not
> dependent on the mic I have connected to the front panel mic connector.
> MIC + LINE in is OFF.
>
> I wondered if this was some internal feedback associated with the audio
> amp chain connected to the front panel, but I don't know. I also
> wondered if it might be RF, somehow finding its way into the front panel
> audio chain, but not the rear?
>
> I haven't found a solution. If you do, please let me know.
>
> 73,
> John
> VK7JB
> ____________
>
>
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