[Elecraft] Now which mic can I use.

[Jim Brown]

On 10/27/2014 1:05 PM, Michael Walker wrote:
> I heard so much crap audio this weekend,

Didn't we all.

> that all I can recommend is that you use a Mic element purpose designed for the job of SSB QRP communications.

WRONG. The crap audio was almost universally due to cranking everything 
WAY past 11. K3 and KX3 will work fine with almost any decent mic that 
isn't "broke." :)  The only thing "purpose-designed" about mics sold for 
ham radio is the sales pitch and hype that goes with them to get you to 
spend three times what they are worth. :)

Also, the most important thing for any SSB station with a weak signal is 
to use about 10 dB of compression on peaks, use TXEQ to turn the three 
bottom octaves all the way down (-16 dB), turn the fourth octave down 
3-6 dB).Some mics benefit from a 3 dB boost on the highest band (3.2 
kHz). This advice is good for ALL competitive operation. And always be 
careful not to over drive the radio. Use just enough to get full 
modulation, and no more.

To set that 10 dB of compression, set the front panel display to show 
COMP in a bar graph when you're transmitting.

If you're operating from a fixed location (not backpacking, not mobile), 
it's hard to beat a Yamaha CM500. For mobile, you'll want something far 
less visible, and for backpacking, you'll want something a LOT smaller 
and lighter.

73, Jim K9YC