[Elecraft] K3S Microphones

[Clay Autery]

I can't say for SURE how my mic is going to work with a K3s, but it
works awesome with a fully updated K3.

Mine is a custom true condenser mic, suspended from a shock-mount on a
Heil PL2T boom, using a Canare XLR to feed the audio signal to a Mackie
ONYX Black Jack, 2-channel preamp, used for -48vdc phantom power and
impedance boost.
There is a pop filter fitted in front of the mic.  The boom can be swung
clear when not in use.  The mic/pre is powered by the USB connection to
my shack/studio computer.  (The outgoing audio can be recorded realtime
whether for recording voice-over OR outgoing traffic via the transceiver.

The Mackie is connects to the transceiver via the rear mic in jack and a
TRS cable.

The Mic:
1) Beginning with the body and frame of a donor MXL-990 condenser mic.
2) Custom large diameter capsule chosen specifically for the build.
3) Custom PCB, stuffed and soldered using 4% silver solder, and
electrically tested, thence all high impedance connections triple washed
and coated with special conformal coating to prevent corrosion.
4) Custom capsule pedestal designed to electrically and physically
isolate capsule from the rest of the mic.
5) Replaced head-basket with one designed to break up audio standing waves.
6) PCB has pattern switch allowing omni for recording  or cardoid for
radio work.
7) Body and frame are filled with vibration damping material.
8) Frequency response was adjusted via component changes to provide a
low-cut to reduce power waste and reduce band-width on SSB.  Frequency
response was adjusted further on the high end to smooth and roll off the
highs.
9) Mic body, and shock mount custom powder coated to match the black in
the boom and almost a match for the Elecraft chassis.

Audio/electrical testing reveals a near perfect neutral sound, and an
almost pure voltage signal and low current to reduce load on the K3s
audio input circuitry.
Sound is absolutely amazing...  better than some $2K+ condenser mics
I've used.

All for less than the cost of some of Heil's dynamic mics.

I built this double duty to perform both jobs with minimal space
consumption.  I have very little space to work with for my "shack".

A lot of detail work, but the results are nothing short of phenomenal. 
I was told a condenser could not be used for a HAM mic.  That was a
mistaken assumption.

If you are interested in getting into a mic project like this, email me
offline and I'll turn you on to the company that provided me the PCB kit
and the capsule, and assisted me in tailoring it for dual use.

Y'all have a good night!

______________________
Clay Autery, KG5LKV
MONTAC Enterprises
(318) 518-1389

On 2/11/2016 11:20 PM, grif80128 at comcast.net wrote:
> As a new owner of a K3S, I'm wondering what the mix of microphones being used is. What mikes provide the best audio? 
>
> Jiim, KC0TRK 
>
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