[Elecraft] K3 Microphone Question

[Jim Brown]

On Mon,6/6/2016 5:28 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
> We have some professional audio types on this list. I am not one of them. As
> an ordinary Ham who cares about how my signal sounds on the air, IMHO more
> than 90% of the differences in microphones used for communications are
> strictly cosmetic and convenience.

This pro audio guy agrees.

> With today's advanced computer-controlled manufacturing processes the
> electret element in such mics far exceeds the frequency range any quality
> Ham rig will allow, so that is not an issue.

Agreed.

> You will want a housing with pop suppression, so your breath won't make an
> objectionable pop when you exhale or say certain phonemes.

I disagree with this. The correct advice is to avoid microphone TYPES 
that are subject to breath pops, and to use the mic you have so that 
your voice doesn't generate pops. So -- 1) avoid directional mics and 
noise-cancelling mics, both of which are subject to breath pops; 2) 
position the mic a few inches above and to the side of your mouth. The 
boom mic of a headset makes this VERY easy.  The Yamaha CM500 and Koss 
SB35 are good choices. See the photo on page 5 of 
http://k9yc.com/ContestAudio.pdf  for an example.

>   You need to
> decide between hand-held, desk or boom mount and a mic attached to a
> headset. And you'll want a connector wired for the K3.

I find a boom mic headset ideal for operating SSB. The CM500 and SB45 
plug straight into the rear panel of the K3 and K3S. They are very 
comfortable, and both mic and headphones sound great.

> Elecraft makes a nice set of mics that take all the hassle out of having the
> right connector and of course the company stands behind them. (In "full
> disclosure", I'm not an employee, but have been associated with Elecraft for
> 16 years so far. That has given me the opportunity to use several of their
> mics.)
I love the guys at Elecraft, but I don't recommend the mics they sell, 
which they buy from third party vendors, and must sell at a significant 
markup. Elecraft is in the RADIO biz, and they're really good at it. 
Those Yamaha and Koss boom mic headsets offer FAR more value for the 
money. If you want something more compact to carry up the trail with 
your KX2 or KX3, look at lightweight computer headsets, which plug into 
those radios directly, or with a simple adapter you can buy on amazon 
for $5.

73, Jim K9YC