[Elecraft] K3 on SSB

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Having used a K3 for a few weeks sometime back, and now having a K3S on 
my desk for about 3 years, I can attest that there is a noted 
improvement and difference in the SSB receive audio with my K3S.   I did 
wait on buying a K3S but I did so, only after learning of the improved 
SSB receive audio.

As to transmit audio, I find there are several critical areas under the 
users control that do affect the SSB transmitted audio. I am not a fan 
of external EQ and Processing.  Lousy audio going in which is EQ'd and 
Processed sounds like lousy audio that is EQ'd and processed.  Otherwise 
stated, one can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear.

Factors which affect audio are namely mike technique and room 
acoustics.  And to some noted extent the adjustment or setting of the 
K3S internal EQ.   In order to determine mike technique one needs to be 
able to record and playback their transmitted audio. You can't do it 
with headphones and the monitor system.  Carefully listen to the 
recording.   Adjust and repeat as needed.   In this process one needs to 
move the mike, thus changing mike-to-mouth distance along with talking 
direct into the face of the mike.  The frequency response of most mikes 
will change as one moves off to the side of the mike.  Likewise, lip 
smacks, nasal noise, denture buzz, and others is affected by 
mike-to-mouth distance.  If it is a dynamic mike, closer to the mike 
will enhance the lower end. Back away and the low end goes down.   You 
can use this to your advantage, understanding the artifacts of 
mike-to-mouth distance.

If one has any fan noise, room reverberation or HVAC noise,  I suggest 
working closer to the mike and adjusting the MIC level and/or Speech 
Processor levels down.  Excessive processing brings up unwanted noises. 
    Of course changing or improving room acoustics is another advantage, 
if this can be done. {Topic for another discussion.}

As recommended by Bob Heil, Jim Brown and others including me. FYI -  
I'm using a dynamic professional grade Shure SM58 mike direct to the 
radio.   The TX EQ is as follows: 50 Hz -16dB, 100 Hz -16dB, 200 Hz 
-16dB, 400 Hz, -12dB, 800 Hz -0dB, 1.6kHz -0dB, 2.4 kHz +3dB, 3.2 kHz 
+6dB.   ESSB is OFF.  As others have indicated, and as I have 
determined, using the record and play back method described above, this 
sounds really good.   And my voice is no Don Pardeau either!  I work 
directly on axis and about 1" from the face of the mike.   With another 
mike brand/model,  I find that I must work 4" or about one fist distance 
from the face of the mike.

There is no short coming of the K3S receive or transmit audio. It is 
excellent communications audio.

73

Bob, K4TAX


On 3/30/2020 8:44 PM, Scott Manthe wrote:
> When I was active, I often got unsolicited positive comments on my 
> audio quality. Partly due to my great voice, I'm sure, but the radio 
> didn't wreck the raw material.
>
> 73,
> Scott N9AA
>
> On 3/30/20 9:17 PM, Ignacy wrote:
>> Many contesters with large budgets use K3 to win or obtain top scores 
>> in SSB
>> contests. This means that K3 is competitive on SSB with other radios, 
>> and
>> its flaws in SSB if any are balanced by its advantages.
>> Early K3 had large AF distortions, fixed by a simple modification.
>> Ignacy, NO9E
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
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