[Elecraft] K3 and Kenwood MC-50 mike

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

> I do have the K3 set for high impedance for the MC-50 (tap 1 in the
> mic selection menu) and then I switch to low impedance for the
> CM-500.

In MENU:MIC SEL, tapping 1 toggles between high gain (dynamic mic) and
low gain (electret mic) input levels.

> I tried low impedance with the MC-50 (yes I positioned the cable on
> the back of the mic correctly) and have settled on high impedance as
> it seemed to drive the K3 better when it is also set for high
> impedance.

The high impedance setting of the MC-50 will have more output but
the impedance mismatch may result is some frequency response issues.
However, any frequency response problems may be addressed with the
K3 TX EQ.

> I've found the MC-50 to be one of the best microphones ever made for
> modern radios.

The MC50/MC50A/MC60A are a decent quality dynamic mic and a good
match for the Elecraft transceivers.  With the MC50A/MC60A one can
(should) turn off the preamp in the base unless the 8 pin output
jack is modified to move the +8V input from pin 5 to pin 6.


73,

    ... Joe, W4TV


On 2022-04-09 7:37 AM, Nate Bargmann wrote:
> * On 2022 08 Apr 16:59 -0500, David Christ wrote:
>> Digging around I find I have an older Kenwood MC-50 mike in its
>> original box. Anyone have experience with this?
>>
>> Is it reasonable to use this with my K3.  It is dynamic so no bias.  I
>> think the 600 ohm setting is what I am supposed to use.  Do I need to
>> change my equalization from what I use with my condenser mikes.
>>
>> Also I need to find a 4 pin jack to make an adaptor.  I don't see
>> anyone listing such a thing for sale. I will probably plug it into the
>> back if I use it.
>   
> Hi David.
> 
> I have an MC-50 connected via a four pin to eight pin adapter I probably
> picked up off ebay.  The idea at the time was swapping the mic between
> the K3 and the TS-520SE I have.  I also have a
> CM-500 headset connected to the back panel which needs bias.  The mic
> menu makes switching then rather easy.
> 
> I do have different mic gain and compression settings between the two
> stored in the K3 utility.
> 
> I do have the K3 set for high impedance for the MC-50 (tap 1 in the mic
> selection menu) and then I switch to low impedance for the CM-500.  I
> tried low impedance with the MC-50 (yes I positioned the cable on the back
> of the mic correctly) and have settled on high impedance as it seemed to
> drive the K3 better when it is also set for high impedance.
> 
> I've gotten unsolicited good audio reports on both microphones.  It's a
> setup that works for me.
> 
>> Or should I just try to sell it at the next hamfest?
> 
> The choice is yours.  I've found the MC-50 to be one of the best
> microphones ever made for modern radios.
> 
> 73, Nate, N0NB
>