[Elecraft] Microphone suggestions for K3

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

> From the discussion here, I get the impression that the microphone
> is the primary driver of the transmit audio spectrum.
Without an effective EQ the microphone (and microphone technique)
are the primary driver of the transmit audio spectrum.

Using a wide range mic and close talking as most amateurs tend
to do results in significant low end audio.  Most microphones are
designed to be located around one foot or more from the mouth
(sound source) and working two inches or so as it typical in
amateur use (headset mic, hand mic, or "leaning in" to a desk
mic) will result in as much as 10 dB excess bass response.

The severe low frequency cut of the K9YC specs are necessary to
counter the bass boost of close working a mic.

73,

    ... Joe, W4TV

On 2025-06-25 12:34 PM, Fred Jensen wrote:
> Very interesting discussion.  I'm not a SSB op but I do listen some and 
> occasionally chat with friends.  On my P3 with a fairly narrow span, I 
> notice that a lot of signals [like most] seem to have most of their 
> power concentrated close to the suppressed carrier frequency.  From the 
> discussion here, I get the impression that the microphone is the primary 
> driver of the transmit audio spectrum.  I use a K3 with a Yamaha CM500 
> and have the TX EQ set to K9YC specs and my spectrum is fairly flat, 
> maybe a little weakish in the lows.  I don't know if equalizers are 
> common in contemporary radios but it seems that one can correct a mic 
> deficiency with one?
> 
> 73,
> 
> Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
> Sparks NV DM09dn
> Washoe County
> 
>> Joe Subich, W4TV <mailto:lists at subich.com>
>> Tuesday, June 24, 2025 6:04 PM
>>
>> On 2025-06-24 5:44 PM, bill kipping via Elecraft wrote:
>> > but the best is the choice is the  Shure 450, dual impedance with a
>> > wider frequency response
>>
>> No, the best choice is the 444D.  You *DON'T WANT* a "wide frequency
>> response" mic for communications.  The 444/444D response is tailored
>> specifically for SSB communications and paging purposes - i.e., maximum
>> voice "punch".
>>
>> 73,
>>
>>    ... Joe, W4TV