[Elecraft] For Sale - Misc From a Station Build

[David Hachadorian]

If you are looking for a CM500 substitute, don't get the Koss SB40. The 
Yamaha CM500 is an electret mic.  The Koss SB40 is a dynamic.  The Koss 
model that corresponds to the CM500 is the Koss SB45.  Don't get the 
SB45 with USB connector. Get the one with separate 3.5mm plugs for mic 
and headphone.

https://www.amazon.com/Koss-sb45-SB-45-Communication-Stereophones/dp/B00081A2CW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=PZSG151XUZ5C&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4wdZLyc11COwdbEwpRrX1E22CJ8AL4W0BFNeyChRpA8F72EnlHK9D7mAI-chS9_eaYuOVFhghg1XQpO_q5AVW6GR8iwWQ1BzxR8DP1stjjtcSh4uNYJ9ZH0BJRbvQ3Ev6fLYETsHXSqTw_oQY6qoXvmGuCWN5pLznzbdcqqna4FY6BYwtyvFPGW0wDWlCbxczjYYLXrMMuMot8zNhwuf5t_0SI1le8H7VP-Relug-KU.wCqnQcdsB46XVRWUaJptoWJXEVMiVNw1DK7FpJB1gs4&dib_tag=se&keywords=koss+sb45&qid=1776051207&sprefix=koss+sb45%2Caps%2C374&sr=8-1


Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
Yuma, AZ


On 4/12/2026 3:23 PM, Jon Zaimes, AA1K via Elecraft wrote:
> I agree with Jim's assessment of the YM500 and identical Koss SB40. Have used both for many years and very comfy for a weekend of contesting.
> The YM500 is apparently still available from Amazon ($85) and the Koss from numerous sources (around $35). Some versions may have USB connector, others mini plugs so be careful which you order.
>
> 73/Jon
>
> Jon P. Zaimes, AA1K
> Tower climber for hire
> Felton, Delaware
> http://www.aa1k.us/
> Cell: 302-632-2353
>
> Reviews of AA1K tower work on eham website:http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/12922
>
> Hug your favorite tower every day, and always stay connected to it.
>
>      On Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 04:51:05 PM EDT, Jim Brown via Elecraft<elecraft at mailman.qth.net> wrote:
>
>   On 4/12/2026 1:24 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV via Elecraft wrote:
>> I can't find response curves for the XM8500 (Behringer's web site
>> is down for maintenance) though all the reviews (and sales blurbs)
>> say it has a "mid frequency presence rise".  In any case for $19.20
>> at Sweetwater one can hardly go wrong compared to Heil or Inrad <G>.
>>
>> Put the XM8500 on a short (desk) stand or a boom and go to town -
>> the desk stand or boom will cost more than the mic!
> As a professional broadcast and music recording engineer, I used to own
> several dozen mics that varied in price from $359 to $2,500 dollars. The
> only ones that would work well for ham radio were a couple of EV mics
> (RE16, R20), but the only good reason for using one is that I didn't
> have something much cheaper.
>
> Almost 20 years ago, W6XU, who is also an audio professional, found the
> Yamaha CM-500 boom mic headset, which was designed for gamers. It cost
> $45 back then, and I've used nothing but since then. Headphones are
> comfy enough to wear for a 48 hour contest weekend, phones and mic both
> sound great. That headset was discontinued several years ago, but
> there's an almost twin Koss-branded product.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
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