DESK MICROPHONES FOR K3

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DESK MICROPHONES FOR K3

Elecraft mailing list
I purchased both the headset and hand microphone available from Elecraft.  Can someone recommend an excellent desk microphone having a connector that is compatible with the K3, i.e., without modification?  Your help in this matter would be much appreciated.  Gordon Bremenkampf, ([hidden email]
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Re: DESK MICROPHONES FOR K3

Bill-3
The Kenwood MC60 is an excellent choice. Go look at this previous thread
for a little further info:
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Mic-Experimentation-with-Kenwood-MC-60-td6093541.html

A side point - the MC60 is a nice looking mic without being overkill for
size or price.

Bill W2BLC K-Line
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Re: DESK MICROPHONES FOR K3

Nate Bargmann
The MC-60 does have some known RFI issues.  Evne though I've tamed mine
considerably (see http://highfields-arc.co.uk/repairs/mc60.htm ) it
still will exihibit RFI every now and then on 75m.  So long as I don't
hold the mic in both hands (while leaning back in the chair) everything
seems fine.

73, Nate N0NB

--

"The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all
possible worlds.  The pessimist fears this is true."

Ham radio, Linux, bikes, and more: http://www.n0nb.us
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Re: DESK MICROPHONES FOR K3

Don Wilhelm-4
In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list
Gordon,

Most any unamplified Kenwood microphones will work fine, or Heil
microphones with the Kenwood adapter.
The Kenwood MC-60 is often mentioned.  The amplified Kenwood 60A version
will work as long as the amplifier is bypassed.

The difference between the Elecraft mic pinout and Kenwood is that
Elecraft puts +8 volts on pin 6 and Kenwood puts it on pin 5.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/7/2014 6:00 PM, Gordon Bremenkampf via Elecraft wrote:
> I purchased both the headset and hand microphone available from Elecraft.  Can someone recommend an excellent desk microphone having a connector that is compatible with the K3, i.e., without modification?  Your help in this matter would be much appreciated.  Gordon Bremenkampf, ([hidden email])
>

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Re: DESK MICROPHONES FOR K3

Edward R Cole
In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list
I have used the Heil HM5 desk mic since buying it for my FT-847 in
1998 (I no longer have that radio).  When I bought the K3 all I
needed was the Kenwood mic cable to connect the Heil mic to the K3
(plug n play)!

I know many consider Heil overpriced, but I never have had a signal
bad report using it.  Doubly so when connected to the K3!  I bought
the mic with the natural-sounding full frequency response element,
since I am not a contester.

The K3 mic compressor and tx audio equalization make tailoring any
mic to work with the K3.

73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
     "Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
     [hidden email]

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Re: DESK MICROPHONES FOR K3

Jim Brown-10
In reply to this post by Nate Bargmann
On 7/8/2014 4:17 AM, Nate Bargmann wrote:
> The MC-60 does have some known RFI issues.  Evne though I've tamed mine
> considerably (see http://highfields-arc.co.uk/repairs/mc60.htm ) it
> still will exihibit RFI every now and then on 75m.  So long as I don't
> hold the mic in both hands (while leaning back in the chair) everything
> seems fine.

Yes, if you study the text of this link, you will note that it comes
with a Pin One Problem -- the cable shields are not connected to the
chassis, but instead go to "audio ground" and "PTT ground". This is a
classic Pin One Problem, and almost guaranteed to cause RFI. Early K3s
were also built this way, but I believe that's been fixed.

The FT1000MPs I owned (and sold to buy K3s) also had a Pin One Problem
at the mic connector that caused RF feedback on 75M and 15M.

The ONLY proper connection of a cable shield is the CHASSIS.

73, Jim K9YC

73, Jim K9YC
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Re: DESK MICROPHONES FOR K3

bhemmis
In reply to this post by Edward R Cole
I have great success with a 30 buck Behringer MX8500 using the Heil Kenwood mic cable and homemade hand or footswitch. I’ve tried MC-60’s in the past but have had RF issues. No RF problems with the Behringer combo. You can get a desk stand for a few bucks at Radio Shack or buy a nice boom off eBay for around $ 60 as I recall.
73, Brian K3USC (since 1962)

On Jul 8, 2014, at 10:46 AM, Edward R Cole <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I have used the Heil HM5 desk mic since buying it for my FT-847 in 1998 (I no longer have that radio).  When I bought the K3 all I needed was the Kenwood mic cable to connect the Heil mic to the K3 (plug n play)!
>
> I know many consider Heil overpriced, but I never have had a signal bad report using it.  Doubly so when connected to the K3!  I bought the mic with the natural-sounding full frequency response element, since I am not a contester.
>
> The K3 mic compressor and tx audio equalization make tailoring any mic to work with the K3.
>
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
> http://www.kl7uw.com
>    "Kits made by KL7UW"
> Dubus Mag business:
>    [hidden email]
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
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>
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> Message delivered to [hidden email]

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Re: DESK MICROPHONES FOR K3

dmb@lightstream.net
In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list
Hello Gordon,

I've been using the Heil HM-12 with my K3 (along with the Kenwood cable)
for a couple of years, and it works great. It does not come with a base,
although as I recall, it came with a foam windscreen as well as the
appropriate mic holder that would screw onto the stem from a Heil base.
Have never encountered any rf issues, and routinely receive unsolicited
"great audio" comments.

73, Dale
WA8SRA


> I purchased both the headset and hand microphone available from
> Elecraft.  Can someone recommend an excellent desk microphone having a
> connector that is compatible with the K3, i.e., without modification? 
> Your help in this matter would be much appreciated.  Gordon
> Bremenkampf, ([hidden email]
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>


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Re: DESK MICROPHONES FOR K3

Bill-3
In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list
Unless you have a burning desire for a desk mic, the Elecraft hand-mic
can be modified into a very decent mic. It already sounds very good -
but, the switch is a complete piece of junk. Mine made terrible
mechanical sounds each time it was pushed.

The fix was quite easy: I had an extra Heil square PTT button (they
operate without any mechanical sound) and installed it into the hand-mic
case. First open the mic case and remove all the mechanical switch
parts. A Dremel Tool will help with the plastic molded stuff. Next, you
get creative with a little Bondo (auto body filler) and reconstruct the
case to support the new PTT switch. DO NOT GLUE THE NEW SWITCH IN
PLACE!!! The new switch is designed to push and lock into place - make
your modification to accommodate this (you may need to replace the
switch at some time in the future). Pop the switch into place and solder
the PTT lines. Reassemble the mic case.

I have been using mine for well over a year and it has worked perfect -
no mechanical noises when the PTT is pressed. Before the mod I was
getting bad reports from the PTT switch's mechanical noise. Now it is as
quiet as VOX.

And, don't get discouraged with an MC60. I have one and NEVER had any
problems with it - on the K3 or other rigs it has been on.

Bill W2BLC K-Line
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Re: DESK MICROPHONES FOR K3

Mike Furrey
In reply to this post by dmb@lightstream.net
I use a 50 year old Shure 444D, I did make an adapter from the K3 to the 1/4 phono plug on the Shure. Works FB not to mention it matches the K3 pretty well.
 
73, Mike WA5POK


On Tuesday, July 8, 2014 11:41 AM, "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]> wrote:
 


Hello Gordon,

I've been using the Heil HM-12 with my K3 (along with the Kenwood cable)
for a couple of years, and it works great. It does not come with a base,
although as I recall, it came with a foam windscreen as well as the
appropriate mic holder that would screw onto the stem from a Heil base.
Have never encountered any rf issues, and routinely receive unsolicited
"great audio" comments.

73, Dale
WA8SRA


> I purchased both the headset and hand microphone available from
> Elecraft.  Can someone recommend an excellent desk microphone having a
> connector that is compatible with the K3, i.e., without modification? 
> Your help in this matter would be much appreciated.  Gordon
> Bremenkampf, ([hidden email]
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net/
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

>


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Re: DESK MICROPHONES FOR K3

Elecraft mailing list
In reply to this post by Bill-3
I have used an MC-60 with my K3 since I first got it.  Never a problem
and always good audio reports.
Doug -- K0DXV

On 7/8/2014 11:39 AM, Bill W2BLC wrote:

> Unless you have a burning desire for a desk mic, the Elecraft hand-mic
> can be modified into a very decent mic. It already sounds very good -
> but, the switch is a complete piece of junk. Mine made terrible
> mechanical sounds each time it was pushed.
>
> The fix was quite easy: I had an extra Heil square PTT button (they
> operate without any mechanical sound) and installed it into the
> hand-mic case. First open the mic case and remove all the mechanical
> switch parts. A Dremel Tool will help with the plastic molded stuff.
> Next, you get creative with a little Bondo (auto body filler) and
> reconstruct the case to support the new PTT switch. DO NOT GLUE THE
> NEW SWITCH IN PLACE!!! The new switch is designed to push and lock
> into place - make your modification to accommodate this (you may need
> to replace the switch at some time in the future). Pop the switch into
> place and solder the PTT lines. Reassemble the mic case.
>
> I have been using mine for well over a year and it has worked perfect
> - no mechanical noises when the PTT is pressed. Before the mod I was
> getting bad reports from the PTT switch's mechanical noise. Now it is
> as quiet as VOX.
>
> And, don't get discouraged with an MC60. I have one and NEVER had any
> problems with it - on the K3 or other rigs it has been on.
>
> Bill W2BLC K-Line
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

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Re: DESK MICROPHONES FOR K3

Jim Brown-10
In reply to this post by Mike Furrey
On 7/8/2014 10:40 AM, Mike Furrey wrote:
> I use a 50 year old Shure 444D, I did make an adapter from the K3 to the 1/4 phono plug on the Shure.

Yes, this is one of the great communications mics. When it was
developed, many years ago, there were some serious hams at Shure.

As Don noted, virtually any dynamic mic, balanced or unbalanced, and any
unbalanced electret mic will work just fine with the K3 or KX3. All it
takes is the right connector with the right wiring, and the K3 and KX3
connector pinout is shown in the manual.

73, Jim K9YC
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Re: DESK MICROPHONES FOR K3

Ramon Tristani-2
Banned User
After trying several microphones I decided to take the plunge and bought
the Heil PR-40. What a difference does it make after proper equalization
with the built in K3 equalizer!.  Some people answer my CQ's just to ask
what my audio setup is. They like the "broadcast quality" of the audio. I
know many hams prefer the "standard" SSB audio sound and many even say that
the narrow filter bandwidth severely limits the usability of the PR-40. But
I still remember the rationale for the 20-20000 response of the high
fidelity equipment even though most people cannot hear beyond the usual 10
Khz frequencies. The explanation was that there is a special feeling when
you hear quality sound that is not experimented when listening to
"telephone quality" sound. I know what they meant. Remember the difference
between vinyl records and CDs? You might too. Just borrow one and do the
testing. Adjust your equalizer in a wide "V" from 50 hertz to 3200 Hz. You
will never go back to the telephone sound!



On Tue, Jul 8, 2014 at 3:49 PM, Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote:

> On 7/8/2014 10:40 AM, Mike Furrey wrote:
>
>> I use a 50 year old Shure 444D, I did make an adapter from the K3 to the
>> 1/4 phono plug on the Shure.
>>
>
> Yes, this is one of the great communications mics. When it was developed,
> many years ago, there were some serious hams at Shure.
>
> As Don noted, virtually any dynamic mic, balanced or unbalanced, and any
> unbalanced electret mic will work just fine with the K3 or KX3. All it
> takes is the right connector with the right wiring, and the K3 and KX3
> connector pinout is shown in the manual.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
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> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>



--
Ramón Tristani
Email: "[hidden email]"
Web: http://www.tristaniministries.org
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Re: DESK MICROPHONES FOR K3

Phil Hystad-3
Caveat:  I admit to being 90 percent and better CW only and it has probably
been a year or more since I have had anything like a ragchew on SSB and even
longer in ( > 3 years?? ) since I have called CQ on SSB.

But, I find that the simple hand mic, the Elecraft HM2, works very nicely.  And,
I have been given good reports on audio.

I know it is not a desk mic but I am thankful to have gotten rid of the desk mic
I had (the Icom SM20, I think that is the model number) when I sold my Icom
equipment.  The desk mic took up too much room on the desk and it was awkward
to squirt it out of the way when I did not need it which was most of the time.  In
contrast, the hand mic is easy to move out of the way.

But, I am still puzzled by the interest in high-quality broadcast type audio.  To me,
as long as the audio is clear, no RF on the signal, not overdriven, and so on, I am
fine with it.  Even if the other guy is a little off frequency I am OK as long as I can
understand them and they can understand me.

OK, again, I admit, I am mostly CW so my comments may not pile up much, even
a hill of beans (black beans preferred) -- but I just had to ask this rhetorical question
as to why broadcast style audio is important in a SSB signal.

73, phil, K7PEH


On Jul 9, 2014, at 10:18 AM, Ramon Tristani <[hidden email]> wrote:

> After trying several microphones I decided to take the plunge and bought
> the Heil PR-40. What a difference does it make after proper equalization
> with the built in K3 equalizer!.  Some people answer my CQ's just to ask
> what my audio setup is. They like the "broadcast quality" of the audio. I
> know many hams prefer the "standard" SSB audio sound and many even say that
> the narrow filter bandwidth severely limits the usability of the PR-40. But
> I still remember the rationale for the 20-20000 response of the high
> fidelity equipment even though most people cannot hear beyond the usual 10
> Khz frequencies. The explanation was that there is a special feeling when
> you hear quality sound that is not experimented when listening to
> "telephone quality" sound. I know what they meant. Remember the difference
> between vinyl records and CDs? You might too. Just borrow one and do the
> testing. Adjust your equalizer in a wide "V" from 50 hertz to 3200 Hz. You
> will never go back to the telephone sound!
>
>
>
> On Tue, Jul 8, 2014 at 3:49 PM, Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> On 7/8/2014 10:40 AM, Mike Furrey wrote:
>>
>>> I use a 50 year old Shure 444D, I did make an adapter from the K3 to the
>>> 1/4 phono plug on the Shure.
>>>
>>
>> Yes, this is one of the great communications mics. When it was developed,
>> many years ago, there were some serious hams at Shure.
>>
>> As Don noted, virtually any dynamic mic, balanced or unbalanced, and any
>> unbalanced electret mic will work just fine with the K3 or KX3. All it
>> takes is the right connector with the right wiring, and the K3 and KX3
>> connector pinout is shown in the manual.
>>
>> 73, Jim K9YC
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Ramón Tristani
> Email: "[hidden email]"
> Web: http://www.tristaniministries.org
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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Re: DESK MICROPHONES FOR K3

Raymond Sills
I have to agree with Phil on this.  I am by no means a crackerjack CW  
operator.  But, I find with my KX3, that most of the time I operate CW.
It just gives me more "bang for the buck" when running 5 watts with my  
KX3.  I have the MH3 mic, and have used it now and then.  In the past  
(QRO days) I did more voice operating.

But, for me, the goal here is to have intelligible audio, and there is  
little value in transmitting any frequencies lower than 200 Hz.  
You're better off generating RF that excludes those "low"  
frequencies.  Still, it is handy to have an on-board equalizer, so  
that you can make some tweaks to the audio response -for your  
individual voice-.

I used to work in broadcasting, both radio and television, so I  
understand that it's desirable for broadcast media to have a "full  
bandwidth" audio sound.  But, the fact is, that even with  
broadcasting, we would make individual adjustments -for each person-  
who was using a mic, so as to "make them sound good".. which was and  
still is a personal decision made by the audio operator.  The good  
audio operators, know how to adjust their audio mixing consoles to  
optimize the sound, and how it "sits" in the mix.  It's more an art,  
than a science.  And, one of the concerns when adjusting things was  
"how would this audio sound on a TV or radio with a small speaker".  
Those types of operators are referred to as having "golden ears",  
since they made the audio sound good on tiny speakers, as well as high  
quality audiophile speakers.

So, I also prefer broadcast audio for broadcasting, and communications  
audio for communicating.

73 de Ray
K2ULR
KX3 #211


On Jul 9, 2014, at 1:56 PM, Phil Hystad wrote:

> Caveat:  I admit to being 90 percent and better CW only and it has  
> probably
> been a year or more since I have had anything like a ragchew on SSB  
> and even
> longer in ( > 3 years?? ) since I have called CQ on SSB.
>
> But, I find that the simple hand mic, the Elecraft HM2, works very  
> nicely.  And,
> I have been given good reports on audio.
>
> I know it is not a desk mic but I am thankful to have gotten rid of  
> the desk mic
> I had (the Icom SM20, I think that is the model number) when I sold  
> my Icom
> equipment.  The desk mic took up too much room on the desk and it  
> was awkward
> to squirt it out of the way when I did not need it which was most of  
> the time.  In
> contrast, the hand mic is easy to move out of the way.
>
> But, I am still puzzled by the interest in high-quality broadcast  
> type audio.  To me,
> as long as the audio is clear, no RF on the signal, not overdriven,  
> and so on, I am
> fine with it.  Even if the other guy is a little off frequency I am  
> OK as long as I can
> understand them and they can understand me.
>
> OK, again, I admit, I am mostly CW so my comments may not pile up  
> much, even
> a hill of beans (black beans preferred) -- but I just had to ask  
> this rhetorical question
> as to why broadcast style audio is important in a SSB signal.
>
> 73, phil, K7PEH
>

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Re: DESK MICROPHONES FOR K3

Jim Brown-10
On 7/9/2014 11:19 AM, Ray Sills wrote:
> The good audio operators, know how to adjust their audio mixing
> consoles to optimize the sound, and how it "sits" in the mix.  It's
> more an art, than a science.  And, one of the concerns when adjusting
> things was "how would this audio sound on a TV or radio with a small
> speaker".  Those types of operators are referred to as having "golden
> ears", since they made the audio sound good on tiny speakers, as well
> as high quality audiophile speakers.

Like you, I'm retired from pro audio, and I did a lot of live music
mixing.  I also did a lot of sound reinforcement for difficult acoustic
spaces.  One thing I had to learn is that human speech contains nothing
useful below about 200 Hz, and nothing below 400 Hz contributes to
speech intelligibility.  Those lower frequencies simply provide "body"
to the voice, but also burn significant audio power (and TX power).  One
technique that good live sound mixers use a lot is to roll off the low
end of all the vocal mics (and most instrument mics) to minimize stray
sound pickup of bass and drums. So while a live sound mix will have a
lot of low end, it is NOT coming from vocals!

Likewise, there is little content in speech above 4 kHz, and 3 kHz is
pretty much the standard limit for speech communications. That's partly
because the higher frequencies also waste TX power, but mostly because
they also cause QRM to adjacent QSOs on a crowded band.

> So, I also prefer broadcast audio for broadcasting, and communications
> audio for communicating.

Yep.  I've still got a closet full of very nice broadcast and recording
mics, but my ham rigs are optimized for 400 Hz - 3 kHz.

BTW -- it's also a good move with the KX3 to roll off the low end with
RXEQ to improve headroom in the audio output stage.

73, Jim K9YC
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Re: DESK MICROPHONES FOR K3

Elecraft mailing list
In reply to this post by Ramon Tristani-2
For the desk microphone, I prefer the Audio-Technica MB 3K for the same reason.  To each his own, hi. I put in the 6 KHz filter also.  I don't run ESSB, just like the sound in the Hi Fi speakers


Mel, K6KBE



On Wednesday, July 9, 2014 2:38 PM, Ramon Tristani <[hidden email]> wrote:
 


After trying several microphones I decided to take the plunge and bought
the Heil PR-40. What a difference does it make after proper equalization
with the built in K3 equalizer!.  Some people answer my CQ's just to ask
what my audio setup is. They like the "broadcast quality" of the audio. I
know many hams prefer the "standard" SSB audio sound and many even say that
the narrow filter bandwidth severely limits the usability of the PR-40. But
I still remember the rationale for the 20-20000 response of the high
fidelity equipment even though most people cannot hear beyond the usual 10
Khz frequencies. The explanation was that there is a special feeling when
you hear quality sound that is not experimented when listening to
"telephone quality" sound. I know what they meant. Remember the difference
between vinyl records and CDs? You might too. Just borrow one and do the
testing. Adjust your equalizer in a wide "V" from 50 hertz to 3200 Hz. You
will never go back to the telephone sound!



On Tue, Jul 8, 2014 at 3:49 PM, Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote:

> On 7/8/2014 10:40 AM, Mike Furrey wrote:
>
>> I use a 50 year old Shure 444D, I did make an adapter from the K3 to the
>> 1/4 phono plug on the Shure.
>>
>
> Yes, this is one of the great communications mics. When it was developed,
> many years ago, there were some serious hams at Shure.
>
> As Don noted, virtually any dynamic mic, balanced or unbalanced, and any
> unbalanced electret mic will work just fine with the K3 or KX3. All it
> takes is the right connector with the right wiring, and the K3 and KX3
> connector pinout is shown in the manual.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
> ______________________________________________________________
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--
Ramón Tristani
Email: "[hidden email]"
Web: http://www.tristaniministries.org
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Re: DESK MICROPHONES FOR K3

Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ
Administrator
We're hitting the posting limit for a single topic. Let's end this thread for now.

73,

Eric
List Moderator
elecraft.com

On 7/9/2014 3:05 PM, Mel Farrer via Elecraft wrote:

> For the desk microphone, I prefer the Audio-Technica MB 3K for the same reason.  To each his own, hi. I put in the 6 KHz filter also.  I don't run ESSB, just like the sound in the Hi Fi speakers
>
>
> Mel, K6KBE
>
>
>
> On Wednesday, July 9, 2014 2:38 PM, Ramon Tristani <[hidden email]> wrote:
>  
>
>
> After trying several microphones I decided to take the plunge and bought
> the Heil PR-40. What a difference does it make after proper equalization
> with the built in K3 equalizer!.  Some people answer my CQ's just to ask
> what my audio setup is. They like the "broadcast quality" of the audio. I
> know many hams prefer the "standard" SSB audio sound and many even say that
> the narrow filter bandwidth severely limits the usability of the PR-40. But
> I still remember the rationale for the 20-20000 response of the high
> fidelity equipment even though most people cannot hear beyond the usual 10
> Khz frequencies. The explanation was that there is a special feeling when
> you hear quality sound that is not experimented when listening to
> "telephone quality" sound. I know what they meant. Remember the difference
> between vinyl records and CDs? You might too. Just borrow one and do the
> testing. Adjust your equalizer in a wide "V" from 50 hertz to 3200 Hz. You
> will never go back to the telephone sound!
>
>
>
> On Tue, Jul 8, 2014 at 3:49 PM, Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> On 7/8/2014 10:40 AM, Mike Furrey wrote:
>>
>>> I use a 50 year old Shure 444D, I did make an adapter from the K3 to the
>>> 1/4 phono plug on the Shure.
>>>
>> Yes, this is one of the great communications mics. When it was developed,
>> many years ago, there were some serious hams at Shure.
>>
>> As Don noted, virtually any dynamic mic, balanced or unbalanced, and any
>> unbalanced electret mic will work just fine with the K3 or KX3. All it
>> takes is the right connector with the right wiring, and the K3 and KX3
>> connector pinout is shown in the manual.
>>
>> 73, Jim K9YC
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>>
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>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>
>
>

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Re: DESK MICROPHONES FOR K3

Jim Low man
In reply to this post by Raymond Sills
When I was in college, I had a few friends who were involved in the
local AM and FM broadcasting scene.
I didn't need anyone to tell me that I didn't have a good "radio voice,"
so I got involved in the engineering side of the house.
So, getting the optimal mic, and making the optimal equalization
settings, would be of limited value in my case.

It's sort of like my photography efforts - expensive camera and lenses
with a poor photographer behind the camera.
If I shoot a good photo, it's purely by accident.

Besides, I've loved CW since day one (note callsign).

73 de Jim - AD6CW


On 7/9/2014 11:19 AM, Ray Sills wrote:

> I have to agree with Phil on this.  I am by no means a crackerjack CW
> operator.  But, I find with my KX3, that most of the time I operate CW.
> It just gives me more "bang for the buck" when running 5 watts with my
> KX3.  I have the MH3 mic, and have used it now and then. In the past
> (QRO days) I did more voice operating.
>
> But, for me, the goal here is to have intelligible audio, and there is
> little value in transmitting any frequencies lower than 200 Hz.  
> You're better off generating RF that excludes those "low"
> frequencies.  Still, it is handy to have an on-board equalizer, so
> that you can make some tweaks to the audio response -for your
> individual voice-.
>
> I used to work in broadcasting, both radio and television, so I
> understand that it's desirable for broadcast media to have a "full
> bandwidth" audio sound.  But, the fact is, that even with
> broadcasting, we would make individual adjustments -for each person-
> who was using a mic, so as to "make them sound good".. which was and
> still is a personal decision made by the audio operator.  The good
> audio operators, know how to adjust their audio mixing consoles to
> optimize the sound, and how it "sits" in the mix.  It's more an art,
> than a science.  And, one of the concerns when adjusting things was
> "how would this audio sound on a TV or radio with a small speaker".  
> Those types of operators are referred to as having "golden ears",
> since they made the audio sound good on tiny speakers, as well as high
> quality audiophile speakers.
>
> So, I also prefer broadcast audio for broadcasting, and communications
> audio for communicating.
>
> 73 de Ray
> K2ULR
> KX3 #211

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