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Mic and Headset

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Peter Chamalian

Mic and Headset

I'm curious as to what others are using for a mic and headset with the K3.
I currently have a Heil Pro Set Quite Phone with the DX (HC-4) element. I
find a) the audio level in the headset to be rather low and b) just got some
mic audio comments from a local saying the audio didn't sound like me at
all.

So, what are others using or how do you have your rig set up?

Thanks,

Pete, W1RM

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Bill VanAlstyne W5WVO

Re: Mic and Headset

The HC-4 element isn't supposed to sound like you; it's supposed to cut through
QRM. Personally, I can't stand the harsh sound of it, but it does do what it's
supposed to do. If you want a mic element that sounds like you, you should be
using the HC-5. It is voice-tailored also, but much less extreme than the HC-4.
I use a Pro Set with HC-5 and get excellent audio reports.

Don't forget to set the config AF GAIN parameter to HI. This is important for
the Pro Set.

Bill W5WVO

Peter Chamalian wrote:

> I'm curious as to what others are using for a mic and headset with
> the K3. I currently have a Heil Pro Set Quite Phone with the DX
> (HC-4) element. I find a) the audio level in the headset to be
> rather low and b) just got some mic audio comments from a local
> saying the audio didn't sound like me at all.
>
>
>
> So, what are others using or how do you have your rig set up?
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
>
> Pete, W1RM
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
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hf4me

Re: Mic and Headset

In reply to this post by Peter Chamalian

I also use the Heil headset but the one I have is the original before there
were dfiierent models except for the microphone and I use the HC4 element as
it is my "contest" use mic. I have teh original Gold Line for day to day
use and it has the "full range" and the HC5 elements in it and yes, it does
have a different sound than the HC4 element. That is by design - the HC4 is
designed for cutting through in contest use and the HC5 is somewhat wider in
its response to be a bit closer to "normal". The full range element is of
course the one you want to use if your intent is to "sound like normal" and
don't need the advantages of the HC4 and HC5 elements.

73, de Jim KG0KP

----- Original Message -----
From: "Peter Chamalian" <[hidden email]>
To: "'Elecraft Reflector'" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Sunday, September 06, 2009 7:07 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] Mic and Headset

> I'm curious as to what others are using for a mic and headset with the K3.
> I currently have a Heil Pro Set Quite Phone with the DX (HC-4) element. I
> find a) the audio level in the headset to be rather low and b) just got
> some
> mic audio comments from a local saying the audio didn't sound like me at
> all.
>
>
>
> So, what are others using or how do you have your rig set up?
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
>
> Pete, W1RM
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

Mike K2MK

Re: Mic and Headset

In reply to this post by Peter Chamalian

Hi Pete:

I'm using the PROSET sold by Elecraft. You can get more audio output from
your headphones by plugging them into the rear speaker jack. Set
CONFIG:SPKRS to 2 (for stereo).

73,
Mike K2MK

Peter Chamalian
Sun, 06 Sep 2009 05:07:34 -0700

I'm curious as to what others are using for a mic and headset with the K3.
I currently have a Heil Pro Set Quite Phone with the DX (HC-4) element. I
find a) the audio level in the headset to be rather low and b) just got some
mic audio comments from a local saying the audio didn't sound like me at
all.

So, what are others using or how do you have your rig set up?

Thanks,

Pete, W1RM

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Peter Chamalian

Re: Mic and Headset

In reply to this post by Bill VanAlstyne W5WVO

Roger on AF Gain set to Hi.

The HC-4 element worked OK with my MP Mark V although I always felt I didn't
have enough audio punch.

I agree that the HC-4 is the cut through the crud, work the guy and go away,
mic element. I'm not a SSB rag chewer, but rather work DX, contests to a
limited extent. My main focus is CW so given the choice of SSB or cw, I'll
work 'em on cw. But, there are times when I need something and it's there
on SSB so, go get 'em.

Thanks!

Pete, W1RM

-----Original Message-----
From: Bill W5WVO [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Sunday, September 06, 2009 8:56 AM
To: Peter Chamalian; 'Elecraft Reflector'
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Mic and Headset

The HC-4 element isn't supposed to sound like you; it's supposed to cut
through
QRM. Personally, I can't stand the harsh sound of it, but it does do what
it's
supposed to do. If you want a mic element that sounds like you, you should
be
using the HC-5. It is voice-tailored also, but much less extreme than the
HC-4.
I use a Pro Set with HC-5 and get excellent audio reports.

Don't forget to set the config AF GAIN parameter to HI. This is important
for
the Pro Set.

Bill W5WVO

Peter Chamalian wrote:

Peter Chamalian

Re: Mic and Headset

In reply to this post by Mike K2MK

I'll give that a try Mike. Thanks.

Pete, W1RM

-----Original Message-----
From: K2MK [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Sunday, September 06, 2009 10:02 AM
To: [hidden email]; Elecraft Reflector
Subject: re: [Elecraft] Mic and Headset

Hi Pete:

I'm using the PROSET sold by Elecraft. You can get more audio output from
your headphones by plugging them into the rear speaker jack. Set
CONFIG:SPKRS to 2 (for stereo).

73,
Mike K2MK

Peter Chamalian
Sun, 06 Sep 2009 05:07:34 -0700

I'm curious as to what others are using for a mic and headset with the K3.
I currently have a Heil Pro Set Quite Phone with the DX (HC-4) element. I
find a) the audio level in the headset to be rather low and b) just got some
mic audio comments from a local saying the audio didn't sound like me at
all.

So, what are others using or how do you have your rig set up?

Thanks,

Pete, W1RM

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raroth7

Re: Mic and Headset

[snip]

I use the Proset 5 (HC-5 element) with good results and comments. Even
though I normally use hearing aids when out in the world (but not when
hamming) I find that Audio Gain set to Lo is fine for me.

I also use the Heil HM-5 when not wearing the headset.

I'm told that audio sounds great regardless of mic.

--
73,
Dick ka1oz
Middleborough, MA

Radio: Elecraft K3/100(Kit) SN 859
Antenna: Titan-DX
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Dave, G4AON

Re: Mic and Headset

In reply to this post by Peter Chamalian

I am using a Labtec Axis-302 headset wired to the front 8 pin K3 socket
and a 3.5mm/.25" adapter for the earpiece side.

The mic audio from the supplied electret insert isn't quite as good for
my voice as a Heil HC-5, so I replaced the electret with a HC-5 insert
hot melt glued in place, plus a foam windsock over it. The result looks
and sounds good. I find the HC-5 inserts in "stick mics" like the GM-5 a
bit weak for my liking, the headset approach is better for me.
Unfortunately the HC-5 insert as a replacement part seems hard to come
by these days.

73 Dave, G4AON
K3/100 #80
-----------------
I'm curious as to what others are using for a mic and headset with the K3.
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Svend Spanget

Re: Mic and Headset

In reply to this post by Peter Chamalian

Peter Chamalian wrote:
> I'm curious as to what others are using for a mic and headset with the
K3.

I use the absolutely cheapest PC-headset, I could find. Great reports...

Svend, OZ7UV

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ka9zap

Re: Mic and Headset

I use a ATR- 30 cost me $22.95 delivered it came with a 16 ft 3 pin XLR
cable the
only difference between it and my Heil Gold Pro is the price.
Regards
Art
ka9zap

Svend Spanget wrote:

> Peter Chamalian wrote:
>
>> I'm curious as to what others are using for a mic and headset with the
>>
> K3.
>
> I use the absolutely cheapest PC-headset, I could find. Great reports...
>
> Svend, OZ7UV
>
>
> ____________________________________________________________
>
> TDC Bredbånd for 0 kr.
> - Spar 695 kr. Se http://tdc.dk/freemailtilbud/
>
> Denne mail er sendt via Mail på TDC Online
> - Læs mere om TDC's mailtjeneste på http://mail.tdconline.dk/
> ____________________________________________________________
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>
>

David Gilbert

Re: Mic and Headset

In reply to this post by Svend Spanget

Same here. I bought a few different headsets and compared them to each
other and to my MH2 Elecraft hand mic, both via on the air reports and
by listening on another rig in the shack. Amazingly, the cheapest
headset (URL below) of all of them worked best. Great audio reports (I
often have people comment on the good audio while I'm running in a
contest), very lightweight with not much pressure on the ears, and a
nice long mic boom with a large foam windsock. I honestly can't imagine
why anyone would pay more for a headset unless they preferred full-cup
earphones or needed ambient noise cancellation. I've used this one for
several months and it has held up just fine.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?Sku=B451-3010

73,
Dave AB7E

Svend Spanget wrote:
>
> K3.
>
> I use the absolutely cheapest PC-headset, I could find. Great reports...
>
> Svend, OZ7UV
>
>
>

> Peter Chamalian wrote:
>
>
>> I'm curious as to what others are using for a mic and headset with the
>>
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n7ws

Re: Mic and Headset

http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/7494

The only con I have is that I need the earpieces completely to the end of the headband (in the large direction). Every time I take them off one earpiece slides up the headband. May be a time for a dab of RTV.

Wes N7WS

--- On Sun, 9/6/09, David Gilbert <[hidden email]> wrote:

From: David Gilbert <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Mic and Headset
To:
Cc: "'Elecraft Reflector'" <[hidden email]>
Date: Sunday, September 6, 2009, 1:13 PM

Same here. I bought a few different headsets and compared them to each
other and to my MH2 Elecraft hand mic, both via on the air reports and
by listening on another rig in the shack. Amazingly, the cheapest
headset (URL below) of all of them worked best. Great audio reports (I
often have people comment on the good audio while I'm running in a
contest), very lightweight with not much pressure on the ears, and a
nice long mic boom with a large foam windsock. I honestly can't imagine
why anyone would pay more for a headset unless they preferred full-cup
earphones or needed ambient noise cancellation. I've used this one for
several months and it has held up just fine.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?Sku=B451-3010

73,
Dave   AB7E

Svend Spanget wrote:
>
> K3.
>
> I use the absolutely cheapest PC-headset, I could find. Great reports...
>
> Svend, OZ7UV
>
>
>

> Peter Chamalian wrote:
>
>
>> I'm curious as to what others are using for a mic and headset with the

______________________________________________________________
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Jorge Diez - CX6VM

Re: Mic and Headset

How do you connect this Yamaha CM500? Can you use the red adapter from Heil
thay you connect to your Kenwood radio MIC and will work? Or you need to
rewire something?

Thanks,
Jorge
CX6VM

-----Mensaje original-----
De: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] En nombre de Wes Stewart
Enviado el: Domingo, 06 de Septiembre de 2009 04:30 p.m.
Para: David Gilbert
CC: 'Elecraft Reflector'
Asunto: Re: [Elecraft] Mic and Headset

http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/7494

The only con I have is that I need the earpieces completely to the end of
the headband (in the large direction). Every time I take them off one
earpiece slides up the headband. May be a time for a dab of RTV.

Wes N7WS

--- On Sun, 9/6/09, David Gilbert <[hidden email]> wrote:

From: David Gilbert <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Mic and Headset
To:
Cc: "'Elecraft Reflector'" <[hidden email]>
Date: Sunday, September 6, 2009, 1:13 PM

Same here. I bought a few different headsets and compared them to each
other and to my MH2 Elecraft hand mic, both via on the air reports and by
listening on another rig in the shack. Amazingly, the cheapest headset (URL
below) of all of them worked best. Great audio reports (I often have people
comment on the good audio while I'm running in a contest), very lightweight
with not much pressure on the ears, and a nice long mic boom with a large
foam windsock. I honestly can't imagine why anyone would pay more for a
headset unless they preferred full-cup earphones or needed ambient noise
cancellation. I've used this one for several months and it has held up just
fine.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?Sku=B45
1-3010

73,
Dave   AB7E

Svend Spanget wrote:
>
> K3.
>
> I use the absolutely cheapest PC-headset, I could find. Great reports...
>
> Svend, OZ7UV
>
>
>

> Peter Chamalian wrote:
>
>
>> I'm curious as to what others are using for a mic and headset with
>> the

______________________________________________________________
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Dick Dievendorff

Re: Mic and Headset

Jorge:

I just tried out my new Yamaha CM500 as well.

The K3's back panel has 3.5mm connectors for headset and phones. The Yamaha
CM500 has the appropriate connectors for the back panel.

I did not need the Yamaha's little in-line bias battery device. Instead I
changed the K3's MAIN:MIC SEL menu option to "Rear Panel, high input, bias
on", which appears as "RP.H BIAS". See the K3 Owner's manual pages 20 and 28
a summary on page 52.

It sounds great, and feels like it's going to be a very comfortable headset
at a very good price.

Dick, K6KR

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Jorge Diez - CX6VM
Sent: Sunday, September 06, 2009 5:17 PM
To: 'Wes Stewart'; 'David Gilbert'
Cc: 'Elecraft Reflector'
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Mic and Headset

How do you connect this Yamaha CM500? Can you use the red adapter from Heil
thay you connect to your Kenwood radio MIC and will work? Or you need to
rewire something?

Thanks,
Jorge
CX6VM

-----Mensaje original-----
De: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] En nombre de Wes Stewart
Enviado el: Domingo, 06 de Septiembre de 2009 04:30 p.m.
Para: David Gilbert
CC: 'Elecraft Reflector'
Asunto: Re: [Elecraft] Mic and Headset

http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/7494

The only con I have is that I need the earpieces completely to the end of
the headband (in the large direction). Every time I take them off one
earpiece slides up the headband. May be a time for a dab of RTV.

Wes N7WS

--- On Sun, 9/6/09, David Gilbert <[hidden email]> wrote:

From: David Gilbert <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Mic and Headset
To:
Cc: "'Elecraft Reflector'" <[hidden email]>
Date: Sunday, September 6, 2009, 1:13 PM

Same here. I bought a few different headsets and compared them to each
other and to my MH2 Elecraft hand mic, both via on the air reports and by
listening on another rig in the shack. Amazingly, the cheapest headset (URL
below) of all of them worked best. Great audio reports (I often have people
comment on the good audio while I'm running in a contest), very lightweight
with not much pressure on the ears, and a nice long mic boom with a large
foam windsock. I honestly can't imagine why anyone would pay more for a
headset unless they preferred full-cup earphones or needed ambient noise
cancellation. I've used this one for several months and it has held up just
fine.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?Sku=B45
1-3010

73,
Dave   AB7E

Svend Spanget wrote:
>
> K3.
>
> I use the absolutely cheapest PC-headset, I could find. Great reports...
>
> Svend, OZ7UV
>
>
>

> Peter Chamalian wrote:
>
>
>> I'm curious as to what others are using for a mic and headset with
>> the

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
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Jim Brown-10

Yamahs CM500 Headset

On Sun, 6 Sep 2009 18:42:31 -0700, Dick Dievendorff wrote:

>I just tried out my new Yamaha CM500 as well.

Several of the guys in our contest club have bought these headsets
and fired them up with their K3s. One of them, W6XU, brought one to
our meeting last night, and I tried it on. It is quite comfortable,
and well built. The headphones are of the "big closed" type that
provide some isolation from noise in the shack. They are NOT active,
noise-cancelling type.
The mic is a cardioid electret.

Another of the guys, K6TD, had me listen to his on the air. It
sounded very good with no tweaking of the K3, and with tweaking,
produced very competitive audio. The tweaking consisted of using
maximum cut on the three lowest filters, 6dB boost at 2.4 kHz, and
10 dB boost at 3.2 kHz. I also had him kick in about 10dB of
processing. This eq is consistent with most mics designed for SSB
communications use (like the Shure and Heil products). The
difference is that this headset sells for only $45 online at Sam Ash
with free shipping, a bit more at other vendors. For those who don't
know, Yamaha is a well respected audio company.

73,

Jim Brown K9YC

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Dick Dievendorff

Re: Yamahs CM500 Headset

Thanks, Jim, for the EQ suggestions.

73 de Dick, K6KR

Sent from my iPhone

On Sep 15, 2009, at 9:11 AM, "Jim Brown" <[hidden email]>
wrote:

> On Sun, 6 Sep 2009 18:42:31 -0700, Dick Dievendorff wrote:
>
>> I just tried out my new Yamaha CM500 as well.
>
> Several of the guys in our contest club have bought these headsets
> and fired them up with their K3s. One of them, W6XU, brought one to
> our meeting last night, and I tried it on. It is quite comfortable,
> and well built. The headphones are of the "big closed" type that
> provide some isolation from noise in the shack. They are NOT active,
> noise-cancelling type.
> The mic is a cardioid electret.
>
> Another of the guys, K6TD, had me listen to his on the air. It
> sounded very good with no tweaking of the K3, and with tweaking,
> produced very competitive audio. The tweaking consisted of using
> maximum cut on the three lowest filters, 6dB boost at 2.4 kHz, and
> 10 dB boost at 3.2 kHz. I also had him kick in about 10dB of
> processing. This eq is consistent with most mics designed for SSB
> communications use (like the Shure and Heil products). The
> difference is that this headset sells for only $45 online at Sam Ash
> with free shipping, a bit more at other vendors. For those who don't
> know, Yamaha is a well respected audio company.
>
> 73,
>
> Jim Brown K9YC
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>
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