Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)

classic Classic list List threaded Threaded
32 messages Options
12
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)

Jim Brown-10
Last night, K6MM posted to the NCCC Email list:

>Headset Report:  The new Yamaha CM500 headset performed flawlessly.  
>Great reports, comfortable all weekend, good soundproofing.  A real  
>bargain at $40 -- thanks again for the group purchase, Josh (W6XU).

After about 22 hours of use in SS-SSB, I'd like to reinforce John's
comments on these headsets. I find the headset quite comfortable,
the cans sound very good, and the mic produces GREAT audio. I bought
three, and they are replacing the EV RE16 that I've used exclusively
for contesting for the last five years!  If you worked W6BX, K9YC,
K6MM, AK6M, or W6XU, you were listening to the CM500.

The mic in this headset is not a FLAT mic, but it's quite smooth and
clean sounding, and the EQ is close to perfect for ham radio and
contesting. It sounds MUCH MUCH MUCH better than most Heils I've
heard (and at 1/3 the price). Because it's EQed for communications
use and my existing voice messages were recorded with an RE16 (a very
flat professional recording/broadcast mic), I had to re-record all of
my SS messages.

The only negative of this mic (and it's a minor one, because it's
easy to work around it) is that it is a bit sensitive to breath pop
and handling noise, so you need to roll off the low end AND keep it
away from your mouth. I found myself alternating between two
positions -- one below my mouth a few inches, and the other a few
inches above and to the side, but out of the way of my nose (so that
breathing didn't get into the mic). Both positions are quite
comfortable, and both sound very good. I used the higher position
for recording the messages.

One VERY important caution -- the output from this mic is VERY high,
and can easily overload the electronics that it is feeding if you
don't take care with gain settings. To record, I ran straight into
the sound card of my IBM T22 (eight year old Thinkpad) with the mic
preamp OFF, the gain at minimum, and the mic about four inches away.
Any closer caused the sound card to clip!  I did NO eq while
recording.

When operating, I plugged the mic and headset into the rear panel
connectors, turned on the bias (tap 2 on the keypad while in the mic
select menu) and set mic gain to Low (tap 1 on the keypad in the mic
select menu). I used max cut of the two lowest bands on the K3 to
minimize the breath and handling noise. With other rigs, you may need
to do that with a series cap.

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
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)

n7ws
I second all of this. I've been using one since June.

--- On Mon, 11/23/09, Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote:

From: Jim Brown <[hidden email]>
Subject: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)
To: "Elecraft List" <[hidden email]>
Date: Monday, November 23, 2009, 11:28 AM

Last night, K6MM posted to the NCCC Email list:

>Headset Report:  The new Yamaha CM500 headset performed flawlessly.   
>Great reports, comfortable all weekend, good soundproofing.  A real 
>bargain at $40 -- thanks again for the group purchase, Josh (W6XU).

After about 22 hours of use in SS-SSB, I'd like to reinforce John's
comments on these headsets. I find the headset quite comfortable,
the cans sound very good, and the mic produces GREAT audio. I bought
three, and they are replacing the EV RE16 that I've used exclusively
for contesting for the last five years!  If you worked W6BX, K9YC,
K6MM, AK6M, or W6XU, you were listening to the CM500.

The mic in this headset is not a FLAT mic, but it's quite smooth and
clean sounding, and the EQ is close to perfect for ham radio and
contesting. It sounds MUCH MUCH MUCH better than most Heils I've
heard (and at 1/3 the price). Because it's EQed for communications
use and my existing voice messages were recorded with an RE16 (a very
flat professional recording/broadcast mic), I had to re-record all of
my SS messages.

The only negative of this mic (and it's a minor one, because it's
easy to work around it) is that it is a bit sensitive to breath pop
and handling noise, so you need to roll off the low end AND keep it
away from your mouth. I found myself alternating between two
positions -- one below my mouth a few inches, and the other a few
inches above and to the side, but out of the way of my nose (so that
breathing didn't get into the mic). Both positions are quite
comfortable, and both sound very good. I used the higher position
for recording the messages.

One VERY important caution -- the output from this mic is VERY high,
and can easily overload the electronics that it is feeding if you
don't take care with gain settings. To record, I ran straight into
the sound card of my IBM T22 (eight year old Thinkpad) with the mic
preamp OFF, the gain at minimum, and the mic about four inches away.
Any closer caused the sound card to clip!  I did NO eq while
recording.

When operating, I plugged the mic and headset into the rear panel
connectors, turned on the bias (tap 2 on the keypad while in the mic
select menu) and set mic gain to Low (tap 1 on the keypad in the mic
select menu). I used max cut of the two lowest bands on the K3 to
minimize the breath and handling noise. With other rigs, you may need
to do that with a series cap.

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
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN), maybe

Jeff kb2m
I picked up one of the CM500 headsets after hearing about them here on the
reflector. I just tried to hook them up by plugging directly into the rear
mic jack, and I'm having some difficulty getting the mic to work. I selected
(of course) rear mic input, and what is happening is I'm getting very
distorted audio when I listen in monitor mode. I tried both hi and low mic
gain, with different mic gain, and compression settings. There appears to be
no sweet spot. Any ideas?

73 Jeff kb2m



-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Wes Stewart
Sent: Monday, November 23, 2009 1:52 PM
To: Elecraft List
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)

I second all of this. I've been using one since June.

--- On Mon, 11/23/09, Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote:

From: Jim Brown <[hidden email]>
Subject: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)
To: "Elecraft List" <[hidden email]>
Date: Monday, November 23, 2009, 11:28 AM

Last night, K6MM posted to the NCCC Email list:

>Headset Report:  The new Yamaha CM500 headset performed flawlessly.   
>Great reports, comfortable all weekend, good soundproofing.  A real 
>bargain at $40 -- thanks again for the group purchase, Josh (W6XU).

After about 22 hours of use in SS-SSB, I'd like to reinforce John's
comments on these headsets. I find the headset quite comfortable,
the cans sound very good, and the mic produces GREAT audio. I bought
three, and they are replacing the EV RE16 that I've used exclusively
for contesting for the last five years!  If you worked W6BX, K9YC,
K6MM, AK6M, or W6XU, you were listening to the CM500.

The mic in this headset is not a FLAT mic, but it's quite smooth and
clean sounding, and the EQ is close to perfect for ham radio and
contesting. It sounds MUCH MUCH MUCH better than most Heils I've
heard (and at 1/3 the price). Because it's EQed for communications
use and my existing voice messages were recorded with an RE16 (a very
flat professional recording/broadcast mic), I had to re-record all of
my SS messages.

The only negative of this mic (and it's a minor one, because it's
easy to work around it) is that it is a bit sensitive to breath pop
and handling noise, so you need to roll off the low end AND keep it
away from your mouth. I found myself alternating between two
positions -- one below my mouth a few inches, and the other a few
inches above and to the side, but out of the way of my nose (so that
breathing didn't get into the mic). Both positions are quite
comfortable, and both sound very good. I used the higher position
for recording the messages.

One VERY important caution -- the output from this mic is VERY high,
and can easily overload the electronics that it is feeding if you
don't take care with gain settings. To record, I ran straight into
the sound card of my IBM T22 (eight year old Thinkpad) with the mic
preamp OFF, the gain at minimum, and the mic about four inches away.
Any closer caused the sound card to clip!  I did NO eq while
recording.

When operating, I plugged the mic and headset into the rear panel
connectors, turned on the bias (tap 2 on the keypad while in the mic
select menu) and set mic gain to Low (tap 1 on the keypad in the mic
select menu). I used max cut of the two lowest bands on the K3 to
minimize the breath and handling noise. With other rigs, you may need
to do that with a series cap.

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
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN), maybe

Bruce Beford-2
Have you turned on the mic bias?
Bruce N1RX


______________________________________________________________
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
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN), maybe

Jim Brown-10
In reply to this post by Jeff kb2m
On Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:55:43 -0500, Jeff KB2M wrote:

>I'm having some difficulty getting the mic to work. Any ideas?

Did you actually READ the last paragraph of my email (of which you quoted the
entire text)?

73,

Jim Brown 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
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN), maybe

Jeff kb2m
Yes I did read it Jim. I didn't think it was necessary to mention that I
switched it on, I now see that I was wrong. As you(and more polite repliers)
think that is the problem I will, when I have some time try to determine if
the bias is actually present when switched on. By the way Jim, are you
always this grouchy? You must of not did the Sweep like I did ;>)


73 Jeff kb2m


-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Jim Brown
Sent: Monday, November 23, 2009 3:36 PM
To: Elecraft List
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN),
maybe

On Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:55:43 -0500, Jeff KB2M wrote:

>I'm having some difficulty getting the mic to work. Any ideas?

Did you actually READ the last paragraph of my email (of which you quoted
the
entire text)?

73,

Jim Brown 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
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Sweep

Cookie
What I want to know  is where did you find an NL for your sweep.  Inquiring Texans want to know!
 Willis 'Cookie' Cooke
K5EWJ




________________________________
From: Jeff KB2M <[hidden email]>
To: Jim Brown <[hidden email]>; Elecraft List <[hidden email]>
Sent: Mon, November 23, 2009 2:56:57 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN), maybe

Yes I did read it Jim. I didn't think it was necessary to mention that I
switched it on, I now see that I was wrong. As you(and more polite repliers)
think that is the problem I will, when I have some time try to determine if
the bias is actually present when switched on. By the way Jim, are you
always this grouchy? You must of not did the Sweep like I did ;>)


73 Jeff kb2m


     
______________________________________________________________
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
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Sweep

Iain MacDonnell - N6ML-2
Both VO1KVT and VO1TA called me on 40m early on Sunday morning (1140Z
and 1254Z), and VO1HH called me on 20m at 1941Z. It pays to CQ
sometimes... also helps to be loud (I was operating at W6JZH).

To get a bit on-topic for the list; I was exercising Wayne's fixes for
KDVR3/PTT interaction - driving the KDVR3 from N1MM Logger, for CQ and
the obnoxious SS exchange. It worked great!! 1600 Qs logged with one
radio (i.e. no SO2R), and the exchange sent from the DVR for almost
all of them. Thanks, Wayne!

    ~Iain / N6ML



On Mon, Nov 23, 2009 at 1:07 PM, WILLIS COOKE <[hidden email]> wrote:

> What I want to know  is where did you find an NL for your sweep.  Inquiring Texans want to know!
>  Willis 'Cookie' Cooke
> K5EWJ
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Jeff KB2M <[hidden email]>
> To: Jim Brown <[hidden email]>; Elecraft List <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Mon, November 23, 2009 2:56:57 PM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN), maybe
>
> Yes I did read it Jim. I didn't think it was necessary to mention that I
> switched it on, I now see that I was wrong. As you(and more polite repliers)
> think that is the problem I will, when I have some time try to determine if
> the bias is actually present when switched on. By the way Jim, are you
> always this grouchy? You must of not did the Sweep like I did ;>)
>
>
> 73 Jeff kb2m
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>
______________________________________________________________
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
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Yamaha CM500 Where to buy in EU????

Deni F5VJC
In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10
I see this headset /mic comes highly recommended, but Where can I buy it
in EU.

I've tried the usual outlets but find NO deliveries to EU (I don't
understand why)?
Can anyone suggest where to buy this item with delivery to France??

73, Deni
F5VJC

Jim Brown wrote:

> After about 22 hours of use in SS-SSB, I'd like to reinforce John's
> comments on these headsets. I find the headset quite comfortable,
> the cans sound very good, and the mic produces GREAT audio. I bought
> three, and they are replacing the EV RE16 that I've used exclusively
> for contesting for the last five years!  If you worked W6BX, K9YC,
> K6MM, AK6M, or W6XU, you were listening to the CM500.
______________________________________________________________
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
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Yamaha CM500 Where to buy in EU????

Brendan Minish
On Mon, 2009-11-23 at 23:50 +0100, Deni wrote:
> I see this headset /mic comes highly recommended, but Where can I buy it
> in EU.

I can't comment on the Yamaha headset and it's availability in the EU
but I have had great success with the following headset

Beyerdynamic DT234PRO

This headset is pretty widely used for language lab type applications
(&PC gaming) in the EU, it is reasonably priced. the Microphone is an
electret condenser type with an effective pop filter and a cardioid
pattern.
The headset is comfortable to wear for long periods of time, sounds good
and the transmitted audio gets good reports with the K3.

They show up on ebay pretty frequently too.

73
Brendan EI6IZ

--
73
Brendan EI6IZ

______________________________________________________________
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
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN), maybe

Jeff kb2m
In reply to this post by Jeff kb2m
I had some time this evening so I checked that the K3 was actually putting
out the bias when switched on. It is, I then called the local Guitar center
and talked to the sales person who told me no problem, if their defective I
will be able to exchange them. It's great to be able to buy something's
local, and they even matched the Sam Ash price. I will have the new set
tomorrow...

73 Jeff kb2m


-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Jeff KB2M
Sent: Monday, November 23, 2009 3:57 PM
To: 'Jim Brown'; 'Elecraft List'
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN),
maybe

Yes I did read it Jim. I didn't think it was necessary to mention that I
switched it on, I now see that I was wrong. As you(and more polite repliers)
think that is the problem I will, when I have some time try to determine if
the bias is actually present when switched on. By the way Jim, are you
always this grouchy? You must of not did the Sweep like I did ;>)


73 Jeff kb2m


-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Jim Brown
Sent: Monday, November 23, 2009 3:36 PM
To: Elecraft List
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN),
maybe

On Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:55:43 -0500, Jeff KB2M wrote:

>I'm having some difficulty getting the mic to work. Any ideas?

Did you actually READ the last paragraph of my email (of which you quoted
the
entire text)?

73,

Jim Brown 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
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN), maybe

Jim Brown-10
On Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:21:57 -0500, Jeff KB2M wrote:

>By the way Jim, are you always this grouchy?

Two things set me off -- one is quotes of entire posts when only a
few lines are necessary to convey context of the reply. The second
is folks who say they like what I've written but then ask questions
indicating that they haven't really read it carefully.

I offered four specific pieces of info about how to make the mic
work with the K3. I did that with both of my K3s, and several NCCC
members did it with their radios. All work fine. BUT -- as I noted,
the mic is VERY hot (high output) and can easily overload your
computer or radio, so it's VERY important to back off the gains. If
you don't, you'll hear LOTS of distortion.  

>You must of not did the Sweep like I did ;>)

Congrats on the sweep. I ran a split site operation to maximize
points for our club -- 10 hours at home, 11 hours at N3ZZ's great
station. 913x79 mults there, 575x75 at home. I did something similar
CW weekend, and made the sweep at home in 14 hours, but not at the
second QTH.

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
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)

Jeff kb2m
In reply to this post by Jeff kb2m
 I picked up my working replacement headset today, and briefly got it on the
air. Jim is right it sounds very good for the money. It is  very easy to
hook up and configure properly, and yes it is very sensitive. I run about a
mic gain of 26, and compression of 24 with my Heil 781 for dx work. The
CM500 I have mic gain or 10 and comp of 11, this would be a good starting
point. Rest of config is Bias on, Low mic gain range. The headset also feels
very comfortable.

73 Jeff kb2m



______________________________________________________________
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
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)

Jim Brown-10
On Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:25:16 -0500, Jeff KB2M wrote:

>The >CM500 I have mic gain or 10 and comp of 11, this would be a good starting
>point. Rest of config is Bias on, Low mic gain range. The headset also feels
>very comfortable.

So it was a bad unit. Good to know. Also sounds like you had a good dealer.
Thanks for the report. And it sounds like you're set up well.  

Important note here. With ANY mic for the K3 (and with line feeds from a
computer), the important thing to watch are NOT the numerical settings of the
controls, but the amount of meter movement of COMP and ALC. Follow Elecraft's
instructions carefully here -- that is, set mic gain for the right ALC action
when you talk before turning up Compression, then add Compression and look for
no more than about 10dB on peaks.

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
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)

sm7vzx
Is somone tried it with K2?

If YES, which settings on K2?

73' SM7VZX

Jim Brown-10 wrote
On Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:25:16 -0500, Jeff KB2M wrote:

>The >CM500 I have mic gain or 10 and comp of 11, this would be a good starting
>point. Rest of config is Bias on, Low mic gain range. The headset also feels
>very comfortable.

So it was a bad unit. Good to know. Also sounds like you had a good dealer.
Thanks for the report. And it sounds like you're set up well.  

Important note here. With ANY mic for the K3 (and with line feeds from a
computer), the important thing to watch are NOT the numerical settings of the
controls, but the amount of meter movement of COMP and ALC. Follow Elecraft's
instructions carefully here -- that is, set mic gain for the right ALC action
when you talk before turning up Compression, then add Compression and look for
no more than about 10dB on peaks.

73,

Jim K9YC



______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)

sm7vzx
In reply to this post by n7ws
Is someone tried on K2? If YES, what kind of settings you are using on K2?

Thanks
7S7V

Wes Stewart wrote
I second all of this. I've been using one since June.

--- On Mon, 11/23/09, Jim Brown <jim@audiosystemsgroup.com> wrote:

From: Jim Brown <jim@audiosystemsgroup.com>
Subject: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)
To: "Elecraft List" <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Date: Monday, November 23, 2009, 11:28 AM

Last night, K6MM posted to the NCCC Email list:

>Headset Report:  The new Yamaha CM500 headset performed flawlessly.   
>Great reports, comfortable all weekend, good soundproofing.  A real 
>bargain at $40 -- thanks again for the group purchase, Josh (W6XU).

After about 22 hours of use in SS-SSB, I'd like to reinforce John's
comments on these headsets. I find the headset quite comfortable,
the cans sound very good, and the mic produces GREAT audio. I bought
three, and they are replacing the EV RE16 that I've used exclusively
for contesting for the last five years!  If you worked W6BX, K9YC,
K6MM, AK6M, or W6XU, you were listening to the CM500.

The mic in this headset is not a FLAT mic, but it's quite smooth and
clean sounding, and the EQ is close to perfect for ham radio and
contesting. It sounds MUCH MUCH MUCH better than most Heils I've
heard (and at 1/3 the price). Because it's EQed for communications
use and my existing voice messages were recorded with an RE16 (a very
flat professional recording/broadcast mic), I had to re-record all of
my SS messages.

The only negative of this mic (and it's a minor one, because it's
easy to work around it) is that it is a bit sensitive to breath pop
and handling noise, so you need to roll off the low end AND keep it
away from your mouth. I found myself alternating between two
positions -- one below my mouth a few inches, and the other a few
inches above and to the side, but out of the way of my nose (so that
breathing didn't get into the mic). Both positions are quite
comfortable, and both sound very good. I used the higher position
for recording the messages.

One VERY important caution -- the output from this mic is VERY high,
and can easily overload the electronics that it is feeding if you
don't take care with gain settings. To record, I ran straight into
the sound card of my IBM T22 (eight year old Thinkpad) with the mic
preamp OFF, the gain at minimum, and the mic about four inches away.
Any closer caused the sound card to clip!  I did NO eq while
recording.

When operating, I plugged the mic and headset into the rear panel
connectors, turned on the bias (tap 2 on the keypad while in the mic
select menu) and set mic gain to Low (tap 1 on the keypad in the mic
select menu). I used max cut of the two lowest bands on the K3 to
minimize the breath and handling noise. With other rigs, you may need
to do that with a series cap.

73,

Jim K9YC





     
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)

Bob Maser
I ordered mine through  Full Compass. With shipping it was $48 but they are
out of stock and don't expect to be able to ship until after the first of
the year.

Bob W6TR
----- Original Message -----
From: "sm7vzx" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 1:48 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [HAM] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a
BARGAIN)


>
> Is someone tried on K2? If YES, what kind of settings you are using on K2?
>
> Thanks
> 7S7V
>
>
> Wes Stewart wrote:
>>
>> I second all of this. I've been using one since June.
>>
>> --- On Mon, 11/23/09, Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> From: Jim Brown <[hidden email]>
>> Subject: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)
>> To: "Elecraft List" <[hidden email]>
>> Date: Monday, November 23, 2009, 11:28 AM
>>
>> Last night, K6MM posted to the NCCC Email list:
>>
>>>Headset Report: The new Yamaha CM500 headset performed flawlessly.
>>>Great reports, comfortable all weekend, good soundproofing. A real
>>>bargain at $40 -- thanks again for the group purchase, Josh (W6XU).
>>
>> After about 22 hours of use in SS-SSB, I'd like to reinforce John's
>> comments on these headsets. I find the headset quite comfortable,
>> the cans sound very good, and the mic produces GREAT audio. I bought
>> three, and they are replacing the EV RE16 that I've used exclusively
>> for contesting for the last five years! If you worked W6BX, K9YC,
>> K6MM, AK6M, or W6XU, you were listening to the CM500.
>>
>> The mic in this headset is not a FLAT mic, but it's quite smooth and
>> clean sounding, and the EQ is close to perfect for ham radio and
>> contesting. It sounds MUCH MUCH MUCH better than most Heils I've
>> heard (and at 1/3 the price). Because it's EQed for communications
>> use and my existing voice messages were recorded with an RE16 (a very
>> flat professional recording/broadcast mic), I had to re-record all of
>> my SS messages.
>>
>> The only negative of this mic (and it's a minor one, because it's
>> easy to work around it) is that it is a bit sensitive to breath pop
>> and handling noise, so you need to roll off the low end AND keep it
>> away from your mouth. I found myself alternating between two
>> positions -- one below my mouth a few inches, and the other a few
>> inches above and to the side, but out of the way of my nose (so that
>> breathing didn't get into the mic). Both positions are quite
>> comfortable, and both sound very good. I used the higher position
>> for recording the messages.
>>
>> One VERY important caution -- the output from this mic is VERY high,
>> and can easily overload the electronics that it is feeding if you
>> don't take care with gain settings. To record, I ran straight into
>> the sound card of my IBM T22 (eight year old Thinkpad) with the mic
>> preamp OFF, the gain at minimum, and the mic about four inches away.
>> Any closer caused the sound card to clip! I did NO eq while
>> recording.
>>
>> When operating, I plugged the mic and headset into the rear panel
>> connectors, turned on the bias (tap 2 on the keypad while in the mic
>> select menu) and set mic gain to Low (tap 1 on the keypad in the mic
>> select menu). I used max cut of the two lowest bands on the K3 to
>> minimize the breath and handling noise. With other rigs, you may need
>> to do that with a series cap.
>>
>> 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
>>
>>
>
> --
> View this message in context:
> http://n2.nabble.com/Yamaha-CM500-Headset-is-a-WINNER-and-a-BARGAIN-tp4052975p4141865.html
> Sent from the [HAM] mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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 

______________________________________________________________
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
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)

Phil LaMarche-2

www.zzsounds.com has them in stock for 59.95


Philip LaMarche
LaMarche Enterprises, Inc.
www.instantgourmetspices.com

www.w9dvm.com
800-395-7795 pin 02
727-944-3226
FAX 727-937-8834
NASFT 30210

K3  #1605

CCA 98  00827
CRA 1701

W9DVM



-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Bob Maser
Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 4:03 PM
To: sm7vzx; [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [HAM] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a
BARGAIN)

I ordered mine through  Full Compass. With shipping it was $48 but they are
out of stock and don't expect to be able to ship until after the first of
the year.

Bob W6TR
----- Original Message -----
From: "sm7vzx" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 1:48 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [HAM] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a
BARGAIN)


>
> Is someone tried on K2? If YES, what kind of settings you are using on K2?
>
> Thanks
> 7S7V
>
>
> Wes Stewart wrote:
>>
>> I second all of this. I've been using one since June.
>>
>> --- On Mon, 11/23/09, Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> From: Jim Brown <[hidden email]>
>> Subject: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)
>> To: "Elecraft List" <[hidden email]>
>> Date: Monday, November 23, 2009, 11:28 AM
>>
>> Last night, K6MM posted to the NCCC Email list:
>>
>>>Headset Report: The new Yamaha CM500 headset performed flawlessly.
>>>Great reports, comfortable all weekend, good soundproofing. A real
>>>bargain at $40 -- thanks again for the group purchase, Josh (W6XU).
>>
>> After about 22 hours of use in SS-SSB, I'd like to reinforce John's
>> comments on these headsets. I find the headset quite comfortable, the
>> cans sound very good, and the mic produces GREAT audio. I bought
>> three, and they are replacing the EV RE16 that I've used exclusively
>> for contesting for the last five years! If you worked W6BX, K9YC,
>> K6MM, AK6M, or W6XU, you were listening to the CM500.
>>
>> The mic in this headset is not a FLAT mic, but it's quite smooth and
>> clean sounding, and the EQ is close to perfect for ham radio and
>> contesting. It sounds MUCH MUCH MUCH better than most Heils I've
>> heard (and at 1/3 the price). Because it's EQed for communications
>> use and my existing voice messages were recorded with an RE16 (a very
>> flat professional recording/broadcast mic), I had to re-record all of
>> my SS messages.
>>
>> The only negative of this mic (and it's a minor one, because it's
>> easy to work around it) is that it is a bit sensitive to breath pop
>> and handling noise, so you need to roll off the low end AND keep it
>> away from your mouth. I found myself alternating between two
>> positions -- one below my mouth a few inches, and the other a few
>> inches above and to the side, but out of the way of my nose (so that
>> breathing didn't get into the mic). Both positions are quite
>> comfortable, and both sound very good. I used the higher position for
>> recording the messages.
>>
>> One VERY important caution -- the output from this mic is VERY high,
>> and can easily overload the electronics that it is feeding if you
>> don't take care with gain settings. To record, I ran straight into
>> the sound card of my IBM T22 (eight year old Thinkpad) with the mic
>> preamp OFF, the gain at minimum, and the mic about four inches away.
>> Any closer caused the sound card to clip! I did NO eq while
>> recording.
>>
>> When operating, I plugged the mic and headset into the rear panel
>> connectors, turned on the bias (tap 2 on the keypad while in the mic
>> select menu) and set mic gain to Low (tap 1 on the keypad in the mic
>> select menu). I used max cut of the two lowest bands on the K3 to
>> minimize the breath and handling noise. With other rigs, you may need
>> to do that with a series cap.
>>
>> 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
>>
>>
>
> --
> View this message in context:
> http://n2.nabble.com/Yamaha-CM500-Headset-is-a-WINNER-and-a-BARGAIN-tp
> 4052975p4141865.html Sent from the [HAM] mailing list archive at
> Nabble.com.
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

______________________________________________________________
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

______________________________________________________________
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
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)

Merv Schweigert
As someone posted before,  they are here for 38.00 free shipping,
they are not a stocked item but if you order they say about a week
to ship them.   Cheapest I have seen so far.
www.bhphotovideo.com <http://www.bhphotovideo.com>

73 Merv KH7C

> www.zzsounds.com has them in stock for 59.95
>
>
> Philip LaMarche
> LaMarche Enterprises, Inc.
> www.instantgourmetspices.com
>
> www.w9dvm.com
> 800-395-7795 pin 02
> 727-944-3226
> FAX 727-937-8834
> NASFT 30210
>
> K3  #1605
>
> CCA 98  00827
> CRA 1701
>
> W9DVM
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Bob Maser
> Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 4:03 PM
> To: sm7vzx; [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [HAM] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a
> BARGAIN)
>
> I ordered mine through  Full Compass. With shipping it was $48 but they are
> out of stock and don't expect to be able to ship until after the first of
> the year.
>
> Bob W6TR
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "sm7vzx" <[hidden email]>
> To: <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 1:48 PM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [HAM] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a
> BARGAIN)
>
>
>  
>> Is someone tried on K2? If YES, what kind of settings you are using on K2?
>>
>> Thanks
>> 7S7V
>>
>>
>> Wes Stewart wrote:
>>    
>>> I second all of this. I've been using one since June.
>>>
>>> --- On Mon, 11/23/09, Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>> From: Jim Brown <[hidden email]>
>>> Subject: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)
>>> To: "Elecraft List" <[hidden email]>
>>> Date: Monday, November 23, 2009, 11:28 AM
>>>
>>> Last night, K6MM posted to the NCCC Email list:
>>>
>>>      
>>>> Headset Report: The new Yamaha CM500 headset performed flawlessly.
>>>> Great reports, comfortable all weekend, good soundproofing. A real
>>>> bargain at $40 -- thanks again for the group purchase, Josh (W6XU).
>>>>        
>>> After about 22 hours of use in SS-SSB, I'd like to reinforce John's
>>> comments on these headsets. I find the headset quite comfortable, the
>>> cans sound very good, and the mic produces GREAT audio. I bought
>>> three, and they are replacing the EV RE16 that I've used exclusively
>>> for contesting for the last five years! If you worked W6BX, K9YC,
>>> K6MM, AK6M, or W6XU, you were listening to the CM500.
>>>
>>> The mic in this headset is not a FLAT mic, but it's quite smooth and
>>> clean sounding, and the EQ is close to perfect for ham radio and
>>> contesting. It sounds MUCH MUCH MUCH better than most Heils I've
>>> heard (and at 1/3 the price). Because it's EQed for communications
>>> use and my existing voice messages were recorded with an RE16 (a very
>>> flat professional recording/broadcast mic), I had to re-record all of
>>> my SS messages.
>>>
>>> The only negative of this mic (and it's a minor one, because it's
>>> easy to work around it) is that it is a bit sensitive to breath pop
>>> and handling noise, so you need to roll off the low end AND keep it
>>> away from your mouth. I found myself alternating between two
>>> positions -- one below my mouth a few inches, and the other a few
>>> inches above and to the side, but out of the way of my nose (so that
>>> breathing didn't get into the mic). Both positions are quite
>>> comfortable, and both sound very good. I used the higher position for
>>> recording the messages.
>>>
>>> One VERY important caution -- the output from this mic is VERY high,
>>> and can easily overload the electronics that it is feeding if you
>>> don't take care with gain settings. To record, I ran straight into
>>> the sound card of my IBM T22 (eight year old Thinkpad) with the mic
>>> preamp OFF, the gain at minimum, and the mic about four inches away.
>>> Any closer caused the sound card to clip! I did NO eq while
>>> recording.
>>>
>>> When operating, I plugged the mic and headset into the rear panel
>>> connectors, turned on the bias (tap 2 on the keypad while in the mic
>>> select menu) and set mic gain to Low (tap 1 on the keypad in the mic
>>> select menu). I used max cut of the two lowest bands on the K3 to
>>> minimize the breath and handling noise. With other rigs, you may need
>>> to do that with a series cap.
>>>
>>> 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
>>>
>>>
>>>      
>> --
>> View this message in context:
>> http://n2.nabble.com/Yamaha-CM500-Headset-is-a-WINNER-and-a-BARGAIN-tp
>> 4052975p4141865.html Sent from the [HAM] mailing list archive at
>> Nabble.com.
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>>    
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>
>  

______________________________________________________________
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
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER ( and a BARGAIN )

Gary W. Marklund
I had them on "watch" at BH and received an email about a week ago that they
are no longer stocking them, but will handle as special order. Don't know if
their price has changed.

Gary
--

KJ7RT
Sun City, AZ  U.S.A.
Life Member ARRL - FISTS #14460 - NAQCC # 3709
Elecraft K1 #2760  Elecraft K2 #6815



On Wednesday 09 December 2009 02:37:34 pm Merv Schweigert wrote:
> As someone posted before,  they are here for 38.00 free shipping,
> they are not a stocked item but if you order they say about a week
> to ship them.   Cheapest I have seen so far.
> www.bhphotovideo.com <http://www.bhphotovideo.com>
>
> 73 Merv KH7C
>
______________________________________________________________
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
12