I do something similar to Bob's test procedure - I test every
microphone on my computer FIRST - because I figure if it sounds crappy
on the computer it is likely to sound crappy on the rig. But Bob's
further on-air test is a swell way to make sure it not only sounds OK on
the rig, but confirm your speech processor, EQ, and other settings are
in order, as well.
My test protocol is similar to Bob's - he is the expert, so ultimately
listen to hims... set the transceiver to Flat EQ, and no speech
processor, and transmit into a dummy load. I employ one of my SW
receivers (usually a Kenwood R2000) which has a LINE-OUT signal that is
plugged directly into the LINE-IN input on a computer sound card. The
run the receiver with no antenna, or maybe just a short hank of wire, to
avoid overload, or I use a receive only antenna located in my front
yard, far enough from the transmit antennas, to avoid overloading it,
and record what it hears. Only after I am satisfied with this result
do I mess with EQ and speech processor settings.
I also get a couple of local hams monitor and record my signal. I
distribute a really small recording applet to minimize variations, and
figure most sound card DACs are consistent enough for Government work.
Not as exacting as Bob specifies, but I don't worry about variations in
DACs. ;-) I don't mess with the "reference" sample, but that may be
a good plan to assure the recording process is accurate in the first
place - kinda like measuring a control group against the experimental
group.
Anyway... just my take...
------------------ K8JHR --------------------
On 8/26/2014 8:30 AM, Bob McGraw - K4TAX wrote:
Yes, the connectors are "tight" in terms of working space. Too much
heat, i.e. too large of a tip will transfer too much heat and things
begin to melt.
For audio quality determinations, I prefer to use the "comparison"
method. I'll outline my method. This does require two suitable radios.
Having the "monitor" radio being the 2nd radio connected to the computer
for digital modes, I use that signal path along with a free software
being AUDACITY to record the audio. I first find a signal on the band
that I think sounds specially good and I record about 30 seconds of that
signal. That becomes my "reference" signal. I also use external
speakers on the computer and listen to both the reference signal and my
test signal through these speakers. Remember, the path much be
identical for accurate comparisons.
Now using the mike and radio of choice on a dummy load, same mode,
frequency and such. I transmit about 30 seconds while recording that
transmission and then listen to it and the other signal. AUDACITY
allows one to easily switch between the two recorded segments. By
doing this one is using the exact audio path, computer, speakers and
such to judge ones audio. If it doesn't sound as you wish, then
adjustments of any nature should be made. This includes mike-to-mouth
position or changes in audio levels, speech processing or even changing
mikes. Again repeat the process and each time a change is made and
compare the new configuration to the reference signal that one thinks
sounds specially good.
Now admittingly, ones personal voice will not typically sound exactly
like another's voice, but one can easily discern the differences. When
finished, just note the various values on the radio, the mouth-to-mike
position and such. From this one can be quite reasonably assured their
signal will always sound great on the air.
In using this process, if humm, clicks, buzz or such is heard on the
comparative recordings, the source should be investigated and resolved.
I will stress that using the Monitor mode or headphones while recording
ones audio will not accurately reveal the true audio sound.
73
Bob, K4TAX
----- Original Message ----- From: "John Farler" <k4avx1@windstream.net>
To: <tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Monday, August 25, 2014 8:57 PM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] Mike & Eagle
Thanks for confirming what I've tried. I think I'd better go
back and check that 8 pin connector pin-out again. For
this old guys hands and eyes, I wish they had stayed with
the 4 pin connector :>)
The mini-din on the back caused me much grief. It wanted
to melt - wonder if it came from radioshack!
And yes, I was told that the headset mike I was using
on the OMNI 6+ sounded as good as the TT desk mike with
the same kind of element. Ear piece quality is a consideration.
73,
John, K4AVX
Message: 3
Date: Sun, 24 Aug 2014 16:23:44 -0400
From: Richards<jrichards@k8jhr.com>
To: Discussion of Ten-Tec Equipment<tentec@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TenTec] MIKE & Eagle
Message-ID:<53FA49D0.1040205@k8jhr.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
John --
My test for mic quality is to make a recording on the computer using a
low sampling rate, maybe 11.5 Hz - and if it sounds OK, then it should
sound OK on the air. If not, try another model.
Message: 4
Date: Sun, 24 Aug 2014 14:16:24 -0700
From: Jim Brown<k9yc@audiosystemsgroup.com>
To:tentec@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TenTec] MIKE & Eagle
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