HAM RADIO: Yaesu FT-891 Best SSB TX Audio Settings

Big thank you to Derek, KE0EYJ / HL1ZIX for his excellent blog post on how to get the best out of the FT-891 TX audio.
Find the blog here: thestingyham.blogspot.com/2017...
His KZbin Channel here: / @thestingyham1188

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Tim, I printed that blog. Just hooked up my 891 at home shack to get used to the menus. Will be using a Heil Proset 6 headset. Stay safe. WJ3U

[@timg5tm941]

You too Don hope you enjoy the rig 73

[@andyM7XTT]

Nice one tim,thankyou.literally just bought an 891 20 minutes ago so glad i dont now have to spend hours faffing around with it:) thankyou

[@allenmcgee9379]

My go to field radio, great audio, the screen is easy to see even in the sun. I absolutely love this radio!

[@reed1uk2000]

Thank you for the info just recently brought the 891, my first hf radio went on 20m and first contact mentioned about my audio quality happy days so once again thank you for sharing the info much appreciated 👍

[@timg5tm941]

Brilliant Marc, she’s a great little radio

[@M7BCN]

You’ll probably remember that I reached out to you for some advice before purchasing the 891 to replace my 450D. You also recommend these audio settings. I’m very happy that I followed your advice as I love this radio and get plenty of good audio reports with these settings. I also have to mention that the RX on this is also outstanding, so much of an upgrade on my 450D. Thanks for the advice and videos Tim. Top man.

[@timg5tm941]

Brilliant stuff Brian - its a keeper!

[@brian.7966]

well done Tim. we can always rely on you to come up with the good. you are a credit to the ham radio fraternity. best regards From Brian.

[@timg5tm941]

Many thanks Brian that's very kind of you, 73.

[@HamRadioPortableOperations]

Prefect timing Tim. I've just got the 891 for some portable ops - I will defiantly take a look at these setting. Cheers. All the best.

[@timg5tm941]

Enjoy the radio!

[@hikerglenn]

Tim, enjoyed the video. I set it up as mentioned. I did notice one thing that you and The Stingy Ham didn’t mention (or I missed it). I just stumbled on it really-in the FT-891’s Advance manual, it shows how to adjust these settings to the Parametric equalizer, then to actually enable them, you need to go to the “Function 2” menu and toggle on the MEQ.

[@timg5tm941]

Ah good spot

[@G5TCP]

Hi Tim I did my first portable activation today had a few reports of muffled audio. Ive just put those settings in so looking forward to getting back out. Thanks for sharing that.

[@timg5tm941]

No problem!

[@MrTommy001]

So, after making these adjustment settings, how are things now? No more "muffled" reports? I'm getting one of these rigs in about a week for POTA, portable in my truck, and rv'ing.

[@thestingyham1188]

Hey thanks, Tim! Very kind of you to reference me. Some of the purists on QRZ have really raked me over the coals for my mic settings because they’re way out of whack with what they feel they should be. I get their point because the bandwidth settings do run counter to what the parametric EQ should do, but in the end, I just go for results and sound. Also, the signal has to remain clean enough, and keeping the ALC under control seems to handle that fine. I have made some adjustments to the Mic EQ settings for my FTDX 3000 post in recent months - The compression seems to react differently based on settings for that radio than the 891 does. I should also mention that I sold the 891 perhaps three years ago, so the information may be getting a little dated. It’s great to know it’s still working for you, though. Thanks for the shout! HL1ZIX, “The Stingy Ham.”

[@timg5tm941]

Thank you so much for coming back to me! The settings have made a big difference and I enjoyed the guide you provided. 73

[@jonthebru]

I've been a ham for a long time. In the past I just keyed up and talked, these days I have learned that there are variations for what your goal is in communicating, DX, contesting or rag chewing.

[@friluftslivitrndelag4589]

Tnx Tim. Got the -891 today and this sounds great 🙂

[@timg5tm941]

Brilliant!

[@MaciejBaur]

Thx Tim for those advices. I hope my POTA and other outdoor activities will sound better from now on 😁👍🏻

[@timg5tm941]

Best of luck!

[@phils2180]

I found this website a few years back and immediately applied the settings to my 891 and they certainly made a difference. 👍 Yes, it's a great radio straight out of the box and with so many menu driven settings to play with, the info was very helpful. 👍👍 The 891 is a great mobile radio, aided by the remote head unit and that's how I use mine. I also have an 897D which stacks up quite well against it's newer cousin, given it's age but there's no denying the 891's receiver is noticeably better, as you'd expect!😂 Will never sell my 897 though.

[@timg5tm941]

Good points Phil. Many still love their 857 and 897’s too

[@mbondiskey]

Thanks Tim. I have an 891 and really appreciated this video. 73

[@timg5tm941]

Brilliant Mike glad it helped 73

[@la7yka]

This is a great rig for portable or mobile use. Thanks for the setting advices.

[@timg5tm941]

No problem!

[@Jim_2E0HKM]

Good video Tim, not just for 891 users, but because few people highlight the importance of setting up the audio. When I 1st had my 991a I listened to myself calling CQ on Hack Green which is a few miles down the road, yes it was clear but also woolly and lacking definition. I sorted mine out with a cheap desk mic, EQ desk & a bit of processing in the 991a & without wanting to sound like I'm exaggerating, I get positive complements on my audio nearly every other QSO, yes it's loud, but doesn't overdrive or splatter & is very punchy. As a 2E0 limited to 50w I'd safely say the changes have been worth 200-300w extra equivalent to the old settings. People always say that yes I'm 5/4 or 5/6 but I sound 5/9 if they weren't looking at the meter. I know people think I run extra power then the 50w, I don't. It's just I spent time setting up the audio to maximise what I have. I think of it as like when I used to order a round in a busy pub back in my teens, whilst I can't elbow my way in front of a few rugby prop forwards, I can stick my hand up and shout clearly over the mumbling din & get served. 73 Tim de Jim 2E0HKM

[@timg5tm941]

Great points Jim - thank you.

[@stevemunro8559]

Another great useful video Tim

[@timg5tm941]

Glad you enjoyed it Steve, thanks 73

[@joekrepps]

VERY helpful...as always. I operate 99.9% mobile, FT-891 into an ATAS-120A, magnet mount on my Subaru Outback estate/wagon. I'm really a CW guy so I can use as much help as I can get with SSB, especially mobile! Hoping to get DXCC by the end of the year. Band conditions this summer have been up OR down but I'm hopeful. This video will do wonders for me! MANY thanks!! 73's de WB3CFN

[@timg5tm941]

Glad it helped! I wish you well with the mobile operating 73

[@aeron-mw7ofs]

Great radio , cheers Tim 👍

[@timg5tm941]

Thanks Aeron 73

[@osmanygonzalezescobar3457]

Hola desde La Habana tengo un FT-891 y para mi es excelente en TX y RX ...SSB super!!! saludos CO2OQ

[@timg5tm941]

Excelente 73!!

[@brianfields4479]

Nice video Tim.i have worked op,s using that radio and it always sounds punchy. I would say my ts 480hx is another excellent radio for mobile or home base. I have listened on sdr in zl and eu , whilst experimenting with settings, and found from day one, the stock settings are the best, and obviously from here, all my qso's are dx , zl to eu and most say my audio sounds like iam In the room with them. Of course the 200w helps, but for 12,000 mile qso's every day, I like the 480hx. Good weekend to you and your family, 73 brian.

[@timg5tm941]

Thanks Brian - a good radio that 480. Greetings to all there too, 73

[@richarde735]

thank you Tim!

[@timg5tm941]

My pleasure!

[@killerbites3963]

Thanks will give these settings a try 73s

[@timg5tm941]

Nice going 👍

[@MrClaula]

Maravilloso, me felicitan por como me escuchan!!!!

[@timg5tm941]

Thankyou!

[@nolibera5345]

This is gr8 thank you 73s

[@timg5tm941]

Thanks

[@willian.direction6740]

Thanks Tim I mostly use my FT891 on js8call but when I go to wwff I will switch on the other functions for ssb.

[@timg5tm941]

Nice it works well

[@twobikesandadrone]

Great video as always!! Just received my new 891 and I'm curious if there's an easy answer for using compression vs not using it? I lean toward using it solely based on your personal preference, but I am curious why you choose to use it.

[@timg5tm941]

Thanks! I have just used those settings and get good unsolicited audio comments - if using compression keep your voice at a usual talking level, avoid shouting and keep the mic a few inches from your face. So far (for me) so good.

[@Cubasenet33]

I'm about to buy a transceiver a Yaesu FT-891, so that information comes in the right time for me. Could you give me your advice abot antenna tuners for this transceiver? Is it true that many guys go to portable operation without a tunner at all? Thanks a lot.

[@timg5tm941]

Hi Luis most avoid tuners when portable as it’s another piece of equipment to take. It depends on the antenna you have in mind to use

[@user-vi6lw8dx5f]

Hello Tim, I was curious if the Heil PR 781 might be a great mic for this rig?

[@timg5tm941]

It’s got a great reputation as a mic for sure

[@ChilliZDC]

Hi Tim, Could you verify whether or not the Parametric Mic Equalizer (MEQ on Function - 2) needs to be enabled for these settings to function? Thanks!!

[@timg5tm941]

Michael I’ll check

[@KY4K-10]

Was anything found out about this question… cause I have the same question about MEQ in function 2. Trying to figure out where it comes into play.

[@StuM0OVG]

I use very similar settings on my 891, I’ve never had a bad audio report and few people have recorded me and I have to say I sound like myself lol so all good.

[@timg5tm941]

Once optimised it’s a great radio

[@Klaatu-ij9uz]

Good review -- HOWEVER, if one wants to "Default" all of the suggested "EQ" settings, how is this done?? Thank you. 🤔

[@timg5tm941]

I’m not totally sure on that one

[@JReed305]

I keep seeing the reference to half or 1/4 ALC but don't know what that means. When I have the ALC meter selected a portion of the line is bolded is that the scale we are talking about? If so then half of that yes? Sorry, 891 newbie not something I had to spend much time worrying about with the G90.

[@timg5tm941]

Yes that’s fine 👍

[@anthonycosta1776]

No. Run your Alc to 3/4. And compression 5 percent.

[@mikec5054]

like your post

[@timg5tm941]

Thank you!

[@finewoodworkingbyJJ]

Hey Tim, did you ever compare the FTs receiver with one in another Radio? i heared its really bad... 73 Jens DK2JR

[@timg5tm941]

Compares favourably versus my 7300

[@snippits75]

You heard wrong. 891 receiver is awesome.

[@DragosGheorghe-xt5py]

Hello, thank you very much ! How about the level of mic gain setting in ssb ?

[@timg5tm941]

Oh I’ll need to check

[@JackCumming1]

@@timg5tm941 Hi Tim, I just got my 891 today and the ALC is barely moving. Did you check to see what your Mic Gain setting is? many thanks.

[@emmettkelly7465]

Do I get that cool British accent with these changes?

[@timg5tm941]

Absolutely! (Welsh)

[@madalinbetea9871]

hello please make a video about how to tune(trim) a HF antenna without analyzer ???.

[@timg5tm941]

Ok maybe I will 👍

[@earl4769]

Put the rig in a dummy load and listen with another radio like a IC705 with headphones. Every mic is different- The stock hand mic sounds better than any mic I have tried.

[@markh.2899]

My 857 suddenly gets no audio whatsoever. Everything else seems to function normally, but I can't even get a hiss out of the internal speaker. Any thoughts?

[@timg5tm941]

Needs a look at but could be a few things

[@luisjosevaldiviasoudy2400]

Hola, no hablo ingles, pero sobre el video, lo unico que no entendi fue como reviso si mi alc esta bien , donde y como se hace eso?. Espero me ayude a clarificar ese tema para mejorar el sonido de mi radio yaesu ft-891

[@timg5tm941]

Hi.. you can select ALC in the function menu to show as the meter when you transmit

[@jfrphoto01]

Hi Tim, I have AN ft-891 (2 yrs old now and only used as a base rig) and I thought I would give these settings a try. Big mistake! I was on the ECARS Net, 7255 kHz and several ops mentioned that I didn't sound as good as I usually did (I was using the rig as set out of the box). Went back to factory defaults and reset the ALC gain to 2/3 scale for my voice (setting is 34) and all was fine again. Went back on and got great reports on the audio quality. I am using a Shure SM-48 vocals mic on a boom mount (shock mount), Heil XLR cable and a Heil hand switch. I guess it all depends on the mic used and the ops voice. Everyone's voice is different!

[@timg5tm941]

Fair points

[@justmejonboy]

What about mic gain ? Default is 50 ?

[@timg5tm941]

Default is ok

[@ParthaVU2GPS]

Can i change display colour in my FT891.

[@timg5tm941]

No that’s not an option

[@vk4foo]

well done. from FOO

[@timg5tm941]

Thanks!!

[@royvlaar78]

Is the AM/FM TX delay "problem" solved with an firmware update?

[@timg5tm941]

Not that I’m aware but I did find a solution somewhere on KZbin a couple of years ago

[@royvlaar78]

@@timg5tm941 so it is an software issue instead of hardware problems?

[@timg5tm941]

Good question!

[@26fb384]

what's a yazu?

[@timg5tm941]

Im not really sure Terry?

[@stevetp81]

Hopefully this can be helpful advice. Make sure “Mic EQ” is selected or else these new settings won’t work. 73 -KN4IQE

[@timg5tm941]

Good point

[@stevetp81]

@@timg5tm941 I use these same settings and it’s a major improvement.

[@pulponair]

Hmm very subjectiv settings, with out a counter station strong and less strong and some recordings you will never know what fits your voice :).

[@timg5tm941]

True, but I know of two other operators who have adopted these same settings to a great improvement.. they seem to improve matters. 73 👍

[@makskk6spm275]

I would buy it if it would be a QRP.

[@timg5tm941]

You can turn it down to 5w

[@jeffschall2062]

Yaesu menu's always suck when it comes to user friendlyness,

[@timg5tm941]

They are either liked or loathed I agree

[@anthonycosta1776]

Your advised settings are horrible. Makes me sound like I'm talking through a toilet paper inner tube. Why would you want to sound narrow , pinched and muddy ? Terrible advice. Better off leaving it stock or better yet open up the audio with my settings.

[@timg5tm941]

Ah righto