Setting Up Transmit Audio Is Not Easy Jim W6LG Describes How To Do it, Jim Is Receiving Chemotherapy

[@johnsinclair3067]

Another Master Class from a great communicator. Thank you, Jim, for sharing and know that you are wrapped in our prayers.

[@ham-radio]

Thank you kindly

[@WarrenAkerman]

SO GLAD I managed to make contact with you OM Jim, I always watch your channel. I was the 5W QRP station that made contact with you over the pond on 7th of September 2024, on 14.200 Mhz, with my little uSDR Chinese rig, Z Match tuner and Delta loop antenna. Best 73 OM de ZS6AKW

[@ham-radio]

Yes Warren on the long path you were good copy and about 5 by 5. 73, Jim

[@ammocraft]

Heard you on air a week or two ago, booming into VK6 here with great audio while you were working a POTA activator on our East coast. Really regret not being cheeky and asking you to pop up 5 or 10 once I’d logged the activator myself, but it seemed a bit rude given it was “his” frequency. Hopefully, I’ll get you in the log one day! BTW, would you mind putting up links to the two mics in your test? Thx.

[@WECB640]

Well done Jim. Glad you mentioned the "speaking" aspect AND listening as well as the mic hardware comparison. 73 stay well.

[@nplds6551]

Thank you sir. Your advice, style and kindness are priceless. Out of my heart wish you all the best.

[@dirkderemojr.3316]

Yes speaking clearly, slowly, close and directly into the mic is crucial. So many hams get that wrong. I consistently get audio compliments with guys asking me about my setup. How I speak into the mic is 80 percent of it. Setup is an IC-7300, Rode Pod Mic, Yamaha MG06 Mixer. EQ on the 7300: treble maxed out, bass -4, compression 1. ALC until it is right on the edge of red lining. This helps punch through the noise for DX without being overmodulated for rag chewing. Thanks for the video.

[@ham-radio]

Number 1 was a Shure SM7b and number 2 was from Amazon BCD-1 for $80. 73, Jim W6LG

[@lawrencethompson465]

@@ham-radioThanks Jim, for specifying which mic was which. I thought the first one sounded better but I have a champagne taste on a beer budget. I listen and watch many of your videos. This particular one should be seen and heard by most every ham. Simply excellent information elegantly put. Thank you! N4LWT

[@peterhatfield]

Hi Jim, Your settings make a lot of sense. Some people seem to forget that the important word is communication. Clarity is key, not "broadcast quality" or added reverb (sounds like TX from a rest room) 2E0VVM

[@McTroyd]

Live sound engineer here w/ ~20 years experience, and you're spot-on. Addressing the microphone correctly, and setting the gain properly, are the two best things anyone can do for best results out of a microphone, on any audio system (radio or otherwise). The only thing I would amend is your note about compression. It is possible to use a higher compression ratio (more compression) if your compressor supports adjustable "attack" and "release" times. Most people leave those on "auto," but it can make a big difference dialing those in. "Attack" defines how quickly the compressor kicks in once the compression threshold is reached. For speech applications like radio, you want this to be fast, but not totally instantaneous. My own experience has been to set the attack in the 10-15 millisecond window, to avoid clipping the sibilance as you mentioned. "Release" is how quickly the compressor backs off the compression. The gain will stay compressed and slowly ramp back up if the threshold level is not met. (Some fancy compressors, like the Aphex 320D Compellor, have a "silence gate" which will NOT release the compression without speech, to minimize background noise in broadcast studio environments.) I usually set this in some multiple of 350 milliseconds, depending on how fast the speaker is, and how long they're speaking. A favorite starting point for "recording bus" compression on my live systems, which I suspect would work well in your sideband radio application, is a 2:1 compression ratio, a threshold of negative 25 dB, an attack of 11 milliseconds, and a release of 1.4-2.1 seconds. This assumes you've set your gain high but not clipping, you're closely addressing the mic, and any other processing (like high-pass EQ) occurs _before_ the compressor. (The latter is often the case in integrated audio systems, but _not_ the case with audio mixers -- use a mix bus or submaster to do the compression in that case.) Once dialed to your scenario, it will probably result in about 6-8 dB of compression (maybe 10 dB on plosives, or "pops"), which can usually be recouped with the compressor's output gain control. You should find you have a bit more flexibility with addressing the microphone, with controlled (but not eliminated) dynamic voice range that still sounds natural. Headphone users in particular seem to love the results. If you have a separate compressor, or the radio's built-in compressor supports these options, it might be fun to play with. Good luck with the chemo. My mother underwent chemo, and managed to stay clear of cancer, but is now dealing with dialysis, and is currently in the ICU dealing with blood clots. I hope your experience fares better than hers. (Edited to fix a formatting error.)

[@ham-radio]

On most transceivers, all we can set is the level of compression. The type of compression also limit where it can be set. Thanks, Jim

[@McTroyd]

@@ham-radio Fair enough.

[@RoyGNH]

Thank you Jim. As someone new to HF (general), I’m always learning valuable information from you! Good luck with your treatments I wish you the very best. 73’s

[@glennlindsey5424]

Jim - enjoyed our 20m QSO on Sept 19th. Wishing you all the best.

[@saira7cores]

I liked the second mic better. It definitely had more presence and clarity in the audio.

[@ham-radio]

I paid $80 for number 2. 73, Jim

[@hiramojeda-c1t]

Hello Jim, thank you for your on line support last night, I finally did get my condenser mike set.. You are a wealth of knowledge, appreciate you!! hope you get well soon. ahhh no#1 sounds much better although both sounds good... best regards!!!

[@ham-radio]

Number 1 is $400. You have good ears! 73, Jim

[@chrissmart9761]

Hi Jim. I love your videos and wish you all the best with your health. Don't ignore the "slight" output difference between the two microphones. We have a strong bias towards anything louder, meaning louder seems better, even a dB or less average loudness. When I used to mix and master music for paying clients, I would almost always compare what I was working on to a commercial "reference track" in the same genre, and that comparison was meaningless until I got the average loudness between the two tracks as close to the same as possible.

[@ham-radio]

Yes sir, you are right. I wished I had your experience and knowledge. I was in a hurry to finish as I had recorded that video several times. 73, Jim

[@kc8wvg]

Thanks again, Jim, for another very informative class. So much knowledge and tips in each video. Take care. As always, you and yours are included in my prayers.

[@ham-radio]

You are very welcome

[@bob4analog]

Mic #2! It's got a well defined presence.

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

Thanks, Jim. I'm happy i found your channel.

[@rowhope]

Thank you, Jim! And best wishes to you.

[@tsdelaney]

Thanks for another thought-provoking video, Jim! Much appreciated and I hope you’re feeling well. All the best with the chemo session. 73 and God Bless, Tim VE1XR

[@chachin1674]

I enjoy your videos, good to see you, hope you're feeling better.

[@stevehall6539]

Great video Jim , I’m currently going through this right now after replacing my 7610 with a new Ts890s . You always make this stuff look so easy my friend. 73’ N2JDX

[@Eduar-d-o]

Another cooooooool video from Jim! 73 Sir

[@ham-radio]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@shoe2big]

I had the pleasure of listening to a qso you had with a station in Bulgaria last night. First off I was thrilled to hear your call sign. I've been watching the channel since I got my ticket and appreciate all I've learned. The cadence of your speech was slow and while it took a couple tries for the station to get your call right the rest of the qso was smooth sailing. You went over radio, antenna, and weather. It was nice to hear what you teach in action. I try to slow down in my speech, but it's a work in progress. I'm using the stock mic for the yaesu ft-891 and try to talk across it. Heck I'm not certain the difference between the 1-2 switch on the mic. Hope things are as well as they can be. 73 KF0KPA

[@JamminJellies]

I spoke with a DX station last night and the audio was difficult to make out, though his signal was very strong. Later in the evening I heard you working with him to improve his audio. By the time you were done with him, the audio was greatly improved.

[@tommydonahue1654]

Great Video. Really good points. Thank you for alll you do for the Ham community Jim.W7PD/VE3

[@ham-radio]

You are very welcome. 73, Jim

[@7alken]

great hamspirit, tnx :-)

[@patthesoundguy]

As an audio engineer I agree %100 with everything you have said, I have heard your audio on the air on 20m and it's fantastic, like you are in the next room 👍👍😁

[@ham-radio]

Number 1 was a Shure SM7b and number 2 was from Amazon BCD-1 for $80. 73, Jim W6LG

[@PF9Z-HamRadioDXStation]

Hi Jim, Number 2 is better not looking at the money at all but our ears prefer ranges between 2.5 and 4kc for clearly hearing. I know 4kc is wide, but with that level cranked up in the EQ it will shown up in the 100-3000kc range. Crispy sound is good for DX and far away qso's under S5. And ofcourse the way hownyou speak into the mic is important. 😉 73s Sascha PF9Z

[@ham-radio]

Microphone number 2 was $75 on Amazon. Microphone number 1 was $400.

[@timgoad5750]

glad to see you are making this video.

[@ham-radio]

Thank you Mr. Goad. Talk to you soon. 73, Jim

[@georgezardecki2545]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, ____________YOU ARE GREAT TEACHER JIM

[@ham-radio]

You are very welcome

[@keithflesser1533]

Take care mate, thank you very much for the video. Good luck with the treatment, chemo therapy is not the best experience but hopefully it goes well Jim.

[@amateurshooter6054]

Thanks Jim Microphone #2

[@KO4VNX]

Equalizer, gain, ALC, compression, using the meter, this is good stuff, not that difficult, but will help make a huge difference in getting the best result from the same power! Nobody else out there talks about this stuff, they just launch torpedos and hit or miss!

[@ham-radio]

Absolutely true. Thanks! 73 Jim

[@george_KC1TQF]

#2 is clear and crisp. #1 is a little more boomy with more low end. #2 is a better sound for communication audio. I liked #2's sound over the air better.

[@AlvinMcManus]

Mic 1 has rounder tones and Mic 2 is brighter. Both are clear, but I prefer #1.

[@CamilleCullen-ow6qj]

It's wise to listen to Jim, he knows what he is talking about!! Robert K5TPC

[@kenblanton9726]

Ham radio and human master ! Best wishes, Jim

[@HamRadioN0CKL]

Jim- just heard a contact you had on 20m with someone and you were talking about Norfolk Nebraska. About 2hrs from me 👍 I chuckled when you told him not to say "QSL"😂 Obviously he hasn't seen your video😉

[@billgoodson47]

Jim, I want you to know that I enjoy your “classes”. They are very informative. I often find myself wanting more information. While listening to this class you indicated that you were using a number of items that were home made. You indicated that your yagi antenna, and antenna tuner were home made. More information about the designs would be of interest to me. Thank you for what you do. And God bless you and I wish you all the best in your battle. Stay positive. I have been by my wife’s side for her nine year battle. KF0EVD

[@ham-radio]

Thanks. KZbin makes really long videos not a good thing. So there are time constraints and that limits the subject matter. 73, Jim

[@kastaways1259]

Mic 1 is ok but Mic 2 is the 'clear' winner . 73 from VE7GMX Jeff

[@dc5723]

Microphone 1 sounds better. Thank you for another great video Jim. Hoping all the best and all goes well with chemo next week.

[@ham-radio]

Microphone number 2 was $75 on Amazon. Microphone number 1 was $400.

[@PrimulaCarniolica]

Hello Jim. Good old fundamental wisdom and respect of ham radio!! Secret is in details NOT in "pumping" kW. p.s. Mic.2 is slightly better by my opinion but also you have ""DX"" sort of voice too. TNX to share and I wish you well with the treatment. Best regards & 73, S51X

[@VaHokieYT]

Excellent!

[@ham-radio]

Glad you liked it!

[@wa5azqhamradio]

Thanks for this video Jim. Since finding your YT channel, and hearing you on air this past Saturday (Sept 7) on your contact with a Russian Station, I was wondering how you get your sound the way you do. I always learn a lot for your videos and try and apply some of the things to my ops. This one I'll be changing my audio settings and working on not raising my voice. Thanks again. Be well. 73! Michael-WA5AZQ

[@jimf4492]

Hi Jim, I prefer mic #2. I use a $60.00 Yamaha headset with an electret boom mic. I get unsolicited compliments on how nice my SSB audio is, even though I'm using my later S/N Elecraft K2 - a radio not usually known for the quality its SSB audio. According to what people with panadapters have told me, my signal is clean, and about 2.7kHz wide. This headset is a known "sleeper", but I think it has been discontinued. However it is still available, but for more money! Thanks again for another useful video. 73, Jim

[@ham-radio]

Microphone number 2 was $75 on Amazon. Microphone number 1 was $400.

[@jimf4492]

@@ham-radio I'm not surprised!

[@KE6GRM]

Thank you 🙏 Ai6lz

[@ka6psdrbeswick709]

Microphone 1 is what I hear in your podcasts, Microphone 2 seems to have more highs and punch to it. great explanation as to slow down talking speed and clarity. Good to see you my friend.

[@ham-radio]

You have superb hearing. When I describe which is which and why, you won't be surprised. 73 Jim

[@ham-radio]

Microphone number 2 was $75 on Amazon. Microphone number 1 was $400.

[@EA7LAF]

What is your opinion of using a noise gate to eliminate room noise in addition to what you are teaching us? … thanks for producing excellent videos Jim

[@batfalcononyoutube]

If all amateurs were using your advice, we would all share quiter and more enoyable bands. Thank you once again. 73 de SV1SLB

[@ham-radio]

Especially in a country near you where many have all knobs turned to the maximum. 73, Jim

[@batfalcononyoutube]

@@ham-radio Quite right! 73 Michael

[@dylanschulz2404]

I need to work on my phrasing and pronunciation when I am working DX. You forgot about the echo adjustment! 😝

[@galaxy0088]

Great video. A few years ago I was vacationing in the Bahamas and your audio cut right through the pileup. Nothing worse than a station with all bass and too much processor. I wish you well with the treatment and hope you feel better quick. Joel, NF3R

[@randalreusser4426]

Great and useful information. Randy N9LTA

[@ham-radio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mktwatcher]

Which Mic, 1 or 2 was the $79 Mic from Amazon is he Make and Model. Because, both of the Mics 1 & 2, sounded almost indistinguishable to my ears. Thank you.

[@jaymills3211]

#2 has more presence . It is difficult to say which would punch through best on a noisy ham band.

[@ham-radio]

Number 1 was a Shure SM7b and number 2 was from Amazon BCD-1 for $80. 73, Jim W6LG

[@needhelp2453]

Mic #2 would be my choice fy DX.

[@patrickdemeyer2210]

there use to be a trick , calling out american city's at Bell labs , it was an art , the VU meter stayed at 0 with a good mike . Forgot the city names.

[@ham-radio]

I don't know about that. 73, Jim W6LG

[@georgenunes1614]

#2 Jim

[@ham-radio]

Microphone number 2 was $75 on Amazon. Microphone number 1 was $400.

[@c.a.r.s.carsandrelevantspecs]

🙏

[@UDX4570PalmSprings-yh1mv]

How would a Neumann vacuum tube microphone work on a ham transiever?

[@ham-radio]

From what little I know about those mics, probably excellent sounding even on SSB. 73, Jim

[@2140BlackCreek]

For me the difference is minimal. Maybe #2 has a "rounder" tone, yet, for the price? As you say, much has to do with how clearly the words are spoken. I am always grateful to get a lesson from our favorite Elmer and friend. Many prayers to you OM. 73 de AA7MO

[@ham-radio]

Microphone number 2 was $75 on Amazon. Microphone number 1 was $400.

[@TheRenoir]

I agree there wasn't much in it between the two with the second sounding a little higher driven; definitely not enough to justify more than 4x the price.

[@myr382]

Prefer mic #1 but both sound great

[@ham-radio]

Microphone number 2 was $75 on Amazon. Microphone number 1 was $400.

[@bobrunge7594]

Mic #1 seemed just a touch clearer to me…. 73’s Bob Runge W1LSZ

[@ham-radio]

You've got good ears Bob. I will explain later why that is so true. 73, Jim

[@ham-radio]

Microphone number 2 was $75 on Amazon. Microphone number 1 was $400.

[@oobihdahboobeeboppah]

#2 seems a bit brighter.

[@ham-radio]

Microphone number 2 was $75 on Amazon. Microphone number 1 was $400.

[@HamRadioN0CKL]

Mic #2 sounds cleaner

[@ham-radio]

Microphone number 2 was $75 on Amazon. Microphone number 1 was $400.

[@goranlydeen6442]

Number 2

[@ham-radio]

Microphone number 2 was $75 on Amazon. Microphone number 1 was $400.

[@jonathanhall6815]

Got to say didn’t hear a great deal of difference. Certainly not 300 to 400 dollars worth. Could be KZbin compression or my iPad but there you go 😊

[@TheKomunyaka]

Mic number 2 seems to produce more natural voice

[@ham-radio]

Microphone number 2 was $75 on Amazon. Microphone number 1 was $400.

[@KT0DDW]

#2

[@ham-radio]

Microphone number 2 was $75 on Amazon. Microphone number 1 was $400.

[@rfburns3472]

Numero dose

[@ham-radio]

Microphone number 2 was $75 on Amazon. Microphone number 1 was $400.

[@LeeMcc_KI5YPR]

#1 sounded clearer to me, your voice sounded less raspy. Maybe your voice is always raspy and #1 cleaned it up?

[@ham-radio]

Microphone number 2 was $75 on Amazon. Microphone number 1 was $400.

[@sveinfarstad3897]

2

[@ham-radio]

Microphone number 2 was $75 on Amazon. Microphone number 1 was $400.

[@sveinfarstad3897]

@@ham-radio Ohh ok, i was to the sound of them. btw stay strong man, keep going! 🤛🤘73 LB8LG

[@glenk4ghc16]

Mic 2 Jim , i only use pod cast mics i have the Rode pod mic 99 bucks and a Tascam TM70 both work extremely well for clear audio .. have a great day tryed calling you back yesterday on 20 but band was shifting . Hope your doing good , Glen K4GHC.

[@ham-radio]

Microphone number 2 was $75 on Amazon. Microphone number 1 was $400.

[@glenk4ghc16]

@ham-radio wow goes to show sometimes the more expensive things are not always the better to some I guess . Don't get me wrong if I could justify spending $800 plus I would go for Nuemann or Sennheiser lol , these $100 mics do just fine .. hear you soon Jim take care .

[@SkyMobi]

Jim it matters not what mic you on, you sound great anytime, at some points the 2 mics sounded the same, but mic 2 has a little more punch, God Bless you mate 73 Ray

[@ham-radio]

Thanks and I agree that the two sounded the same. They are very different. 73, Jim W6LG

[@timothymaimone8611]

Jim… nice video! Good luck on the chemo! 73 de KD6UYK (Tim).

[@ham-radio]

Thanks Tim, 73 Jim

[@herbboutilier9431]

Jim, fairly new to your channel. Do you operate using digital modes? Just curious. De K1LOG. Herb

[@ham-radio]

Only phone, 73, Jim

[@kenluning909]

Another good video. Thanks for this. Also prayers for your treatment and God's healing. de W5KAL

[@ham-radio]

Thank you, Jim