SOTABeams Speech Compressor Comparison

In this video, I compare the FT-818 output with and without the SOTABeams Speech Compressor. Here are some links to some of the gear in the video:
MFJ-1708B-SDR, SDR RF Sensing T/R Switch
mfjenterprises...
MFJ-261, Dummy Load, 100W Peak, DC-500 MHz
mfjenterprises...
Speech Compressor for FT-817, 818
www.sotabeams....
Voice Transmission Memory, Replacement Board, Kit with Housing
www.box73.de/p...
Bioenno 12V, 4.5Ah LFP Battery
www.bioennopow...
SDRPlay RSP1A SDR Receiver
www.sdrplay.co...

[@michael_KD8GIJ]

Very nice demonstration. I just picked up the SOTABeams Speech Compressor last week. I have yet to try it out on a new (to me) FT-857D I just picked up. Good job.

[@petemillis4666]

OK, so I assume the mic gain on the rig has been set low to take into account the compressor (as otherwise it gets overdriven). In which case you are comparing compressor against no compressor with a rig that is not set up optimally. By far the biggest improvement is achieved by setting USB and LSB TX carrier insertion points, mic gain and mic switch to be optimised for your voice, and using the mic correctly. M3KXZ

[@ClimbingColorado]

The mic gain is set to whatever the factory default is. The BX-184 doesn't have a switch on the back like the OEM mic. Since you can both see and hear the transmitted audio on a separate radio (SDR), I assume the mic gain is optimal enough? I've honestly spent more time fooling with my IC-7300 and IC-705 as it relates to audio and compression settings. I fell in love with the waterfall display and haven't used my FT-818 much in the last several years.

[@Mark300win]

what are you using that anker usb hub for, does filter out usb controller noise from leakingto the sdr?

[@ClimbingColorado]

The laptop I'm using in this video only has USB C connections. The USB hub allows me to connect USB A devices. Also, I only have two USB C ports and three connections (power, mouse, and SDR) so the hub made sense for this arrangement.