Using MIC-GAIN, PROC, and MIC-EQ features on FT991A in SSB to maximum talk power no overdriving

The video shows how to set the microphone gain, and speech processor compression in SSB. The MIC-EQ feature is a Parametric Equalizer designed to be used with or with the speech processor. The speech processor is design to maximize the output power by increasing the average talk power of you voice and provide most power during voice peaks.
I Also link to another video with more technical background on distortion and overdriving, this video provides a slightly more in-depth look at how USB and Lower Side Band work. These demonstrates the setting the Speech Processor and MIC GAIN with an introduction into the combinations of Processor (PROC) and Parametric Equalizer (MIC EQ) working together.
Part 1
• Video
Part 2
• General SSB Function C...
Adjusting “MIC GAIN” in SSB (MIC-EQ) and (PROC) OFF
1. Adjust the microphone amplifier gain to match the microphone and your voice level by tapping the “METER” on the LCD screen repeatedly until “ALC” is displayed just above the function menu.
2. Place the radio in USB by pressing “MODE” then tapping “USB” on the screen, enter frequency 028.400, by pressing “BAND” and “ENT” then type 028.400 and tap “ENT”
3. In the SSB mode, press the “FM-LIST” and use back forward arrow keys to select and tap “MIC GAIN” while speaking into the microphone adjust the “MULTI” knob so that the “ALC” meter stays within the “ALC” zone of the meter (up to ½ scale deflections) on voice peaks)
Using and Adjusting (SSB) Compression Level “PROC”
1. Tap “METER” and select “COMP” compression meter.
2. Press “FM-LIST” button and use back and forward arrow keys to tap on “PROC” to toggle it on, when on a value from 1-100 will be displayed, turn the “MULTI” function know to verify values change to confirm control.
3. Press the PTT on the microphone and speak into the microphone in a normal voice level while adjusting the “MULTI” knob to set the compression level within the 5dB to 10dB range.
4. Place the radio in USB by pressing “MODE” then tapping “USB” on the screen, enter frequency 028.400, by pressing “BAND” and “ENT” then type 028.400 and tap “ENT”
The Yaesu FT991A has a built in Microphone Parametric Equalizer and a Speech Processor features. These are two separate features however can be coupled to provide wide range of performance.
The below combinations allow using the Parametric Equalizer (active when “MIC-EQ” is on) with or without the Speech Processor “PROC” active.
Combination # 1
“MIC-EQ” Microphone Parametric Equalizer OFF with “PROC” Speech Processor OFF
Combination # 2
“MIC-EQ” Microphone Parametric Equalizer OFF with “PROC” Speech Processor ON
Combination # 3
Below shows the settings for “MENU (SETUP)” options 119-127 with Speech Processor Off
“MIC-EQ” Microphone Parametric Equalizer ON with “PROC” Speech Processor OFF
Microphone Parametric Equalizer Settings 119-127
Menu Label Default Setting Range
119 PRMTRC EQ1 FREQ (Center Freq) OFF 100 - 700 Hz
120 PRMTRC EQ1 LEVEL (Y) 5 (-20 db) to 10 db
121 PRMTRC EQ1 BWTH (Q) 10 1 - 10
122 PRMTRC EQ2 FREQ (Center Freq) OFF 700 - 1500 Hz
123 PRMTRC EQ2 LEVEL (Y) 5 (-20 db) to 10 db
124 PRMTRC EQ2 BWTH (Q) 10 1 - 10
125 PRMTRC EQ3 FREQ (Center Freq) OFF 1500 - 3200 Hz
126 PRMTRC EQ3 LEVEL (Y) 5 (-20 db) to 10 db
127 PRMTRC EQ3 BWTH (Q) 1- 1 - 10
Combination # 4
To configure the Parametric Microphone Equalizer (SSB/AM) with the Speed Processor ON
Below shows the settings for “MENU (SETUP)” options 128-136 with Speech Processor Off
“MIC-EQ” Microphone Parametric Equalizer ON with “PROC” Speech Processor ON
Microphone Parametric Equalizer Settings 128-136
Menu Label Default Setting Range
128 P-PRMTRC EQ1 FREQ (Center Freq) 200 100 - 700 Hz
129 P-PRMTRC EQ1 LEVEL (Y) 0 (-20 db) to 10 db
130 P-PRMTRC EQ1 BWTH (Q) 2 1 - 10
131 P-PRMTRC EQ2 FREQ (Center Freq) 800 700 - 1500 Hz
132 P-PRMTRC EQ2 LEVEL (Y) 0 (-20 db) to 10 db
133 P-PRMTRC EQ2 BWTH (Q) 1 1 - 10
134 P-PRMTRC EQ3 FREQ (Center Freq) 2100 1500 - 3200 Hz
135 P-PRMTRC EQ3 LEVEL (Y) 0 (-20 db) to 10 db
136 P-PRMTRC EQ3 BWTH (Q) 1 1 - 10
More videos to come this is a long topic - still researching
Have a good week from KI5JUF '72

[@vetinger]

You are a good teacher! Thank a lot and "73" to you!

[@Robbie12GS]

Thank you for these tutorials. I’m new to amateur radio and the FT 991A is my first radio. So much to learn, but you’re making it easier for me. Cheers* K4PMO

[@westtexasvideogateski5juf255]

Good evening Robbie, thanks for the message I have a PDF I use for the videos email me at [e-mail] and I drop you a copy, also I'm slowly getting into CW so I'll have some videos coming soon, thanks again '73 de KI5JUF sir

[@JA-fy1bn]

Yaesu menus are, IMHO, ridiculous! Especially when compared to the intuitive and simple operation of my Icom. This video convinced me that I do not want a Yaesu radio. Thanks for a very informative video.

[@westtexasvideogateski5juf255]

Yeah they are a beating sometimes, thanks and good luck I know a lot of folks love the ICOM's, whats the ICOM model mateches the FT991A I might have a look '73 sir from KI5JUF

[@RockyMTHirvi]

This helped me get my MIC Gain set. I used the 50W power to get the gain level showing on the scale, rather than lower power I was previously using. I'm keeping the avg setting of MIC Gain closer to the mid range rather than the max recommended for now. Working on the speech processor and Par EQ settings now. I do like this FT-991A transceiver. Made some significant DX contacts and Rx from UK, ON, etc. Thank you! 73

[@espalding3]

Appreciate very much your time and effort producing these videos.

[@westtexasvideogateski5juf255]

Hi Edward - no problem glad you enjoy the videos, thanks from Ki5JUF '73's

[@marcidaniels199]

Excellent video! This mic gain setup is really important to me since I am using a HEIL headset and I was not sure how the 991A would behave with this headset. Thank You! KD2WOW.

[@westtexasvideogateski5juf255]

No problem my friend hope all is well, I'm sorry for the late response so glad to the videos are helping you and everyone makes me feel food to help and share, '73 de KI5JUF email me if you need anything email [e-mail]

[@tonypoloney8721]

This is a fantastic radio. Many thanks for your helpful knowledge and instruction.

[@westtexasvideogateski5juf255]

Good evening Tony, I'm so glad the videos are helpful I enjoy doing them - let me know if there's anything you need and '73 from KI5JUF

[@keithryant5779]

Excellent video! Looking forward to more vids

[@donaldkoch531]

You have been doing a great job with info videos

[@westtexasvideogateski5juf255]

Good evening Donald thanks very much for the message glad to hear from you. My pleasure to do the videos, thanks again for watching and '73 de KI5JUF

[@oooomoment5739]

The ALC adjustment is incorrect. It is half scale of the highlighted area, not the entire scale.

[@westtexasvideogateski5juf255]

Good evening and thanks for the message, I appreciate the feedback, I lowered the settings got the ALC 1/2 scale of the highlighted section and COMP around 5bB, I'll make some calls and get some signal reports, in the headphones sounded great, 73 thanks everyone can benefit from the feedback

[@IZ0MTW]

Hi there! Where are you about in Tx? Have a friend down there new ham too. By the way I got a 991A too. Nice little shack in a box. Interesting thing I noticed is we have same setting for proc level, mic level and eq-on. i have an old MD-100 mike. Glad to see you use low levels to keep a good transmission quality. I found the eq really raises the average output power on ssb. Anyway a suggestion for your antenna connections. Why not to put the two coax switch back to back with a double male uhf adapter? Then you’ll have 2 radios-2antennas. Easy and neat. Enjoy the hobby! 73

[@westtexasvideogateski5juf255]

Good evening sir, I live in Plano all my FT991A stuff is in Abilene where my folks live, let me know if there's anything you need from '73 de KI5JUF sir!! Appreciate the message.

[@aeron-mw7ofs]

Great stuff 👍👍

[@westtexasvideogateski5juf255]

Good evening Aeron, thanks for watch appreciate you, we had some updates we discovered the transmit passband is adjusted differently, the Width controls the receive only, to adjust the transmit for better DX (narrower passband) see the following video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWOme6KBhNuUhtk '73 de KI5JUF

[@rotularota1]

Thanks, excellent video best regards from Chile CE3VEM

[@westtexasvideogateski5juf255]

Good evening sir, I'm so happy to hear from Chile, '73 de KIFJUF , su Amigo Esteban!! Just mat an update on the audio kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpK5g3qXqNB0pqs

[@rotularota1]

@@westtexasvideogateski5juf255 my pleasure... You video help me push up my transmission on Usb, thanks a lot, i hope hear you soon in radio, 👍🏻👍🏻

[@ssn712]

Thank you for these great videos! I use an FT-991 for mobile use with the included hand-held mic. I was wondering if you've experimented at all with the mic that came with the radio. I just assumed that Yaesu's default settings would apply to their mic, but you never know. I would appreciate any insight you might have. 73s! Terry KK6W

[@westtexasvideogateski5juf255]

Good evening sir and thanks for the message,, I did do a video showing the factory mic and the M100 this is link kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4LHmqFnfdWmjLs thankd and '73 from KI5JUF let me know if you need anything else!

[@jakecarpenter9254]

Would you be willing to share that Word Document that you typed up with all the settings you use?

[@westtexasvideogateski5juf255]

Good evening Jake, no problem email me at [e-mail] I'll send you the info, let me know if there's anything else I can help you on 73 and thanks for the message

[@DAVE_WHITE]

If you use a tone generator and put this radio on the scope it is a MESS like a hacked up CB radio at 100% mic gain on AM and SSB it actually starts to flat top on SSB at 18% modulation with the two tone.. I have no idea what YAESU was thinking? put a 7300 on the scope on am and SSB it is very clean the 991A ia dirty on am and ssb unless you barely even open the mic gain

[@westtexasvideogateski5juf255]

Good evening Dave I appreciate the info, ever since my CB day's I've always promoted good clean modulation on Ham's thanks again and '73 de KI5JUF

[@DAVE_WHITE]

@@westtexasvideogateski5juf255 I called Yaesu, and they gave me an email to send screen shots to. I will provide them with this information today. after I put the radio back on the scope and cmu200

[@oooomoment5739]

The Compression setting is too hot. Shouldn't be over 5db. Listen to his recording. More than 10% distortion and if he had a panadapter he would see the 991A is splattering badly.

[@westtexasvideogateski5juf255]

Got it thanks, apricate you, doing some CQ calling now for signal reports 73

[@tibadoe]

Thanks for the video. I also have the 991A - love it, but about to get rid of it. Just can't get it adjusted for my audio to sound somewhat good. I have a deep raspy voice and just can't get it dialed in. Any suggestions?

[@westtexasvideogateski5juf255]

Good afternoon sir, email me [e-mail] I send you some different settings and some ideas, are you using a headset? '73 talk to you soon

[@tibadoe]

@@westtexasvideogateski5juf255 Yes on using a headset. Heil Pro Set Elite.

[@dopeyjake]

What about lower sideband?

[@westtexasvideogateski5juf255]

Hi Kurt, I don't know it wouldn't the only thing changing is on LSB we are on the left side of the carrier frequency, I'll ask some of the folks in the club at breakfast tomorrow. I just ordered a MFJ-267 from DX Engineering so I will be making some videos on setting the speed processor an the parametric equalizer this weekend. It's recommended to use a dummy load for setting these up. Below is the link, I let you know what I find out about the LSB - thanks for subscribing have a great weekend - '73 KI%JUF 50 Ohm Load www.dxengineering.com/parts/mfj-267

[@robcarnaroli269]

Hi, in the manual section it says SSB. So I think it ash the same effect when it's upper or lower. It's just which of the sides you Tx.

[@tl3192]

I appreciate the the time and energy you put forth. New to the hobby hope to contact you in the future K4pns

[@westtexasvideogateski5juf255]

No problem sir, I'm happy to pay it forward in the hobby, let me know if there's anything you need from me and thanks for the message always glad to hear from friends '73 de KI5JUF