Hi All,
Some microphones, perhaps like the ones Kieth is referring to, have
features/characteristics that really justify the cost. But I think you will
find that many of the microphones today are overpriced. If you want to try
a simple experiment to see if you can prove this hypothesis, go down to
Radio Shack and spend a couple of bucks on one of their electret elements.
Then dig out some sort of housing for it (you probably have something you
could use in your junkbox), and wire it up. For very little investment you
can have a microphone that will get you excellent reports. If you don't
have something to use for a housing, just go to any hamfest, and I bet you
find something that will work nicely. I listened to a demonstration
recently between a Heil Pro Set and a home made unit with a Radio Shack
element. It was certainly impressive, and I couldn't find anything to
really criticize about the home made version. It sure made me wonder why I
spent all this money on the ones I have. Actually, years ago I made up a
microphone using a Radio Shack element, and got good reports from it. I
think it was when I had my Omni 6+. But I never got to actually hear
myself. Now I realize that I probably did sound pretty darn good!
This has also been apparently proven using some of the inexpensive
VOIP/computer microphone/headset combinations. I haven't tried that
approach yet, but I'm planning on doing it. This could be an easy
experiment that doesn't require much effort. And my K3 lets me hear myself,
so I should be able to get some idea of how well it works.
Anyway, this might be worth doing even for the curiosity value. And for
those of you who are unhappy because the K3 doesn't come with a microphone,
this could be a quick and easy fix for your concern.
Dave W7AQK
----- Original Message -----
From: "Darwin, Keith" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Friday, May 02, 2008 7:40 AM
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 Microphone selection
I have more experience with mics in the audio world than the ham world.
Finding a mic with a flat response isn't so easy. If it is a mic built
for vocals, it will most likely have a presence peak. Without it, any
directional mic starts to sound very muddy due to proximity effect.
I believe some of the studio mics are flat. Rode NT-1 comes to mind.
About $200 and flat response. Of course, it has no PTT and should be
hung in a shock mount. I don't know how well it do in an RF field
either.
With my K2 and TS-830s (both sold) I've used a couple of "vocal mics" as
ham mics, with good results. I've used the standard SM-58 and it's
fine. I've also used a small diaphragm mic (Audio Technica ATM-31) and
it worked a little better. The ATM-31 sounds very similar to an SM-58
bit with a bit more lower mids (to beef up my thin voice) and better
articulation (condenser vs. dynamic). In live band performances I found
the ATM mic worked a bit better with my vocals than the SM-58 did. For
informal demo recordings, the ATM absolutely blows the SM-58 away on
vocals, flute, acoustic guitar, drum overheads, etc. Or course, there's
no PPT switch on these mics. I wired up a foot switch which I like
better anyway.
- Keith N1AS -
- K3 711 -
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Mike Scott
Sent: Thursday, May 01, 2008 9:48 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Microphone selection
I too have been wanting a new microphone. I only want a desk microphone
(I am absolutely not interested in a mobile mic) and I only want a
microphone that has a flat frequency response. One of the benefits of
the K3 8-band equalizer is that I can modify the audio spectrum to my
desires. Okay I could take some non-flat response and accommodate, but
why do that. I won't go there.
I think what I want rules out most Heil communication microphones. I
probably need a studio microphone with push to talk. I have an external
PTT switch so the PTT feature isn't absolutely critical. So now I am
looking for a quality affordable flat frequency response desk microphone
with PTT if there is one.
Given these constraints are there some affordable microphones out there.
Of course it would be nice if I didn't have an interface problem but I
know how to use a soldering iron.
Mike Scott
AE6WA Tarzana, CA
K3/100 SN508
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