[Elecraft] Koss SB-45 Headset, update on comfort
Last week I posted my impressions of the Koss SB-45 here: http://marc.info/?l=elecraft&m=145134615022993&w=2 I promised an update on long-term comfort after the RTTY Roundup contest, so this is it. I wore this headset for two 12 hour contest sessions this past weekend, and found its comfort equal to or better than the Yamaha CM-500, which most everyone, including myself, seems to think is very good. There is a sweet spot in the headphone height adjustment, where equal pressure is applied above and below the ears, and it feels really super at that point, even for an eyeglass wearer like myself. My ears didn't get as hot as with the CM-500, and the SB-45 headband has nice soft padding that didn't irritate the top of my bald head like the CM-500 sometimes does. Overall, I think the SB-45 is equal to or better than the CM-500, at about half the price. Dave Hachadorian, K6LL Yuma, AZ . __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Koss SB-45 Headset, update on comfort
For you DXpeditioners, it should be noted that the Koss SB-45 folds up quite nicely for easier packing. See the Koss website's photos of them in the folded up configuration. https://www.koss.com/headphones/headsets/sb45-824 Thanks for the review of the headset, Dave! 73, Tony K4QE On Tue, Jan 5, 2016 at 9:54 PM, Dave Hachadorian wrote: > Last week I posted my impressions of the Koss SB-45 here: > http://marc.info/?l=elecraft&m=145134615022993&w=2 > > I promised an update on long-term comfort after the RTTY Roundup contest, > so this is it. I wore this headset for two 12 hour contest sessions this > past weekend, and found its comfort equal to or better than the Yamaha > CM-500, which most everyone, including myself, seems to think is very > good. There is a sweet spot in the headphone height adjustment, where > equal pressure is applied above and below the ears, and it feels really > super at that point, even for an eyeglass wearer like myself. My ears > didn't get as hot as with the CM-500, and the SB-45 headband has nice soft > padding that didn't irritate the top of my bald head like the CM-500 > sometimes does. > > Overall, I think the SB-45 is equal to or better than the CM-500, at about > half the price. > > Dave Hachadorian, K6LL > Yuma, AZ > > > . > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to anthony.scandu...@gmail.com > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Koss SB-45 Headset, update on comfort
Most operation here is CW & digital, and sometimes SSB, so I need to be able to move the mic up and out of the way when not needed. Can any SB45 users tell me if the mic can be moved to a full vertical position? I have looked at pictures, but can't tell how far it will move. Tnx & 73, Tim - N3XX On 2016-01-05 9:54 PM, Dave Hachadorian wrote: Last week I posted my impressions of the Koss SB-45 here: http://marc.info/?l=elecraft&m=145134615022993&w=2 I promised an update on long-term comfort after the RTTY Roundup contest, so this is it. I wore this headset for two 12 hour contest sessions this past weekend, and found its comfort equal to or better than the Yamaha CM-500, which most everyone, including myself, seems to think is very good. There is a sweet spot in the headphone height adjustment, where equal pressure is applied above and below the ears, and it feels really super at that point, even for an eyeglass wearer like myself. My ears didn't get as hot as with the CM-500, and the SB-45 headband has nice soft padding that didn't irritate the top of my bald head like the CM-500 sometimes does. Overall, I think the SB-45 is equal to or better than the CM-500, at about half the price. Dave Hachadorian, K6LL Yuma, AZ . __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to n...@charter.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Koss SB-45 Headset, update on comfort
The mic does move to full vertical to get it out of the way. Dave Hachadorian, K6LL Yuma, AZ -Original Message- From: n...@charter.net Sent: Wednesday, January 6, 2016 4:29 AM To: Dave Hachadorian ; Reflector Elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Koss SB-45 Headset, update on comfort Most operation here is CW & digital, and sometimes SSB, so I need to be able to move the mic up and out of the way when not needed. Can any SB45 users tell me if the mic can be moved to a full vertical position? I have looked at pictures, but can't tell how far it will move. Tnx & 73, Tim - N3XX On 2016-01-05 9:54 PM, Dave Hachadorian wrote: Last week I posted my impressions of the Koss SB-45 here: http://marc.info/?l=elecraft&m=145134615022993&w=2 I promised an update on long-term comfort after the RTTY Roundup contest, so this is it. I wore this headset for two 12 hour contest sessions this past weekend, and found its comfort equal to or better than the Yamaha CM-500, which most everyone, including myself, seems to think is very good. There is a sweet spot in the headphone height adjustment, where equal pressure is applied above and below the ears, and it feels really super at that point, even for an eyeglass wearer like myself. My ears didn't get as hot as with the CM-500, and the SB-45 headband has nice soft padding that didn't irritate the top of my bald head like the CM-500 sometimes does. Overall, I think the SB-45 is equal to or better than the CM-500, at about half the price. Dave Hachadorian, K6LL Yuma, AZ . __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to n...@charter.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Koss SB-45 Headset, update on comfort
Thanks for the info Dave. My old headset needs replacement, so I'll get an SB45 and give it a try. The price looks right :-) 73, Tim - N3XX On 2016-01-06 8:38 AM, Dave Hachadorian wrote: The mic does move to full vertical to get it out of the way. Dave Hachadorian, K6LL Yuma, AZ -Original Message- From: n...@charter.net Sent: Wednesday, January 6, 2016 4:29 AM To: Dave Hachadorian ; Reflector Elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Koss SB-45 Headset, update on comfort Most operation here is CW & digital, and sometimes SSB, so I need to be able to move the mic up and out of the way when not needed. Can any SB45 users tell me if the mic can be moved to a full vertical position? I have looked at pictures, but can't tell how far it will move. Tnx & 73, Tim - N3XX On 2016-01-05 9:54 PM, Dave Hachadorian wrote: Last week I posted my impressions of the Koss SB-45 here: http://marc.info/?l=elecraft&m=145134615022993&w=2 I promised an update on long-term comfort after the RTTY Roundup contest, so this is it. I wore this headset for two 12 hour contest sessions this past weekend, and found its comfort equal to or better than the Yamaha CM-500, which most everyone, including myself, seems to think is very good. There is a sweet spot in the headphone height adjustment, where equal pressure is applied above and below the ears, and it feels really super at that point, even for an eyeglass wearer like myself. My ears didn't get as hot as with the CM-500, and the SB-45 headband has nice soft padding that didn't irritate the top of my bald head like the CM-500 sometimes does. Overall, I think the SB-45 is equal to or better than the CM-500, at about half the price. Dave Hachadorian, K6LL Yuma, AZ . __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to n...@charter.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to n...@charter.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Koss SB-45 Headset, update on comfort
Ordered mine tonight also. Looking forward to getting them Gary -Original Message- From: "n...@charter.net" Sent: 7/01/2016 12:21 AM To: "Reflector Elecraft" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Koss SB-45 Headset, update on comfort Thanks for the info Dave. My old headset needs replacement, so I'll get an SB45 and give it a try. The price looks right :-) 73, Tim - N3XX On 2016-01-06 8:38 AM, Dave Hachadorian wrote: > The mic does move to full vertical to get it out of the way. > > > Dave Hachadorian, K6LL > Yuma, AZ > > > -Original Message- From: n...@charter.net > Sent: Wednesday, January 6, 2016 4:29 AM > To: Dave Hachadorian ; Reflector Elecraft > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Koss SB-45 Headset, update on comfort > > Most operation here is CW & digital, and sometimes SSB, so I need > to be > able to move the mic up and out of the way when not needed. Can > any > SB45 users tell me if the mic can be moved to a full vertical > position? > I have looked at pictures, but can't tell how far it will move. > > Tnx & 73, > Tim - N3XX > > On 2016-01-05 9:54 PM, Dave Hachadorian wrote: >> Last week I posted my impressions of the Koss SB-45 here: >> http://marc.info/?l=elecraft&m=145134615022993&w=2 >> >> I promised an update on long-term comfort after the RTTY >> Roundup >> contest, so this is it. I wore this headset for two 12 hour >> contest >> sessions this past weekend, and found its comfort equal to or >> better >> than the Yamaha CM-500, which most everyone, including myself, >> seems to >> think is very good. There is a sweet spot in the headphone >> height >> adjustment, where equal pressure is applied above and below the >> ears, >> and it feels really super at that point, even for an eyeglass >> wearer >> like myself. My ears didn't get as hot as with the CM-500, and >> the >> SB-45 headband has nice soft padding that didn't irritate the >> top of my >> bald head like the CM-500 sometimes does. >> >> Overall, I think the SB-45 is equal to or better than the >> CM-500, at >> about half the price. >> >> Dave Hachadorian, K6LL >> Yuma, AZ >> >> >> . >> >> __ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: >> http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> Message delivered to n...@charter.net >> > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to n...@charter.net > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to vk1zzg...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Koss SB-45 Headset, update on comfort
Hi All, It is also easy to change the magnetic mic insert for an electret since the K3 has the extra components already installed. 73 Tim GM4LMH On 06/01/2016 14:20, n...@charter.net wrote: Thanks for the info Dave. My old headset needs replacement, so I'll get an SB45 and give it a try. The price looks right :-) 73, Tim - N3XX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Koss SB-45 Headset, update on comfort
Tim, I was under the impression that the Koss SB-45 already used an electret mic insert? I don't have one (I use a Yamaha CM500), but gleaned this from earlier reviews on this reflector. Perhaps you are referring to a different model? 73 from David GM4JJJ > On 6 Jan 2016, at 16:59, Tim wrote: > > Hi All, > It is also easy to change the magnetic mic insert for an electret since the > K3 has the extra components already installed. > 73 > Tim > GM4LMH > >> On 06/01/2016 14:20, n...@charter.net wrote: >> Thanks for the info Dave. My old headset needs replacement, so I'll get an >> SB45 and give it a try. The price looks right :-) >> >> 73, >> Tim - N3XX > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to gm4...@yahoo.co.uk __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Koss SB-45 Headset, update on comfort
On Wed,1/6/2016 9:32 AM, David Anderson wrote: I was under the impression that the Koss SB-45 already used an electret mic insert? I don't have one (I use a Yamaha CM500), but gleaned this from earlier reviews on this reflector. Perhaps you are referring to a different model? Electret and dynamic mics are equally good for ham radio. Use whatever comes with the headset you like and be happy. All that matters is that electret mics need bias turned on and dynamic mics do not. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Koss SB-45 Headset, update on comfort
The SB-45 is already electret. You must be thinking of the SB-40 which has a dynamic element, and reportedly sounds pretty bad. Dave Hachadorian, K6LL Yuma, AZ -Original Message- From: Tim Sent: Wednesday, January 6, 2016 9:59 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Koss SB-45 Headset, update on comfort Hi All, It is also easy to change the magnetic mic insert for an electret since the K3 has the extra components already installed. 73 Tim GM4LMH On 06/01/2016 14:20, n...@charter.net wrote: Thanks for the info Dave. My old headset needs replacement, so I'll get an SB45 and give it a try. The price looks right :-) 73, Tim - N3XX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to k6ll.d...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Koss SB-45 Headset, update on comfort
On 01/06/2016 10:42 AM, Dave Hachadorian wrote: The SB-45 is already electret. You must be thinking of the SB-40 which has a dynamic element, and reportedly sounds pretty bad. I bought a SB-40 awhile back. The headphones sound great but the mic is totally unusable. The volume is extremely low and muffled sounding. I'm thinking of getting a hacksaw and opening up the microphone case to see if there is something wrong inside. Alan N1AL __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Koss SB-45 Headset, update on comfort
Hi Jim, Electret and dynamic mics are equally good for ham radio. Use whatever comes with the headset you like and be happy. All that matters is that electret mics need bias turned on and dynamic mics do not. Do you know why Elecraft calls the power provided to an electret element BIAS? Unlike the large form condenser microphone elements that need both polarizing potential and preamp power, usually provided via a "phantom power" circuit, an electret element is permanently polarized. The power applied via the phantom circuit is actually providing only the drain voltage for the FET preamp in the electret microphone capsule, not any kind of biasing voltage. Of course we have similar terminology used in systems that provide control voltages or operating power to remote equipment: The so-called BIAS-TEE used to inject and extract power over a coaxial cable, for example. I haven't found any official documentation for these types of circuits that uses the BIAS moniker. Are there any references that you might point to? Cheers, Gus Hansen KB0YH __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Koss SB-45 Headset, update on comfort
Gus, I think the term bias, or bias voltage is a pretty generic term when meaning applying a voltage or current to turn on a device, in this instance a microphone element that requires voltage to operate. http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-bias-voltage 73 Gene, N9TF - Original Message - From: "Augie \"Gus\" Hansen" To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, January 6, 2016 1:02:58 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Koss SB-45 Headset, update on comfort Hi Jim, > Electret and dynamic mics are equally good for ham radio. Use whatever > comes with the headset you like and be happy. All that matters is that > electret mics need bias turned on and dynamic mics do not. Do you know why Elecraft calls the power provided to an electret element BIAS? Unlike the large form condenser microphone elements that need both polarizing potential and preamp power, usually provided via a "phantom power" circuit, an electret element is permanently polarized. The power applied via the phantom circuit is actually providing only the drain voltage for the FET preamp in the electret microphone capsule, not any kind of biasing voltage. Of course we have similar terminology used in systems that provide control voltages or operating power to remote equipment: The so-called BIAS-TEE used to inject and extract power over a coaxial cable, for example. I haven't found any official documentation for these types of circuits that uses the BIAS moniker. Are there any references that you might point to? Cheers, Gus Hansen KB0YH __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to n...@comcast.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Koss SB-45 Headset, update on comfort
One other point is many professional type condenser or like type mikes do have internal active amplification. They require a couple of miliamps of operating current as opposed to just placing a charge on the element. In this case it is normal for the mixing console to provide "phantom power" which is sent along the mike line between the console and mike. For those consoles that do not have internal phantom power systems, a separate external source is required and provided. 73 Bob, K4TAX On 1/6/2016 2:22 PM, n...@comcast.net wrote: Gus, I think the term bias, or bias voltage is a pretty generic term when meaning applying a voltage or current to turn on a device, in this instance a microphone element that requires voltage to operate. http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-bias-voltage __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Koss SB-45 Headset, update on comfort
On Wed,1/6/2016 11:02 AM, Augie "Gus" Hansen wrote: Do you know why Elecraft calls the power provided to an electret element BIAS? Unlike the large form condenser microphone elements that need both polarizing potential and preamp power, usually provided via a "phantom power" circuit, an electret element is permanently polarized. The power applied via the phantom circuit is actually providing only the drain voltage for the FET preamp in the electret microphone capsule, not any kind of biasing voltage. That's exactly the reason, Gus -- electret elements have VERY high output Z, so they have a built-in FET follow circuit to get the source Z down to the level that it can drive the load of an audio stage. The circuit it's driving provides a positive voltage to operate that FET, through a resistor, typically around 5K, that serves as the load Z for the FET follower. And, BTW -- pro electret mics, whose outputs are balanced, also include preamps with output Z designed to drive pro mic input stages. The output Z of the preamps built into those pro mics is typically in the range of 100 - 400 ohms. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Koss SB-45 Headset, update on comfort
are you running these things directly into the K3, or via a mic input lead from Heil?? Robin G1MHU __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com