[WriteLog] FCVK Tip #3 - Test First & Tricks

[Eric Hilding <dx35@hilding.com>]

FCVK Tip #3 - Test First & Tricks

This one should be a no brainer, but before investing a considerable amount 
of time pre-recording full callsign .wav files, do just a few of them and 
have a contester pal with good ears give you some initial feedback.

When I first started doing Rock 'n Roll Radio years ago, one of the station 
"Pro" DJs told me to STAND UP when doing my show...which I found valuable 
advice over the years.  Why?  Because you get a more P-O-W-E-R-F-U-L voice 
delivery...and be sure and use your gut (don't speak from your throat only).

Depending upon the mike you use, in any case TURN OFF YOUR RIG & ANY 
BLOWERS/FANS !!!  There's already too much schlock blower noise on the air 
during contests ;-(

Be judicious with the use of EQ.  I personally believe a boost in the 
Presence range is desirable, but I've gotten too many bad reports about the 
thin quality of the Heil 4 capsule which appears too much boost.  Or, I'll 
need to change the rig settings to roll off the highs.

Equally judicious use of Compression is encouraged.  I use a Levelizer, but 
either one will allow for a more consistent level and punch of your full 
callsign voice-keying throughout the duration of a contest than you could 
ever hope to achieve with a mike (especially during the last few hours of a 
48 hours contest).

You might also consider adding just a "tinge" of Reverb and experiment with 
Room vs. Vocal Plate settings.  Your best contester buddy will be able to 
tell you what sucks & what doesn't.   FX must be used sparingly, but the 
nice thing is you can always change things later if done via Post FX.

Test First with a few files BEFORE and avoid being too "Hot" on the mike 
(a/k/a "going into the Red) 'cuz distortion is UGLY ;-(

73...

Rick, K6VVA



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