[Amps] exciter compression ??

[Dan Sawyer]

Hello,

I am starting this thread here because it relates to linears although 
the actual question is about exciters.

I have a 1 KW solid state linear with a gain of about 20db. This implies 
10 watts drive. The exciter is a Heathkit SB5400. This amp puts out 
about 100 watts. Unfortunately simply turning down the mic gain does not 
solve the problem. What appears to be happening is the vocal dynamic is 
large. If the drive is turned down sufficiently to prevent gross 
overdriving the 'average' drive seems to be too low to be effective.

My question is "Is it common for most SSB rigs to 'compress' the audio?"

Sorry for the slightly tangential question.
Dan