[CQ-Contest] SO2R audio recording

[MARK BAILEY]

Hi Mike:

I own two of these Behringer boxes ( :-) )- I use them for Field Days when people want to listen while I'm operating and sometimes at multi-ops for training.  I also use them for recording contest audio with the K3s when I'm SO2R.

Everybody can set the audio level to match their preference and headsets (headsets vary a lot).  Recording levels can be independently set as well.  Mine are the silver ones not black though!  :-)

I intend to use them to distribute referee audio and recording (probably redundant small USB recorders) at WRTC.  I have it working with my K3 using the "Line Out" jack on the back of the K3.  This allows me to set the recording levels and referee headset levels independently and the amp doesn't load down the audio line.

The only reason not to use the headset jack (split) on the FTdx-5000 is that the audio levels then track the receive volume settings on the FTdx-5000.  I would prefer something with a fixed audio level but may have to use the headphone jack.

This Behringer amp doesn't have enough gain to bring up the "Rec Jack" output on the FTdx-5000 to what the recorders need though - not even close.  I don't have the FTdx-5000 handy - the manual sort of implies that the "AF Out" jack (that also is independent of the headphone volume) does not include the "Monitor" signal since it explicitly says the "Rec Jack" does include the monitor signal.  The WRTC 2018 rules require that the transmitted audio (monitor) to be included in the recordings.

I have had many issues over the years with audio levels, hum, RF, hash, soundcard levels, windows changing soundcard settings, etc..  I want the setup to be bulletproof and very easy and quick to install.  I also want the fewest boxes and power supplies possible.

73,

Mark, KD4D

> On January 15, 2018 at 9:14 PM Mike Smith VE9AA <ve9aa at nbnet.nb.ca> wrote:
> 
> 
> My bad...as soon as I sent this I realized I posted the wrong web link to my
> amp. Mark KD4D caught me on it - oops.
> It's most definitely a STEREO and it's a Behringer HA400 (not MX400)
> https://www.amazon.ca/Behringer-HA400-Ultra-Compact-4-Channel-Headphone/dp/B
> 000KIPT30
> 
> (that's what I get for doing a Google search and not actually going to the
> shack and checking it out in person to verify the model #)
> 
> I did do some recordings before buying an amp but you could BARELY hear it
> on the recordings.
> 
> Sorry Mark and all !
> 
> It's very much stereo............ It's very much stereo
> 
> Mike VE9AA
> 
> Mike, Coreen & Corey
> Keswick Ridge, NB
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Mike Smith VE9AA [mailto:ve9aa at nbnet.nb.ca] 
> Sent: January 15, 2018 5:47 PM
> To: 'w5wz at w5wz.com'
> Cc: 'cq-contest at contesting.com'
> Subject: RE: SO2R audio recording
> 
> Everyone, 
> 
> Have rec'd a few emails just like Scott's, so here's what I do.  I think a
> *LOT* of folks are making this way too difficult.
> 
> I do SO2R, so it might be different for me vs. a single radio op (but not
> much!)
> 
> I have this wee mixer:
> https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-MX400-BEHRINGER-MICROMIX/dp/B000KGYAYQ/ref=
> sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1516052032&sr=8-1&keywords=behringer+mixer&refinements=p_
> 89%3ABehringer
> 
> And also this teeny recorder:
> Sony ICD UX 533 from Best Buy...I think it was $50 or so on sale ~ 2 years
> ago.
> https://www.sony.com/electronics/voice-recorders/icd-ux530-series
> 
> Because you need stereo when doing SO2R, I've "T"-eed into both ear phone
> lines coming out the back of the SO2R box.
> (If you don't do SO2R, then you really just need a Y-pigtail you can buy
> most anywhere)
> 
> From these 2 lines, I go into the mixer into 2 different inputs.  Volumes
> are set to a good level to get clear recordings. (6 or 7 usually works)
> 
>  Out of the mixer with a single stereo line I go directly into the recorders
> mic jack.
> 
> Hit record when the CQWW (or other) contests start....see the p.s. for a
> free solution.
> 
> Mike VE9AA
> p.s.-have also played with QSorder, but on SSB have some issues quite
> specific to my setup.  On CW, no worries.....on SSB because I am already
> using the soundcard, I use an outboard soundcard, but have Windows/Virus
> Scanner/firewall/program access troubles so cannot tweak the settings within
> QSOrder to make it all work.
> 
> Mike, Coreen & Corey
> Keswick Ridge, NB
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: w5wz at w5wz.com [mailto:w5wz at w5wz.com] 
> Sent: January 15, 2018 1:46 PM
> To: ve9aa at nbnet.nb.ca
> Subject: SO2R audio recording
> 
> Mike, can you be more specific about your connections, and the devices 
> (mixer) and (recorder)?
> 
> --Scott W5WZ
> 
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