[SECC] Headsets...

[David Thompson]

I have 3 Heil Boom mic sets.  2 Are BM-10's one with HC-4 element and one 
with HC-5 element.  I also have a Pro micro with the HC-4 element. I feel 
that a mic should fit your voice style and the transceiver audio. My old 
Yaesu's like the HC-4 element with the RF processor set at 1PM.  I tried the 
HC-4 on a newer FT-920 that I had and I tried to use the equalizer set on 
what Yaesu said was the Dx audio position.  K4EA broke in (on 6 meters) and 
told me I sounded tinty and thin.  On the Yaesu reflector a noted K0 
Contester said to cut off the equalizer and add a litle bass to the audio. 
K4EA said it now sounded terrific with plenty of punch.

With my older Icom that I have used on 17 and 12 mainly I use a BM-10 with 
the HC-5 element and with that rig and my voice the HC-5 seems ideal.  The 
Heil needs help from a pre-amp to fully modulate the Icom so I run it 
through an old Nel-Tech DVK with pre-amp on about 60%.  I get good audio 
reports.  I tried a Telex ProCom 200 with a small processor in the line but 
I was told the audio was to flat.  The same Telex mic worked great with the 
FT-920 with no bass added or eualizer on.

The goal of finding the right mic and audio is essential to both Contesting 
and Dxing.  The HC-4 puts the audio in one spot and makes you loud.  I use a 
scope and the audio monitor to make sure its correct.  My goal is always to 
set it and forget it.  I did have a Kenwood with the MC-50 and this was a 
great combination
but at first I set the Kenwood audio too high although it looked good on the 
scope.  I called a MI0 on 12 and he said my audio was so loud that his 
speaker slid on the table.  I cut the audio down and he said I was still 
great but the audio was more under control.  The MC-50 mic is like the older 
dynamic mics with too much ouput certainly more than  is needed.  Another 
reason for a phone op to never buy a rig without a voice monitor.

73 Dave K4JRB