[TenTec] NB verses NR

[Richards]

On 12/13/2014 2:24 PM, Carl Moreschi wrote:

Regarding DSP NR -
>  I have never found a case on any radio where copy was actually 
> improved by this function. 

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In contrast,  I have.  In some cases, DSP NR has, for me, made the 
difference between working a guy or not.

Unfortunately, as with so many other things in life, NR is a compromise 
function, and, unlike money, a little goes a long way and having too 
much is worse than none at all.

I have reaped significant benefit using both on-board and external DSP 
NR.   The goal, of course, is to increase "intelligibility" - but, 
unfortunately, this usually comes at a cost  (i.e., the compromise bit) 
of degraded audio quality.   The trick is to us just enough DSP NR to 
improve intelligibility, but not degrade the overall quality that it is 
worse than not using it at all.   Some hams think they must turn every 
knob to 10 to get their money's worth from a gadget or rig.  For MY 
ears, a LITTLE  DSP NR has proven helpful, but too much is worse than 
none at all.  If it allows me to understand the other guy, then I will 
accept some loss of audio quality.

I agree not all NR algorithms are created equal.   NR can differ in 
effect and efficacy between models in the same product line, as well as 
between models from different manufacturers.   The NR on the Omni VII 
does not work the same as it does on the Orion II.  The FTdx3000 is very 
aggressive, but also very effective, the TS-590 DSP NR is totally 
different sounding, but works well.    I prefer the Omni VII NR on older 
firmware releases  (i.e., prior to ver 1.028)  which was smoother, and 
less aggressive than more current firmware settings. Other guys, of 
course, prefer the more aggressive current approach.

Of course, DSP NR is no panacea for all noise issues, and often makes 
matters worse, so it is, at best, a compromise and a cost-benefit mixed 
bag.   I use it when I think it helps,  and not otherwise.   Bottom 
line:  I would rather have it than not.


------------------------  K8JHR  --------------------------------