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AR15.COM
10/21/2008 2:16:19 PM EDT
I have the standard handheld mic. that came with my IC-718.

Will a new mic. improve my audio enough to justify buying one?

If so what type and brand?

Thanks in advance!

Randy
KE7***
10/21/2008 2:44:49 PM EDT
[#1]

Quoted:
Will a new mic. improve my audio enough to justify buying one?


randy,

what needs improving?  
what sort of feedback have you gotten on air?
what modes (SSB or FM) are causing you issues?
have you adjusted the mic gain and ALC controls?
is there someone local you can QSO with, someone who knows what your real voice sounds like?

ar-jedi
10/21/2008 4:19:57 PM EDT
[#2]

what needs improving?
I want to make sure I"m getting the most out of the radio.

what sort of feedback have you gotten on air?
The QSO's I've had are fine, no complaints.

what modes (SSB or FM) are causing you issues?
Not having any that I'm aware of.

have you adjusted the mic gain and ALC controls?
Yes, I have adjusted the above.

is there someone local you can QSO with, someone who knows what your real voice sounds like?
I haven't tried this yet.

I want to make the best of my current equipment, I have set up my station with good coax and antenna etc.,  I am not ready to buy a amp to boost my stations signal, yet.

Do the newer microphone's make a difference in your audio?
I really don't know enough about mics to really know if they help or not.
Thanks
Randy
10/21/2008 9:30:27 PM EDT
[#3]
I saw this speech processor:

www.w4wb.com/ICOM-Accessories/One-BIG-Punch-Universal.htmp

which can be installed in your mic, and others.

But if you are getting good reports now, why?
10/21/2008 9:52:01 PM EDT
[#4]
Sure, a different mic will give you a different sound on the air.  Different yes, but better, who knows.

Also be aware that traditionally most Icom radios were particular about microphones and often didn't work well with common dynamic microphones as the mic preamps were only set up for condenser mics.  I don't know if the 718 is like this or not.

If you're happy with the hand mic and you're not having any particular trouble with it I would leave well enough alone.  If you wanted to go to a headset mic or something like that then it'd be a different story.
10/22/2008 7:33:56 AM EDT
[#5]
Thanks guys!
You know how it is, always looking for something else to try (or buy).
10/22/2008 7:11:41 PM EDT
[#6]
I have a Heil Pro Set -ic for my 706 2g, and had one on an older 735 and have had nothing but good reports on it. I use it with a foot pedal for hands-free comms.