Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)
On Thu, 24 Dec 2009 04:01:18 -0800, K6LE wrote: >I thought that too but what's puzzling is that the mic gets bias even >with the mono adaptor in line. There's a wide variation in how computer sound cards are wired, so Yamaha provides adapters that make the mic work with as many of them as possible. There are several wiring tricks that can be played to provide the needed bias current. Since the CM500 works when plugged straight into my computers and the K3, I haven't bothered to study what those adapters do. 73, Jim K9YC >Rick >K6LE >On 12/23/2009, at 9:11 , Jim Brown wrote: >> On Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:56:44 -0800, K6LE wrote: >> >>> It's a stereo plug >> >> No, it's not a "stereo" plug, it's a 3-circuit plug the CAN be used >> for stereo, or can be used for other things like an electret mic. It >> could also be used to carry shielded balanced audio wiring. >> >> With this mic, the tip is audio high, the sleeve is audio return and >> cable shield, and the ring is +Vdc to power the tiny impedance >> converter inside the mic. For more on this, see __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)
Thanks for all the help guys. I have taken the mono adaptor out of the line and will carry on enjoying the radio and the CM500. Rick K6LE __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)
If its like most current computer microphones tip and ring are connected in parallel. 73, ... Joe, W4TV > -Original Message- > From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net > [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jim Brown > Sent: Thursday, December 24, 2009 12:11 AM > To: Elecraft List > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and > a BARGAIN) > > > On Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:56:44 -0800, K6LE wrote: > > >It's a stereo plug > > No, it's not a "stereo" plug, it's a 3-circuit plug the CAN be used > for stereo, or can be used for other things like an electret mic. It > could also be used to carry shielded balanced audio wiring. > > With this mic, the tip is audio high, the sleeve is audio return and > cable shield, and the ring is +Vdc to power the tiny impedance > converter inside the mic. For more on this, see > > http://audiosystemsgroup.com/HamInterfacing.pdf > > and the Appendix on audio for ham radio in > > http://audiosystemsgroup.com/RFI-Ham.pdf > > 73, > > Jim K9YC > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)
Jim, I thought that too but what's puzzling is that the mic gets bias even with the mono adaptor in line. Rick K6LE On 12/23/2009, at 9:11 , Jim Brown wrote: > On Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:56:44 -0800, K6LE wrote: > >> It's a stereo plug > > No, it's not a "stereo" plug, it's a 3-circuit plug the CAN be used > for stereo, or can be used for other things like an electret mic. It > could also be used to carry shielded balanced audio wiring. > > With this mic, the tip is audio high, the sleeve is audio return and > cable shield, and the ring is +Vdc to power the tiny impedance > converter inside the mic. For more on this, see __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)
On Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:56:44 -0800, K6LE wrote: >It's a stereo plug No, it's not a "stereo" plug, it's a 3-circuit plug the CAN be used for stereo, or can be used for other things like an electret mic. It could also be used to carry shielded balanced audio wiring. With this mic, the tip is audio high, the sleeve is audio return and cable shield, and the ring is +Vdc to power the tiny impedance converter inside the mic. For more on this, see http://audiosystemsgroup.com/HamInterfacing.pdf and the Appendix on audio for ham radio in http://audiosystemsgroup.com/RFI-Ham.pdf 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)
I wouldn't bother with a mono adapter. If I read the KIO3 schematic correctly, the K3's back-panel microphone connector and Line In connector are stereo jacks with only the tip wired. I think the damage you refer to might have been from a mono speaker plug that shorts one side of the speaker amplifier to ground. Dick, K6KR -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of K6LE Sent: Wednesday, December 23, 2009 4:57 PM To: Elecraft List Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN) Got mine a couple of days ago and ran some on the air tests with my favorite audio critic and he liked it a lot once we got the EQ right for me. However, I have a question about the mic connector. It's a stereo plug (why I don't know except to perhaps make it more compatible with a PC sound card) and the mic input on the K3 is Mono. Should I use a mono adaptor or not? Doesn't seem to matter but I am worried about possible damage to the K3 since I have heard that at one time that mis-match was a problem with the Line In connector. Rick K6LE __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)
Got mine a couple of days ago and ran some on the air tests with my favorite audio critic and he liked it a lot once we got the EQ right for me. However, I have a question about the mic connector. It's a stereo plug (why I don't know except to perhaps make it more compatible with a PC sound card) and the mic input on the K3 is Mono. Should I use a mono adaptor or not? Doesn't seem to matter but I am worried about possible damage to the K3 since I have heard that at one time that mis-match was a problem with the Line In connector. Rick K6LE __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)
On Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:25:16 -0500, Jeff KB2M wrote: >The >CM500 I have mic gain or 10 and comp of 11, this would be a good starting >point. Rest of config is Bias on, Low mic gain range. The headset also feels >very comfortable. So it was a bad unit. Good to know. Also sounds like you had a good dealer. Thanks for the report. And it sounds like you're set up well. Important note here. With ANY mic for the K3 (and with line feeds from a computer), the important thing to watch are NOT the numerical settings of the controls, but the amount of meter movement of COMP and ALC. Follow Elecraft's instructions carefully here -- that is, set mic gain for the right ALC action when you talk before turning up Compression, then add Compression and look for no more than about 10dB on peaks. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)
I've had excellent results from the little Radio Shack electret mike cartridges too. They are spec'd flat from about 50 Hz to 16KHz, so any audio "shaping" happens external to the mike, usually in the rig. That's the right place to do it. And they only set you back a couple of dollars - Ron AC7AC -Original Message- ..I have another suggestion some might want to try. My biggest concern with most of these headsets is finding one that has really good earphones--they vary a lot. If you find one you really like, and don't think the microphone is good enough, you might try just replacing the cartridge with one from Radio Shack. I've made several electret microphones, all of which got very good reports as to audio, using the Radio Shack cartridge. There was unanimous agreement that they sounded better than the Heil Pro Set I have... Dave W7AQK __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)
I picked up my working replacement headset today, and briefly got it on the air. Jim is right it sounds very good for the money. It is very easy to hook up and configure properly, and yes it is very sensitive. I run about a mic gain of 26, and compression of 24 with my Heil 781 for dx work. The CM500 I have mic gain or 10 and comp of 11, this would be a good starting point. Rest of config is Bias on, Low mic gain range. The headset also feels very comfortable. 73 Jeff kb2m __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)
Jim is right, it's an electret. I bought mine at B & H Photo and paid $45.70 to my door. They are showing it out-of-stock at the moment, but if they had it the price is now $38.95 with free shipping. --- On Tue, 11/24/09, Jim Brown wrote: What the product description SHOULD say is that it is an electret mic with its response tailored for communications use and having a very high output. --- For others who asked about where to buy -- the lowest price I've seen on the internet is Sam Ash in NYC. Don't know if they will ship abroad. A member of our club arranged a group purchase, and we paid just under $40. I think we bought about 25 pieces. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)
I checked on the internet, and was pointed to the Sam Ash link. The link said "free shipping, but when I got to the Sam Ash website, it wanted to charge about 10 bucks shipping, which put their price about the same as what Amazon sells it for. I have another suggestion some might want to try. My biggest concern with most of these headsets is finding one that has really good earphones--they vary a lot. If you find one you really like, and don't think the microphone is good enough, you might try just replacing the cartridge with one from Radio Shack. I've made several electret microphones, all of which got very good reports as to audio, using the Radio Shack cartridge. There was unanimous agreement that they sounded better than the Heil Pro Set I have. You could even modify a regular set of headphones you have, just attaching a boom mike to it. I don't think it would be very hard to do. I have a couple of pairs of inexpensive (but comfortable) Labtec headphones I really like, and I've been contemplating converting them to a combo headset. The headphones were only about $10, and a Radio Shack electret cartridge is only about $3. At least it would be an interesting project. Dave W7AQK - Original Message - From: "Gary W. Marklund" To: Sent: Tuesday, November 24, 2009 10:35 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN) > Most prices I found on the Internet were in the $59 range. B&H Photovideo > in > NYC lists it at $38.95 but they are currently out of stock. > > I'll try my local Sam Ash. > > 73 > Gary > > -- > KJ7RT > Sun City, AZ U.S.A. > Life Member ARRL - FISTS #14460 - NAQCC # 3709 > Elecraft K1 #2760 Elecraft K2 #6815 > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)
Most prices I found on the Internet were in the $59 range. B&H Photovideo in NYC lists it at $38.95 but they are currently out of stock. I'll try my local Sam Ash. 73 Gary -- KJ7RT Sun City, AZ U.S.A. Life Member ARRL - FISTS #14460 - NAQCC # 3709 Elecraft K1 #2760 Elecraft K2 #6815 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)
On Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:42:56 -0600 (CST), Edwin Johnson wrote: >So, is this, indeed, an electret or a dynamic microphone? Most Yamaha info on internet about this product is wrong -- the mc IS an electret, and the physical packaging makes that clear. Dunno where the error arose -- perhaps a previous version of this product had a dynamic mic, or maybe the advertising "spec"- writer did a cut and paste and blew it. Wouldn't be the first time. :) Ditto with the 600 ohms part. What the product description SHOULD say is that it is an electret mic with its response tailored for communications use and having a very high output. The product comes with a battery adapter and adapter plugs to allow it to work with products that don't provide bias. I suspect that this product is targeted to computer gamers. Be thankful -- we're benefitting from the potentially large quantities that Yamaha expects from the product, hence the low price compared to ham products. For others who asked about where to buy -- the lowest price I've seen on the internet is Sam Ash in NYC. Don't know if they will ship abroad. A member of our club arranged a group purchase, and we paid just under $40. I think we bought about 25 pieces. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN), maybe
On Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:21:57 -0500, Jeff KB2M wrote: >By the way Jim, are you always this grouchy? Two things set me off -- one is quotes of entire posts when only a few lines are necessary to convey context of the reply. The second is folks who say they like what I've written but then ask questions indicating that they haven't really read it carefully. I offered four specific pieces of info about how to make the mic work with the K3. I did that with both of my K3s, and several NCCC members did it with their radios. All work fine. BUT -- as I noted, the mic is VERY hot (high output) and can easily overload your computer or radio, so it's VERY important to back off the gains. If you don't, you'll hear LOTS of distortion. >You must of not did the Sweep like I did ;>) Congrats on the sweep. I ran a split site operation to maximize points for our club -- 10 hours at home, 11 hours at N3ZZ's great station. 913x79 mults there, 575x75 at home. I did something similar CW weekend, and made the sweep at home in 14 hours, but not at the second QTH. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN), maybe
I had some time this evening so I checked that the K3 was actually putting out the bias when switched on. It is, I then called the local Guitar center and talked to the sales person who told me no problem, if their defective I will be able to exchange them. It's great to be able to buy something's local, and they even matched the Sam Ash price. I will have the new set tomorrow... 73 Jeff kb2m -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jeff KB2M Sent: Monday, November 23, 2009 3:57 PM To: 'Jim Brown'; 'Elecraft List' Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN), maybe Yes I did read it Jim. I didn't think it was necessary to mention that I switched it on, I now see that I was wrong. As you(and more polite repliers) think that is the problem I will, when I have some time try to determine if the bias is actually present when switched on. By the way Jim, are you always this grouchy? You must of not did the Sweep like I did ;>) 73 Jeff kb2m -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jim Brown Sent: Monday, November 23, 2009 3:36 PM To: Elecraft List Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN), maybe On Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:55:43 -0500, Jeff KB2M wrote: >I'm having some difficulty getting the mic to work. Any ideas? Did you actually READ the last paragraph of my email (of which you quoted the entire text)? 73, Jim Brown K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN), maybe
Yes I did read it Jim. I didn't think it was necessary to mention that I switched it on, I now see that I was wrong. As you(and more polite repliers) think that is the problem I will, when I have some time try to determine if the bias is actually present when switched on. By the way Jim, are you always this grouchy? You must of not did the Sweep like I did ;>) 73 Jeff kb2m -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jim Brown Sent: Monday, November 23, 2009 3:36 PM To: Elecraft List Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN), maybe On Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:55:43 -0500, Jeff KB2M wrote: >I'm having some difficulty getting the mic to work. Any ideas? Did you actually READ the last paragraph of my email (of which you quoted the entire text)? 73, Jim Brown K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN), maybe
On Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:55:43 -0500, Jeff KB2M wrote: >I'm having some difficulty getting the mic to work. Any ideas? Did you actually READ the last paragraph of my email (of which you quoted the entire text)? 73, Jim Brown K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN), maybe
Have you turned on the mic bias? Bruce N1RX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN), maybe
I picked up one of the CM500 headsets after hearing about them here on the reflector. I just tried to hook them up by plugging directly into the rear mic jack, and I'm having some difficulty getting the mic to work. I selected (of course) rear mic input, and what is happening is I'm getting very distorted audio when I listen in monitor mode. I tried both hi and low mic gain, with different mic gain, and compression settings. There appears to be no sweet spot. Any ideas? 73 Jeff kb2m -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Wes Stewart Sent: Monday, November 23, 2009 1:52 PM To: Elecraft List Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN) I second all of this. I've been using one since June. --- On Mon, 11/23/09, Jim Brown wrote: From: Jim Brown Subject: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN) To: "Elecraft List" Date: Monday, November 23, 2009, 11:28 AM Last night, K6MM posted to the NCCC Email list: >Headset Report: The new Yamaha CM500 headset performed flawlessly. >Great reports, comfortable all weekend, good soundproofing. A real >bargain at $40 -- thanks again for the group purchase, Josh (W6XU). After about 22 hours of use in SS-SSB, I'd like to reinforce John's comments on these headsets. I find the headset quite comfortable, the cans sound very good, and the mic produces GREAT audio. I bought three, and they are replacing the EV RE16 that I've used exclusively for contesting for the last five years! If you worked W6BX, K9YC, K6MM, AK6M, or W6XU, you were listening to the CM500. The mic in this headset is not a FLAT mic, but it's quite smooth and clean sounding, and the EQ is close to perfect for ham radio and contesting. It sounds MUCH MUCH MUCH better than most Heils I've heard (and at 1/3 the price). Because it's EQed for communications use and my existing voice messages were recorded with an RE16 (a very flat professional recording/broadcast mic), I had to re-record all of my SS messages. The only negative of this mic (and it's a minor one, because it's easy to work around it) is that it is a bit sensitive to breath pop and handling noise, so you need to roll off the low end AND keep it away from your mouth. I found myself alternating between two positions -- one below my mouth a few inches, and the other a few inches above and to the side, but out of the way of my nose (so that breathing didn't get into the mic). Both positions are quite comfortable, and both sound very good. I used the higher position for recording the messages. One VERY important caution -- the output from this mic is VERY high, and can easily overload the electronics that it is feeding if you don't take care with gain settings. To record, I ran straight into the sound card of my IBM T22 (eight year old Thinkpad) with the mic preamp OFF, the gain at minimum, and the mic about four inches away. Any closer caused the sound card to clip! I did NO eq while recording. When operating, I plugged the mic and headset into the rear panel connectors, turned on the bias (tap 2 on the keypad while in the mic select menu) and set mic gain to Low (tap 1 on the keypad in the mic select menu). I used max cut of the two lowest bands on the K3 to minimize the breath and handling noise. With other rigs, you may need to do that with a series cap. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN)
I second all of this. I've been using one since June. --- On Mon, 11/23/09, Jim Brown wrote: From: Jim Brown Subject: [Elecraft] Yamaha CM500 Headset is a WINNER (and a BARGAIN) To: "Elecraft List" Date: Monday, November 23, 2009, 11:28 AM Last night, K6MM posted to the NCCC Email list: >Headset Report: The new Yamaha CM500 headset performed flawlessly. >Great reports, comfortable all weekend, good soundproofing. A real >bargain at $40 -- thanks again for the group purchase, Josh (W6XU). After about 22 hours of use in SS-SSB, I'd like to reinforce John's comments on these headsets. I find the headset quite comfortable, the cans sound very good, and the mic produces GREAT audio. I bought three, and they are replacing the EV RE16 that I've used exclusively for contesting for the last five years! If you worked W6BX, K9YC, K6MM, AK6M, or W6XU, you were listening to the CM500. The mic in this headset is not a FLAT mic, but it's quite smooth and clean sounding, and the EQ is close to perfect for ham radio and contesting. It sounds MUCH MUCH MUCH better than most Heils I've heard (and at 1/3 the price). Because it's EQed for communications use and my existing voice messages were recorded with an RE16 (a very flat professional recording/broadcast mic), I had to re-record all of my SS messages. The only negative of this mic (and it's a minor one, because it's easy to work around it) is that it is a bit sensitive to breath pop and handling noise, so you need to roll off the low end AND keep it away from your mouth. I found myself alternating between two positions -- one below my mouth a few inches, and the other a few inches above and to the side, but out of the way of my nose (so that breathing didn't get into the mic). Both positions are quite comfortable, and both sound very good. I used the higher position for recording the messages. One VERY important caution -- the output from this mic is VERY high, and can easily overload the electronics that it is feeding if you don't take care with gain settings. To record, I ran straight into the sound card of my IBM T22 (eight year old Thinkpad) with the mic preamp OFF, the gain at minimum, and the mic about four inches away. Any closer caused the sound card to clip! I did NO eq while recording. When operating, I plugged the mic and headset into the rear panel connectors, turned on the bias (tap 2 on the keypad while in the mic select menu) and set mic gain to Low (tap 1 on the keypad in the mic select menu). I used max cut of the two lowest bands on the K3 to minimize the breath and handling noise. With other rigs, you may need to do that with a series cap. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
