Mic gain

[Riktar]

On my TK-8180 I am getting reports that my audio is clear but very quiet when going through the repeater in my area. And while speaking closer to the mic helps, if I get any closer I will know what the plastic tastes like.

 

On the flip side, when I am talking locally without the repeater, I am being told not to talk so loudly, or to back away from the mic.

 

I looked in the programming software for my radio and the only thing I have found is an option for Mic Sense. My only 2 choices are high and normal. I have tried both settings and the difference is minimal.

 

Is there a setting I am just not seeing to adjust the mic's gain? Is there such a thing as a "powered" mic with adjustable gain?

 

The mic I am trying to resolve this issue with is a Kenwood KMC-9C desk mic. I was using KMC-35 that was better in the sense of audio output but the KMC-9C is much better in a desktop environment since the rubber base keeps it in place.

[Jones]

Keep in mind that going through the repeater, you should be in wide-band mode.  If you are talking directly to small "bubble-pack" handhelds, or Midland Micro-moblies, keep in mind they are narrow band.

 

Normally, you would program channels 1-7 to be narrow band, low power, and channels 15-22 and the repeater pairs as wide band, high power.

 

Another thing to keep in mind with desk microphones is that you still need to lean in and speak from 4 to 6 inches away from the mic.  It is tempting to keep the mic out at arm's length, but in doing that you will pick up too much room noise and ambiance, and it will not sound good over the air.

 

From the description of your problem, I think you may have too much mic gain, and be programmed to narrow band on the repeater channels.

[Riktar]

I have removed all the FRS channels from my radio and yes, I do have all the GMRS/Repeater channels on high power and set to wide.

 

The Kenwood software has a setting labeled as Mic sense which according to the help file is the gain. The only settings are high and normal.

[rodro123]

Rick,

We have talked on the Oconomowoc 675 repeater a few times. The first couple of times you were heard but yesterday you had noise and very low audio you were at times almost inaudible. At 4pm I turned off the repeater due to lightning in the area My weather equipment said there were 48 lighting strikes. I will have it up soon as the bad weather is past us after 10pm tonight. 

[JohnE]

the Kmc 27 and 35 are meant to be held close. if you back off from them the audio drops off very quickly.

the base mic has a rough working distance of 12"-18" and is not adjustable like big M.

[Riktar]

the Kmc 27 and 35 are meant to be held close. if you back off from them the audio drops off very quickly.

the base mic has a rough working distance of 12"-18" and is not adjustable like big M.

What is Big M?

[Riktar]

Rick,

We have talked on the Oconomowoc 675 repeater a few times. The first couple of times you were heard but yesterday you had noise and very low audio you were at times almost inaudible. At 4pm I turned off the repeater due to lightning in the area My weather equipment said there were 48 lighting strikes. I will have it up soon as the bad weather is past us after 10pm tonight. 

Deal! 

 

I will give you a try tomorrow. Maybe the new antenna placement will allow me to come through.

[Jones]

What is Big M?

Motorola

Their base station desk mics have transmit volume, and in some cases, compression level controls.

[Riktar]

Motorola

Their base station desk mics have transmit volume, and in some cases, compression level controls.

Thanks for the explanation.

 

But, well, nuts! That sounds like a great feature the Motorola's have. Shame Kenwood doesn't have something similar.....

 

I have improved my antenna placement which has helped with the audio.

[JohnE]

not so much

they come from the factory turned all the way up. most of the time they don't even need to be half way.

as a side note the new trbo radios have gain settings in the programing software that can complicate things a bit too.

just n FYI

I do prefer the way Kenwood does it.