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Kenwood TS480 sat microphone.

SMILEX2692002

SMILEX2692002

Well-Known Member
Oct 26, 2011
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108
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Looking for advice on a desk microphone for this radio. I grow tired of using the factory hand microphone.
Although I have found the audio quality of the factory hand microphone to be very good and have never had a bad audio report with it.
 

I don't use a desk mic so can't recommend any particular one. I'm still using the hand mic, at least until I can get the connector changed on the headset I've used n every other radio I've used (I hate RJ-45's!). Actually I'm too cheap to buy the tools to put them on. Kenwood makes an adapter, or you could make your own to do that connector changing. Then just use whatever you may have used before. Got a favorite mic? Use it. Doesn't 'sound' like you want? Swap the mic cartridge.
- 'Doc

I haven't taken it apart to see, but I think the standard mic is just an MC-43 with a different connector, isn't it?
 
Pretty sure your right about the MC 43 being the same microphone.
A headset could be a anohter option I never considered before.
I have never used a headset before.
 
Before it get's too far afield. I use a DaveClark aviation headset but replaced everything in it. The speakers and mic were all the wrong impedance. The only thing that's still as it was is the headset it's self, all the 'electronics' was replaced. That thing has to be 15 - 20 years old, the ear cushions have been replaced but that's about all that's worn out. (Oil filled thingys, the oil leaking down your neck has to be felt to be understood..yech!) I used a Heil HC-5 element in the mic holder, it fit. Actually, I used whatever 'fit' mostly. I'm sure various components could be better, but it satisfies me. I'm not specifically recommending anyone do the same thing. But, if you happen to have something that will 'work', then why not?
- 'Doc
 
Going to stay with the Kenwood supplied microphone for now.
It serves its purpose and has never let me down.
 
I run an MXL990 on my ts480HX. Right now it is just going directly to the radio. But I will be adding some processing and EQing later, but for now, It sounds Great!
 
I wired up a Silver Eagle to the radio. I also disconnected the amplifier section in the Silver Eagle.
It works very good. Much better than the supplied Kenwood microphone.
 
Heil HM12 works great with the 480. The sound is natural without having to eq. It is a step up from the hand mic.
 
Last edited:
Prior to the TS-480 I used a Heil HC-5 on a lot of kenwoods. Because of the type of connector used with the newer Kenwoods (@#$ RG-45?) I haven't used anything but the stock microphone.
I have a little bit different philosophy about microphones and audio. I want the mic to produce what I sound like with no 'modifications'. The stock mic does that adequately. If you're looking for 'studio' type 'quality' you are out of luck, it just isn't worth the time/trouble considering the bandwidth of most ham radios. Which get's into a whole different can of worms and I ain't going there.
- 'Doc
 
Some experience to offer on the 480.
The audio bandwidth is from about 200 hz to about 2800 hz.
There is not much benefit to EQing with outboard equipment unless the mike needs it.
If you get a copy of the Kenwood ARCP program a custom EQ can be setup and written to the 480 in the user TX position and will become active when you go to the TX EQ menu and dial it up to user.
Bottom line is you cannot force audio much beyond 2800 hz and much below 200 it can become muddy.
So don't expect to get fine AM broadcast audio out of this radio for the reasons above
The Heil mikes all work very good with this radio as their response curves are tailored to favor.
The 12 with HC 5 and the Elite Pro headset with the HC6 boom mike do very well. Both need an adapter cable to the KW radio.
Good luck..
 
I have had no complaints running an old fashioned Astatic Silver Eagle on my TS 480 Sat and TS 480 Hx. I have disabled the amplifier section in the microphone. No battery is needed.
I use the rigs processor and the EQ on Bass boost 2
Nothing like the feel of using a D104 desk microphone in my opinion.
 
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SMILEX2692002 said:
I have had no complaints running an old fashioned Astatic Silver Eagle on my TS 480 Sat and TS 480 Hx. I have disabled the amplifier section in the microphone. No battery is needed.
I use the rigs processor and the EQ on Bass boost 2
Nothing like the feel of using a D104 desk microphone in my opinion.
Click to expand...



Do you have to disable the amplifier in the D104 to use it ect? And if so how and not what should one do before connecting it and Keying it up?


Also do you have the wire connections to each wire from mic to cable?


Also on cable CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6e? Can use any or only CAT5e?

Thanks
 

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