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Author Topic: Desk vs Hand Mic Kenwood TS-570S  (Read 296 times)

KD7QLU

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Desk vs Hand Mic Kenwood TS-570S
« on: November 17, 2020, 11:08:40 AM »

Specifically on a rig like the Kenwood TS-570S, how much of a difference would a desk mic, such as the Kenwood MC-60A, make versus the stock hand mic?  I have never used a desk mic before so I have no operating experience to base a decision on.  I run a low budget/power operation so I'm trying to do what I can to get the most reach with what I have.  I just optimized my antenna set up so now I'm on to the mic.  Thanks.
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K6AER

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SWMAN

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Re: Desk vs Hand Mic Kenwood TS-570S
« Reply #2 on: November 17, 2020, 12:18:05 PM »

Hello, I have a TS 570 which is my only rig. When I purchased it new 21 years ago I bought the MC 60 mic with it. I did a lot of on air tests and most people could not tell the difference between the 2 mics. I sold the MC 60 and only use the hand mic now. It takes up less space on my small desk and sounds the same. The MC 60 looked nice sitting there but I really didn't need it. If it were me I would save my money for something else for my station. Good luck and 73. Jim. W5JJG in Texas
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K9DEG

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Re: Desk vs Hand Mic Kenwood TS-570S
« Reply #3 on: November 17, 2020, 12:27:23 PM »

I agree with Jim. I have a TS-570S as well and use a 70's version D-104. I have a preamp all the way down and hence have radio's mic level set at the same place for it or for the stock hand mic and I get about the same ALC readings as well. I just like using a desk mike better, always have a little clutter and the hand mic gets buried sometimes.
73
Dave
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KD7QLU

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Re: Desk vs Hand Mic Kenwood TS-570S
« Reply #4 on: November 17, 2020, 12:37:40 PM »

Here, 6 seconds on Google:

https://forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/kenwood-ts-2000-microphone-suggestions-needed.399383/
Sorry you had to waste six seconds of your time but I read that yesterday and I was asking specifically about my rig.
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KD7QLU

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Re: Desk vs Hand Mic Kenwood TS-570S
« Reply #5 on: November 17, 2020, 12:58:11 PM »

Hello, I have a TS 570 which is my only rig. When I purchased it new 21 years ago I bought the MC 60 mic with it. I did a lot of on air tests and most people could not tell the difference between the 2 mics. I sold the MC 60 and only use the hand mic now. It takes up less space on my small desk and sounds the same. The MC 60 looked nice sitting there but I really didn't need it. If it were me I would save my money for something else for my station. Good luck and 73. Jim. W5JJG in Texas

Thanks Jim and Dave...that's the feedback I was looking for.  73 Mike
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VE3TMT

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Re: Desk vs Hand Mic Kenwood TS-570S
« Reply #6 on: November 20, 2020, 07:25:12 AM »

Jim,

If you would consider a boom mounted mic, the Behringer XM8500 "Ultravoice" is a great mic. You can buy boom stands off eBay or modify one of the screw clamp desk lamps. I mounted a small PTT switch on the desk or use VOX.

Max
VE3TMT
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G8FXC

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Re: Desk vs Hand Mic Kenwood TS-570S
« Reply #7 on: November 20, 2020, 08:43:01 AM »

I agree with Jim. I have a TS-570S as well and use a 70's version D-104. I have a preamp all the way down and hence have radio's mic level set at the same place for it or for the stock hand mic and I get about the same ALC readings as well. I just like using a desk mike better, always have a little clutter and the hand mic gets buried sometimes.
73
Dave

Fully agree - the difference in transmit sound quality between a stock hand mic and a communications desk mic is usually too small to notice by the time you throw in a bit of band noise on a moderate HF path. It's really an operating style thing - do you feel comfortable holding the mic, or would you prefer to have both hands free? Personally, I prefer the latter - I have the high-end ICOM desk mic sitting in the middle of my operating desk. I have the mic gain relatively high so that I can fully drive the rig without having to lean too close to the head. If I'm contesting or chasing DX, I'll use the PTT bar on the mic base but if I'm having a more relaxed chat, I'll turn on the VOX and sit back in comfort.

Martin (G8FXC)
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W6UV

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Re: Desk vs Hand Mic Kenwood TS-570S
« Reply #8 on: November 30, 2020, 11:11:54 AM »

I don't think this is a matter of performance. It's more a matter of convenience. A hand mic requires you to hold it. A desk mic, or a headset or boom mic leaves both hands free to do other things, like tuning and logging. A desk mic takes up room on your operating desk, so I prefer either a headset or a boom mic. A headset has the advantage that the mic element is always optimally placed in relation to your mouth even if you turn your head or swivel your chair.
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