| System Dependencies | |
| Minimum PowerSDR Version: | 1.18.6 |
| Applicable Hardware: | FLEX-5000 |
Content provided by: Dave, WO2X
NOTE: This article assumes that you have the FLEX-5000 operational and has been verified as working properly.
Audio Interface between the FLEX-5000 and the EQplus.
In this configuration, a microphone is connected to the 8-Band EQ. The 8-Band EQ is connected to the EQplus and the EQplus is connected to the Balanced Line In connector on the back of the FLEX-5000.
[Mic] -->[8-Band EQ]-->[EQplus]-->[FLEX-5000 Balanced Line In]
Please refer to the 8-Band EQ documentation for connecting it to a microphone and the EQplus.
It is preferred to connect the output of the EQplus to the balanced audio input on the back of the FLEX-5000 since the output from the EQplus is itself balanced.
Julius, W2IHY can sell you the interface cable for connecting the FLEX-5000 to the EQplus or you can make one with the following pinout:
You need a 5 pin DIN plus a 1/4” TRS plug. Use shielded high quality audio cable.
W2IHY EQ Plus to balanced audio in cable wiring:
DIN pin 1 to 1/4" TRS tip
DIN pin 2 to 1/4" TRS ring
DIN pin 5 to 1/4" TRS shell
Setting Up the W2IHY 8-Band EQ
These settings were used with an ElectroVoice RE-27 and are recommendations for a starting point. Once you are on the air you will need to make adjustments to the EQ to best match your voice, microphone type and operating preferences.
Adjust the 8band EQ and EQ Plus as follows:
| 8 Band EQ Settings | |
| 50 Hz | +8 |
| 100 Hz | +4 |
| 200 Hz | -6 |
| 400 Hz | 0 |
| 800 Hz | 0 |
| 1600 Hz | 0 |
| 2400 Hz | +4 |
| 3200 Hz | +8 |
Other Settings:
- Noise Gate off
- Mic impedance 600 Ohms (on bottom)
- Turn switch on right to ON position to enable EQ.
- Turn monitor volume knob up Turn MIC IN fully counterclockwise.
- Adjust MIC IN (on bottom) when speaking to the point where the RED LED above the EQ on/off switch just starts to blink.
- Then turn the MIC IN counterclockwise to reduce mic input level until the RED LED never blinks on voice peaks. Blinking of the LED indicates audio clipping.
Setting Up the W2IHY EQplus
Set the following on the EQplus:
- Equalizer Switch: on
- Bass EQ: first line clockwise from 12 o'clock (approx 1:30 pm)
- Treble EQ: first line clockwise from 12 o'clock (approx 1:30 pm)
- Mic impedance: 600
- Mic power: off
- Gain: 9:00 position
- Comp: 8:30 position
- Delay: 10:00 position
- Level: 1:00position
- Effects: off
- DE Level: see adjustment information below
- Expander: leave off for initial settings, then turn on when you adjust DE Level
- Output level. Leave at the 1:00 position for now.
Setting Up PowerSDR
There are several places in PowerSDR that need to be configured to properly use outboard audio hardware no matter what the hardware is. Below is a summary of the tasks to be completed for this step.
- Select the proper the Audio Input and set the Audio Input Gain
- Set the DSP Buffer setting for Phone Operation
- Create a TX Profile specifically for this microphone/outboard hardware setup
Configuring the PowerSDR Mixer
Start the PowerSDR application.
From the PowerSDR menu bar, select the MIXER option.
Check the Bal Line In input and adjust the slider as shown below.
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Configuring PowerSDR Settings
From the PowerSDR menu bar, select the SETUP option.
General->Hardware Config Tab
Change the Process Priority to Above Normal
Refer to the example below.
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DSP->Option Tab
Change the Phone RX and TX DSP buffers to 4096 (or the max value available)
This will create the sharpest Phone TX and RX filter shapes. If you want a "softer" TX audio sound, select a smaller Phone TX buffer size.
Refer to the example below.
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Transmit Tab
Change the Transmit Filter high cut to 3050 Hz and the low cut to 50 Hz. This will create a 3.0 KHz transmit filter
After this setting is changed, click on the SAVE button and enter in a new TX Profile name for this profile, such as "W2IHY EQplus". This will create a new profile and not change the default TX Profile.
Refer to the example below.
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Final PowerSDR Mic Gain and EQplus Settings
PowerSDR Settings:
- Set the PowerSDR to SSB on an amateur frequency you are authorized to transmit on.
- Put the FLEX-5000 TX Meter on MIC.
- Set Drive slider on PowerSDR software to 0 so you do not transmit over the air.
- Key radio and talk into the mic. Adjust output on the EQ Plus until the TX MIC meter on the Power SDR shows -5 dB on voice peaks. Do not exceed 0 dB.
- Save the TX Profile again once you have completed the settings so that the Mic Gain parameter is properly stored.
W2IHY EQplus Settings:
- Turn the Downward Expander switch on.
- Plug headphones into the FLEX-5000 and click the MON button on PowerSDR to activate the TX monitor.
- Key radio and adjust W2IHY EQplus DE LEVEL clockwise until background audio mutes. Do not adjust too far or the audio will get choppy.
That's it! This should get you close. Now you can tweak to get the settings that are right for your voice. The RE-27 matches up VERY well with the W2IHY equipment.
Remember to turn up Drive back to desired level.
This should get you on the air. Again,once you are on the air you will probably want to customize the settings to your personal preference.
This KB article may reference additional files that are available on the FlexRadio Systems web site Downloads page. Please use the URL(s) below to download the referenced materials.
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