Headphones, Speakers, Microphones, Equalizers, and More
Ask a ham about the upgraded audio equipment they added to their shack and you’re sure to hear an earful. That’s because better audio gear equals better operating, weak-signal QSOs you never thought possible, less fatigue during long sessions, and an overall more pleasant experience.
Sounds like a sound topic for a holiday gift post!
For Part 2 of OnAllBands’ Ham Radio Holiday Gift Guide 2024, we’re going to let satisfied DX Engineering customers do the talking about products that have enhanced their ability to hear and be heard during contesting, rag-chewing, DXing, emergency operating, or shortwave and commercial broadcast listening.
If you’ve been greenlighted by your significant other to “gift yourself” with the ideal gear for improved transmitting and receiving sound (or if you know someone who could benefit from a serious audio upgrade), here are some solid options to consider at DXEngineering.com:
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DX Engineering DXE-281 Communication Speaker
An affordable and effective choice for mobile or desktop use, this compact 8W maximum power speaker (4.250″ W x 3.750″ H x 2″ D) tailors audio response to optimum communication frequencies for clear and crisp sound.
Customers have offered plenty of praise for the DXE-281, calling it “a giant of a small speaker,” “very well built at a good price,” “light enough to fit in my go-bag,” and “very clear on both SSB and CW.”
Space is at a premium in my 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, so whatever mobile unit I’m running gets wedged between the passenger seat and the console. If the radio has a bottom speaker, then that’s not an ideal situation for hearing. This little speaker fits right into the cubby at the bottom of the radio/AC control stack and is loud. It works.
Mike, DX Engineering Customer
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Heil Pro Set 6 Headset
This lightweight, versatile boom-mic headset is designed for comfort, durability, and performance. It utilizes the HC-6 element which allows operators to take advantage of the microphone EQ of their modern transceivers. Designed to accommodate commercial broadcast applications, the HC-6 element -3 dB points are fixed at 100 Hz and 12 kHz with a sensitivity of -57 dB at 600 ohms of output impedance (centered at 1 kHz).
I love Heil quality. I use this headset with my Kenwood TS-590SG and the audio is excellent. The set is comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Don, DX Engineering Customer
I purchased this (Heil Pro Set 6 Headset) to use for the Texas QSO Party and learned I should have bought these long ago. The audio quality is outstanding, and they are very comfortable to wear for long sessions of contesting. These are highly recommended. Combined with DX Engineering’s fantastic customer service and fast delivery, I couldn’t be happier.
Kevin, DX Engineering Customer
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bhi NES10-2MK4 DSP Speaker
This compact noise-canceling speaker (4.33″ W x 2.56″ H x 2.17″ D) is suitable for a wide range of radio communication applications across all radio frequencies but is particularly effective for improving the voice quality in amateur radio and shortwave listening. A nice addition to base or mobile setups, the speaker features a quality 5W audio amplifier with DSP (Digital Signal Processing) noise-canceling from 8 to 40 dB over eight user-selectable levels and tone reduction up to 65 dB.
I have a Yaesu FT-818 rig. Great rig but doesn’t have noise reduction DSP built in. Well, this speaker is the solution. It removes so much noise that I can hear weak signals that before were not possible. I even use it on VHF (which is normally very quiet) because it works so well. Highly recommend for rigs without DSP.
Richard, DX Engineering Customer
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Heil PRAS-EQ Parametric Receive Audio System Equalizer
The PRAS-EQ allows hams to modify, shape, and improve the audio output of their receivers using three separate equalization controls. Midrange frequencies are the most critical for achieving clear voice articulation in receive audio, especially for those with hearing deficiencies. The PRAS-EQ allows operators to have unique control over these important frequencies
I purchased the HEIL PRAS in conjunction with a Heil HPS-5 (powered speaker) to provide a PA system for our new club’s Field Day station. The combo performed flawlessly and provided plenty of clear, articulated audio that made it easy for several of our new techs and generals to follow the activity on air and enjoy their first HF experience. I plan to use this combo for several outdoors group activities (powered by a Bioenno BPP-160 it lasted all day) when it is not providing excellent audio in my shack! Paired with my Heil PRO 7 headphones it makes for a great audio experience with minimal operator fatigue also when in the shack.
Steffano, DX Engineering Customer
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INRAD Dynamic Microphones
No matter which you choose, INRAD’s line of quality microphones delivers performance and value for hams at every level. Each one has its own specialized dynamic element and unique style. All models come with a three-pin XLR to 1/8″ adapter cable for easy hookup. Choose from these models:
Five Stars (MC650): Looks good, works good, and was priced good. Nice mic.
Ken, DX Engineering Customer
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INRAD Desk Microphone Systems
INRAD takes the guesswork out of upgrading your transmission capabilities with its Desk Microphone Systems. Made for popular Elecraft, Icom, Kenwood, TenTec, and Yaesu transceivers, these packages come with everything you need: your choice of INRAD dynamic microphone; heavy-duty DMS-1 PTT desk stand; and a transceiver adapter cable with coiled cord that connects from the back of the base to your transceiver mic jack.
Five Stars (INRAD DMS-629-I): This kit includes everything needed to connect to my IC-7300. I am getting good signal quality reports that I did not get with the handheld mic. I made some recommended adjustments in my radio, to audio quality, and I am breaking through net pileups with ease. The base is heavy and stable. The stem is attached to the base with a soft grommet that isolates the mic from the stand.
Stephen, DX Engineering Customer
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Much More!
We’ve barely scratched the surface of audio equipment available at DXEngineering.com. Click on the links below for more great sound-enhancing gift ideas:
- Heil Pro Set Elite Headsets
- INRAD W1 Headset
- 4O3A NC-1 Noise-Canceling Bluetooth Boom Mic Headset (below)
- DX Engineering Footswitch/Heil Headset Packages (below)
- Heil Gold Elite Microphone
- bhi Desktop-MKII DSP Noise Canceling Speaker
- Yaesu Desktop and External Speakers
- Icom Base Station and Mobile Speakers
- Phonema’s Miranda S Speaker and KSP3 Speaker designed for Elecraft K3 and K3S transceivers
- Phonema PHITS Acoustic Modification Kits (below)
- West Mountain Radio CLRdsp ClearSpeech® Noise Reduction Processor
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Still not sure what’s the perfect gift for the hams in your life? You can’t go wrong with a DX Engineering Gift Card. Click the link or call 800-777-0703 to order in denominations from $25 to $500.
