The AM Forum

I am using a Flex 6300, with my microphone direct in to the front of the radio.  All EQ is being done by the Flex right now.  I also have the REA mod Monitor pulling off the output of my amp.  Negative peaks are hitting 100% or just over sometimes.  I purchased an Inovonics 222 that should be hear by the end of the week.  My question is, how do I need to hook in the Inovonics?   If I am right in my thinking, Mic to Inovonics input, then output of Inovonics to Flex Radio.  Is there going to be any problems with that setup?  Will it be ok to EQ after the Inovonics and once the signal is inside the FLex?   Any tips or advice welcome!


Thanks
Jason
N3YUG

Hi Jason,

The 6300 is so capable on its own that the 222 isn't going to do much for you. If you do use it, be mindful that the input and outputs are 600 Ohm balanced at high level (+4 to +8dB) so you'll need to boost your mic level and attenuate the output going into the Flex.

All filtering and compression in the 6300 will need to be defeated.

Are you not happy with the sound you're getting now?

Clark

Thanks Clark,  I am happy with what I am getting now.  Would like to limit my negative peaks a little, just in case.  Other than that, I have lots to learn on the AM side of things, and its a way of tinkering and learning. 

Jason
N3YUG

Your REA mod monitor will indicate if your negative peaks are greater than your positive peaks. If that's the case, you can fabricate a simple phase reversing adapter using two XLR connectors connected together by a short, shielded pair cable. Reverse the #2 and #3 leads at one end. This cable would go between your mic and the 6300 input.

It would be great if this could be done in the software!

Thanks for the info.  My positive peaks are up to about 140-145% on peaks, and Neg peaks go up to 100-103% I would say on highest peaks.  Most of the time Pos. is around 125-130%, and Neg is 98-100%

Seems with 145% POS that all you need to to do is lower your modulation, where there is 95% NEG.. Don't need another box. Wasting your time and money. Does Flex offer any parameters to process the audio?

Agreed. Peaks are fun to watch but contain no useful energy given their short duration. Most detectors will cut off anything above ~130% anyway and people will say you sound distorted. That would be a huge shame, particularly for a Flex.

Ya, not a fault of the Flex, but general receiver design. 130% pos. is about it. Loudness wars have been over for a while.. Broadcast industry admits that they've got it as loud as it can be.

Seems to me that you don't really need the Inovonics box. Just back off the audio a little so as to not over modulate on the negative peaks. Positive peaks to 120-130 are high enough. If you want a bigger signal, run more carrier and/or put up a better antenna.

In any event, you'll need a mic preamp or mixer with line-level output if you use the 222.