Mic Sound Check – Hear the Difference

This page focuses exclusively on DX and contest-style transmission settings.
All tests were conducted using EQ and TX bandwidths optimized for punch, presence, and intelligibility under noisy or competitive band conditions.
If you’re looking for warm, bass-rich settings for rag chewing or relaxed QSOs, those configurations are not covered here—but the Standard capsule is fully capable of delivering that tone with the right adjustments (A dedicated section for those settings will be available soon).

On this page you’ll find a series of real-world audio comparisons between HamSet microphone capsules and two of the most widely used reference mics among amateur radio operators: the Heil HC-4 and HC-6.
All recordings were made under consistent, repeatable conditions to ensure accurate and meaningful results.

How the recordings were made:

• Microphone under test was connected to a Yaesu FTDX101D
• Audio was received and recorded using a Yaesu FTDX10 in SSB mode
• Constant mic-to-mouth distance (approx. 2 cm, fixed angle)
• Tests include recordings with and without EQ

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TX and EQ settings used on Yaesu FTDX101D

TX Bandwidth:
– Wide: 50–3050 Hz
– Narrow – DX/Contest: 400–2600 Hz
Processing: Proc: COMP – PROC set to 25 – MIC GAIN set to 22
P Parametric EQ (when enabled):
EQ1: 200 Hz, -10 dB, BW 5
EQ2: 1300 Hz, 10 dB, BW 5
EQ3: 2200 Hz, +10 dB, BW 5

The EQ was applied directly via the FTDX101D transmitter and, in some cases, optimized to simulate a more “DX-style” response (see “P PRMTRC” preset in the table).

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Audio Comparison Overview

Below you’ll find labeled audio clips for direct A/B comparison, organized into two main sections: element behavior without EQ, and targeted comparisons with DX-style EQ applied.

Each clip uses the same spoken phrase and is 15/17 seconds long.
We recommend listening through studio monitors or quality headphones for best perception.

Section 1: Raw element response – no EQ

To assess the natural tonal character of each microphone element, all four were tested without EQ, under the two most common TX settings:

• SSB – Wide TX bandwidth (50–3050 Hz)
• SSB – Narrow TX bandwidth (400–2600 Hz)

Section 2: Comparative EQ tests

This section explores how the HamSet elements perform when equalized for DX/contest scenarios, and how they compare to classic reference elements in terms of clarity, punch, and spectral profile.

A note on the Heil HC-4

The Ceremic element Heil HC-4 has an extremely narrow native bandwidth, with sharp low-frequency cutoff and a pronounced upper-mid boost. This is so limiting that even when transmitting with a wide TX bandwidth (50–3050 Hz), the result remains acoustically narrow, due to the element’s own characteristics.
Moreover, attempting to apply EQ to the HC-4 signal leads to exaggerated and unnatural results, often pushing the response into distortion.
For this reason, whenever we compare equalized HamSet capsules to the HC-4, the HC-4 will always be shown in its natural, non-EQ form.

👉 You can listen to a recording of the HC-4 with EQ applied, to hear how aggressive and unstable the signal can become under DX-style processing.

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Section 3: Comparative Scenarios

Graphic Analysis – Spectral Comparison

In this section, we present a graph-based spectral comparison between the HamSet capsules and two well-known reference elements: Heil HC-4 and HC-6. The goal is to show, visually and analytically, how each capsule behaves across different transmission conditions.

Each graph is based on real SSB transmission recordings, captured over the air using a Yaesu FTDX10, with consistent voice level, mic distance, and gain settings. Only one variable is changed at a time: the element or the EQ preset.

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HamSet Standard vs HamSet DX

What are the real differences between the Standard and DX capsules?
Is the DX just a more “pushed” version, or does it offer a distinct tonal profile?

This direct comparison highlights how the two HamSet elements differ in frequency balance and overall shaping.
The HamSet Standard delivers higher output from 70 Hz up to around 700 Hz, resulting in a fuller low-mid foundation and greater overall level in that range.
The HamSet DX, on the other hand, becomes more prominent from 700 Hz to about 3000 Hz, where articulation and speech intelligibility are most critical. Its response is now smoother, without isolated peaks, providing consistent presence and clarity across the entire upper-mid band.

This distribution gives each element its own character: the Standard sounds rounder and more balanced, ideal for relaxed QSOs or monitoring, while the DX emphasizes definition and forwardness—offering maximum intelligibility and punch when band conditions are dense or during contest operation.

Can the HamSet Standard become a HamSet DX?

The answer is yes — with equalization.
When the HamSet Standard is adjusted using the following EQ settings:
EQ1: 200 Hz, –10 dB, BW 5
EQ2: 1300 Hz, +10 dB, BW 5
EQ3: 2200 Hz, +10 dB, BW 5
its response curve becomes extremely close to that of the HamSet DX running flat.

Listening and measurement both confirm it: the EQ-compensated Standard achieves nearly the same tonal balance, articulation, and clarity as the DX.
This demonstrates how both elements share the same acoustic foundation — the Standard can easily reach DX-level performance through proper equalization, while the DX offers that optimized response natively, with no need for adjustment.

HamSet Standard vs Heil HC-6
both with and without EQ and different Tx Bandwidth

We selected three focused A/B comparisons, each designed to answer a specific technical question:

Can the HamSet Standard be considered a truly versatile capsule for all kinds of QSOs?
Or does it fall short when compared to the legendary HC-6?

→ To evaluate the natural tonal balance and intelligibility of the HamSet Standard capsule by comparing it to the HC-6, a long-established high-quality reference element.
This comparison helps determine whether the Standard can truly hold its own against a benchmark mic, and how closely it matches the HC-6 in character and performance

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HamSet Standard with EQ vs HC-4 no EQ

Can the HamSet Standard, properly equalized, be used as a real DX capsule?
Is it possible to get the punch of the HC-4 without its limitations?

→ To assess whether the HamSet Standard capsule, when properly equalized, can be used effectively as a DX element, matching the punch and presence of the HC-4 while retaining superior audio fidelity and flexibility. This test helps determine how far the Standard capsule can go with EQ, without sacrificing tone or intelligibility.

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HamSet DX – vs HC-4
both with and without EQ and different Tx Bandwidth

What happens when two DX-focused capsules go head-to-head?
Is the HamSet DX a more powerful evolution of the legendary HC-4?

→ A direct comparison between two elements designed for contest and DX performance.
The HamSet DX, being a dynamic element, delivers higher overall output and stronger high-frequency presence than the ceramic HC-4. Its response curve shows clearly more energy across the upper midrange and treble, resulting in a brighter and more penetrating sound that cuts effectively through pile-ups.
At the same time, the HamSet DX carries slightly more energy in the lower-midrange region, which gives the voice a fuller and more natural character compared to the HC-4. This subtle mid-bass weight makes the tone more human and pleasant to listen to over long periods, without compromising the punch and presence required for DX work.

The graphs confirm what the ears already tell:
HamSet DX provides a more forward and powerful sound signature than the classic HC-4 — preserving the DX spirit, but with an even more defined and commanding voice.

Each comparison is illustrated with spectral graphs (FFT or averaged frequency plots) derived from identical voice samples.

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Final notes

The HamSet capsules are not intended as replicas of the HC-4 or HC-6, but as original designs that take inspiration from their strengths—offering a response optimized for today’s transceivers and real-world operating conditions.

With appropriate EQ settings, even the Standard capsule can provide the presence and cut needed for DX work, making it a flexible choice for various operating styles without the need to change microphones.
Ultimately, the difference lies in the tone: each capsule offers its own balance of high-frequency emphasis and low-end shaping, allowing operators to choose the sound that best fits their voice and station setup.

Explore all available models and accessories in the Products section
For questions or custom configurations: info@hamset.it