Adjusting the Microphone Gain
Purpose:
Instructions for properly adjusting the microphone gain for optimal reception in noisy environments and for use with voice activated communication systems.
Models Covered:
A100T (all cord sets)
A100 (all cord sets)
Tools Required:
1.4mm philips head jeweler's screwdriver
Background:
Since March 2008, all of our microphones have come with a microphone gain sensitivity adjustment. This was done because of the wide range of environments in which the microphone was being used in, no one setting would work any more. We try to set the sensitivity to the most common setting, but occasionally you may be required to adjust the microphone gain to match your environment or for use with a voice activated system. If you do have to set the gain, it will likely only have to be done once.
Instructions:
Before following the instructions in this guide, please read and follow the instructions in Positioning the Microphone as it can affect the performance of the microphone and will affect the gain setting.
Before attempting to adjust the microphone sensitivity, please read all instructions.
| PROCEED WITH CAUTION |
|---|
| If the gain potentiometer is turned past it's stops it will have to be replaced. If the screwdriver is not positioned properly, it can damage the slots in the potentiometer or rip it completely from the board. Yes, it has happened. No, it is not covered under warranty. |
1. Locate the hole on the back side of the main housing next to the label. Just inside the hole is a tan colored philips head potentiometer, this is the gain adjustment. Note that one of the slots is longer than the other, this can be used as a reference to set position of the gain.
2. While looking as best you can at the pot, gently insert the philips head screwdriver into the hole. Make sure that the head of the screwdriver has properly engaged the slots in the potentiometer before proceeding to the next step.
3. The gain potentiometer is only designed to turn 270 from end to end. You will feel very little resistance while adjusting the gain pot until it hits the stops. Gently turn the gain potentiometer clockwise to increase the gain and counter-clockwise to decrease the gain (A100 users: the gain control is backwards on these units). If you feel significant resistance (like that of a slightly snug screw) you are either at the stop or the head of the screwdriver is not positioned properly.
4. The microphone gain should be adjusted to a volume where your transmissions are both loud and clear. If you are using a voice activated communications system, you will want to set the gain just below the point where it triggers. If your system has a squelch, you may need to balance the setting between the squelch and gain to get proper volume without accidentally triggering the voice activation.