Boost Your X6200 DX Mic Audio!
Considering that the X6200 is a portable radio with QRP-level power, properly adjusting the microphone sound can make a big difference in reaching farther, as it enhances the signal-to-noise ratio. In this blog post, we provide background information and suggested settings to help you make more long-distance contacts with your new X6200.
The Xiegu X6200 transceiver comes with a hand microphone that features an electret mic element. The characteristic of the transmission is a warm and rounded sound, suitable for local contacts with a high signal-to-noise ratio. This sound is also well-suited for local 10-meter FM QSOs.
Considering that the X6200 is a portable radio with QRP-level power, this type of audio is not optimal for portable operation. A frequency response with less low-end and more high-end audio is preferable for SSB contacts, as it enhances the signal-to-noise ratio. Properly tailoring the frequency response will improve the intelligibility of spoken words on the receiving end, making better use of the low QRP-level power. In a way, it’s an easier and more cost-effective method of reaching further than merely increasing transmit power to reduce the signal-to-noise ratio.
The Xiegu X6200, with Firmware v1.0.1 and above, includes an equalizer for TX audio. At Pileup, we requested this feature early on and had the opportunity to beta test it. We conducted several “lab tests,” tailoring the frequency response off-air, as well as on-air testing over weak signal paths. Our recommended settings for the transmit equalizer show a noticeable improvement in marginal contacts, aligning with expectations.
Suggested EQ-MIC settings:
- 200 Hz: -9
- 700 Hz: +3
- 1200 Hz: 0
- 1800 Hz: +6
- 2300 Hz: +9
Please note that these settings might vary depending on characteristics of your language and the frequency response of your voice. You might want to record yourself using a distant web-SDR and optimize the frequency response to your liking. Also, be aware that opinions on microphone sound can vary widely—what one operator prefers might be completely different from another’s. These suggested settings are optimized for cutting through, but many operators may prefer the more natural sound of a less aggressive setting for longer QSOs (rag chewing).
You can use the built in Monitor to listen to your own transmit audio, but we recommend listening through another radio. A web based SDR receiver on a distance with marginal signal is a very good way to test the punch of the audio. The goal is to improve clarity and speech intelligibility rather than create a “cool sound”.
As a bonus, the v1.0.1 firmware also includes a receive EQ. It is very useful for tailoring the audio from the small speaker in the X6200. In general adding some low and removing some mid and highs will make the speaker audio a bit more natural for longer listening periods.
Finally, don’t forget to enable the EQ-MIC or EQ-RX for the equaliser settings to be active. Toggling the settings using the Multi Function Knob (MFK) between ON and OFF is a good way to hear what difference the EQ makes. To activate this setting for the MFK knob, select the EQ-MIC ON/OFF option in the settings menu and press the MFK know once. When returning to the main menu you can now toggle ON/OFF by rotating the MFK Ring.
Do you have a user tips to share? Feel free to share your reviews and user tips on the X6200 product page below, click the REVIEW tab.