Unlock the secrets to crystal-clear audio on portable HF operations in this hands-on live stream. Whether you’re a new activator, a portable contesting enthusiast, or someone asking “why does my audio sound bad?”, we break down what makes good audio in the field: clean transmit versus loud transmit, why microphone choice matters more than power, proper gain staging, and why DSP isn’t a magic fix. We’ll cover how antennas and grounding still influence voice quality, the realities of crowded bands and weak signals, and practical tips to avoid common pitfalls during POTA and SOTA activations. Expect a practical, radio-by-radio deep dive into how to get studio-quality audio in the field, with live walkthroughs, setup tips, and field-tested techniques you can implement right away. In this engaging, actionable stream, you’ll get a side-by-side look at popular rigs (IC-705, FT-891, Xiegu G90), plus a thorough mic and accessory guide, wind-noise mitigation, and real-world troubleshooting. We’ll explore mic choices (stock vs aftermarket), field-usable headsets, windscreens, placement, external speakers vs headphones, and how to log while monitoring audio. Don’t miss the live Q&A with listener feedback, where you can ask “Does my audio sound okay?” and receive practical guidance. Tune in for the best radio setup guidance for beginners, audio perfectionists, and budget activators alike, plus a teaser for the next livestream and a call to action to subscribe, like, and share with fellow operators.Grab a brew 🍺, grab a radio 📡, and let’s make smarter activations. ************************************************************* Affiliate Links: I receive no compensation for these and want to pass on the savings to all my followers. Mad Dog Coils: Receive an additional clamp when ordering any Mad Dog Coil - Use N1JUR in the order/shipping notes https://maddogcoils.com.au/ Reliance Antennas: 10% off with Free Shipping. All orders of any Reliance Antenna or product use N1JUR at Checkout. https://www.relianceantennas.com/ Seeed Studios: Discount Codes on all Meshtastic Devices on my website n1jur.com SpoolTenna: https://spooltenna.com SHOW LINKS: Discord Brew and Activate - https://discord.gg/EcuySeKkVv Brew & Activate Podcast - https://rss.com/podcasts/brew-and-activate/ Brew and Activate Merch - https://livefreeandham.com/shop POTA Bucket List - https://n1jur.com/pota-bucket-list Guests/Hosts: Shannons Channel (KC1OHT) https://www.youtube.com/@shannonkc1oht Help Support the Channel: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/N1JUR Buy Me a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/n1jur N1JUR & KC1OHT Shop: https://www.livefreeandham.com/shop
