AhaBulbStuff Everyone Should Know
AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/ham-mic-gain-ssb

What happens when microphone gain is set too high on SSB?

The transmitted audio gets distorted.

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  1. Increased SWR
  2. Distorted transmitted audio ✔
  3. Frequency instability

Why: Too much mic gain overdrives the transmitter, making your voice sound harsh and distorted. Turn it down until your audio is clean.

Huh, didn't know that: On FM, talking too loudly can make your audio drop out on voice peaks.

The dad joke
Why did the microphone get in trouble? It turned up the gain without asking.
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References

Answer: Distorted transmitted audio. Too much mic gain overdrives the transmitter, making your voice sound harsh and distorted. Turn it down until your audio is clean.

  1. HamStudy 2026-2030 Technician pool, section T4B hamstudy.org/browse/E2_2026/T4B
    Distorted transmitted audio
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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