NU9N SSB Audio News Editorial - September, 2003

High Quality eSSB Audio Continues

High Quality eSSB Audio is Still Generating Enthusiasm.

I am encouraged by the amount of e-Mail received here regarding quality SSB experimentation and implementation. On average, I receive 10 to 15 messages a week either asking questions about "How to improve SSB audio" or comments about how pleased they are about the new quality of SSB modulation after careful adjustment of their SSB / Audio equipment.

The general consensus I continue to received is positive and encouraging. I will continue to help those interested in producing the best SSB signals possible, and continue with my own operations (responsibly of course) enjoying my own hard-earned fidelity. It will take more than three or four disgruntled operators to discourage me from practicing high quality, clean and beautiful sounding SSB.

My recent experimentation has been with "Sidechain Compression" techniques, where I use a second channel of EQ to produce "Frequency Weighted" compression. This allows me to have better control over the "Threshold" of which frequencies are more sensitive to compression than others. This also gives me the advantage of programming a unique compression algorithm for each of my EQ programs (i.e. SSB-w, SSB-n, AM, different mics, etc...) without ever having to readjust my compressor when changing EQ memory channels. When an EQ memory is selected with the Behringer DSP-1100, one channel (Left) controls the audio EQing while the other (Right) controls the compressor on a frequency weighted basis, via the sidechain loop. This works great and has many advantages over simple in-line compression !!

Amateur Radio is a great place to practice these types of skills and techniques and will always be an outlet for me to relax and meet other hams interested in improving their stations and operations, or just enjoying the improvements they or I have made. There is so much we can learn from each other, and then share back, completing the cycle. It is a great feeling when I learn something new, try it and have it work out... And even a greater feeling when I can share something with someone else that works for them ! This is the spirit of Amateur Radio I have come to know and love.

Keep up the good work everyone... Qualify audio does make a difference !!

73,

-John Anning, NU9N