The Maestro C uses an industry-standard TRRS (CTIA) format "Headset" connector which is compatible with a vast array of easily obtainable "gaming" headsets.
However, many operators prefer using a hand mic when operating the Maestro C.
To connect third party Microphones that have a MONO TS mic plug (such as certain Heil Headsets),
OR a "Balanced" TRS mic output, you will need to use the PTT and Headset Breakout Kit (MAE-C-Adapter)
AND you will need to wire a custom adapter between the 3rd party mic and the TRRS "Y-Adapter cable."
Maestro C - Y Cable Kit – FlexRadio
The kit includes two items:
1) A TRRS (tip/ring/ring/sleeve) "Y-Adapter" to connect the Mic & Headphones to the Maestro C.
2) An RCA to ⅛” TS (tip/sleeve) mono adapter to connect a footswitch or the PTT from a hand mic with an RCA connector to the 1/8 inch PTT input jack of the Maestro.
NOTE: The Y-Adapter has two jacks that are labeled with different icons.
- One looks like a microphone or is labeled "MIC." Connect this to the 1/8 inch TRS (tip/ring/sleeve) plug from the adapter you will build.
- The other label looks like a pair of headphones. Connect a set of headphones, or the headphone plug of your headset to this side of the Y-Adapter cable, if you have separate headphones you wish to use.
DO NOT Connect the Microphone's PTT to the Headphone side of the "Y-Adapter."
Wire up an adapter to convert the Mic's output wiring to match the TRRS Y-Adapter Mic Input:
- Connect the TIP terminal of the jack on the left to the TIP of the Plug on the right.
- Connect the RING and SLEEVE of the jack on the left to the SLEEVE of the Plug on the right.
NOTE: The RING terminal of the output plug is left with no connection.
ALTERNATELY: For MONO (TS) Mic output plugs, you MAY be able to use a 1/8 inch Stereo to Mono split-out y-adapter cable like this:
Amazon.com: 3.5mm Stereo to Dual Mono Cable, 2 Pack 6inch 1/8" TRS Male to 2 TS Mono Female Adapter Gold-Plated Connector Audio Y Splitter Cord for Headphone, Speaker : Electronics.
Connect the plug to the Mic side of the Maestro's Y-Adapter.
Connect your Mic to the Left-channel input jack of the stereo splitter cable.
NOTE: This option will not work for TRS or "Balanced" Mic outputs.
Connect the Microphone to the Maestro.
- Plug the "Y-Adapter" into the HDST jack on the back of the Maestro C.
- Connect the microphone/headset 1/8 inch TS (MONO) or "Balanced" TRS Mic plug into the home-made adapter you have wired.
- Plug your home-made adapter's 1/8 inch TRS plug into the "Microphone" side of the TRRS Y-Adapter.
- Plug your Headset's "Headphone" TRS plug into the "Headset" side of the "TRRS Y-Adapter"
Connect the Microphone PTT to the Maestro's PTT Input:
- Connect the Mic's RCA PTT plug to the RCA-to-1/8-inch mono adapter.
- Plug the Adapter into the PTT Input Jack on the back of the Maestro.
Do not plug it into the free side of the Y-Adapter cable. That is not the correct place for the PTT connection.
Adjust your Microphone Settings for the Maestro:
- Open the TX Menu for the Maestro. (opened by pressing the Mic Gain / CW Speed / RF Power Knob that is above the VFO B Knob)
- [1] Select or create a desired Mic Profile for the microphone and the Mode your radio is in.
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[2] Select the M-HDST input as the Mic Input for the Maestro C.
- Be sure that the TX DAX Button is turned OFF
- Open the "MENU > Phone/CW" Tab.
- Turn ON the BIAS if your microphone is an "Electret" mic that needs the BIAS.
- Turn OFF the BIAS if your microphone is a "Dynamic" mic, which does not need the BIAS.
- Turn the +20 dB Mic boost ON or OFF as needed.
- Turn ON the "Level Meter During Receive" if you wish to be able to adjust your Mic Gain without transmitting.
- Close the menu
- Now use the Mic Gain Knob to set the proper Mic Gain (so that the LEVEL Meter PEAK reading falls between -10 and -5 on voice peaks)
For more information about properly adjusting your Microphone Settings. See this article:
Adjusting your Microphone Settings for Best TX Audio – FlexRadio
If you are trying to connect an FHM-3 Handmic to the Maestro C, please see this document:
How to Connect your FHM-3 Microphone to the Maestro C – FlexRadio