It is possible to use a "sound card" microphone input or a USB microphone with your FlexRadio.
But several special considerations and configurations must be observed:
Using the Windows PC / USB Mic Input
Using PC Audio and the PC Mic input is covered on pages 74-76 of the SmartSDR Software v3. User Guide:
https://www.flexradio.com/documentation/smartsdr-software-user-guide-pdf/
Things to consider when using the PC Mic input:
- You must have a suitable microphone connected to the Windows Computer's USB port or the computer's Sound Card recording/mic input.
- You must have that microphone selected as the Default Recording Input Device in Windows Sound Manager. (Hover your mouse over the PC Mic indicator in SmartSDR. It will open a pop-up box that tells which audio device is assigned in Windows Sound System. In this example, my webcam's built-in mic is being used.)
- Select the "PC" Mic from the Mic Input Selection Pull-down menu in the "Radio Controls" Panel, "P/CW" sub-panel:
- You must adjust the mic level input for that microphone in your Windows Sound Manager settings so that you get proper mic levels sent to SmartSDR's PC Mic input.
(It is recommended to confirm that the USB/Sound Card mic is working in Windows before attempting to use it with SmartSDR as a PC Microphone.)
- The BIAS, +20, and DEXP settings do not function when using the PC Mic Input.
- You CANNOT have the DAX TX button enabled (BLUE) when using the PC Mic input. (TX DAX overrides the PC Mic input.)
PTT When Using a PC or USB Microphone
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The Hardware PTT does not function when using the PC Mic Input. (It defaults to the last "Hardware" Mic used with the PTT.) For PTT use when using the PC Mic Input, you will need to create a CAT PTT Port and use an adapter similar to the HaliKey plugged into your computer to send PTT signals to the radio:
HaliKey – Halibut Electronics
When Using SmartSDR for MAC, or SmartSDR for IOS:
- Follow the instructions above with the following differences:
- When using SmartSDR for MAC, you need to select "Mac" rather than "PC" in the Microphone pull-down menu in the "Radio Controls > "MIC" Sub-Panel."
- When using and IOS Device, you need to select "iPhone" or "iPad" rather than "PC" or "Mac."
- In SmartSDR for Mac, select the Mac's Mic Input by clicking on the "Gear" Icon at the top of the main SmartSDR Screen.
Making Adjustments to Your Microphone Settings:
For instructions to adjust your microphone for best audio. Please work your way through this document:
Adjusting your Microphone Settings for Best TX Audio – FlexRadio