Being somewhat of an audio religion extremist, I’ve used a number of super desk microphones with my Kenwood TS2000 in the last couple of years in search for that elusive ‘perfect’ combo (if there is such a thing of course...) Yaesu’s awesome MD-200A8X and the classy Heil Heritage have been the pick of the bunch to this date and as such received favourable reviews on ‘11m DX Activities Oz’, but this next microphone ranks alongside them and is perhaps even better for my situation — probably because it was designed specifically for DSP (Digital Signal Processing) rigs in the first place.

Manufactured in 25 Division, the Kenwood MC-90 is a high quality DSP-compatible desk mic which is not only sexy looking in the shack (a darker shade compared to the MC-60A) but also a perfect match to the DSP feature in the TS2000. On SSB the wide response of the MC-90 works well with the audio settings of the TS2000 and I have had a heap of fun interchanging between the transceiver’s User, Conventional, Bass Boost, F Pass and Hi Boost audio menu options.

Weighing in at 1.1 kg which is equivalent to approximately two stubbies of beer for you 43 Division DXers, the MC-90 is supplied with two interchangeable heads that have different tonal characteristics. One has a flat frequency response for good overall performance when talking locally, while the other offers exceptional clarity and an output level characteristic that peaks at around 3 kHz, making it superb for DX work. (Note: These are not separate cartridges like with some mics, but two seperate ‘shells’ that screw on the end).

Featuring PTT Lock, up/down controls, and measuring approximately 90 x 205 x 175mm, there is also a 3-position (M, V1 or V2) EQ switch on the base to tailor low-range cut-off frequency to suit the operator. Another option suggested by 43FR155 Dave is using an EQ instead for a tailored response. I have found that the MC-90 works extremely well into my Behringer EQ, for instance, with or without amplification so Dave is pretty much on the money.

Another positive is that the MC-90 has a Cannon XLR connector instead of the old 12 pin on the MC 60. This way you can use other mics on the base or use the MC-90 mic with a regular mic cable.

Most owners agree that the MC-90 is not appropriate for use on FM due to the deliberate lack of sensitivity by design. I had the idea of building a small amplifier which fitted internally giving about 20db boost without any noticeable degrading of quality. This actually worked pretty well on all modes but was still too quiet for comfortable FM use with me having to cease talk to stop ops with no volume control complaining about quiet audio.

Some might argue that considering the basic specification and the fact that it's only useful on SSB, that it's difficult to justify the expense for this microphone, but when you've got a TL-922 roaring away in the background or a noisier XYL threatening divorce proceedings for excessive TITS (Time In The Shack) that's where it pays dividends.

In my experience, though, it truly compliments the TS2000 DSP machine giving beautiful audio with the unwanted extraneous sounds drastically attenuated and completely removed when using an EQ noise gate.

73 de Darren