ICOM SM-30 Desktop Microphone

[kskev]

Hey everyone.....
Been looking at ICOM SM-30 Desktop Microphones and just wondering if anyone has one and used them and how it works for ya!
One question that comes to mind right off the bat.....
I see them brand new real inexpensive on one site and it shows they are made in Japan, and shipped from there, but on other
sites they don't mention where they are made but are about a 1/3 more in price......
so, are there good ones or cheap knock-offs made or are they all the same?

Going to use it on my Optima MK3 that is set up as a base......
So, whatever the reviews or guidance I get will help me determine if I should purchase this mic.
Look forward to your response's and thanks for any help!!!

[MDYoungblood]

The Icom SM-30 is a very good microphone for an Icom radio, they need to be powered by the 8v pin on a 8 pin plug. If your planning to use on the Optima, rewiring is going to be tricky but possible, it does have a 8v source in it's pinout, might even get the up/down function to work. I don't have the schematics in front of me but could figure out the pinout. I think the Optima used a Icom handheld mic at one time so it might be wired correctly but best to check the schematics. As for what it might sound like is a guess, the Icom radios that use that microphone have compression and procession built into them.

3's

Greg

[Bombero]

Hey kskev...

The Icom SM-30 is great desktop mic.

I used to have one but traded it off for some other items.

The Icom SM-30 worked flawlessly with my Icom 756 Pro III, Kenwood TS-570D and RCI 2950.

I use Heil mics and headsets now and they are great as well.

Prices range from $129 to $159...just make sure to stay away from the auction sites and deal with a reputable dealer.

Good choice.

Bombero

[kskev]

Thanks MDYoungblood and Bombero......
Is there any other desk mic I can use that is compatible with the optima that has the "up/down" buttons
on it and don't have to be so tricky to re-wire it to make it work?
Currently I'm using a Turner +2 desk mic with a 4 pin adapter to 8 pin to use on the Optima.... works good, but sure miss the up/down buttons on it!

[MDYoungblood]

I've been watching the MFJ-299, again you will have to get it wired correctly but has all the function plus you will be able to adjust the sound using it's equalizer. Nice thing about it is it will do three radios, helps eliminate the clutter on my desk. I have read good and bad things about it, you might want to check the reviews too.

3's

Greg

[kskev]

Will check it out... thanks MDYoungblood

[222DBFL]

You can use an Icom 8 pin mic on the optima mk3 without any rewiring. I use an HM36 hand mic and also know of a gent that uses the SM30 for a desk mic for his optima mk3 which he uses as a base. He says he gets great reports from it. I know I get good audio reports while using the HM36 mic on my optima mk3.
They are wired for Icom 8 pin mics as well though. A lot of guys use other Icom mics as well as the HM36 on their optima MK3's. I had to get a 8 pin to 4 pin adapter and it has the 8v source clipped as to not damage a regular cobra mic 4 pin mic. Hope this helps.

[222DBFL]

Also if you do look into the Icom HM36 mics, be careful as to what you buy. You want an older one made in Japan if possible or a real Icom mic. The knockoffs don't sound anything like the real Icom mics. Just my experience.

[MDYoungblood]

I thought it was wired the same but wasn't sure, would have hated to hear that expensive mic and radio shorted out because of it. I have a HM-36 that I use on my IC-735 along with a SM-6.

3's

Greg

[222DBFL]

For sure. Totally understand that! But yes, the optima mk3 is wired for 8 pin Icom mics. Just gotta stay away from the knockoffs IMO.

[MDYoungblood]

Yes the Magnum 257 models (357 too) only have 6 pin mic jacks but one pin is powered.

3's

Greg

[kskev]

This is ALL good to hear.... ordered the SM-30 and should be here Wednesday!
Thanks all!!!!