Ed Cregger wrote:

SNIPPED

You are correct, of course. But there are instances where distortion
increases intelligibility. as I'm sure an EE knows in spades.

Ed, NM2K



Ed, of course you are correct. The problem with CB compressors and the folks who
use them is that they don't know or pay attention to the reasonable limits.

My oldest son owns and runs an interstate long haul trucking business. I have
heard more garbage on 27.185 MHz from over compressed, over powered, over
distorted, off frequency, boosted radios while riding shotgun with him than I
care to recall.

Most audio 'power' is in the lower portion of the voice spectrum. Increasing the
mid range by 2 to 4 dB, adding 2 to 4 dB of audio spectral distortion, does
increase received intelligibility AND it does sound un-natural. Also, increasing
the average audio power output from 30% duty cycle to 50 or 60% audio power
output increases the thermal load on the PA final and heat sink by 100% in SSB
and by approximately 40-50% in AM. I don't believe CB rigs have thermal designs
for the heavier duty cycle.

When I chase DX on the ham bands I do not use compression. My transmitted audio
passband is 300 to 2400 Hz [IC 756 P3]. I have four HF radios [IC756P3, IC746,
IC706MKIIg, and KW TS570D] all with built in compression capability.

If I can't work them on SSB I do it the easiest way possible ... CW [Don't need
compression on CW] :-)

I have heard so many over-compressed signals on 75 and 20 meters that I'll turn
on two meters and join a local rag chew or round table where we old farts solve
all the world's problems.