VOX Operation

Opathy

In my opinion. the VOX gain should not be tied to the mic gain. This is the only radio I ever had that they are linked . Why is this? When I set my mic gain at 40 it requires my Vox gain to be set at 8. Very difficult to get adjusted properly.

Eric-KE5DTO

I suspect this is a result of the VOX threshold being an absolute value that is tapped AFTER the gain. As such, the gain affects the signal that goes into the VOX threshold detection. This seems like something that would be desirable in a world with different microphones that have different gain characteristics. Otherwise, you might have to yell into a lower gain mic to get the VOX to trigger while another mic with higher gain would trigger when you breathe. I guess you could argue that you just adjust the VOX threshold to handle that difference, which is one way to address this.

I'm curious what other VOX users experience is both with the Flex implementation and with other radios. Please feel free to weigh in.

KD0RC

Hi Eric, I use different mic profiles and that seems to handle it. I say "seems" because I rarely use VOX. When I get home from this fishing trip, I will do some testing of my desk mike and my headset to see if my mic profiles work as I think they do.

Opathy

This is the only radio I have ever had that was set up this way and I have had LOTS of radios. Even my Icom IC-718 and my old Yeasu FT-101E from 1977 has the VOX circuit on a separate audio path.

Mike-VA3MW

That's a great observation—and you're absolutely right to point out the difference.

Traditional radios like the IC-718 or the FT-101E typically use analog VOX circuits that operate on a separate audio path, often before any significant processing occurs. With a FlexRadio SDR, the VOX function is integrated within the digital signal path, meaning it processes audio entirely within the software-defined architecture.

This design brings a lot of flexibility and precision, but it can feel quite different if you're coming from a long line of analog rigs. It's just one more example of how SDR technology shifts the architecture to prioritize digital control and integration over discrete analog circuits.

I don't have access to OEM internals design, so I am only guessing beyond that.

Opathy

It can be done in the SDR world. My Anan had a separate path using PowerSDR and Thetis. Also when I had my old SDR 1000 the path was separate. I’m hopeful it can be incorporated somehow. It would make a world of difference to us VOX users. There are a number of Anan users in my orbit, who are regular VOX users that show a lot of interest in the the Flex but are a bit hesitant because of this issue. The thing now is that my audio level, EQ settings, and overall sound has to be tailored in such a way for VOX to function properly.

Mike-VA3MW

We have about 12,000 radios out in operation at the moment. We do hear some concerns about VOX but it is pretty limited. I will pass on your concerns.

As for others who have a concern, we do sell radios with a 30 day return policy so they can test it for themselves and return it if they don't like it. Talk to our sales department.