DLR1060 audio distortion

[eug]

Hi everyone,

I picked up a pair of DLR1060 radios last year to try out and compare to my old analog radios. I find the range excellent for the size - they're much smaller and lighter and not having any static is great. The talk permit tone makes it really easy to check if I'm still in range too.

However the audio quality is quite variable. If one holds the radio too closely while talking, the audio on the receiving end is badly distorted. I never had that issue with the analog radios used in the same way. How does everyone deal with it?

I came across this post and will give it a try. Is there any other way to improve the audio quality? Any news on a firmware update to address it?

I'm also about to buy six new radios for work. The DLR1060 was the first thing that came to mind, but seeing that they're 7 years old this year, is there any news on a replacement model that might have improved audio?

Thanks!

 

[ElevatorsAndRadios]

My work uses DTR700s, which operate on the same protocol. I've never had this issue. I would say the best way to avoid that is to avoid talking too close to the radio. Remember: 1-2 inches from the mouth.

Please see this video for more info:

 

[alcahuete]

I have never used a DLR, but I seem to remember hearing off that issue before. I have never had that issue with my DTR radios. I don't have any of the new models (700, etc.) but I have a whole fleet of DTR650 and 550s and the audio is great.

@n1das ?

 

[eug]

My work uses DTR700s, which operate on the same protocol. I've never had this issue.

The issue is unique to the DLR1060/1020. I just realised I put in the wrong link into my original post, it was meant to point to this post from 2018 where @n1das suggested turning on treble boost. I just tried it and it sounds like it cuts the lows which sounds like it helps a little, although it still clips when you don't expect it to.

My old analog radios (various Icoms, Motorola Waris series) don't distort and sound more natural albeit with a higher noise floor, whilst the DLR sounds like I have a blocked nose and distorts when you don't expect it. But the range and low noise floor I get from such a small light radio won me over. I just wish there was a way to fix the distortion!

This is what the audio sounds like compared to an analog radio. I say "1 2 3 4" twice per radio, the first time about 5 inches away and the second time about 2 inches away. The distortion also happens on the DLR1060 when I'm holding the radio 5 inches away and speak with a louder voice (not shouting) in a noisier environment.

I have never used a DLR, but I seem to remember hearing off that issue before. I have never had that issue with my DTR radios. I don't have any of the new models (700, etc.) but I have a whole fleet of DTR650 and 550s and the audio is great.

I'm envious - the DTRs aren't available here in Australia and we're in ITU Region 3 so our 900MHz ISM band is 915-928 which means I can't import one from overseas. I found out there's a DTR720 model that will work here but it looks like it's only available in Peru and El Savador. I contacted a few radio stores there and never got a reply.

Do the DTRs make you sound like your nose is a little blocked compared to an analog radio? Or is that another DLR thing?

Thanks!

 

[alcahuete]

I'm envious - the DTRs aren't available here in Australia and we're in ITU Region 3 so our 900MHz ISM band is 915-928 which means I can't import one from overseas. I found out there's a DTR720 model that will work here but it looks like it's only available in Peru and El Savador. I contacted a few radio stores there and never got a reply.

Do the DTRs make you sound like your nose is a little blocked compared to an analog radio? Or is that another DLR thing?

Thanks!

That's a shame. Great radios! Yeah...they definitely sound different than analog radios, but that's just the nature of the beast. There is yet to be a digital mode that sounds as good as analog audio.