Just upgraded to an IC-7300 from an older rig and I'm struggling with the audio processing settings. The mistake people make is trying to see 100W output on an average reading (as opposed to a peak reading) meter and they proceed to max the mic gain and processor drive levels to do it. The result of this is horrible sounding audio and a very dirty signal that will interfere with other users on adjacent frequencies. I suspect I'm doing exactly this - my voice sounds muddy and compressed according to local stations. What are the proper starting points for mic gain and processing levels?

Set the microphone gain to 70 and with the stock bandwidth of 2.4 kHz your SSB signal will be terrific. Compression: Adjust for ALC mid-scale on voice peaks. Start there and work from that baseline. Less is more with the 7300's processing.

I had the same problem initially. SSB mode, considering most rigs have average power meters will only indicate about 30W or so while speaking if the mic gain is properly configured. The mistake people make is trying to see 100W output on an average reading. Use a dummy load and watch ALC instead of the power meter.

Making these setting changes might require the use of headphones to monitor your audio or ask a friend nearby to give you some feedback on what sounds best. In my case I boost the bass 1 notch up and treble 2 notches up. Get someone to give you honest feedback while you adjust settings incrementally.