[EAS] Was NPR Cue Channel Distorted?

[Skinner, Jim]

Greetings EAS List:
 
Here in Nebraska our SP and SR system is totally reliant on the NPR Cue Channel (AKA: Squawk Channel).   Weekly tests from NPR are received consistently with usable audio. 
 
On November 9 the EAN data bursts came into and out of the Sage 1822 ENDEC just fine.  However, the audio showed an over modulation warning on the front panel.  The audio distortion was off the scale.  Absolutely zero intelligibility, not even close to the audio posted by some. At least we did not have a problem with responding to secondary data bursts like some places, to much distortion. 
 
MY_QUESTION.__Was_the_NPR_Squawk_Channel_audio_usable?__NPR_tells_us_it_was_sent_at_a_very_high_level.__But_did_some_places_have_a_different_audio_level_setting_somehow_or_audio_processing_in_line_so_the_message_was_at_least_understandable?_
 
On line I believe there are examples of usable audio from NPR and totally distorted audio from NPR.  Can anyone shed some light on this question?   Is there only one NPR channel used?
 
Primarily if installing an audio processor could help in the future, I need some ammunition. 
 
BTW, new CAP equipment is ready to be installed but the SP/SR chose to do the national test with known equipment that had performed successful RMTs for years. 
 
JES
 
  --
Jim Skinner CPBE CBNT
NE EAS SECC Chair
www.NE-EAS.org