What is the main transmission issue caused by shouting into a sound-powered line?

• A. Increases signal-to-noise ratio
• B. Improves clarity
• C. Distortion and feedback, reducing intelligibility
• D. Does not affect line performance

Answer: (C)

Shouting into a sound-powered line overloads the transmitting path and pushes the system into non-linear behavior. In Navy sound-powered sets there’s no external power; the voice directly drives the microphone and the line, so excessive volume causes clipping and distortion of the waveform. This distorted signal is harder to understand than a clean, properly vocalized one. Additionally, the strong signal can induce feedback effects, where energy loops back through the line and equipment, producing a howl or hiss that further degrades intelligibility. So the main transmission issue is distortion and feedback, which reduces how well the message can be heard and understood.