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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ham-fm-off-frequency

What does an FM signal sound like when received slightly off frequency?

The audio becomes distorted.

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  1. The audio rises in pitch
  2. The audio becomes distorted ✔
  3. Only the volume drops

Why: On FM, being a little off frequency garbles the audio. SSB is different: there, being off frequency changes the pitch of the voice.

Huh, didn't know that: Checking your radio's tuning step setting helps you land exactly on an FM channel.

The dad joke
My FM radio was slightly off frequency. It sounded like my uncle singing in the shower.
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References

Answer: The audio becomes distorted. On FM, being a little off frequency garbles the audio. SSB is different: there, being off frequency changes the pitch of the voice.

  1. HamStudy 2026 Technician pool, T4B04 hamstudy.org/browse/E2_2026/T4B
    The audio becomes distorted
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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Ham RadioWhat does the squelch function on a receiver do?Ham RadioWhich of these can you use to enter a transceiver's operating frequency?Ham RadioHow should squelch be set so you can hear a weak FM signal?

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