Single-sideband voice (SSB)

Voice sent using a narrow, efficient form of AM with the carrier and one half of the signal removed. It's the standard way to talk long distances on shortwave.

ModeSingle-sideband voice

FamilyAnalog voice

Audio exampleComing

What does it sound like?

Plate 58Analog voice

Clear speech when tuned exactly; slightly off-tune it sounds high-pitched or 'Donald Duck'-like.

Field marksA voice with no carrierSounds like a duck if mistuned

Who uses it?

Amateur radio operators, ships and aircraft over oceans, and some military and government stations.

Where and when can I hear it?

Ham bands such as 7.125-7.300 and 14.150-14.350 MHz (US voice segments), and marine and aviation HF channels.

Easily confused with

AM voice, from the same family
Narrow FM voice, from the same family
FM broadcast, from the same family