Where do you set your 'mic gain' dial?

I set mine at 1/2. Cobra 29, with Astatic 636L.

 

From what I've seen, the manufacturors don't bother to fine tune the meters on the radios. They're just a comparison device that lets you know if something is different from when you tuned it. Better than nothing, I guess, but a real test meter is recommended.

 

I do just about the same except I put the mic gain on the radio at 1/2 with a meter in the modulation setting and turn the mic setting up till I get a full swing at 2-3 inches away. I do not let the needle bang, just a full swing.

 

You're getting the same, but can accidentally hit the knob and knock it off the setting. Actually, I have the same problem with mine, because the gain is now wired to the connex board, the RF gain inside knob is the repeat time. I've had to readjust that stupid thing enough times to want to put some glue on it. I like everything to stay in the sweet spot and not mess with it again.
Come to think of it, I do have a hotglue gun....

 

A Dosy or like minded meter will let you set it perfect so you don't over modulate. A talk back speaker will also let you know how you sound.
Cobra has an S500 talk back speaker that is an excellent extension speaker that is very inexpensive. It has a noise filter switch and a volume control.
You can adjust your Dino mic setting as high as possible till it squeals and then back off.
It also has a plug in for a head set so if you're using it on a base you won't bother the wifey or significant other.

 

One thing I have found is that some talkback speakers don't really sound in the truck like you do on the other end. What I've done is plug in a headset when adjusting the connex or modge and you can hear much better. You'll usually find that what you thought was a "large room" sound is more like so much echo (reverb) that you're down in a well.
Best to have too little effects than too much.

 

Mine is set up for a wide range of microphones.
Heil PR40= mic gain at 36
Stock electret= mic gain at 20
My new custom mic= needs to be seen on a test bench to see the waveform on a scope to make that determination.
( I suspect I will need to reduce the mic gain below 20 but without a scope I would only be guessing )