The correct answer is B: Distorted transmitted audio. Excessive microphone gain on SSB transmissions causes distorted transmitted audio. When the microphone gain is set too high, the audio signal level exceeds what the transmitter can properly handle, causing overmodulation and distortion. SSB transmitters have a maximum modulation level. When microphone gain is too high, the audio input signal is too strong, and the transmitter tries to modulate beyond its capability. This causes clipping and distortion of the transmitted audio. The solution is to reduce microphone gain to a level where the audio is clear and undistorted. Proper microphone gain adjustment is important for good SSB audio quality.