Looking for a New MIC for Cobra

Pretty much only two choices for the average Joe
Barjan RK/56
Astatic 636
Either is a huge step up from stock

 

I have heard both the RK56 and the astatic 636 mics from the same radio. The Astatic was the best sounding of the two. The RK 56 had a tinny sound to it that actually changed the voice of the person to the point I could not tell who it was. Were the Astatic did not and I could easily recognise the voice on the other end.


Both are noise canceling mics which is great because they eliminate all the extra noise from being transmitted. IE others won't hear the wind blowing through your cab over their radio. Now I have to mention that you have to hold the mic close to your mouth. Not an arms length away.

I tried the RK 56 and its twin the Sky thumper 65 and I did like the feel of them in my hand but the astatic was easy to get used too.

 

Stay away from the RK56! Wires in cord break too easy and bad solder joints. I have 3 that don't work.
The Astatic 636 is a good mic, using one now.
I have never seen one, but have read good things about the Ranger SRA-198.

 

I recommended to a freind the RK56 and he bought it NEW. Well, 2 weeks later it quit working, he took it back and they gave him a new one. Anyway's, I've heard that the newer made RK56 aren't built as well anymore since BARJUNK bought them out, Is this true? I have a RK56 on my radio for the last 27 years and had only 1 switch replace all that time.

 

I think the newer RK56's aren't as good as the older ones. The original RK56 had a sound quality that couldn't be beat. Look around for one of those and you'll be happy.

 

I have a 21 year old RK56 and never had a problem never been worked on and I slipped seated for 17 of those years and it still works great

 

Only the rat would post such a thing,RK/56(even back in the Turner days)
was renowned for the bass sound it reproduced on TX
Astatics are equally well known for their history of being tinny and brassy
Astatic has changed since their old desk top models,so rat is way off
frequency with that last key up.

 

Wanna get rid of them...the RK56's?