Try the Xtreme 2018 mic; it will do everything you want and need w/o having to send the radio to a tech - or buying a board. I have an Xtreme 2018 - and it is not for sale. Because it's a keeper. It is made by RFInternational; the same company that makes Magnum and RCI radios. I got mine at a local swap meet for $20; wish I could find another at that price!
First of all, it is a power mic that is only rivaled by an Astatic D-104 handheld mic - some have said. I would go a step further and tell you that it is even better. Which pains me to say; as I am a big fan of D-104 mics - I have three of them. It has a 'noise-canceling' switch on the top - so that it also works exceptionally well for a mobile mic. I know this because I had a friend of mine from this forum help me check it out from his station a few miles away. When one turns off the 'N/C' switch; the output volume transmitted is Xtremely clear, LOUD, and has a dynamic wide range frequency response. It will also kick @$$ on any noice-cancelling mic I've owned or heard. It also makes an exceptional base station mic as well. It is clearly a winner in my book - hands down...
Now; the digital echo in this mic is also second to none. It is the same unit used in the Magnum OmegaForce and other Magnum radios. Digital and pristine are the two words that easily come to mind when describing the quality of the echo. Much better than the Galaxy echo - and I can say that - as I also have two Galaxy radios with onboard echo. Setting the echo at a low repeat range and adjusting it so that it tail off one's voice -instead of interfering with the primary sound - will give your transmission genuine quality and ease of intelligibility to others.
Oh; did I mention that it has a built-in talk back in it? One of the best I've heard as well! The adjustments are made thru small holes in the back. Set it once and forget it. The mic gain also has a similar adjustment. The echo controls are large knobs on the back that can also be adjusted on the fly. Keep the talk back loud enough to monitor your voice, and adjust the echo accordingly. There is a second switch on the top of the mic for 'endless repeat echo'. Adds weird effects if that is your thing. I don't use that - I like keeping it clean with just a touch of echo.
The Xtreme 2018 mic isn't cheap; but neither is the cost of a D-104, an echo board, and paying the tech to put it in. They list for $65; but can be had for as little as $55. Not much of a break - but I can attest that they are worth every penny of it. They come pre-wired for a four-pin Cobra, Galaxy, Ranger, and Connex radios. They require a common 9v battery.
It is also the best way to keep from someone hacking up your radio. Just plug it in and forget about it. If this all sounds too good to be true - you would be wrong. It is all of what I've said; this is my own personal experience. The best way to kill three birds (talk back, echo, and power mic) with a single stone (purchase) - IMO...
